My entire life, I was under the impression that I had straight—albeit, frizzy and unmanageable—hair. It wasn’t until I was about 25, and my (amazing, wonderful, brilliant) hairstylist convinced me to try a long wolf cut that I discovered I actually had wavy hair. On one hand, I was thrilled: I’d always envied those with natural beachy waves. On the other, I was completely lost—I had no idea how to care for my 2A waves.
While I’ve picked up some tips to help my natural texture shine in the years since, some habits still remain. Namely: I instinctively reach for products designed for “all hair types” rather than those made for waves and curls. But lately, I’ve been wanting to learn more about caring for my natural texture. So when Matrix reached out to me and asked if they could send me their new A Curl Can Dream Wave Definition collection to review, I jumped at the opportunity Ahead, get the scoop on the three-piece lineup, how it works, and why I’m ready to ditch one-size-fits-all haircare products once and for all.

What Is The Matrix A Curl Can Dream Wave Definition System?
As anyone with wavy hair knows, it’s a rare blessing to wake up with sleek, well-defined waves. In humid weather, wavy hair is prone to frizz and a lack of definition, while in drier conditions, it can become dry or flat. Buildup can also be a concern since those with wavy hair often use styling products to help bring their texture to life. As such, choosing the right haircare products to keep your waves looking their best requires a bit of a balancing act. Your products should be hydrating and smoothing but not heavy—anything too weighty can weigh your waves down, leaving them looking limp.
The Matrix A Curl Can Dream Wave Definition system is designed with all of these wavy hair concerns in mind. The three-piece collection includes a lightweight shampoo, a nourishing conditioner, and a wave-defining leave-in treatment. The shampoo and conditioner are designed for wavy hair (types 2A-2C), while the wave-defining leave-in treatment is suitable for 2A hair to 3C hair. When used as a system, the lineup provides up to 48 hours of definition and frizz control for bouncy, manageable waves.

How Do You Use Matrix’s Wave Definition System?
With just three products in the lineup, the Matrix A Curl Can Dream Wave Definition system is super easy to use (great news for those who prefer a low-maintenance haircare routine). Keep reading for a detailed rundown on each of the products in the collection and how to use them together.
A Curl Can Dream Weightless Moisture Shampoo
As with any good haircare routine, Matrix’s new system starts with shampoo—specifically, the A Curl Can Dream Weightless Moisture Shampoo for wavy hair. The sulfate-free formula with manuka honey extract and rose water gently cleanses while nourishing waves with weightless moisture to help enhance definition. You use it the same way you would any other shampoo: lather, then rinse thoroughly.
A Curl Can Dream Weightless Moisture Conditioner
After lathering up, apply a generous amount of the A Curl Can Dream Weightless Moisture Conditioner throughout your mid-lengths and ends. Like the shampoo, this creamy yet lightweight conditioner for wavy hair is infused with manuka honey extract and rose water. It adds shine, conditions, and provides up to 48 hours of frizz protection without leaving your hair feeling limp or weighed down.
A Curl Can Dream Scrunch N’ Go Defining Spray
Unlike the shampoo and conditioner, which are designed exclusively for wavy hair, the A Curl Can Dream Scrunch N’ Go Defining Spray is also suitable for curly hair (useful if you sit on the cusp of wavy and curly or have more than one curl pattern on your head). The ultra-light leave-in helps protect against frizz and offers up to 48 hours of wave definition. Plus, it doubles as a heat protectant, shielding hair against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. To use it, you’ll want to squeeze any excess moisture out of your hair, then spritz throughout your mid-lengths and ends. Scrunch your hair a bit to help define your waves, then style as usual.

A Curl Can Dream Wave Definition System Review: The Results
When I first tried this system, I wasn’t sure what to expect—the day I decided to do my review, it was 92 degrees in New York and about as humid as a sauna. So truthfully, I didn’t think my frizzy, wavy hair would be particularly cooperative. But I soldiered on, because, what better way to test the frizz control claims than to subject my strands to intense frizz-causing conditions?
I hopped in the (cool) shower and began by thoroughly soaking my strands. Then, I dispensed a generous dollop of the shampoo into my palm. I was immediately struck by the aroma—I’m a sucker for a great scent, and the heady rose and amber fragrance immediately had me in a chokehold. The shampoo lathered easily and I found that it was easy to work through my long wavy hair. I was also pleased to find that it didn’t make my hair feel stripped the way some products can.
After rinsing, I applied the conditioner to my mid-lengths and ends and also added some a bit closer to my roots in an effort to tackle the frizz that often crops up around the crown of my head. Again, the scent was divine, and the creamy but not overly thick conditioner spread easily onto my strands.
When I was finally ready to exit the shower (the cool water felt great on such a hot day), I squeezed my strands to remove excess moisture then lightly wrapped my hair in a microfiber towel. Once my strands were damp but not sopping, I spritzed the leave-in throughout my mid-lengths and ends and let my hair air dry completely.
I’ll reiterate that, given the weather, my hopes weren’t particularly high. My hair certainly felt soft and conditioned, but I wasn’t sure how it’d hold up in the humidity. Incredibly (and happily), I was wrong. As I examined my hair in the mirror, I noticed my 2A waves looked fuller and bouncier than usual, my strands were noticeably shiner than they were the day prior, and—to my surprise—my usual halo of frizz was almost non-existent. There were a few stragglers around my hairline, but I have some breakage, so that’s to be expected.
Overall, it was a massive improvement from how my hair usually looks and feels—and, as promised, my style stayed frizz-free until my next shower. Given my hair’s propensity to frizz (and my absolute refusal to use hot tools when it’s warm out), this wave-defining, frizz-fighting system is unquestionably going to be my go-to all summer long. And as for all of my old one-size-fits-all haircare products: They’ll be finding new homes.
Next Up: 23 Best Hair Smoothing and Anti-Frizz Products To Use in 2024
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