Quick context: postpartum mom of three here. My hair’s been through hormonal shifts, thinning, dryness, e.t.c. I sit in the 2B-2C zone with flat roots, waves underneath, and a frizz halo that rivals a lion’s mane.

So I stumbled across the Merwave Wavy Hair Kit while scrolling on Instagram, and I bought it. Does it really work? here’s my honest review!

What is Merwave?

Merwave is a UK-based brand built around one mission: helping you unlock your natural waves. It’s a simplified, science-backed system specifically for wavy hair (2A to 2C), and it skips the overwhelming steps of the Curly Girl Method.

The full kit includes:

• Cleanse (Sulfate-free shampoo)
• Repair (Lightweight conditioner)
• Feed (Sea salt-based curl refresh spray)
• Cast (Wavy foam)
• Protect (Castor oil-infused gel)

All the bottles are b minimalist, which totally feeds my “organized bathroom” fantasy I’ve never actually lived.

My experience Using the Merwave Hair Kit

Week 1: Crunchy beginnings

The first wash was… humbling. I used Cleanse and Repair as instructed, scrunched in the foam, then applied the Protect gel. I diffused and waited. My waves were there, but stiff. Like ramen noodles stiff. But I was told this is “casting,” and to scrunch out the crunch.

Did I look like a poodle for a few hours? Yes. Did my waves hold for three days straight? Shockingly, also yes.

Week 2: Learning to trust the process

By my second wash day, I realized less is more—especially with the gel. My hair started to feel softer, bouncier, and less product-y. I stopped brushing in between washes (RIP to my hairbrush), and just refreshed with the Revive spray and some water.

My wave pattern actually started appearing near the roots. What?! I had wavy roots this whole time?

Week 3: Results

I finally found my rhythm. I used the foam on soaking wet hair, scrunched upside down, applied gel, plopped with a t-shirt, and diffused. That was the magical combo. My 2B/2C waves were defined, frizz was tamed, and for once—I didn’t feel like I needed a straightener to look put-together.

Also, the compliments rolled in. “Did you curl your hair?” Nope. Just embracing my wave.

How to Use the Merwave Wavy Hair Kit

Here’s how I use the Merwave system to get soft, defined waves—no frizz, no fuss:

1. Cleanse

Start with the Cleanse shampoo. Massage it into your scalp to remove buildup. Don’t expect suds—it’s sulfate-free, but it gets your roots clean without drying out your ends. Rinse thoroughly.

2. Repair

Apply Repair conditioner from root to tip until your hair feels slippery. Detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while it’s in. Leave it for 2–3 minutes, then rinse out.

3. Feed (Optional)

If your hair feels weak or limp, apply a small amount of Feed Treatment through mid-lengths and ends. It’s protein-rich and helps strengthen waves. Leave it in—no rinsing.

4. Style with Foam

Flip your soaking wet hair upside down and scrunch in the Cast Foam. Focus on small sections to help waves form evenly. You should hear that squishy sound—it’s a good sign!

5. Set with Gel

Next, scrunch in the Protect Gel to seal the waves and hold the shape. It creates a light cast around the hair that locks everything in place while it dries.

6. Dry

Air dry, plop with a cotton t-shirt, or diffuse on low heat. Don’t touch your hair while it’s drying—this is key to avoiding frizz and maintaining wave shape.

7. Scrunch Out the Crunch

Once fully dry, gently scrunch to break the gel cast and reveal soft, defined waves. This is the satisfying part where your hair finally looks and feels amazing.

8. Refresh & Protect

Between wash days, refresh with water or Merwave’s Revive spray. At night, sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a silk bonnet to keep waves intact until your next wash day.

Is Merwave a Scam?

Nope. It’s not a scam, and it actually does work, but only if your hair is naturally wavy to begin with. It’s not going to magically turn pin-straight hair into mermaid waves, but if you’ve got hidden waves? This routine brings them out.

It’s also not as “miracle” as the ads make it seem. You don’t wake up day one looking like a hair model. It takes a few weeks of consistent use, learning your hair’s porosity, and fine-tuning the amount of product. But when it clicks? Wow.

Is it Safe?

Yes. All products are free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens. It’s also cruelty-free. I didn’t notice any irritation, buildup, or drying—just softer hair and improved wave definition over time.

Pros

• Designed specifically for wavy or curly hair (not straight)
• Simplifies the wavy hair routine into just 5 steps
• Smells lovely without being overpowering
• No harsh chemicals
• Doesn’t weigh down fine waves
• Comes with a free digital guide for beginners

Cons

• Pricey (especially with shipping outside the UK)
• Not a one-and-done product—you’ll need to experiment
• The gel can feel a little sticky if you overdo it
• No protein options for high-porosity hair
• Runs out quickly if you have long or thick hair

Better (or Cheaper) Alternatives?

While I do think Merwave is great for beginners, I also discovered a few affordable Amazon alternatives that work similarly:

• Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Line – budget-friendly and CGM-approved
• Maui Moisture Lightweight Curls + Flaxseed Line – great for waves
• Giovanni Hair Gel – great medium hold without crunch

If you’re on a budget or don’t want to commit to international shipping, these get you very close to the same look.

Final Verdict: Worth It If You’re Wavy and Overwhelmed

I honestly didn’t expect much from Merwave, but here I am—three weeks in and my natural waves are finally thriving. My hair feels healthier, softer, and less chaotic. If you’re a fellow mom with limp, frizzy, or confused hair that might possibly be wavy underneath all the chaos—this kit is a great starting point.

Would I repurchase? Yes, though I might refill just my favorites (foam and gel). It’s a great starter pack, especially if you’re like me: a tired mom rediscovering her waves with a newborn on one hip and dry shampoo in the other.

FAQ

Can Merwave work on curly hair?
It’s really meant for waves. If you’re 3A or curlier, it likely won’t be rich enough.

How long does the kit last?
About 4–6 weeks with medium-length hair. If you wash less often or use less product, it’ll last longer.

Do I need to buy the whole kit?
Not necessarily. If you already have a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, try just the Style and Protect steps.

Where can I buy it?
From their official site (UK-based), though some products pop up on Amazon too.

Do I have wavy hair?
If your hair forms an “S” shape after air drying with no brushing, you just might. Try doing a wave test before purchasing.

While you’re here, see this viral hair product I tried a month ago ‘Trybello Hair Helper Spray‘