Fresh out of the shower, your hair falls into soft S-shaped bends and you think, "Wait... is that a wave?"

Then it dries, the definition disappears, and you're left with flat, puffy or frizzy hair instead.

That's because water temporarily helps reveal your natural wave pattern. But without the right products to support and hold those waves as they dry, they quickly lose their shape.

Lightweight styling products help your waves set in place without weighing them down, so the definition you see when your hair is wet is far more likely to remain once it's dry.

It might not be your hair that's the problem. It could be the products you're using.

Many shampoos, conditioners and styling products are formulated for curly and coily hair, which naturally needs richer oils and butters.

Wavy hair is different. Because it sits closer to the scalp, those heavier ingredients can quickly weigh it down, leaving your roots looking limp and greasy just a few hours after washing.

If your hair feels oily far sooner than it should, your products may simply be too heavy for your natural wave pattern.

As wavy hair dries, each strand naturally wants to form a soft S-shape. But brushing, touching it too much, or using products that are too heavy can interrupt that process before the wave has a chance to set.

The result? What looks like frizz is often a wave pattern that never quite came together.

Give those strands lightweight products and the right drying technique, and you'll often see definition appear where you once only saw frizz.

Curly hair forms tight spirals or ringlets. Wavy hair forms soft S-shaped bends that are looser and flatter against the head.

Although they can look similar, they don't behave the same. Wavy hair is often easily weighed down, which is why it typically benefits from lighter products designed to define waves without flattening them.

If your waves won't hold, it's tempting to keep adding more product. Another cream. A little oil. Maybe a richer conditioner.

But if your hair is naturally wavy, more isn't always better. Heavy products can build up on the hair, weighing down your wave pattern and leaving it looking flatter, greasier and less defined.

It's easy to think your hair is just difficult to manage. In reality, it may simply be asking for lighter products that support your waves without weighing them down.