There are many great reasons why wavy hair is one of the most sought-after hair textures. It is easy to style and can be worn long or short and with thick or fine hair. The wavy texture is ideal for creating a soft, romantic, and carefree appearance. And as a bonus, it does not need to be washed every day. It is also celebrated for its ability to make the hair look fuller and thicker while giving it movement and bounce. Wavy hair will let you experiment with your style and find a look that will best complement your facial shape and highlight your features. From beachy waves to choppy layers and bangs, there is a look to suit every preference. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about wavy hair and how to style it.
1. Short Wavy Hair
Wavy hair is one of the most sought-after hair textures because of its versatility. It can be styled up or down and worn at various lengths. The appeal of the wavy texture is that it can make your hair appear fuller and thicker and is better at disguising signs of dryness and split ends than straight hair. Short hair is incredibly sexy, and chopping off your hair can also feel free. Many short wavy hairstyles include the classic bob and the pixie cut.
2. Long Wavy Hair
Long hair is beautiful and will give you versatility with your style. You can try out most hairstyles, including high ponytails and the half up half down, which will let you show off your hair texture while also keeping it away from your face. The wavy hair texture is appealing because it can look effortlessly cool and chic and add a softness to your appearance, especially when styling hair to frame the face. Finish your look with hairspray to give it added volume and texture.
3. Medium Length Wavy Bob
Medium-length hair gives you the best of both worlds. It is long enough that you have a variety of options for styling, including wearing the hair up, but it is also short enough that it is low maintenance. One of the most popular hairstyles for women is the bob hairstyle. It is a cut that complements all hair textures and can be adapted to suit your preference, including cutting it at different angles, with bangs, and at various lengths. The medium-length wavy bob is an effortlessly cool look. It is appealing for those with thin or fine hair and can create the illusion of fuller, thicker locks. Wavy hair is also full of movement.
4. Low-Maintenance Shoulder-Length Hair
Shoulder length hair is great for those who want to have the illusion of long hair but all the benefits of short. This medium-length cut gives you enough versatility with styling to find a hairstyle that can complement your face shape and highlight your features. Wavy hair is an appealing texture because it can be styled differently. For a low-maintenance haircut, keep the hair as simple as possible, choosing looks that require little styling. This could include classics like the lob haircut or more daring options like the shag or wolf cut, which are heavily textured and lend themselves well to wavy hair.
5. Low-Maintenance Short Wavy Hair
Short hair is a great option for those with naturally wavy textures. A wavy style is great for making your hair appear voluminous and full of movement, and this can be complemented by a short hairstyle. The shorter your hair, the thicker and healthier it will look because you will regularly chop off the split ends and remove any signs of damage and dryness. If you want to give the illusion of longer hair, you can style your short locks with a fringe. The appeal of wavy hair is that it lends itself well to many styles, including classic cuts like the pixie haircut or bob hairstyle. You can also opt for a slick back or style it in a low ponytail.
6. Thick Wavy Hair
Wavy hair can give you the appearance of fuller, thicker hair, which can be incredibly flattering. If you have naturally thick hair you can wear it long, which will give you versatility with how you style it, and it will look beautiful. However, this approach is more maintenance and can feel heavy, whereas opting for a shorter cut around shoulder length is a much more practical option. You may also want to cut layers into the hair to remove some of the thickness and make the hair feel less bulky.
7. Curly Wavy Hair
There are various wavy textures to choose from, some of which appear straighter or more curly than others. The combination of curly waves is a wonderful option because your hair appears full and voluminous but also incredibly flattering. Let the hair fall loosely around the face to highlight the texture. The softness of the curls will complement your facial features, especially for those with sharp, hard features. The unstructured appearance of curly, wavy hair is great for achieving a laid-back and effortlessly cool finish.
8. Natural Wavy Hair
If you have naturally wavy hair, you are in luck. It is one of the most desired hair textures because of its appearance and the versatility that comes with it. Wavy hair is known for creating the illusion of fuller, thicker hair, which can be incredibly flattering. It also looks great short or long, and can be styled in different ways, some of which are complemented by the texture. Wavy hair is also exceptionally easy to style, letting you straighten or curl it, making it easy to adapt it to suit your preference.
9. Cute Hairstyle for Wavy Hair
A cute hairstyle should look and make you feel great. This can be achieved in various ways and should be more of an expression of how you feel. Find a look that complements your face shape and desired hair length and adapt it to suit your preference. The classic bob is an excellent choice for wavy hair and is low maintenance and effortlessly chic. Another gorgeous style is a pixie cut. Wavy hair looks voluminous and thick, which can be incredibly flattering, but the pixie also keeps the back and sides shorter to create a contrast. Pixie cuts are simple to style and can remove weight and bulk from thick hair. Experiment with different hair accessories, including clips and bows, for a girly finish.
10. Short Wavy Hair for Chubby Face
Short hairstyles can look great on a round face, and the wavy texture helps with this. The right styling and cut are essential as you want to find a hairstyle that compliments your face shape, creating the illusion of a slimmer face and making your cheekbones look more defined. This can be achieved by keeping the volume at the crown with a cut like a pixie cut. The contrast between the hair on the top and the back and sides kept shorter is an excellent option for chubby or round faces. Other options include face-framing bangs or a deep side part which can give the illusion of length.
11. Wavy Sew in Hairstyle
You can achieve it with sew-in hair extensions if you do not have naturally wavy hair. The appeal of hair extensions is their versatility. You can experiment with different lengths and textures, finding the option that best suits your preference. Sew-in hairstyles are achieved by first braiding your natural hair to cornrows and then using a needle and thread to add the extensions. This is an excellent option for protecting your natural hair and can reduce friction and tension. It could also aid natural hair growth and let you change your hairstyle without heat styling and chemicals.
12. Easy Hairstyles for Wavy Hair
Wavy hair is one of the most effortless textures to style, giving you choice in how you wear it. Among the simplest hairstyles is the low ponytail, a versatile style that can be achieved in minutes and with hair of all lengths and thicknesses. A high ponytail is an excellent option for those who want a more sophisticated finish. Ensuring the hair is sleek at the front and textured in the back creates contrast. You can also try out half up half down hairstyles to show off your hair texture and pull the hair away from the face, opening up your features. Other easy looks are a bun hairstyle, a simple three-strand braid, or leaving the hair loose and adding sea salt spray. Secure it with a clip to keep the hair out of the eyes.
13. Wavy Crochet Hair
Crochet braids are an effortless and gorgeous way to alter your hair texture. The appeal of crochet hair is how fast the installation is because they come pre-styled and in various thicknesses and lengths, making it easy to achieve your perfect hairstyle. The crochet braids are added to cornrows, which form the foundation at the scalp. This is done by using a crochet hook to help thread the hair. Wavy hair is an excellent option because it looks good on everyone and can be styled to suit your preference. It also makes the hair look fuller and thicker.
14. Fine Wavy Hair
Fine hair can be tricky to style, but the benefit of the wavy texture is that it creates the illusion of thicker and fuller hair. When styling your hair, the shorter the cut, the better. Shorter hair will make finer strands look thicker, but you also want to achieve volume by keeping the length at the crown or creating a slight contrast with the hair on the back and sides. Layers can achieve the illusion of thickness and volume. While bangs can be a great way to highlight your features and distract from the thickness of the hair. The best option is wispy bangs which are piece-y and barely there but will soften your face and give you a youthful glow.
15. Long Thick Wavy Hair
Long, thick, wavy hair looks gorgeous when worn down. This is an excellent way to embrace your texture and show it off. Part the hair in the middle or on the side to draw attention to your face. Bangs are also an excellent addition to the hair, and styles like wispy bangs or curtain bangs will create a face-framing effect that can be incredibly flattering. They can also give you a youthful glow and soften your features. Add layers throughout the hair to give it movement and remove some of the thickness and weight. If you prefer to wear the hair up, try a simple updo like a low ponytail or a deliberately messy and unstructured braid.
16. Short Thick Wavy Hair
Short, thick hair is great because it looks full and voluminous. The appeal of having a wavy texture is that this enhances the fullness of the hair. It is also excellent for achieving a laidback and carefree aesthetic and can soften your features. A low-maintenance short haircut is easy to style, especially when you choose cuts that benefit from heavy layers and are full of movement. The right cut for you will depend on your preference and face shape. This could be a modern pixie or a Parisian bob, both of which are incredibly chic and ideal for women of all ages.
17. Layered Wavy Hair
Layered hair is great for all lengths, textures, and types. The technique is created to give the hair movement and can be cut to frame the face and complement the features. Layering removes the weight and bulk from the hair, benefiting those who are naturally thick. It can also benefit thin and fine hair, creating the illusion of thicker, fuller locks. Layered hair can look natural or can be added in thick layers to create a choppy appearance, like with the shag and wolf cut. The beauty of wavy hair is that it is complemented by layers.
18. Wavy Hair with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are one of the hottest additions to any haircut. They are created to frame the face and can be incredibly flattering. They can transform even the simplest haircut and give you a youthful glow. Curtain bangs are also exceptionally versatile and can be added to hair of all textures, including wavy hair. This is a great option for those who prefer less structured bangs and want a natural and effortlessly chic appearance. You can experiment with different thicknesses of the bangs and various lengths and add them to long hair or short and all hairstyles.
19. Wet Wavy Hair
The wet-look hairstyle makes it appear like you have just emerged from the shower or dipped in a swimming pool. It has been a favorite on the fashion runways, and it is an excellent way to draw attention to your hair texture while also highlighting your facial features and giving you a youthful finish. A wet hair look is easy to do and can be added to hair of all lengths and types. You can style the hair to fall against the face or opt for a slicked-back hairstyle for a neat and polished finish.
20. Wavy Hair Perm
The perm is created to give the hair texture. In the 80s, this was all about big hair and volume, but the modern approach to the perm is more subtle, making it easier to find a look that suits your preference. Plus, many of the different types of perms are less maintenance than the traditional approach and coily hair. There are also several versions of the perm, including wavy hair. From natural-looking beach waves that are great for giving the hair a tousled appearance and achieving movement to the body wave perm, which will give you loose waves and boost volume.
21. Wolf Cut Wavy Hair
The wolf cut is a trending hairstyle, loved for its textured appearance. It blends the classic shag haircut and mullet, with volume at the top and the hair thinning toward the ends. The heavy layers are excellent for creating movement, and the cut can be adapted to suit all hair textures and lengths. With wavy hair, you will create a brilliant, carefree appearance. The texture is complemented by the layers of the cut. It will also add a softness to the face and can make you look younger.
22. Wavy Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is one of the most popular short hairstyles for women. It is also one of the most versatile, and many versions of the classic cut exist, letting you easily adapt it to suit your hair texture and complement your face shape. The cut is defined by the hair that is short on the back and sides and longer on the top with a slight fringe. You can experiment with the angle of the bangs and the length, creating the illusion of longer hair and framing your face. Wavy hair is great and will give you a textured look while also making the hair look fuller and thicker.
23. Short Wavy Hair with Bangs
Bangs are an excellent addition to most haircuts because they can give you a youthful glow. They will highlight your hair texture and can be added to hair of all types and lengths. The right bangs are also excellent for drawing attention to your features and complementing them. You can work with your hairstylist to find the look that best suits your preference and complements your face shape. With short wavy hair, bangs can create the illusion of longer hair while still being a low-maintenance hairstyle.
24. Wavy Braids
Braids can be achieved in various ways. There are many braided looks to do on wavy hair, including classics like the Dutch or French braid. Wavy hair texture makes it look deliberately messy and unstructured, appealing to those who want a boho-chic or laidback aesthetic. It can also be achieved with artificial hair extensions sewn in, glued, or clipped to the natural hair. This can be an excellent way to change your appearance without damaging your natural hair with heat styling and chemicals.
25. Wavy Hair Extensions
If you want long or thicker hair, you can achieve this with hair extensions. Hair extensions can be real or artificial hair which is added to your natural hair in various ways, including sewing, gluing and clipping. The different methods and types of extensions you choose will last for varying periods. The appeal of hair extensions is that you get to experiment with your hairstyle.
26. Layered Wavy Shaggy Hair
The shag haircut is a 70s favorite that has been loved by rock stars and celebrities. The appeal of the cut is the heavy layers, which give it an effortlessly cool and rebellious appearance. It has volume at the crown and thins toward the ends, which can be styled to suit your preference. A shag is excellent for giving hair movement, and the layers can remove weight and bulk from thick hair while creating the illusion of fullness with thin or thin hair. It works with all hair textures and can be adapted to suit your desired length. With wavy hair, the shag is a low-maintenance hairstyle and a sexy look.
27. Short Wavy Beach Hair
Beach waves refer to the gorgeous, tousled effect that is created. It has an elongated wave that looks slightly windswept and incredibly natural. It is a gorgeous texture and can be added to hair of all lengths, although it is often worn with long hair. However, short hair is just as versatile, and styling it with beachy waves will soften your features and draw attention to your haircut. Beach waves are ideal for creating movement and benefit from styling products like sea salt spray.
28. 2A Wavy Hairstyles
You may not have realized that hair textures are split into categories, and identifying which hair type you have can benefit you when it comes to styling your hair and finding the right products. 2A type hair is wavy but straight from the root and transforms into gentle waves around eye level and downward. The texture can be best described as tousled. The hair has S-shaped bends which are excellent for movement and volume.
29. 2B Wavy Hairstyles
Another wavy hair type is 2B hair, which has more defined S-shaped waves in the hair than 2A, especially toward the bottom of the hair. However, it is still straight at the roots. The hair is often relatively thick and full in appearance. 2B hair should not be brushed when wet as this can cause damage, and you will benefit from using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
30. Wavy Mullet
The mullet is one of the most controversial cuts, yet it is surprisingly versatile. You may have heard it being described as “professional in the front and party in the back,” or many variations of this, but the mullet can be adapted to suit all face shapes, hair lengths, and textures. It is defined by the volume at the crown, with the hair kept short on the front and sides but longer in the back. The modern approach to the 80s cut will have less contrast and a more gradual transition in hair length. This makes it easier to wear.
Wavy Hair FAQs
How to take care of wavy hair?
Wavy hair can be cared for with the right hair products, these include shampoos and conditioners. You want to ensure the hair is kept in its best condition and moisturized by regularly using treatments and deep conditioners. Avoid using heat styling and do not use very hot water when washing your hair. You should not brush wavy hair when it is wet as this can lead to breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb for the best results.
How to make straight hair wavy?
Straight hair can be made wavy using heat-styling tools like curling irons and rollers. You can also opt for a more permanent solution with a perm, and there are several options to choose from. These include beach waves and the body waves perm.
What are the best wavy hair products?
Depending on what method you feel is best for caring for wavy hair, you may use sulfate-free shampoos or avoid them entirely. You can benefit from an anti-frizz product and will need to ensure that your hair is well moisturized. This can be done with hair products designed for wavy hair and deep conditioners. To enhance natural waves, bonding oils, conditioning spray, and styling foam are beneficial.
How to style long wavy hair?
Long hair is easy to style because you have so much versatility, including braided styles and intricate updos. Wavy hair is a gorgeous and sought-after texture because it can soften your features. You can wear the hair in a half-up half-down hairstyle to show off your texture while also pulling it away from your face. Try loose, unstructured braids for a chic finish, and a low ponytail for a romantic look.
How to make wavy hair curly?
Wavy hair can be made curly using heat styling tools like a curling iron. There are also heatless techniques like using braids and leaving them in overnight – you can find out more information about these methods on YouTube. You can also transform your wavy hair into your ideal curls with a perm.
What is CG method for curly hair?
The CG method stands for Curly Girl method and is an approach to hair care for curly textures. It was formulated by author Lorraine Massey and the general concept is to use and avoid specific hair care products. The avoid list includes sulfate-free shampoos and products containing silicone and waxes. This method is for natural hair that has not been chemically altered. The desired result is hair that is voluminous, stronger, better moisturized, and less frizzy.
Cailyn Cox holds a degree in journalism and has been working with The Trend Spotter as a writer for over ten years. She has worked with some of the most prestigious women’s and men's lifestyle publications. For her, writing is not just a job; it’s a passion, which is why each article she writes is approached with such enthusiasm and dedication. She has extensive knowledge of hairstyles, tattoos, and beauty and has made a career out of creating informative articles that appeal to women and men of all ages.
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