27 Hairstyles for Wavy Hair: Stunning Looks for Medium, Short, and Long Hair with Easy Styling Tips

Wavy hair is a versatile and natural texture that can be styled in countless ways. Whether you’re going for a casual day look or a glamorous evening event, wavy hair offers the perfect balance between straight and curly, giving you the freedom to experiment. The unique texture of wavy hair means it holds shape while still having plenty of movement, making it suitable for many hairstyles. In this article, we’ll explore different styles for wavy hair, focusing on medium, short, and long lengths, with and without bangs, as well as easy updos. Each style is designed to suit various face shapes and personal aesthetics.

Soft Waves with Shoulder Length Layers

For a hairstyle that emphasizes your natural wavy texture, shoulder-length layers are a beautiful option. This style is perfect for those with medium hair length who want a low-maintenance look with plenty of movement. The layers enhance the natural bounce of wavy hair, allowing it to fall effortlessly without looking too heavy. It’s great for both casual and formal events. Face shapes like oval and heart look especially stunning with this style, and it pairs well with any eye color, though it can particularly complement green and hazel eyes by drawing attention upward.

To achieve this look, your stylist will cut layers throughout your shoulder-length hair, focusing on maintaining the natural hair length while reducing bulk in heavier areas. To style it, use a sea salt spray on damp hair to accentuate your waves, then let it air dry for a soft, natural finish. For maintenance, a lightweight moisturizing conditioner, like Ouai’s Wave Spray, will help keep the waves defined without adding unnecessary weight.

Long Beachy Waves with Bangs

For those with long hair, adding bangs to wavy locks can create a fresh, laid-back look. Beachy waves are loose, tousled, and give off a relaxed vibe, making them perfect for summer outings, casual dates, or even a music festival. Bangs can add a playful element to the style, softening the face and framing the eyes. This style suits oval and round face shapes particularly well, and bangs can be adjusted to suit the length of your forehead. It pairs beautifully with any eye color but enhances blue and light brown eyes, creating a soft, romantic effect.

Creating beachy waves with bangs involves using a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, relaxed curls in long sections of hair. Texturizing spray will give the waves more definition and a matte finish, while your bangs can be blow-dried to stay soft and slightly curved. To maintain this style, use a curl-enhancing shampoo like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Shampoo to ensure your waves stay fresh and your bangs don’t become greasy.

Medium-Length Shag Cut

The shag cut has made a major comeback, especially for those with medium-length wavy hair. This retro-inspired look gives off a carefree, rock-and-roll vibe with layers cut in various lengths to create texture and volume. The shag is perfect for those who want a bold, edgy look while keeping their hair length manageable. This style suits square and heart-shaped faces, balancing out strong jawlines or broad foreheads. The layers create dimension and depth, making it an ideal option for those with naturally wavy hair.

To style this cut, use a volumizing mousse on damp hair, then blow dry using a diffuser to enhance the natural waves. A light texturizing cream, such as Verb’s Sea Texture Cream, will add definition and keep the style looking fresh throughout the day. Maintenance involves regular trims to prevent the layers from losing their shape and a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place without stiffness.

Short Wavy Bob with Side Bangs

For those with short hair, a wavy bob with side bangs is an excellent option. This chin-length style is chic and easy to manage, making it perfect for busy days or when you want to look polished with minimal effort. The side bangs add a touch of sophistication and help frame the face, which is great for round and oval face shapes. This cut works well for those who want to maintain their natural waves while keeping their hair short and stylish.

To style this look, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair, scrunch it slightly, and let it air dry. For extra volume, blow-dry with a diffuser. A lightweight gel, such as Ouidad’s Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel, will help keep the waves intact without making the hair feel stiff. This style is easy to maintain with regular trims and conditioning treatments to keep the waves soft and frizz-free.

Classic Wavy Updo

When it comes to special occasions, a classic updo for wavy hair is always a showstopper. This style pulls the hair up, while still allowing the waves to be the star of the show. Whether it’s a wedding, gala, or formal dinner, a wavy updo is both elegant and romantic. The natural texture of the waves adds dimension to the updo, making it look fuller and more intricate than it actually is. This style complements all face shapes, and can be paired with statement earrings to draw attention to the neck and shoulders.

To achieve this look, gather the hair at the nape of the neck and twist it into a loose bun, allowing a few waves to frame the face. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a shine spray for added elegance. To maintain this style, use a strong-hold hairspray, such as Moroccanoil’s Luminous Hairspray, which will keep the updo in place while still allowing for movement.

Wavy Lob with Middle Part

The medium-length wavy lob, or long bob, is a modern classic that’s ideal for those who want a versatile hairstyle. The hair length hits just above the shoulders, making it long enough to tie up but short enough to keep it manageable. A middle part balances the face and adds a polished touch to the overall look. This style is particularly flattering for those with oval or long face shapes. It pairs well with medium easy styling and works for both casual and formal settings.

To style, use a texturizing spray and let the hair air dry or use a diffuser. A small amount of curl cream will keep the waves defined without looking too structured. For upkeep, a leave-in conditioner like Living Proof’s No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream is ideal to prevent frizz and keep the waves looking soft.

Textured Pixie Cut for Wavy Hair

The textured pixie cut is a bold choice for those who prefer short and low-maintenance hairstyles. This edgy look emphasizes the natural texture of wavy hair, giving it a playful and modern twist. It’s perfect for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, as the short sides and back help elongate the face while the textured waves on top add volume and interest.

To style a textured pixie cut, use a texturizing spray or cream on damp hair, scrunch, and let it air dry or blow-dry using a diffuser for extra volume. For maintenance, a lightweight mousse like DevaCurl’s Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam can help enhance the natural texture without weighing down the hair.

Loose Waves with Curtain Bangs

Loose waves paired with curtain bangs are a perfect combination for a romantic, effortlessly chic look. This style works especially well for those with medium or long hair, as the length allows the waves to fall naturally while the curtain bangs frame the face beautifully. This hairstyle is ideal for casual outings, brunch with friends, or even a relaxed date night. Curtain bangs soften the features, making it a great choice for square or round face shapes. The waves create volume and movement, while the bangs draw attention to the eyes, making them pop. It works particularly well with green or hazel eyes, enhancing their brightness.

To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves throughout the hair, and blow-dry the bangs with a round brush to create a slight bend. A lightweight finishing spray, like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, will add texture and hold without weighing down the hair. For maintenance, use a curl-defining shampoo and conditioner, such as DevaCurl’s Low-Poo Delight, to keep the waves soft and frizz-free.

Short Textured Waves with Side Part

Short textured waves with a side part are a playful, modern style perfect for those who want a short and sassy look. This style is great for women with short hair who want to embrace their natural waves without too much effort. It’s versatile enough to be worn at the office or for a night out with friends. The side part adds a bit of asymmetry, which is particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces. This style can suit all eye colors, but works especially well with blue or light brown eyes, creating a harmonious balance.

To style, use a texturizing spray on damp hair and blow-dry with a diffuser to enhance the waves. Scrunch the hair as it dries to give it a naturally tousled look. For added shine and definition, use a light pomade, such as Bumble and Bumble’s Sumotech. This style requires minimal maintenance but looks best with regular trims to keep the shape fresh.

Messy High Bun with Loose Waves

For an easy yet elegant updo, the messy high bun with loose waves is a go-to hairstyle. This style works for both medium and long hair lengths and is perfect for those days when you want your hair out of your face but still want to showcase your waves. It’s ideal for a casual day at the park, a workout, or even a laid-back dinner. The loose waves that frame the face add softness, making this style flattering for most face shapes, particularly heart and round faces. It pairs well with all eye colors but adds a romantic touch to those with hazel or blue eyes.

To create this look, gather your wavy hair into a loose high bun at the crown of your head, leaving a few pieces of hair out to frame your face. Secure the bun with hairpins and a spritz of texturizing spray to hold everything in place without it looking too neat. For maintenance, a hydrating curl cream, such as Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel, will keep the waves defined and frizz-free throughout the day.

Medium-Length Wavy Bob with Fringe

A medium-length wavy bob with fringe offers a fresh, youthful look that’s easy to style and maintain. The waves in this bob give the hair plenty of volume and texture, while the fringe adds a modern twist. This style is perfect for medium easy everyday wear or dressed up for more formal occasions. It suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, with the fringe softening the forehead and drawing attention to the eyes. This bob works well with any eye color but is especially striking with green or brown eyes.

To style this look, apply a curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a diffuser to create loose waves. Blow-dry the fringe with a round brush to keep it sleek. For added texture, use a sea salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray. Regular trims will keep this style looking sharp, and a lightweight leave-in conditioner will maintain the softness of the waves.

Long Waves with Braided Crown

For those with long wavy hair, a braided crown is a stunning and ethereal hairstyle perfect for weddings, festivals, or any outdoor event. This look showcases the natural beauty of wavy hair while adding an elegant twist with the braided detail. The braid creates a crown-like effect, making it ideal for those with oval or long face shapes. This style enhances all eye colors, particularly light blue and green, giving the wearer a fairytale-like appearance.

To create this look, begin by sectioning off two small sections of hair from each side of the head and braid them. Wrap the braids around the crown of your head and secure with bobby pins. Let the rest of your wavy hair flow naturally, adding a bit of curl cream to define the waves. For maintenance, use a moisturizing conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner to keep your waves hydrated and frizz-free.

Shoulder-Length Waves with Highlights

For an effortlessly sun-kissed look, shoulder-length waves with highlights are a beautiful choice. This style works particularly well for those with medium length wavy hair, as the highlights add dimension and depth to the natural waves. It’s perfect for beach days, casual brunches, or even a relaxed date night. This look complements round and square face shapes by adding movement and drawing attention away from the jawline. The highlights work especially well with darker hair colors and enhance brown or hazel eyes.

To achieve this look, ask your stylist for soft balayage or hand-painted highlights that enhance your natural hair color. Style with a curl-enhancing mousse and let your hair air dry for a beachy finish. A weekly deep conditioning mask, like Moroccanoil’s Intense Hydrating Mask, will help maintain the softness of your waves and keep the highlights vibrant.

Chin-Length Wavy Bob

The chin-length wavy bob is a chic and classic hairstyle for those with short hair. This bob length is perfect for showing off the natural texture of wavy hair while still being easy to manage. It works particularly well for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, as the length highlights the cheekbones and jawline. This style is versatile enough for everyday wear but can easily be dressed up for more formal occasions.

To style, use a volumizing mousse on damp hair and blow-dry using a diffuser to enhance the waves. Finish with a light pomade to add definition to the ends and keep the waves looking polished. Regular trims will keep this bob sharp, and a sulfate-free shampoo, like Pureology Hydrate, will help maintain the health of your hair.

Tousled Waves with a Headband

For a quick and easy style, tousled waves with a headband are perfect for any occasion. This look works well for medium and long hair, and the headband adds a playful, retro touch. It’s great for a day at the beach, a music festival, or even a casual office look. The headband can be used to add color or pattern to the outfit, making it a versatile accessory for any wardrobe. This style is flattering for all face shapes and enhances all eye colors.

To style, use a sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch to create easy waves. Let your hair air dry for a natural, tousled look, and place a headband around your head, pushing back the hair from your face. A leave-in conditioner, like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In, will keep the waves hydrated and frizz-free throughout the day.

Long Wavy Ponytail

A long wavy ponytail is a perfect hairstyle for those with long hair who want to keep their waves under control while still showing off their natural texture. This sleek yet voluminous ponytail is ideal for formal events or casual outings alike. The high ponytail elongates the face, making it perfect for round or heart-shaped faces. This style can work with all eye colors, but it particularly draws attention to brown and hazel eyes.

To create this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail, leaving out a few face-framing waves. Secure with a hair tie and wrap a small section of hair around the base to conceal the elastic. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. For maintenance, a smoothing serum, such as Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum, will keep the ponytail sleek while maintaining the wave’s natural texture.

Braided Half-Up, Half-Down Waves

The braided half-up, half-down style is a trendy and youthful look that showcases the beauty of wavy hair. This style works for both medium and long hair and is perfect for a casual day out or a more formal event. The braid adds a unique touch to the waves, creating a bohemian feel that’s great for summer festivals or outdoor weddings. This style suits oval, heart, and square face shapes, and the half-up, half-down structure adds volume to the crown.

To achieve this look, braid two small sections of hair from either side of your head and secure them at the back, allowing the rest of your wavy hair to fall naturally. Use a curl cream or mousse to define the waves and keep the style in place. For maintenance, use a frizz-control serum like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease to keep the waves smooth and shiny throughout the day.

Conclusion

Wavy hair offers a natural beauty that can be styled in countless ways, from long, flowing waves to short, textured cuts. Whether you’re looking for an everyday style or something more formal, there’s a wavy hairstyle that fits every occasion and hair length. Have fun experimenting with these different looks and don’t forget to share your favorite styles or suggestions in the comments below!