The 13 best haircuts for wavy hair, according to stylists

Haircuts for wavy hair offer the perfect blend of texture and movement, providing endless styling options. For starters, consider layered cuts. “Long layered cuts, face-framing layered cuts, and layered shags accentuate natural waves and make them appear wavier or even curlier,” says hairstylist Jenna Spino. “These are super easy cuts that are easy to wash and wear.” Another option? “Bobs are also great for wavy hair, especially slightly wavy hair that needs a little help getting it,” says hairstylist Raven Hurtado. To learn more, we asked Spino and Hurtado for their top tips on how to upgrade a wavy haircut and maintain the natural curves. Read what they have to say, and get inspired by 13 of the best haircuts for wavy hair below.

How to improve a wavy haircut

Get long shifts

If you want your wavy haircut to have more fullness and movement, remove some bulk and weight. To do this, Hurtado suggests asking your hairdresser to add long layers to create more contrast and definition. “By adding longer layers to a wavy haircut, you’ll see more movement and life,” she explains.

Use styling products that enhance curls

Both experts also recommend using styling products to enhance the natural shape of your waves and increase their bounce. “I like to use a curl cream to enhance wavy haircuts and reduce frizz,” says Spino. “The next day, use a curl refresher spray or texturizing spray to add volume to your hair.”

Hair care tips for wavy hair

Getting a wavy haircut requires proper care, styling techniques and products that will enhance and preserve your waves. Below, our stylists have recommended some of their top tips to keep your wavy haircut looking its best:

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner: Choose products that moisturize and enhance waves. Look for sulfate-free options to avoid drying out your hair.
• Use a wide-toothed comb: When detangling wet hair, use a wide-toothed comb to avoid breakage and maintain the wave pattern. You might also consider the Denman brush as it is specifically designed for textured hair.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner: After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your waves soft and manageable.
• Dry hair gently with a towel: To prevent frizz and maintain waves, pat your hair dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it vigorously.
• Allow to air dry or use a diffuser: Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible to maintain its natural wave pattern. If you must use a blow dryer, attach a diffuser to minimize frizz and accentuate waves.
• Use the scrunching technique: To accentuate your waves, gently scrunch your hair while it’s damp. You can also apply a curl enhancer before scrunching.
• Avoid heavy products: Use lightweight, wave-enhancing styling products to add definition to your waves without weighing them down.
• Protect against heat damage: If you must use styling tools that use heat, apply a heat protectant and choose a low heat setting to avoid damaging your waves.
• Get your hair cut regularly: Visit your hairdresser every six to eight weeks to remove split ends and maintain the shape of your wavy haircut.
• Protect your hair at night: Use a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz while you sleep. You can also braid your hair loosely or use a silk hair tie to prevent tangling.
• Use a sea salt spray: If you want to accentuate your waves even further, you can create a beachy texture by using a sea salt spray.
• Avoid excessive manipulation: Try not to touch or brush your hair too much throughout the day as this can disrupt your wave pattern.
• Be kind to yourself: Keep in mind that everyone’s hair is different and some experimentation may be necessary to find the best care and products for your particular wavy hair type.

Best haircuts for wavy hair

Medium length waves

“I like this medium-length haircut from Taylor Swift because the bangs give a youthful look and the length of the cut is light and fresh,” says Hurtado. To achieve the look, textured bangs that add softness are key, she tells us.

Curly Bob

“Curly bobs are a super easy way to wear waves,” says Spino. “Ask for a bob with some long layers (cut to the desired length).” When styling your hair, Spino recommends applying a curl cream before blow-drying or air-drying. We recommend Ouai Curl Crème because it contains hair-friendly ingredients like coconut and soybean oil.

Bob with bangs

Hurtado likes this long, wavy bob because the face-framing layers accentuate the waves and it suits virtually any hair type. “If you want to try this cut, ask your hairdresser for collarbone length, with long layers to remove weight and long face-framing layers for added bounce and volume,” says Hurtado.

Chin-length bob

The versatility of this bob definitely makes it more appealing. “To achieve this look, cut it one length below the jawline with long face-framing layers to soften the features,” recommends Hurtado. When styling, opt for a mousse. This will give you plenty of body and texture when you scrunch it up. “Side part and tuck the hair behind the ears with hairspray for a sleek look,” adds Hurtado.

Long, layered cut

“This is a simple, long layered cut. I love the ease of letting it air dry. You just apply a product and you’re good to go,” says Spino. If you know your curls are going to fall out sooner rather than later, she recommends using a curling iron to bring the flatter sections back to life.

Short Shag

A wavy shag is fun, loose, airy and requires little maintenance. “To get this cut, ask for shorter layers to create a shag-like feel,” says Hurtado. “To style, twist sections with your fingers to create more defined waves. Use a diffuser to highlight the waves and add volume.”

Long shifts

“I love a simple, long layered haircut because it’s easy to manage and maintain,” says Spino, who recommends enhancing curly or wavy looks with a curling iron for extra definition. “Be sure to use a heat protectant before curling,” she says. “Let the curls cool, run your fingers through them, and finish the style with a texturizing spray or oil.”

Bardot waves

This Brigitte Bardot-inspired cut is perfect for wavy hair. The center-parted bangs and long layers frame Emily Ratajkowski’s face and accentuate her cheekbones. If you want to get a similar haircut, ask for long layers and Brigitte Bardot-style bangs – your hairdresser will know exactly what you’re talking about.

Blunt, structured bob

This blunt, textured bob is easy to maintain and pretty. “I like to style this type of bob with a Sunny Styler from Trademark Beauty. It’s great because you can straighten it or curl it,” says Spino. To get Rowland-like waves, start by dividing your hair into horizontal sections. Then take your curling iron and move it back and forth to create a bend. “You can do this with a curling iron, too,” instructs Spino. “Just curl the hair once or twice, leaving out the ends. Finish the curls with a texturizing spray.”

Long bob with side parting

This long, side-parted bob looks great on everyone. It has long layers for movement, Hurtado tells us. “To style this cut, use sea salt spray for texture and part it to the side for fullness.”

Layered Praise

Layered bobs are perfect for anyone who wants a medium length, says Spino. To get the look, ask your stylist to cut at about collarbone level and add some face-framing strands. “This cut can also look great air-dried,” adds Spino.

Truncated waves

This style is the perfect example of how to grow your pixie out properly. “If you want this cut, ask for the back to be shorter than the front and the front to be long enough to tuck behind the ears,” says Hurtado. “You can use a curling iron to accentuate the waves and then comb them out with a wide-toothed comb to make the style more glamorous.”

Inverted Bob

This wavy inverted bob frames the face and accentuates the jawline. “If you want a similar cut, have the length cut to the jawline with textured layers,” recommends Hurtado. “Use a light oil to style to keep it tamed, shiny and polished.”