Wavy hair sits between straight and curly: it has movement, but it can lose that shape when it is too long or cut in a blunt line. The best hairstyles for wavy hair add shape, remove weight and let the waves do the work. Here are 13 cuts, with what to ask for.
Hairstyles for wavy hair: what a cut should do
Waves usually bend more at the ends and are straighter at the roots, so length pulls them out. A cut with layers at the right height gives the waves room to spring. Ask for the cut to be done dry, or at least check the shape when it dries, since waves shrink as they dry.
Short and chin length
1. Pixie cut
A short wave looks great with texture.
- Who it suits: Wavy hair with enough density.
- How to ask: Ask for scissors over clippers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Curly bob
A bob shaped for wavy or curly hair.
- Who it suits: Wavy to curly hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a dry cut.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
3. Layered bob
Layers add bounce to a chin-length cut.
- Who it suits: Thick waves.
- How to ask: Ask for layers that follow the wave.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
4. Bixie haircut
A short, choppy cut that shows waves.
- Who it suits: Fine waves.
- How to ask: Ask for choppy layers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 5 to 7 weeks.
5. French bob
A tousled jaw-length bob.
- Who it suits: Slight waves.
- How to ask: Ask for a blunt line with texture.
- Upkeep: Trim every 5 to 6 weeks.
Medium and long
6. Lob haircut
A collarbone cut that keeps the wave.
- Who it suits: Every face shape.
- How to ask: Ask for light layers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
7. Wolf cut
Choppy layers that make waves look intentional.
- Who it suits: Wavy and curly hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a soft version.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
8. Shag haircut
A shag is made for waves.
- Who it suits: Wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for texture at the crown.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 weeks.
9. Butterfly haircut
Bouncy layers over long length.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick waves.
- How to ask: Ask for long layers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
10. Long layers
Long layers keep waves from dropping.
- Who it suits: Any wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for layers from the chin.
- Upkeep: Trim every 10 to 12 weeks.
11. Face framing layers
Layers around the face emphasize the wave.
- Who it suits: Any wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for pieces from the cheekbone.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
Bangs and styling
12. Curtain bangs
A soft fringe that waves slightly.
- Who it suits: Most face shapes.
- How to ask: Ask for bangs cut dry.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
13. Bottleneck bangs
A fringe that curves around the face.
- Who it suits: Most face shapes.
- How to ask: Ask for a soft, curved shape.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
Styling wavy hair
Apply a light mousse or curl cream to damp hair and scrunch gently. Air dry or use a diffuser on low. Avoid brushing dry waves, which turns them to frizz. For more definition, wrap damp sections around your finger. For ideas that go beyond a cut, see our guide to beach waves.
Waves, curls or both
Many people have a mix: waves at the front, curls at the nape, or straight roots with wavy ends. Tell your stylist where the pattern changes. A cut that follows the strongest pattern, with the front cut slightly longer, usually looks the most natural. If your waves change with the weather, a shape with layers copes better than a blunt line.
See how your waves would look
Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and compare up to four wavy hair cuts on your own face.
Related reading: hairstyles for curly hair, wolf cut and medium length hairstyles.
FAQ
What is the best haircut for wavy hair?
A shag or wolf cut shows off waves, while a lob with layers is a lower-key option.
Should wavy hair be cut wet or dry?
Dry cutting lets the stylist see how each wave falls. If it is cut wet, ask for a little extra length.
Is short or long hair better for wavy hair?
Medium lengths often look best. Very long hair weighs waves down and shorter hair makes them bounce.
How do I stop wavy hair from frizzing?
Use a curl cream, avoid brushing dry and air dry or diffuse.
