Wavy hairstyles 2025 bring versatility and charm to any look. From long hair to short hair, these styles work for events like weddings, casual days, and even beach getaways. Perfect for medium length or with bangs, they suit various face shapes and enhance natural beauty. With 31 creative ideas, these styles ensure everyone finds the perfect wave.
Hollywood Waves for Wedding
Hollywood waves are a glamorous choice for formal occasions, especially weddings. This hairstyle features sleek, defined waves that cascade beautifully over the shoulders, making it ideal for long hair or medium length. It pairs wonderfully with oval-shaped faces and enhances eye colors like hazel and green, offering an elegant, vintage vibe. Whether you’re the bride or a guest, this style exudes sophistication and pairs seamlessly with intricate gowns and sparkling accessories.
To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron, a heat protectant, and a smoothing serum for a polished finish. Section your hair carefully, curling each piece outward, then brushing through to create soft, uniform waves. Maintain the style with a strong-hold hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, to ensure it lasts all night.
Beach Waves for Long Hair
Nothing captures a carefree vibe quite like beach waves. This long hair look brings to mind ocean breezes and sun-kissed adventures. Its tousled texture suits nearly every occasion, from casual brunches to outdoor weddings. Ideal for round and heart-shaped faces, the playful waves also highlight eye colors like blue and amber, giving off an effortlessly stylish yet natural aesthetic.
To create beach waves, use a flat iron or curling wand, alternating the direction of each curl for a natural look. Spritz a sea salt spray, such as Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, for added texture. Finish with a lightweight hair oil to tame frizz while maintaining that perfectly undone appearance.
Shoulder-Length Wavy Bob
The wavy bob is a chic and adaptable choice for those with shoulder length hair. This hairstyle frames the face beautifully and works well with oval and diamond-shaped faces. It’s particularly flattering for fine hair, as the waves add volume and dimension. Perfect for both professional settings and casual outings, the wavy bob strikes a balance between polished and relaxed.
Create this look by using a medium-barrel curling iron and twisting small sections of hair. Gently tousle the curls with your fingers and set them with a flexible-hold hairspray. A volumizing mousse, like Moroccanoil’s Volumizing Mousse, can also enhance the waves, making them last throughout the day.
Wavy Hair with Bangs
Adding bangs to a wavy hairstyle is a game-changer, offering a fresh and youthful appearance. Whether styled blunt, curtain, or side-swept, bangs complement the softness of waves, making this look great for short hair or medium length. It works best for oval-shaped faces and adds a playful charm that’s perfect for everything from a lunch date to a music festival.
To style, use a round brush while blow-drying your bangs for a smooth finish. For the waves, wrap sections of hair around a curling wand and spritz a texture spray, like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, to add volume. Regular trims are essential to keep the bangs sharp and neat.
Wet Wavy Look for Aesthetic Vibes
The wet wavy look is making a huge comeback in 2025, offering an aesthetic appeal that’s ideal for modern parties or editorial photo shoots. This high-shine style creates the impression of freshly stepped-out-of-the-water waves, enhancing features and making it a great choice for black tie events. It’s particularly striking on oval-shaped faces and darker hair colors.
To achieve this bold look, apply a generous amount of gel, like Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel, to damp hair. Comb through to distribute evenly, then use your fingers to shape the waves. Finish with a high-shine spray to lock in the gloss and create the ultimate wet-look effect.
Natural Wavy Curls for Black Hair
For those with natural black hair, embracing your curly waves can be both empowering and stunning. This style works well for textured hair, offering a voluminous and bold look that’s perfect for parties, date nights, or even casual outings. Pair it with bold makeup for an unforgettable style statement.
To define your natural waves, apply a leave-in conditioner like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Use a diffuser while blow-drying to enhance your curls, and finish with a curl-defining gel to maintain structure. Hydration is key to keeping the waves bouncy, so incorporate regular deep-conditioning treatments into your routine.
Mid-Length Retro Waves
Retro waves bring back the glamour of the ’70s with a modern twist, perfect for medium length or mid hair. This style adds drama and sophistication to oval and heart-shaped faces, making it a versatile choice for both work and formal settings. It’s particularly flattering with warm eye tones like amber and brown.
Start by using heated rollers or a curling iron to create defined waves. Brush through the curls lightly for a smooth finish and spritz a shine spray to complete the retro vibe. Products like TRESemmé Heat Protectant Spray can help protect the hair from heat damage during styling.
Loose Wavy Layers for Fine Hair
Loose wavy layers are a fantastic option for those with fine hair, adding movement and body without overwhelming the strands. This style is versatile enough for both everyday wear and special occasions. It complements square and oval-shaped faces, giving an airy, romantic feel that’s perfect for garden parties or outdoor events
Layer your hair to create this effect, and use a lightweight curling wand to style. A texturizing spray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast can provide extra lift and hold without weighing the hair down. Regular trims keep the layers fresh and prevent split ends.
Indian-Inspired Wavy Bridal Style
This wedding-ready style takes inspiration from traditional Indian bridal looks, combining intricate waves with elegant embellishments like floral pins or maang tikka. It’s perfect for long hair, framing the face beautifully while highlighting accessories. Suitable for oval and heart-shaped faces, this hairstyle works especially well with jewel-toned outfits.
To achieve this look, create waves with a curling iron and pin back sections for a semi-updo. Add embellishments for a regal finish. Use a long-lasting hairspray to keep the style intact during long celebrations.
Wavy Ponytail for Beach Weddings
For those planning a beach wedding, the wavy ponytail is the ultimate choice. This effortless style combines the romance of waves with the practicality of a ponytail, ensuring a chic yet windproof look. Ideal for round and heart-shaped faces, it pairs beautifully with flowing, bohemian dresses.
To create this style, curl your hair lightly and gather it into a low ponytail, leaving a few strands to frame your face. Wrap a section of hair around the elastic to conceal it. Finish with a texturizing spray and a light mist of holding spray for longevity.
Voluminous Side-Swept Waves
For a dramatic and glamorous look, side-swept waves create an air of sophistication. This style works beautifully for long hair and enhances oval or square-shaped faces, drawing attention to your neckline and shoulders. Perfect for black-tie events or romantic dinners, it’s a timeless choice for formal occasions.
To style, part your hair deeply on one side and use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft, cascading waves. Pin one side behind your ear using decorative clips for added elegance. Maintain shine and hold with a finishing spray, such as the Kenra Shine Spray.
Wavy Half-Up Twist
This romantic hairstyle combines effortless waves with a twisted half-updo, making it ideal for weddings or casual outings. It’s a cute style for medium-length or long hair, and it complements round and heart-shaped faces while showcasing delicate accessories or earrings.
Start by curling your hair loosely. Twist two sections from the sides and secure them at the back with bobby pins. Add a floral accessory or a jeweled pin to elevate the look. Use a lightweight hair spray to keep the waves soft and touchable.
Textured Wavy Lob
The textured wavy bob or lob (long bob) is a chic and modern option for shoulder-length hair. It adds volume and texture to fine hair, making it an excellent everyday or office-ready look. This style flatters oval and round faces, giving a youthful, dynamic appearance.
Use a curling wand to create loose waves, alternating the direction of each curl. Finger-comb the waves and finish with a matte texturizing spray like OUAI Wave Spray. For extra edge, pair the look with curtain bangs or a side part.
Retro Finger Waves
A nod to the glamour of the 1920s, retro finger waves are a bold choice for formal events. This sleek, structured style is ideal for short hair or medium-length cuts, especially for wedding or vintage-themed occasions. It works well with oval or rectangular face shapes and enhances dramatic eye makeup.
To achieve this look, use a comb and strong-hold gel to sculpt S-shaped waves close to the scalp. Set the style with clips and allow it to dry naturally or with a hooded dryer. A shine-enhancing spray adds the finishing touch.
Beachy Waves with Layers
Layered beachy waves are a go-to style for those who love a relaxed, sun-kissed vibe. Perfect for long hair or shoulder-length cuts, the layers add depth and movement, making it an excellent choice for casual outings or beach vacations.
Use a flat iron or curling wand to create waves, then apply a sea salt spray for added texture. Scrunch your hair with your hands to define the waves further. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the style in place all day.
Tousled Waves with Bangs
Pairing soft waves with wispy bangs is a trendy option for those seeking a youthful and playful style. Ideal for medium-length or short hair, this look flatters heart and oval-shaped faces and works wonderfully for casual settings or artistic events.
Style by curling the hair loosely and lightly tousling it with your fingers. Blow-dry the bangs using a round brush for a soft finish. Use a texturizing mousse like TIGI Bed Head Foxy Curls for hold and added volume.
Wet Wavy Bun
The wet wavy bun combines the sleekness of a polished bun with the texture of waves, making it a standout choice for modern fashionistas. This look is suitable for both casual and formal events, especially weddings or evening galas.
Start by curling your hair loosely and applying a wet-look gel. Gather the hair into a low bun, leaving a few wavy strands to frame your face. Secure with bobby pins and add a high-shine spray for a sleek finish.
Long Wavy Layers for Oval-Shaped Faces
If you have an oval-shaped face, long wavy layers are a stunning way to frame your features. This style is perfect for everyday wear or formal occasions and adds softness and elegance to long hair.
To style, curl large sections of hair and brush through gently to create soft waves. Use a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease to keep the layers sleek and defined. Regular trims are essential to maintain the style’s structure.
Wavy Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs paired with waves create a bohemian, aesthetic look. This versatile style works well for medium-length or shoulder-length hair, complementing oval and round faces. Perfect for concerts or casual outings, it exudes effortless charm.
Blow-dry the bangs with a round brush to achieve the signature parted look, then use a curling wand for the waves. Finish with a lightweight texturizing spray to keep the style looking natural and breezy.
Deep Side Part with Wavy Ends
A deep side part paired with wavy ends is a simple yet striking hairstyle for any occasion. It’s especially flattering for long hair or medium-length cuts, enhancing round and square faces while adding a modern edge.
Part your hair deeply to one side and curl the ends with a medium-barrel curling iron. Brush through to soften the waves and spritz with a light-hold hairspray. Add a sleek hairpin to the side for a touch of glam.
Wavy hairstyles in 2025 offer something for everyone, whether you’re preparing for a wedding, enjoying a beach day, or looking for easy everyday styles. These versatile looks suit various hair lengths, textures, and occasions, ensuring that anyone can find the perfect wave. Which of these styles do you love? Share your thoughts and favorites in the comments below!
