32 Wavy Hairstyles for Long, Medium, Curly and Short Hair with Bangs for Formal and Casual Looks
Wavy hairstyles are versatile and effortlessly stylish, perfect for medium to long hair or short hair with bangs. Whether you’re looking for an easy look for school, a romantic style for wedding events, or a trendy bob with choppy layers, waves can elevate any hair length. From curly and aesthetic to shoulder length and layered cuts, we’ve curated 32 beautiful wavy hairstyles that add texture, volume, and personality to suit all face shapes and occasions.
Beach Waves for Long Hair
Beach waves are a classic, effortless hairstyle that’s perfect for those with long hair. The soft, tousled waves give off an airy, relaxed vibe, making this style a go-to for casual outings, beach parties, or even a laid-back day at the office. This style works best for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, as the waves add volume and balance. It’s also a great match for green or hazel eyes, as the texture brings out their natural sparkle. Beach waves are the ultimate choice if you’re looking for something chic and easy to maintain.
To achieve beach waves, you’ll need a curling wand or flat iron to create loose curls. Start by applying a heat protectant to avoid damage, then wrap sections of hair around the tool. Once all sections are curled, brush through the waves to soften them. To maintain this look, use a texturizing spray such as Ouai Wave Spray, which helps enhance the waves while keeping them intact throughout the day.
Wavy Bob with Curtain Bangs
The wavy bob is a chic and sophisticated choice for those who want a short hair look with added texture. Adding curtain bangs gives this style a modern edge, perfect for both professional settings and nights out. This hairstyle is ideal for round or square-shaped faces, as the waves and bangs help soften angular features. Those with blue or brown eyes will find that the movement of the waves draws attention to their eye color. This bob is a versatile option that can be both cute and polished depending on how you style it.
To create a wavy bob with curtain bangs, start with a medium-barrel curling iron to add soft waves throughout the bob. Style the curtain bangs by blow-drying them with a round brush, allowing them to naturally frame the face. Keep the waves in place with a light-hold hairspray like Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray, which adds shine and holds without stiffness. Regular trims are essential to keep the bob in shape.
Medium Length Wavy Shag
The medium length wavy shag is a trendy, textured hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want an edgy yet casual look. With its layered cut and tousled waves, this style is great for adding volume and dimension, making it perfect for fine hair. It’s best suited for oval or long-shaped faces, and the waves help soften sharp features. This aesthetic wavy shag works wonderfully for those looking for something easy to style and ideal for everyday wear or casual weekends out.
To style the wavy shag, use a salt spray on damp hair before blow-drying with a diffuser to enhance the natural texture. For more defined waves, use a curling wand on random sections of hair, leaving some pieces straight for a more undone look. To maintain this look, use a moisturizing shampoo like Living Proof Restore Shampoo to keep the hair hydrated and frizz-free.
Wavy Pixie Cut with Choppy Layers
The wavy pixie cut with choppy layers brings a bold, textured flair to short hair. This style works beautifully for those who love to keep things short and low-maintenance while still having a playful, modern look. It’s particularly flattering on those with round or oval-shaped faces, and it adds volume to fine hair. With its disheveled appearance, this style is perfect for creative types or those who love a bit of edge in their hairstyle.
To achieve this look, add texture with a styling cream like Bumble and Bumble Texture Cream on damp hair. Use your fingers to tousle the layers and enhance the waves. To maintain the volume and texture, use a dry shampoo between washes to keep the style looking fresh and full of movement.
Half Up Half Down Wavy Hairstyle
For those who want the best of both worlds, the half up half down wavy hairstyle is an ideal choice. This style works for both medium and long hair, offering versatility and a playful touch. It’s perfect for casual events, like a day at the park or a school function, but it can also be elevated for more formal occasions like a wedding. This look complements heart-shaped or diamond-shaped faces by balancing the forehead and jawline, while also bringing out warm brown or amber eye tones.
To create this hairstyle, start by curling your hair in soft waves using a curling wand. Once your hair is wavy, pull the top section into a loose ponytail or bun, securing it with bobby pins. Leave the bottom section wavy and flowing. A texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray can help hold the waves in place while adding extra volume.
Wavy Chin-Length Bob for Fine Hair
The chin-length bob is a polished and stylish hairstyle for those with fine hair. Adding waves to this classic cut gives it more body and movement, making it a perfect choice for those who want to add volume without adding weight. This style suits those with square or oval-shaped faces, and it can highlight striking blue or green eyes. Whether you’re attending a formal event or just out for brunch with friends, this wavy bob is a chic and elegant choice.
To achieve this look, use a small curling wand to create waves in your bob. Curl small sections and brush them out for a softer, more relaxed wave. To keep your waves voluminous and frizz-free, try using a volumizing mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse, which adds lift and bounce without weighing the hair down.
Slick Back Waves for Formal Events
When it comes to formal events, slicked-back waves offer a sophisticated and timeless option. This hairstyle is perfect for black-tie weddings or upscale evening events, offering a sleek, polished finish with a touch of texture. The slicked-back look works especially well for those with long faces, as it elongates the neck and frames the face. It’s a great option for those with dark or bold eye colors, as the hair draws attention to the eyes.
To achieve slicked-back waves, use a fine-tooth comb to brush the hair back while it’s still wet, then apply a strong-hold gel like Oribe Gel Sérum. Once dry, create waves using a large-barrel curling iron and finish with a shine spray to maintain a glossy, sleek look throughout the event.
Curly Wavy Ponytail for a Playful Look
The curly wavy ponytail is a fun, flirty style perfect for everyday wear or casual occasions. This style works well with medium or long hair, adding both volume and movement to a simple ponytail. It’s ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces, and the waves help highlight the cheekbones and jawline. This style is perfect for summer festivals, casual dates, or even a day at the gym when you want to keep it both cute and practical.
To achieve the wavy ponytail, start by curling your hair with a medium-barrel curling wand. Pull the hair into a ponytail, leaving a few pieces out to frame the face. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie and finish with a light-hold hairspray like Paul Mitchell Flexible Style to keep the waves intact throughout the day.
Messy Wavy Lob with Curtain Bangs
A messy lob (long bob) with curtain bangs is an effortless and stylish option for those with shoulder length hair. The waves add a casual, lived-in vibe that’s perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet trendy look. This style suits heart-shaped or round faces best, and the waves help balance out the features. It’s a great everyday hairstyle, whether you’re headed to school, work, or out for a coffee date.
To create a wavy lob with curtain bangs, start by curling sections of your hair with a large-barrel curling iron, focusing on creating loose, tousled waves. Style the curtain bangs by blow-drying them with a round brush to frame the face. To maintain this style, use a sea salt spray like TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)Done Sea Salt Spray for added texture.
Twisted Waves Updo for Weddings
For a wedding or other formal events, the twisted waves updo is a romantic and elegant choice. This hairstyle combines soft waves with intricate twists to create a beautiful and sophisticated look. It works well for medium to long hair and suits heart-shaped or oval faces. The soft, romantic waves draw attention to the eyes, making it a perfect choice for those with hazel or blue eyes. Whether you’re the bride or a guest, this style is sure to impress.
To achieve this updo, start by curling your hair in loose waves. Twist sections of the hair back and secure them with bobby pins, creating an intricate design at the back of the head. Finish the look with a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin to keep everything in place throughout the event.
Bohemian Wavy Braid
The bohemian wavy braid is a beautiful style that combines loose waves with an intricately woven braid, making it ideal for outdoor events like festivals or picnics. This style looks particularly stunning on long hair or medium length hair and pairs well with heart-shaped faces, as the braid adds a soft, romantic touch. The free-spirited nature of this style makes it perfect for those who love a natural, carefree look. Pair it with flowy outfits and light makeup for a complete boho vibe.
To achieve this look, start by curling your hair into loose waves. Next, create a small braid on one side, weaving it loosely and securing it with a small elastic band. For a boho feel, gently tug on the braid to loosen it further. Maintain the waves and braid throughout the day with a texturizing spray like OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray, which will enhance the waves while keeping them beachy and tousled.
Layered Waves with Shaved Sides
The layered waves with shaved sides is an edgy and bold hairstyle perfect for those looking to make a statement. The shaved sides add a daring twist to the soft, wavy texture on top, making it ideal for concerts, nights out, or even a chic work look if you’re in a creative field. This hairstyle suits those with strong face shapes, such as square or heart-shaped faces, and helps draw attention to striking eye colors like green or blue.
To create this look, ask your stylist to shave the sides of your head while leaving the top longer. Use a curling wand to add waves to the longer section, giving the style an added dimension. A lightweight styling gel, like Redken’s Rewind, helps keep the waves in place while adding a bit of hold and shine to the shaved sides. To maintain the undercut, visit the salon regularly for touch-ups.
Wavy Wolf Cut
The wavy wolf cut is a trendy fusion of the shag and mullet, offering a unique, edgy look with plenty of texture. Perfect for medium to short hair, this style works well for those with fine hair as the layers add volume and movement. It’s great for diamond-shaped faces, as the volume on top helps balance the narrow chin. With its bold, rebellious vibe, the wavy wolf cut is perfect for music festivals, artistic events, or nights out with friends.
To style a wavy wolf cut, use a texturizing mousse on damp hair and blow-dry with a diffuser to enhance natural waves. If needed, use a flat iron to add soft bends to sections for a piecey look. Finish with a matte styling cream like American Crew Fiber, which gives the waves hold and adds a textured feel that suits the look.
Chin-Length Wavy Bob with Curtain Bangs
For a chic, Parisian-inspired look, try a chin-length wavy bob paired with curtain bangs. This style is perfect for fine hair, as it adds fullness without weighing it down. The combination of waves and bangs gives off a soft, feminine feel, making it ideal for casual lunches or date nights. Best suited for heart-shaped or round faces, this bob style frames the face beautifully and accentuates the eyes.
To create this look, use a small curling wand on dry hair, adding loose waves throughout. Blow-dry the curtain bangs with a round brush for a soft, face-framing effect. Spritz on a lightweight hairspray like Verb Volume Spray to keep the waves bouncy and voluminous all day long, without making the hair feel stiff.
Long Wavy Hairstyle with Twists
The long wavy hairstyle with twists is a romantic and intricate style that works beautifully for weddings or other formal events. The soft waves combined with small twisted sections give the hair an ethereal, fairytale vibe. This style suits those with long faces, as the twists add width to the hair. It’s particularly flattering for people with warm eye colors like hazel or brown, as the soft waves help bring out the warmth in their eyes.
To achieve this style, curl your hair in loose waves using a large-barrel curling iron. Take small sections on each side, twist them back, and pin them at the back of your head. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray to ensure the waves and twists stay in place throughout the event.
Shaggy Lob with Wavy Layers
A shaggy lob (long bob) with wavy layers is an effortlessly cool hairstyle, perfect for adding texture and volume to shoulder length hair. This style suits all face shapes, with the layers adding depth and movement. It’s a fantastic everyday look for school, work, or weekends out. The shaggy layers give a laid-back vibe, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut.
To style this look, apply a sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch it with your hands as you blow-dry. For more defined waves, use a curling wand on random sections. Finish with a lightweight styling paste like Bed Head Manipulator, which helps add texture without making the hair look greasy or weighed down.
Slick Back Wavy Undercut
The slick back wavy undercut is a daring and bold choice for those with medium length hair. This style features a shaved undercut at the sides with voluminous, slicked-back waves on top, giving it a polished yet edgy look. Ideal for heart-shaped or oval faces, this style draws attention to the cheekbones and jawline, making it a perfect fit for evening events or even fashion-forward professional settings.
To create this style, blow-dry your hair back with a round brush, applying a strong-hold gel like Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Gel. Add waves with a curling wand on the top section, then finish with a high-shine pomade to keep the slicked-back look intact while adding shine. Maintain the undercut with regular trims for a clean, crisp appearance.
Curly Half-Up Waves with Hair Clips
The curly half-up waves with decorative hair clips add a fun, feminine touch to long hair. This look is great for school or casual events, bringing a playful, trendy vibe to your style. It’s especially flattering on heart-shaped or round faces, with the half-up section drawing attention to the face while the waves add volume. Use colorful or jeweled hair clips to personalize the look further.
To create this style, curl your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron. Take the top section and pin it back with decorative clips, leaving the rest of the hair to flow freely. To enhance shine and keep the curls soft, finish with a lightweight serum like OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil, which keeps the curls bouncy and frizz-free.
Loose Waves with a Ponytail Twist
A loose wavy ponytail with a twist is perfect for those who want an elegant yet relaxed style. This hairstyle combines loose waves with a low ponytail that’s twisted into a chic knot, making it great for both formal and casual events. It suits long faces well, as the waves add volume to the sides, balancing the look. The twisted ponytail is a subtle yet stylish touch, making it perfect for evening dinners or summer weddings.
To achieve this style, curl your hair into loose waves, then gather it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins at the nape of your neck. Finish with a smoothing cream like TRESemmé Keratin Smooth to keep frizz at bay and add a polished finish.
Wavy Bob with a Side Braid
The wavy bob with a side braid is a unique and stylish look that combines texture with a bit of boho flair. The waves add volume and softness, while the side braid gives a touch of detail that elevates the look. This bob works well for both oval and round faces, and the braid draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. It’s ideal for daytime outings, festivals, or even a weekend brunch.
To create this look, curl your bob with a small-barrel curling wand for loose, natural waves. Part your hair to one side, then create a small braid along the side of the part, securing it with a bobby pin. To keep the waves intact, finish with a light-hold hairspray like Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, which provides hold without stiffness.
Wavy hairstyles offer an incredible range of options, from casual, beachy looks to formal, polished styles. With the right tools and products, you can easily create any of these styles and customize them to suit your personality and occasion. We’d love to hear which wavy hairstyle you’re most excited to try! Share your thoughts and any personal tips for styling waves in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going.
