32 Wavy Hairstyles for Women: Trendy Looks & Styling Tips

Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over 10 years behind the chair. In this gallery I’ve curated 32 wavy hairstyles for women, from loose beach waves to structured S-waves and soft vintage glamour. Wavy styles flatter many face shapes and suit most hair lengths: short lobs gain movement, mid-length cuts frame the face, and long hair becomes more romantic with face-framing layers. In the salon I pair cutting techniques (long layers, point cutting) with finishing products—sea salt spray for grit, lightweight mousse for lift, and a flexible hairspray for memory. For home styling, use a 1–1.25 inch curling wand or diffuse on low heat, always with heat protectant. I’ll show quick step-by-step tips across 32 images so you can recreate looks for casual days, work, and special occasions. Read on for product picks, tool settings, and pro tricks to keep your waves defined, voluminous, and frizz-free.

Long Layered Shag with Wispy Curtain Bangs and Natural Waves

This look suits medium to thick hair with natural waves or loose curls; it also adapts well to straight hair when textured with heat. The cut is a long shag: lots of face‑framing layers through the crown and ends with soft, wispy curtain bangs to keep movement and reduce bulk. To style, towel‑dry to damp, apply a lightweight curl‑enhancing mousse or leave‑in conditioner and a salt or texture spray at mid‑lengths. Diffuse on low heat while scrunching to boost natural wave pattern, then define two or three pieces with a 1–1.25 curling wand if needed for balance. Finish with a light serum on ends and a flexible hold hairspray to lock shape without stiffness. Tools needed: wide‑tooth comb, diffuser and blow dryer, curling wand, clips, and a round brush for bangs. Recommended products: leave‑in conditioner, curl mousse, sea salt spray, lightweight oil/serum, and flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — straightforward for wavy hair, slightly higher effort on straight hair. Maintenance: trim bangs and layers every 8–10 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, refresh with water + leave‑in or texture spray between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Long Layered Voluminous Curls with Side‑Swept Texture

Suitable for medium to thick hair with natural waves or loose curls, this long layered style adds movement and volume while keeping length. The salon cut uses long face‑framing layers and subtle texturing at the ends to remove bulk and enhance curl definition. To style: start on clean, towel‑dried hair and apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner and curl cream through mid‑lengths and ends. For natural curl, diffuse on low heat while scrunching with a microfiber towel or use the plop method to preserve shape. To intensify waves, wrap 1‑inch sections around a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly undone for a lived‑in finish. Tools: microfiber towel, wide‑tooth comb, diffuser‑equipped blow dryer, 1–1.25 curling wand and sectioning clips. Products: sulfate‑free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave‑in cream or mousse, heat protectant, lightweight oil/serum and a flexible‑hold hairspray or sea‑salt spray for texture. Difficulty: medium — allow 20–40 minutes depending on curl pattern. Maintenance: refresh with a water + leave‑in mist, pineapple at night on a silk pillowcase, trims every 8–12 weeks and weekly deep conditioning to maintain shine and elasticity.

Long Layered Voluminous Waves with Side-Swept Curtain Fringe

Suitable for wavy to curly hair types (2A–3B) and long lengths, this layered, voluminous style enhances natural texture while keeping weight removed at the crown. The salon technique: cut long, face‑framing layers with a soft side‑swept curtain fringe; dry with a diffuser while scrunching sections upward to set waves, then refine pieces with a 1 curling wand for uniform definition. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, 1–1¼ curling wand, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips, and a paddle or vent brush for smoothing. Products: sulfate‑free shampoo, rich conditioner, leave‑in detangler, curl cream or mousse, sea‑salt spray for texture, lightweight oil or serum, and a flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: medium — needs basic cutting for layers and practice with the diffuser and wand to balance volume and curl pattern. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to remove weight and split ends, refresh waves with water and a scoop of curl cream or a light mist of leave‑in, sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple loosely, and avoid brushing when dry to preserve shape. Monthly deep‑conditioning helps prevent frizz.

Long Layered Waves with Side-Swept Curtain Bangs — Voluminous Textured Style

Long, layered waves with a side-swept curtain fringe create soft volume and movement. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair and natural waves or loose curls — fine hair can achieve the look with added texture while very coarse hair benefits from longer layers. The salon technique uses long face-framing layers cut with point-cutting or a razor for softness and weight removal at the ends; the fringe is cut into a curtain or side-swept bang. To style, prep with a root-lift mousse and heat protectant, blow-dry with a round brush (or diffuse for natural texture), then wrap 1–1.25 sections around a curling wand alternating directions for loose, lived-in waves. Loosen curls with fingers and finish with a texturizing spray and medium-hold hairspray. Tools: sharp scissors and thinning shears, blow dryer with nozzle or diffuser, round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, clips, wide-tooth comb. Difficulty: medium — manageable at home but requires sectioning and practice. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, use a weekly deep-conditioning mask, refresh second-day hair with dry shampoo and light misting, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.

Long Layered Tousled Waves — Beachy Curls for Wavy & Curly Hair

This long, layered tousled waves style is ideal for natural wavy to curly hair (2A–3B) and medium-to-thick textures; fine hair can wear it with added layering and root lift, while very tight curls will need stretched techniques. Start on 70% damp hair after a lightweight conditioner. Apply a small amount of curl cream or mousse through mid-lengths to ends, then scrunch to encourage shape. Use a diffuser on low heat while cupping sections to preserve the wave pattern, or dry with a blow-dryer and a 1 curling wand on random sections for extra definition. Tools: hairdryer with diffuser, 1–1.25 curling wand, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, lightweight conditioner, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt texturizer, lightweight shine oil, medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on length. Maintenance: pineapple or silk scarf at night, refresh with water + leave-in or curling foam, use dry shampoo at roots between washes, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep layers lively. Avoid heavy oils at the root and over-brushing to retain texture.

Long Textured Beach Waves with Face-Framing Layers

This long, face-framing layered style is ideal for natural waves but works well on straight hair that accepts texture and on mid to fine hair that needs volume. For coarse or curly hair, ask your stylist for softened long layers to reduce bulk. Technique: start with a root-lifting mousse on damp hair, blow-dry with a diffuser or round brush to create lift at the crown, then alternate 1–1.25 curling wand wraps away and toward the face, leaving the ends slightly undone for a lived-in look. Finger-comb through cooled curls and finish with a salt-based texturizing spray for separation. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser attachment, 1–1.25 curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing/sea salt spray, light-hold hairspray and a small amount of lightweight serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to preserve shape, use sulfate-free shampoo and weekly deep conditioning, refresh next-day texture with mist and scrunch, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid to reduce frizz.

Long Textured Waves with Wispy Curtain Bangs

This look suits long lengths and works best on medium to thick hair with natural wave or loose curl texture; straight hair can achieve the look with heat styling and fine hair benefits from added volume products. Start with towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight mousse or curl-enhancing cream through the mid-lengths to ends, then a thermal protectant. If you have natural waves, diffuse on low to medium heat to set shape; for straighter hair, wrap 1–1.25 inch sections around a curling wand alternately away and toward the face for an undone, beachy wave—leave the ends slightly straighter for a lived-in finish. Use a round brush and blow dryer to shape the wispy curtain bangs, directing them off the face. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, curling wand, round brush, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight oil or serum, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate—requires basic wand control and blending of bangs. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh waves with a mist of water + texturizer, trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, and deep-condition weekly to prevent frizz and keep movement.

Textured Wavy Lob with Face‑Framing Layers

Suitable for naturally wavy to loose-curly hair and medium to thick densities, this textured lob with face‑framing layers enhances natural bounce and movement while remaining wearable. Cut: soft collarbone-to-shoulder length with graduated layers around the face and subtle point‑cut ends to remove bulk. Styling technique: towel-dry damp hair, apply a lightweight mousse or curl cream from mid-lengths to ends, and scrunch. For extra definition, diffuse on low heat while cupping strands or use a 1 curling wand to re-shape selective pieces. Tools needed: diffuser, wide-tooth comb or Denman brush, 1 curling iron (optional), microfibre towel, professional shears for the initial cut. Products required: leave-in conditioner, lightweight mousse or curl-activating cream, sea-salt or texturizing spray, heat protectant, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: styling is easy-to-moderate—daily texture is quick but precision layering and texturizing should be done by a stylist. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape, deep condition weekly if colored, refresh texture with sea-salt spray, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple for curls, and avoid heavy oils at the roots.

Long Layered Curls with Wispy Curtain Bangs

This look is ideal for natural wavy to curly hair (2A–3C) and medium to thick densities—layers remove bulk and let curls spring while curtain bangs soften the face. In the salon, the cut is done dry or on slightly damp hair using long, blended layers and point-cutting to avoid blunt weight; bangs are shaped to curl naturally and checked curl-by-curl. For styling, work on freshly washed, towel-blotted hair: apply a leave-in conditioner, a curl-defining cream, then a light gel for hold. Use the rake-and-scrunch method to distribute products, or twist small sections for more defined ringlets. Dry with a diffuser on low heat or air-dry for softer texture, and finish with a few drops of lightweight oil on ends. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, curl shears, sectioning clips, microfibre towel or T-shirt, diffuser, and a fine mist spray bottle for refreshes. Difficulty: moderate—technique-focused but quick once you know your curl pattern. Maintenance: trims every 8–12 weeks, weekly deep conditioning, sleep on silk/satin or pineapple style, avoid brushing dry, and refresh with water + leave-in or curl refresher between washes.

Long Layered Tousled Waves — Beachy Texture for Thick & Wavy Hair

This long, layered, tousled wave look is ideal for medium-to-thick hair with natural waves or for straight hair that can hold a loose curl. The cut features long face‑framing layers to remove weight and create movement. Styling technique: start on damp, towel‑dried hair with a light leave‑in conditioner and sea‑salt or texture spray; either diffuse on low heat while scrunching for natural waves or blowout with a round brush for volume at the roots. For the finished tousled waves, wrap 1–1.25 inch sections around a curling wand, alternate directions and leave the ends out for an undone finish, then break up curls with fingers. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, 1–1.25 curling wand, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips. Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave‑in detangler, curl cream or mousse, sea‑salt spray, heat protectant, light hold hairspray and a drop of anti‑frizz serum. Difficulty: medium — the cut is salon‑level but daily styling is straightforward once you learn section size and wand rotation. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep condition weekly, refresh day‑two texture with dry shampoo and sea‑salt spray, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz.

Medium-Length Layered Curly Cut with Curtain Bangs

This layered, medium-length curly cut with soft curtain bangs suits wavy to natural curly hair (2A–3C) and medium to thick densities. The salon technique uses vertical layering and dry point-cutting to respect each curl’s spring-back, creating shape without bulk. To style: work with towel-damped hair, apply a lightweight curl cream or mousse from roots to ends, scrunch upwards, then diffuse on low-to-medium heat while gently cupping curls to preserve texture. For definition, touch up a few pieces with a 1–1.25 in barrel curling iron on low heat. Tools: diffuser, wide-tooth comb, clips, microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt, 1–1.25 in curling iron, and hairdressing shears (cutting by a pro recommended). Products: curl cream or mousse, lightweight gel for hold, heat protectant, small amount of anti-frizz oil, and occasional clarifying shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — cutting layered curls is best left to an experienced stylist; daily styling is simple once techniques are learned. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, refresh curls with water + product or light mist and scrunch, avoid brushing dry hair, pineapple at night and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Long Layered Voluminous Curls with Deep Side Part

Salon-tested and versatile, this long layered voluminous curl look works best on medium to thick hair and medium-to-long lengths; fine hair can achieve similar results with root-building products or lightweight extensions, while very curly hair benefits from a smoothing blow-dry first. For styling, prep towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant. Blow-dry with a medium round brush to create lift at the crown, then create a deep side part. Section hair and use a 1–1.25 curling iron or hot rollers, wrapping pieces away from the face for a unified flow. Allow curls to cool fully, then gently brush or finger-comb to soften into loose waves and add movement. Tools: blow dryer, medium round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron or hot rollers, sectioning clips, boar/paddle brush. Products: root lifter or mousse, thermal protectant, light smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray, optional texturizing spray or dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — requires sectioning and heat control but is achievable at home. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with a spray-and-scrunch or touch up front pieces, trim every 8–10 weeks, and deep-condition weekly to keep ends glossy.

Long Layered Beach Waves with Soft Face‑Framing Layers

This long, layered beach-wave look suits medium to thick hair and natural wavy textures best; fine hair will benefit from layers and texturizing to add movement, while very curly hair may need smoothing first. The haircut uses long, graduated layers starting around the chin to remove bulk and create soft face‑framing pieces. For styling, towel‑dry and apply a light leave‑in conditioner and heat protectant. Either diffuse dry on low heat to enhance natural waves or work with a 1

Voluminous Layered Cut with Curtain Bangs and Soft Tousled Curls

This look suits medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or loose-curly textures best; fine hair can achieve similar volume with strategic layering or extensions, while very tight curls may need relaxed shaping first. Start with a salon cut that includes long face-framing layers and soft curtain bangs to create movement and reduce bulk. Styling technique: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry using a round brush for lift at the roots or diffuse on low heat to preserve natural wave. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand to define alternating face-framing pieces and mid-lengths, leaving ends slightly undone. Finger-comb and gently tousle to break up uniformity. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, diffuser attachment, curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, light styling cream or anti-frizz serum, texturizing spray, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires a professional cut and 20–35 minutes of styling. Maintenance: trim every 8–10 weeks, use a weekly deep-conditioning mask, refresh with water + leave-in or curl refresher, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Long Textured Beach Waves with Face‑Framing Layers

This long, layered beach-wave style is ideal for medium to thick natural waves and works well on straight hair with heat styling. The look relies on long layers and soft face‑framing pieces to create movement and reduce bulk around the jawline. To style: start on towel‑dried hair with a heat protectant, then blow‑dry with a diffuser for natural texture or use a round brush to smooth roots. Section hair into 1–1.5-inch pieces and wrap mid-lengths around a 1

Lived-In Copper Waves with Face‑Framing Layers

This relaxed, textured hairstyle features long face‑framing layers and soft, lived‑in waves—ideal for natural waves, loose curls or straight hair that wants body. Best suited to medium to thick hair; fine hair will benefit from volumizing products and root lift while coarse hair may need smoothing serums to control frizz. Salon technique: cut long, graduated layers starting around the chin to create movement and reduce weight; style by rough‑drying with a round brush at the roots for lift, then use a 1–1.25 curling wand to alternate curl direction for an undone look. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, wide‑tooth comb, and a clip for sectioning. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root volumizer, texturizing spray or sea salt spray, light hold hairspray, and a smoothing oil or serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires sectioning and alternating curl directions for natural separation. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to preserve layers, use color‑protecting shampoo and weekly deep conditioning for copper tones, refresh waves with a mist of water + texturizer or quick re‑curling, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize frizz.

Long Layered Beach Waves — Natural Textured Cut for Wavy Hair

This long, layered beach-wave look is ideal for medium to thick wavy or loose-curly hair and can be adapted for finer textures with softer layering. The salon cut uses long graduated layers and subtle face-framing pieces to remove bulk, enhance movement and encourage natural wave formation. Styling technique: work on damp hair — apply a lightweight leave-in and curl cream or mousse, then scrunch and either diffuse on low heat or allow to air-dry. For more definition, wrap random 1-inch sections around a curling wand and finger-comb out. Tools needed: professional cutting shears (plus texturizing/razor if desired), wide-tooth comb, hair clips, diffuser attachment, 1 curling wand. Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, lightweight conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt spray for texture, small amount of oil/serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: cut should be done by a stylist; daily styling is low-to-moderate. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to keep layers fresh, deep-condition weekly, refresh waves with water + leave-in spray and scrunching, sleep on a satin pillowcase and avoid brushing dry to preserve texture.

Textured Voluminous Beach Waves for Long, Layered Hair

This tousled, beach-wave look is ideal for naturally wavy or loose-curly hair and works well on medium to thick textures; straight hair can achieve it with heat styling and product. Start with a layered cut to remove weight and create movement—ask your stylist for long layers and soft face-framing pieces. Styling technique: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and heat protectant to damp hair, then work a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray through the mid-lengths and ends. Diffuse on low heat while scrunching to enhance natural waves, or blow-dry root area for lift with a round brush. Use a 1–1.25

Long Layered Beachy Waves with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs

Soft long layered beachy waves with face‑framing curtain bangs suit medium to thick hair textures and natural waves, and they can be created on straighter hair with heat styling. Begin with a long layered cut and a subtle curtain fringe from a stylist to remove bulk and add movement. For styling, start on towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and heat protectant, then a texturizing sea-salt spray or mousse for body. Diffuse on low heat to enhance natural texture, or dry smooth and create waves by wrapping 1 curling wand sections in alternating directions, leaving the ends out for an undone finish. Finger-comb waves and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray plus a few spritzes of dry texturizing spray for separation. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, 1 curling wand or flat iron, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, leave-in conditioner, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light mousse, flexible hairspray, occasional deep-conditioning mask. Difficulty: low–intermediate—cutting the layers requires a pro; styling is straightforward at home. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, use a sulfate-free shampoo, weekly mask for hydration, refresh waves with water and texturizer or loose braids overnight, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Long Layered Waves with Soft Curtain Bangs

This relaxed, long layered cut with wispy curtain bangs works best on wavy to curly textures and medium to thick hair; fine hair can achieve a similar look with added layering and root lift products. Cut with long, face‑framing layers and soft point‑cut bangs to preserve movement and avoid bluntness. Start on damp, towel‑dried hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, then a curl cream or mousse from mid‑lengths to ends. Scrunch to encourage natural waves and diffuse on low to medium heat, using a diffuser and scrunching periodically to maintain separation. Use a small wand or tapered iron on a few random pieces only if you need extra definition. Tools needed: wide‑tooth comb, diffuser‑equipped blow dryer, curling wand (optional), hair clips, sharp haircutting shears for maintenance. Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave‑in, curl cream or mousse, anti‑frizz serum, light hold spray. Difficulty level: moderate — requires basic cutting skills for bangs and layering and routine styling practice. Maintenance: trim bangs every 6–8 weeks, full shape every 8–12 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, refresh curls with water + leave‑in or a light mist between washes, and sleep with hair pineapple or on a silk pillowcase to preserve texture.

Long Layered Shag with Curtain Bangs and Beachy Waves

This long, layered shag with soft curtain bangs and loose beachy waves suits medium to thick natural waves or straight hair that wants added texture. Fine hair can wear the look with razor-thinned layers and volumizing products; very tight curls will need a relaxed cut and more control. Cutting technique: salon cut uses long, face-framing layers and point‑cut ends for movement, plus blunt‑soft curtain bangs. Styling technique: rough‑dry with a diffuser or blow‑dry while lifting at the roots, then create S‑shaped waves using a 1–1.25 curling wand or a flat iron, alternating directions for a lived‑in finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, 1–1.25 curling wand or flat iron, round brush (for bangs), and cutting shears/texturizing scissors. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root lifter, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, light styling cream for ends, dry shampoo and light hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — cutting is salon‑level; styling is straightforward once you master wave patterning. Maintenance tips: trim bangs and layers every 8–10 weeks, deep condition weekly, refresh texture with spray on day two, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Long Tousled Beach Waves with Soft Balayage

This look suits long, medium-to-thick hair and flatter textures that want added movement — it works well on natural waves, relaxed curls or straight hair after styling. Start with long, face‑framing layers and soft balayage to enhance dimension. Section dry hair and create loose S‑waves using a 1–1.25 inch curling wand or a flat iron: wrap alternating sections away from the face and leave the last inch free for a lived‑in finish. Use a diffuser on low for naturally wavy hair to enhance pattern before styling. Tools: curling wand or flat iron, blow dryer with diffuser, wide‑tooth comb, clips and a boar‑bristle brush for smoothing roots. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or curl cream for definition, salt/texture spray to build grit, a few drops of lightweight oil for shine, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: beginner–intermediate — about 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: refresh waves with water + leave‑in or texture spray, deep‑condition weekly, trim every 8–12 weeks to avoid split ends, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple to preserve shape.

Long Layered Natural Waves with Volume and Texture

Salon-ready long layered waves that read as natural and voluminous. Best suited for naturally wavy to loose-curly textures (2a–3b) and medium to thick density; fine hair can achieve this look with added product and strategic cutting. Begin with long layers and subtle face-framing pieces using point-cutting to remove bulk and enhance movement. For styling, work on damp hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner followed by curl cream or mousse, then scrunch and diffuse on low–medium heat or air-dry for softer definition. Tools: wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, diffuser attachment for your dryer, a 3/4 curling wand for occasional touch-ups and a soft pick for root lift. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl cream or mousse, light oil/serum and flexible hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate—easy daily routine but requires correct layering and diffusing technique. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to keep shape, deep-condition weekly, refresh waves with a water + leave-in mist, pineapple at night and sleep on silk to minimize frizz, and avoid brushing when hair is dry.

Textured Long Layers for Natural Loose Waves and Voluminous Curls

Suitable for naturally wavy to curly hair (2A–3B), medium to thick density and long lengths, this textured layered cut amplifies natural movement while reducing bulk. Salon technique: cut long, disconnected layers and soft face‑framing pieces on dry hair to see the true fall, then style by scrunching product into damp sections and diffusing on low/medium heat for lift and separation; use a medium barrel wand or finger‑coiling sparingly to refine pieces. Tools needed: sharp cutting shears, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips, spray bottle, blow dryer with diffuser, and a medium curling wand (optional). Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, lightweight leave‑in, curl cream or mousse for hold, sea‑salt or texturizing spray for separation, heat protectant, and a light hairspray for finish. Difficulty level: moderate — requires an experienced dry cut and basic diffusing technique; daily styling is straightforward after a few tries. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to remove weight and split ends, refresh second‑day waves with a mist and scrunch, sleep in a loose “pineapple” or on silk, avoid brushing when dry, and deep‑condition weekly to keep curls defined and frizz‑free.

Long Textured Beach Waves for Wavy to Curly Hair

Suitable for: This long, textured wave look flatters 2A-3B hair types and works best on medium to thick strands and shoulder-length to long hair. Fine hair can achieve similar volume with a root-boosting spray. Styling technique: Start on damp, towel-dried hair and work a lightweight leave-in conditioner through the lengths. Section hair and distribute a curl cream or mousse, then scrunch from ends toward roots. For more definition, twist 1-2 inch sections around your fingers and either air-dry or use a diffuser on low/medium heat. Finish by separating waves with your fingers and gently tugging at the roots for lift. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, microfiber towel or t-shirt, blow dryer with diffuser, clips, 1-inch curling wand (optional for touch-ups). Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl cream or lightweight mousse, light oil or serum, sea-salt spray for texture, and heat protectant if using heat. Difficulty level: Easy–moderate; basic scrunching and diffusing are salon-friendly for at-home styling. Maintenance tips: pineapple at night or use a silk pillowcase, refresh with water plus curl refresher or a small amount of leave-in, avoid brushing dry, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks.

Long Textured Shag with Curtain Bangs — Beachy Waves & Soft Layers

Long, layered shag with wispy curtain bangs and loose beachy waves that balances movement with face‑framing softness. Suitable for naturally wavy to loose‑curly hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with strategic layering and volume at the roots, while very tight curls will need longer length and modified layering. Cut technique: create long, graduated layers with point‑cut ends and a slightly razored fringe to remove bulk and add airy texture. Styling technique: work a lightweight mousse or curl‑enhancing cream through damp hair, scrunch and diffuse on medium heat or air‑dry for a relaxed finish; refine a few sections with a 1

Long Layered Tousled Waves with Face-Framing Curtain Fringe

This long, layered tousled wave with a soft face-framing curtain fringe flatters medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or loose-curly textures; fine hair can emulate the look with added layering and texturizing. The cut is built on long, blended layers with point‑cut ends to remove weight and create movement, plus a light curtain fringe to soften the face. To style: start on damp, towel-blotted hair. Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream or mousse from roots to ends. Scrunch and diffuse on low/medium heat using a diffuser attachment to encourage natural waves, or air-dry for a softer finish. For more defined S-shaped waves, wrap sections around a 1

Long Beachy Waves with Textured Layers for Natural Volume

This long, beachy wave style suits fine to medium hair and works well on thick hair when layered to remove bulk. The cut features long textured layers and subtle face-framing pieces that enhance movement and volume. Styling technique: start on towel-damped hair with a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray, scrunch and either diffuse on low heat or air-dry. For defined waves, wrap 1–1¼ sections around a curling wand (alternate directions and leave ends out for a lived-in look), then finger-comb and finish with a texturizing spray. Tools needed: diffuser attachment, 1–1¼ curling wand (or a flat iron), wide-tooth comb, clips for sectioning. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or salt spray, texturizing spray, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy–moderate — about 20–35 minutes depending on length and thickness; technique improves quickly with practice. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with a mist of sea-salt spray or dry shampoo between washes, sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the hair to preserve waves, trim every 8–12 weeks, and use a weekly deep-conditioning mask to prevent brassiness and dryness.

Long Voluminous Beachy Waves with Face‑Framing Layers and Natural Highlights

This look suits wavy to curly textures (2A–3B) and medium to thick hair best; fine hair can achieve similar volume with long layers or clip‑ins. Cut: long, blunt length with graduated face‑framing layers to reduce bulk and encourage natural movement. Styling technique: start on towel‑dried hair, apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner and a curl‑defining cream or mousse from mid‑lengths to ends. Scrunch hair upward and diffuse on low heat to set waves, or loosely twist 1–2 inch sections and air‑dry for softer definition. Use a small curling wand only to refine a few pieces around the face. Tools needed: diffuser, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips, 1-inch curling wand (optional). Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave‑in detangler, curl cream or mousse, sea‑salt or texture spray, lightweight oil/serum, flexible hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate—requires product layering and diffuser technique. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, refresh second‑day texture with water + curl cream or spray, pineapple at night on a silk pillowcase, and avoid brushing when dry to preserve definition.

Long Red Curly Layers with Face‑Framing Fringe

This look suits natural wavy to tight curly textures and medium to thick hair; fine hair can wear softened layers but will need strategic thinning and volumizing products. In the salon we cut on damp hair, using long graduated layers and a soft face‑framing fringe to remove bulk and enhance curl definition while maintaining length. Styling technique: apply a lightweight leave‑in and curl cream to soaking‑wet hair, detangle with a wide‑tooth comb, then scrunch and diffuse on low heat or air‑dry for best texture. Tools needed: professional shear set, thinning shear, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips, hairdryer with diffuser, microfiber towel or cotton tee. Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or light gel, heat protectant, and a weekly deep‑conditioning mask; use color‑safe formulas for red tones. Difficulty level: medium — styling is straightforward, but cutting layers for even curl fall is best done by an experienced stylist. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep condition weekly, refresh curls with a water/leave‑in spray, avoid brushing dry, sleep on a silk pillow or pineapple hair to preserve shape and color.

Long Beachy Waves with Soft Curtain Bangs

A salon-ready long layered cut with soft curtain bangs and loose beachy waves that flatters oval, heart and long face shapes. Best for medium to thick hair and for fine hair that’s been texturized or layered to add body. Start with a volumizing shampoo and a lightweight conditioner, then apply a heat protectant and a root-lift mousse while hair is damp. Blow-dry bangs with a medium round brush to shape the curtain, and rough-dry the lengths until about 90% dry. Create waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand or iron, wrapping alternating sections away from the face and leaving the ends soft for a lived-in look. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to break the curls, then set with a texturizing sea-salt spray and a light flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, curling wand, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root lift, smoothing serum, texturizing spray, light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires sectioning and timing. Maintenance: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh waves with a spritz of water + texturizer, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid to preserve shape.

Long Tousled Beach Waves with Natural Layers

This long, tousled beach-wave style works best on naturally wavy to medium-thick hair, or on straight hair pre-textured with thermal styling. Start on damp hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the mid-lengths and ends. Blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to enhance natural wave and add lift at the crown. Create loose, alternating S-shaped waves with a 1 curling wand or flat iron, leaving the ends out for a lived-in finish. Tousle with fingers and set with a light sea-salt or texture spray for separation, finishing with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain movement. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), 1 curling wand or flat iron, round brush, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt/texture spray, lightweight smoothing serum for ends, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — salon results are straightforward but benefit from practice. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, use hydrating shampoo/conditioner, refresh waves with water + texture spray, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz, and avoid heavy oils at the roots.

As a salon pro, I always recommend embracing your natural texture and choosing wavy styles that match your lifestyle. To keep waves looking their best, schedule trims every 8–12 weeks, deep-condition weekly if you use heat, and limit hot-tool use to prevent breakage. Always apply a heat protectant before styling, choose a barrel size that matches the wave size you want, and finish with a texturizing spray or light serum to define separation and tame frizz. For easy morning routines, sleep on a silk pillowcase or braid damp hair for natural waves. If you’re unsure which wave suits your face shape or hair density, book a consultation so your cut and color enhance the wave pattern. Use the 32 images in this post as inspiration and combine these pro care and styling tips to create healthy, effortless waves that last.