Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over 10 years behind the chair. In this gallery I present 32 wavy hairstyles woman can wear, from undone beach waves to refined salon finishes. Wavy styles are incredibly versatile: they add volume to fine hair, soften strong angles on square faces, and create movement for medium-to-long lengths. You’ll find short textured waves, lob and bob variations, layered waves for density control, curtain-bang combos, and glam waves adapted for everyday wear. I’ll share pro techniques I use in the salon — when to cut layers for wave formation, best barrel sizes for different lengths, heat vs. heat-free options, and product choices like sea salt spray, light mousse, and thermal protectant. Whether you want a low-maintenance look or a polished style for events, these 32 images and my styling tips will help you pick the right cut and maintenance routine to keep your waves healthy and camera-ready.
Long Layered Beach Waves with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs
Suitable for long to mid-length hair with fine to thick textures and for clients with natural waves or straight hair who want added movement. Start with long, graduated layers and soft face-framing curtain bangs; style using a 1–1.25 curling wand or large-barrel iron. Work in 1–2 sections, wrap hair away from the face leaving the ends out for a lived-in finish, alternate directions on lower sections for texture, then finger-comb to break up curls. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, 1–1.25 curling wand, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips and a round brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse at roots, sea-salt or texturizing spray on mid-lengths, a light smoothing serum for ends, flexible-hold hairspray and dry shampoo for second-day lift. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling technique and 20–40 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to keep layers fresh, deep-condition weekly, refresh waves with a water + texturizer mist or quick wand touch-ups, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose topknot to preserve shape.
Long Voluminous Beachy Waves — Wavy to Curly Hair
This long, textured beach-wave look is ideal for natural wavy to loose-curly hair (type 2A–3A) and can be created on straighter hair with heat. In the salon I enhance natural pattern by working in layers to remove bulk and add movement. Styling technique: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to damp hair, scrunch in a salt or texturizing spray, then diffuse on low heat while scrunching or twist 1–2 inch sections and loosely wrap around a 1-inch curling wand for uniform waves. Tools needed: diffuser attachment, wide-tooth comb, 1 curling wand, sectioning clips and microfibre towel. Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave-in detangler, light mousse or curl cream, sea salt/texturizing spray, heat protectant and a light-hold hairspray or anti-frizz serum to finish. Difficulty: moderate — simple for naturally wavy hair, slightly more time-consuming on straight lengths. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep condition weekly, refresh waves with a water + leave-in mist, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose topknot, and avoid daily brushing to preserve texture.
Long Layered Shag with Curtain Bangs for Natural Wavy Texture
This long layered shag with soft curtain bangs is ideal for naturally wavy to curly hair and for those with medium to thick density who want volume without bulk. The salon cut uses face-framing long layers and texturizing (point-cutting or a razor) to break heaviness and encourage movement; curtain bangs are cut slightly longer to blend into the layers. For styling: work a small amount of curl cream or mousse into damp hair, scrunch from ends to roots, diffuse on low heat while cupping sections to enhance shape, or let air-dry and finish by twisting a few pieces with a 1 curling wand for polish. Tools needed: professional shears/razor, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb or Denman brush, blow-dryer with diffuser, 1 curling wand. Products required: sulfate-free cleanser, lightweight conditioner, leave-in curl cream or mousse, heat protectant, light texturizing spray, and an anti-frizz serum. Difficulty: Intermediate — the cut should be done by a stylist; daily styling is straightforward (10–15 minutes). Maintenance: trims every 8–12 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, refresh curls with water + leave-in or refresher spray, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid over-brushing to preserve shape.
Long Layered Voluminous Curls with Face‑Framing Layers
Suitability: Ideal for wavy to curly hair (approx. 2B–3C) and medium to thick densities; fine hair can wear this cut but ask for lighter, subtler layers to avoid frizz. Salon cut: long, blended layers with face‑framing pieces beginning around the chin to open the face and remove weight from the ends. Styling technique: Work on damp, detangled hair. Apply a leave‑in and curl cream from mid‑lengths to ends, then scrunch to encourage clump formation. Either plop briefly or diffuse on low/medium heat with the head tilted to create lift at the roots; finish by separating curls with fingers for shape. Tools needed: wide‑tooth comb, microfiber towel or t‑shirt (plopping), hair clips, diffuser attachment, 1 curling wand for isolated touch‑ups, spray bottle for refreshing. Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, rich conditioner, leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, light oil/serum, flexible hairspray or salt/texturizing spray. Difficulty level: Moderate — basic routine is quick but achieving consistent clumps and volume takes practice. Maintenance tips: Trim every 8–12 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, sleep on a silk pillow or “pineapple,” and refresh curls with water + leave‑in or curl refresher instead of brushing.
Long Layered Cut with Voluminous Natural Curls
This long, layered style showcases soft, face‑framing layers and voluminous, natural curls — best suited to medium‑to‑thick hair and naturally wavy or curly textures. For fine hair, ask your stylist for deeper layers and strategic texturizing to add lift; for very coarse curls, increase moisture in the routine. The salon technique: cut in long, graduated layers with point‑cutting or slide‑cut methods to remove weight while preserving curl shape and movement. Styling technique: work on damp hair — apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, follow with a curl cream or mousse, then use a wide‑tooth comb to distribute product and scrunch sections upward. Diffuse on low heat while lifting at the roots for volume, or air dry for softer texture; spot‑curl a few pieces with a 1
Long Textured Beach Waves — Layered Blonde Waves for Thick, Wavy Hair
This long, layered beach-wave style suits naturally wavy to curly hair and medium-to-thick textures — finer hair can still wear it with added layering and root lift. To style, start on freshly washed, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant, a lightweight mousse or curl cream, and a sea-salt spray at roots and mid-lengths. Diffuse with a dryer and a wide-tooth pick to build volume, or let air-dry until slightly damp. For definition, use a 1–1.25 curling wand to wrap alternating sections loosely, leaving the last inch free for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, 1–1.25 curling wand, wide-tooth comb, duckbill clips, and a vent brush. Products required: heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, lightweight finishing oil or serum, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — basic wand skills and sectioning make this achievable at home. Maintenance tips: refresh with a water + leave-in spray, pineapple at night or use a silk pillowcase, trim every 8–12 weeks, and deep-condition weekly to preserve shine and control frizz.
Long Natural Beachy Waves with Face-Framing Layers
Designed for natural wavy to curly textures and medium-to-thick hair, this long, layered beachy wave look uses face-framing layers to add movement without sacrificing length. Ask your stylist for long, blended layers cut on dry hair so the shape follows your natural wave pattern. To style at home, towel-dry with a microfibre cloth, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream or mousse through mid-lengths and ends. Use a diffuser on low heat while scrunching to enhance waves, or twist small sections around a 1 curling wand for more uniform pieces. Finish with a sea-salt spray for texture and a few drops of lightweight oil on ends to tame frizz. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, diffuser-equipped blow dryer, curling wand, clips, microfibre towel. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, lightweight conditioner, leave-in, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt spray, light oil/serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: medium — achievable at home with practice. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, refresh with water + leave-in or mousse, sleep on silk, avoid brushing dry to prevent frizz, and deep-condition weekly if hair feels dry.
Long Layered Waves with Soft Curtain Fringe
This long, layered wave with a soft curtain fringe works best on naturally wavy to curly hair and medium to thick textures. The cut is built on long face‑framing layers to remove bulk and encourage movement, with a lightly texturized fringe that can be trimmed to suit forehead height. Styling technique: start on towel‑dried hair, apply a leave‑in conditioner and a curl‑enhancing cream or lightweight mousse, then scrunch from ends to roots. Diffuse on low heat or air‑dry for natural shape; finish by defining a few pieces with a 1 curling wand, alternating directions for a lived‑in look. Tools needed: professional shears and thinning shears (for the cut), wide‑tooth comb, diffuser, 1 curling wand, sectioning clips, round brush for blowout refinements. Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave‑in detangler, curl cream/mousse, heat protectant, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, light hair oil, flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — cutting the fringe and balanced layers is best left to a stylist; daily styling is straightforward. Maintenance: trim layers and ends every 8–12 weeks, bang touch‑ups every 4–6 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, refresh waves with water + leave‑in or a light mist, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Long Layered Beachy Waves for Wavy to Curly Hair
This long, layered beachy-wave look is ideal for natural wavy to curly hair (2A–3B) and medium-to-thick textures. The cut features long, face‑framing layers to remove bulk and encourage movement while maintaining length. Styling: start on damp, towel‑squeezed hair; apply a leave‑in conditioner, then a curl‑defining cream or light mousse from roots to ends. Use the squish‑to‑condish method and either plop for 10–20 minutes or diffuse on low heat while cupping sections to enhance S‑shaped waves. For pieces that need more definition, twist small sections around a 1–1.25 curling wand and finger‑loosen. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, diffuser attachment, curling wand, clips and a spray bottle for spot misting. Products: sulfate‑free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave‑in, curl cream or light gel, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, lightweight oil for shine and heat protectant. Difficulty: moderate — straightforward once you master drying and scrunching technique. Maintenance: trims every 8–12 weeks to prevent weight drag, weekly deep conditioning, refresh with water + curl refresher or leave‑in, sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple, and avoid brushing when dry to preserve shape.
Long Beachy Waves with Face‑Framing Layers
This relaxed, textured long-wave look suits natural wavy to straight hair and works best on medium to thick density. Fine hair can wear it with added internal layering or lightweight clip‑in pieces for body. The cut: long, soft layers and subtle face‑framing pieces to remove weight and encourage movement. Styling technique: work on damp hair—apply heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, then rough‑dry with a diffuser or air‑dry while scrunching to enhance natural texture. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand on random 2–3 sections, wrapping away from the face and leaving ends loose for an undone finish. Finger‑comb and set with sea‑salt/texturizing spray, add a root lift powder if needed, and finish with a flexible‑hold hairspray and a drop of lightweight oil on the ends. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, curling wand, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, sea‑salt/texturizer, dry shampoo, flexible hairspray, lightweight oil. Difficulty: easy–moderate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and sea spray between washes, sleep in a loose braid or on a silk pillowcase, deep‑condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep layers defined.
Long Layered Beach Waves with Curtain Fringe — Soft Textured Brown
An on-trend long-layered cut with face-framing curtain fringe and soft beachy waves. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair and natural waves; fine hair can wear this look with added layering and root-lifting products, while very curly hair may need relaxed shaping. The cut: long, graduated layers through the mid-lengths and ends with a soft curtain fringe to open the face. Styling: towel-dry, apply heat protectant and lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray, rough-dry with fingers or diffuser to preserve texture, then take 1–1.25 curling wand sections, wrapping alternately away/toward the face and leaving ends slightly undone. Break up waves with fingers and finish with a texturizing spray and light shine serum. Tools: hairdryer (diffuser/nozzle), 1–1.25 curling wand or flat iron, clips, wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or salt spray, lightweight styling cream, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — 20–30 minutes for long hair. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, refresh waves with misting/sea-spray, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid to reduce frizz.
Long Layered Tousled Waves – Natural Beachy Texture
This long, layered, tousled wave is ideal for medium-to-thick hair and for natural wavy or loose-curly textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added volume. The cut uses long face-framing layers to remove bulk and encourage movement while maintaining length. Styling: start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a lightweight leave-in on the lengths. Diffuse or air-dry until about 80% dry, then use a 1 curling wand to create loose S-shaped waves—wrap alternating sections away from and toward the face and leave the ends softer for a lived-in finish. Break up curls with your fingers and finish with a sea-salt texturizing spray and a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, 1 curling wand or flat iron, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, lightweight leave-in conditioner, texturizing/sea-salt spray, light smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium for at-home styling; expect 45–60 minutes. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, use a weekly deep conditioner, refresh waves with water plus texturizer or low-heat touch-ups, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid to preserve texture.
Long Layered Natural Waves with Curtain Fringe
Suitability: Best for wavy to curly hair types (2A–3B); also works on medium-density straight hair when textured with heat. Long layers and a soft curtain fringe create movement without sacrificing length. Styling technique: Start with damp, towel-squeezed hair. Apply a light leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream from mid-lengths to ends. For natural texture, scrunch and diffuse on low heat until 80% dry; alternatively, use a 1–1.25 curling wand to add randomized S-shaped waves and soften the fringe by wrapping pieces away from the face. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, clips, diffuser-equipped blow dryer, 1–1.25 curling wand, and a boar-bristle or paddle brush for smoothing the fringe. Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, lightweight conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl cream or mousse, heat protectant, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a few drops of hair oil for shine. Difficulty level: Moderate — basic diffusing and wand work; requires practice to balance volume and definition. Maintenance tips: trim layers and fringe every 8–12 weeks, refresh curls with a water + curl cream mist, pineapple at night or use a silk pillowcase, and deep-condition monthly to prevent frizz.
Long Layered Tousled Waves with Curtain Fringe
Salon-style long, layered tousled waves with a soft curtain fringe that flatter oval and heart-shaped faces. Best for medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or straight hair that can hold texture; fine hair can achieve a similar look with added layering and volumizing products. Cut: long, blended layers and face-framing curtain bangs cut with point-cutting or a razor for movement. Styling: start on towel-dried hair after a lightweight leave-in, apply heat protectant and a texturizing sea-salt or spray mousse. Use a diffuser to enhance natural waves or wrap sections around a 1–1.5 inch curling wand, alternating directions for undone texture. Scrunch and cool, then finish with a salt spray and light-hold hairspray. Run fingers through to separate waves. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, 1–1.5 inch curling wand, wide-tooth comb, cutting shears/razor (stylist). Products: sulfate-free shampoo, lightweight conditioner, leave-in, heat protectant, texturizer, light hairspray, occasional smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — 10–20 minutes daily. Maintenance: trims every 8–12 weeks, weekly deep-condition, dry shampoo between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect waves.
Classic Voluminous Vintage Waves for Medium-Length Hair
Suitable for medium to thick hair textures — natural waves, loose curls, or straight hair treated for body — this polished vintage-inspired voluminous wave adds Hollywood glamour while remaining wearable. Begin on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse applied through mid-lengths; blow-dry using a round brush to build volume at the crown. Create a deep side part, then work in 1–1.25-inch sections and set S-shaped waves with a 1-inch curling iron or hot rollers, directing curls away from the face. For longer-lasting hold, set each curl with a clip or pin while cooling. Once cooled, gently brush through with a boar-bristle or bristle-tufted brush and shape with a tail comb to form sculpted waves. Finish with a lightweight smoothing serum at the ends and a medium-hold hairspray for flexible hold; add a shine mist sparingly for a glossy look. Tools: round brush, 1 curling iron or hot rollers, clips, paddle/boar brush, tail comb. Products: heat protectant, root mousse, lightweight styling cream, medium-hold hairspray, shine spray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and shaping. Maintenance: refresh with water or curl-refresh spray and a little cream, sleep on silk or use a loose silk scarf, touch up front pieces with a small iron as needed, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 8–10 weeks to keep ends healthy.
Medium Layered Cut with Curtain Bangs and Loose Beach Waves
This medium-length layered cut with soft curtain bangs and loose beach waves suits straight to wavy hair best and adapts well to medium and thick textures. Fine hair can wear this style with lighter layering and root-lifting products; very tight curls will require stretching or a longer dry styling step. To style: work on towel-dried hair, apply a heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse, then rough-dry with a diffuser or round brush to build body. Create waves with a 1
Long Layered Natural Curls with Soft Fringe
This look suits wavy-to-curly hair (2B–3B) and medium to thick density—layers remove bulk while enhancing natural bounce, and a soft, textured fringe frames the face. For the cut, request dry shaping from a stylist so curls fall naturally; long layers with face-framing graduation and point-cut ends prevent a blunt, triangular silhouette. At home, wash with a sulfate-free shampoo and generous conditioner, then apply a lightweight leave-in detangler, curl cream for definition, and a small amount of styling gel to hold shape. Styling technique: detangle in the shower with a wide-tooth comb, scrunch product in with hands, then “plop” or diffuse on low heat while cupping curls to encourage shape and reduce frizz. Tools needed: professional shear set (stylist), thinning shears for weight reduction, wide-tooth comb, microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt, diffuser attachment, and a blow dryer with low-heat settings. Difficulty level: medium—cutting is best left to pros; daily styling is straightforward. Maintenance tips: trim layers every 8–12 weeks, refresh fringe every 4–6 weeks, deep condition weekly, sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple hair, and revive curls with a water/leave-in spray between washes.
Long Layered Beach Waves — Natural Textured Wavy Hairstyle
This look is perfect for naturally wavy hair (2A–2C) and works well on medium to thick densities; fine hair can achieve similar shape with added layering and root lift. The cut features long, blended layers and subtle face-framing to reduce bulk and enhance movement. Styling technique: work with damp hair — apply a lightweight leave-in and a curl-enhancing mousse or cream, then use a diffuser on low heat while scrunching to boost natural wave pattern. For definition, wrap select pieces around a 1–1.25 in curling wand and finger-comb to blend. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, wide-tooth comb, curling wand, sectioning clips, and a soft-bristle brush for smoothing at the roots. Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave-in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt spray for texture, lightweight oil or serum, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy to moderate — requires basic technique to enhance waves but no advanced skills. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to remove split ends, deep-condition weekly, pineapple at night or use a silk pillowcase, and refresh with water + curl refresher or a small amount of mousse instead of daily heat.
Textured Wavy Layered Bob with Curtain Fringe
This tousled, layered bob with a soft curtain fringe suits fine to medium natural waves and can be adapted for straight or thicker hair. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a sea-salt or texture spray through the mid-lengths and ends. Blow-dry with a diffuser for natural wave or use a round brush to lift the roots for extra volume; for more defined pieces, wrap random 1–1.25 inch sections around a curling wand away from the face, leaving ends loose for a lived-in finish. Tools: hairdryer with diffuser, 1 curling wand (or flat iron), round brush, wide-tooth comb and sectioning clips. Products: root lifter or mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, small amount of smoothing cream or hair oil for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — expect 10–20 minutes to style after practice. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks to keep shape and remove weight, use a hydrating shampoo/conditioner, protect from heat, refresh second-day texture with dry shampoo and a light spritz of texturizer, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Layered Shoulder-Length Curly Cut with Face‑Framing Layers
Suitable for natural wavy to curly (2B–3C) textures and medium to thick hair; fine hair may need additional layering or texturizing to create the same volume. Cut using dry, point-cutting techniques to respect each curl’s shrinkage — shoulder length with graduated, face‑framing layers softens the jawline and removes bulk. On damp hair, apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, then work a curl‑defining cream through mid-lengths to ends; scrunch to encourage curl clumping. Either plop for 10–20 minutes or diffuse on low heat with a diffuser while cupping curls to preserve shape and reduce frizz. Tools: professional cutting shears, thinning shears, wide‑tooth comb, clips, microfiber towel or cotton T‑shirt, and a diffuser. Recommended products: sulfate‑free moisturizing shampoo, rich conditioner, leave‑in detangler, curl cream, light-hold gel for definition, and a lightweight oil or serum for shine. Difficulty: moderate — requires an experienced stylist for the initial cut, but everyday styling is straightforward. Maintenance: trims every 8–12 weeks, weekly deep conditioning, refresh second‑day curls with a water/leave‑in mist and scrunch, and sleep on silk or in a loose pineapple to protect the shape.
Long Layered Natural Curls with Face‑Framing Volume
Suitable for naturally wavy to curly hair (2B–3C), this long layered cut enhances curl definition and lightweight volume while keeping length. Salon technique: start with long, graduated layers and subtle face‑framing to reduce bulk and encourage spring without removing overall weight. For styling, work on towel‑damped hair: detangle with a wide‑tooth comb, apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, then a curl cream or medium‑hold mousse evenly through sections. Use finger‑raking and scrunching to shape curls, diffuse on low heat upside‑down for extra lift or air‑dry for softer texture. Tools needed: wide‑tooth comb, diffuser attachment, hair clips for sectioning, and professional cutting shears for clean layered shaping. Recommended products: sulfate‑free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave‑in detangler, curl cream or mousse, light gel for hold, and a few drops of lightweight oil or serum to tame frizz. Difficulty: moderate — easy daily styling once cut correctly, but requires product knowledge to avoid weighing down curls. Maintenance tips: refresh with water + leave‑in or curl refresher spray, “pineapple” at night on a silk pillowcase, deep‑condition weekly, and schedule trims every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape and remove split ends.
Textured Curly Bob with Soft Fringe — Tousled Short Curls
This textured curly bob with a soft fringe is designed for natural waves and curls but can be adapted for straight hair with heat styling. Best suited to fine-to-medium textured hair that benefits from internal layering, or thicker hair when weight is removed via long layers to maintain shape and reduce bulk. The salon cut is a chin-length bob with subtle internal layers and a slightly rounded silhouette; the fringe is point-cut and softened to blend into the sides. To style: towel-blot damp hair, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and curl cream, then scrunch to encourage formation. Diffuse on low heat for natural volume, or define pieces with a 25–32mm curling wand, alternating directions for a tousled look. Tools: blow dryer with diffuser, curling wand, wide-tooth comb, and hair clips. Products: leave-in, heat protectant, curl cream or light mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a dab of lightweight oil for ends. Difficulty: moderate — quick once you master scrunching and diffusing. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, weekly deep conditioning, refresh curls with water + leave-in spray, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid brushing dry to preserve shape.
Long Layered Beach Waves — Voluminous Texture for Thick Wavy/Curly Hair
This long layered beach-wave look is tailored for thick, naturally wavy to curly hair (2A–3B) and for anyone wanting maximum volume with soft, defined texture. Start with a salon cut that removes bulk through long layers and face‑framing pieces to prevent a triangular silhouette. On damp hair, apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, followed by a curl cream or mousse distributed with a wide‑tooth comb. Scrunch hair from ends to roots and diffuse on low–medium heat, flipping the head occasionally to build lift at the roots. For added definition, wrap a few random sections around a 1 curling wand (away from the face) and finger‑separate when cool. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, diffuser‑equipped blow dryer, 1 curling wand, clips. Products: sulfate‑free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave‑in, curl cream or light mousse, sea‑salt spray for texture, lightweight oil/serum, flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–40 minutes depending on density. Maintenance: pineapple at night or use a silk/satin pillowcase, refresh with water + curl cream or spray, deep condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks. Avoid brushing when dry to retain shape.
Textured Curly Bob with Face‑Framing Layers
This tousled curly bob works best on natural waves to medium-tight curls and medium to thick hair densities — fine hair can wear it with added layers and volumizing product. The salon technique starts with a blunt bob base and graduated, face‑framing layers cut with point‑cutting to remove bulk and enhance spring. For styling, apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then scrunch and diffuse with a blow dryer on low heat to set natural curl pattern. For a more defined look, wrap 1
Long Layered Tousled Waves with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs
Suitability: Best for natural wavy to curly hair and medium-to-thick textures; can be adapted for finer hair with added layering or light texturizing. Styling technique: Ask your stylist for long, graduated layers and soft face‑framing curtain bangs. At home, enhance the shape by applying a leave‑in or curl cream to damp hair, then either diffuse on low heat while scrunching for a lived‑in wave, or rough‑blow dry with a round brush to create lift at the roots and finish with a large‑barrel wand to refine a few pieces. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, large (1–1.5 inch) curling wand or round brush, sectioning clips, wide tooth comb. Products required: hydrating shampoo/conditioner, lightweight leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, heat protectant, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, lightweight oil or serum, light hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Intermediate — straightforward with practice, about 20–35 minutes to style. Maintenance tips: Trim every 8–12 weeks to keep layers fresh, deep‑condition weekly, refresh waves with water + leave‑in or a light texturizer between washes, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy products that weigh hair down.
Long Tousled Beach Waves for Wavy to Curly Hair
This voluminous, tousled beach-wave look is ideal for natural waves to loose curls (hair types 2A–3B) and works best on medium to thick density and longer lengths. Start on damp, towel‑blotted hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner and a curl‑defining cream or mousse from mid-lengths to ends. Rough‑dry with a diffuser on low heat while scrunching to enhance natural texture, or air‑dry for a softer finish. For added definition, wrap random sections around a 1″ curling wand away from the face, leaving the ends a bit undone for a modern, lived-in feel. Tools needed: hairdryer with diffuser, 1″ curling wand, wide-tooth comb, clips and a paddle brush for smoothing at the crown. Recommended products: sulfate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a small amount of hair oil for ends. Difficulty level: easy–medium — basic blow-dry and scrunching skills, and a little wand practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or “pineapple” hair, refresh waves with water + leave-in or a lightweight spray, avoid brushing when dry, and trim every 8–12 weeks to prevent split ends.
Long Textured Beach Waves with Curtain Bangs
This look is a salon-friendly, lived-in beach wave with long layers and a soft curtain fringe. It suits fine to medium hair best — layers lighten weight and add movement — but can also be tailored for thicker hair by graduating the lengths. For naturally wavy or slightly curly hair, a diffuser blow-dry enhances texture; for straight hair, create loose S-shaped waves with a 1–1.25
Long Textured Shag with Curtain Bangs and Beachy Waves
This long textured shag with soft curtain bangs and beachy waves suits fine to medium-thick hair and enhances natural wave or loose curl patterns. The cut uses long, face-framing layers and razored ends to create movement and reduce bulk. Styling technique: apply a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray to damp hair, rough-dry with fingers using a diffuser to boost natural texture, then define larger waves with a 1–1.25” curling wand or a flat iron by twisting 2–3 inch sections away from the face. Finish by scrunching in a salt or texturizing spray and separating pieces with fingers for a lived-in look. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, 1”–1.25” curling wand or flat iron, wide-tooth comb, round brush for bangs, and good cutting shears (salon cut). Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray, texturizing spray, smoothing serum for ends, and dry shampoo. Difficulty level: moderate — requires a precision layered cut by a stylist; daily styling is quick (10–20 minutes). Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to keep layers fresh, use a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz, refresh texture with dry shampoo, and deep-condition weekly to preserve shine.
Long Tousled Waves with Face‑Framing Curtain Fringe and Textured Layers
This look is ideal for natural wavy to curly textures and for straight hair that’s willing to hold a soft curl. The cut uses long, graduated layers and face‑framing curtain fringe to reduce bulk at the top and encourage movement through the lengths. Styling begins on damp hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner and a curl‑defining cream or mousse evenly from mid‑lengths to ends. Diffuse on low heat while scrunching to enhance natural wave formation, or allow to air dry for softer texture. Use a 1″ curling wand on random sections to refine pieces and add separation where needed. Tools: diffuser, wide‑tooth comb, 1″ curling wand, sectioning clips, silk scrunchie. Products: moisturizing sulfate‑free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave‑in, curl cream/mousse, sea‑salt spray for texture, light oil for ends, flexible hairspray. Difficulty: medium — easy to maintain day‑to‑day if you have natural wave; achieving the balanced fringe and layers is best done by a stylist. Maintenance tips: trim layers and fringe every 8–12 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, refresh with water + curl cream or texturizer, and sleep on silk to minimize frizz.
Long Voluminous Loose Waves with Face‑Framing Layers
This look is ideal for medium to thick hair and for naturally wavy or straight hair that can hold shape. Long layers and face‑framing pieces create movement and reduce bulk so waves sit soft and airy. Styling technique: start on towel‑dried hair with a root lifter or volumizing mousse, rough‑dry with a nozzle while lifting at the roots with your fingers or a medium round brush. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand to wrap mid‑shaft sections away from the face, leaving the ends out for a modern, lived‑in finish. Alternate directions for texture, cool completely, then gently finger‑comb or use a wide‑tooth comb to break up the curls. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, medium round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, sectioning clips, wide‑tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, light flexible hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — expect 25–40 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of water or texturizer, re‑curl a few pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and trim every 8–10 weeks to keep layers shaping correctly.
Long Layered Beach Waves with Side‑Swept Bangs
This look works best on naturally wavy to curly hair (2A–3B) and medium to thick density; fine hair can wear it with added layering and root volume. The salon technique is a blunt-long layered cut with face‑framing layers and soft, side‑swept bangs, finished with texturizing shears on the ends to create separation and movement. For styling, apply a leave‑in conditioner and a curl‑enhancing cream to damp hair, scrunch to encourage waves, then dry with a diffuser on low heat or air‑dry for more natural texture. Tools needed: professional shears, texturizing scissors, wide‑tooth comb, diffuser attachment, and a 1–1.25 in curling wand for touchups. Products required: hydrating shampoo + conditioner, lightweight curl cream or mousse, sea‑salt spray or texture spray, heat protectant, and light‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — the cut requires a stylist experienced with layers for waves, but daily styling is straightforward (10–15 minutes). Maintenance: trim every 8–10 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, refresh curls with water + curl cream, avoid brushing when dry, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Long Loose Beach Waves with Caramel Balayage and Face‑Framing Layers
This look suits medium to long lengths and flatters straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures—fine hair benefits from a root lift, while thick hair looks best with long layers to remove bulk. Styling technique: work with dry hair; section into top and bottom halves, wrap 1–1.25” sections around a curling wand leaving the last 1–2 inches out for relaxed ends, alternate direction for natural movement, and curl away from the face on both sides. Let curls cool, then break them up with fingers for loose beach waves. Tools needed: 1–1.25” curling wand (or clampless iron), sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb or fingers, blow dryer with nozzle for prep. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root lifter (optional), sea-salt or texturizing spray, smoothing serum for shine, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — takes 25–45 minutes depending on density. Maintenance tips: refresh waves with a light mist of water or texturizing spray and scrunch, dry-shampoo roots between washes, deep-condition weekly if hair is color-treated, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep layers and ends healthy.
Wavy hairstyles are one of my favorite go-tos because they suit most textures and lifestyles. For the best results, start with a tailored cut that enhances your natural wave pattern — ask your stylist for strategic layers rather than blunt removal of weight. At home, use a sulfate-free shampoo, a hydrating conditioner, and a weekly mask based on your porosity. Style with a heat protectant; diffuse on low heat or use a 1–1.5 barrel iron for defined waves, and finish with a light cream or flexible-hold spray to avoid stiffness. To preserve shape, sleep on silk, loosely braid, or use a silk bonnet. If you’re unsure which of the 32 looks fits your face shape and routine, book a consultation — I’ll assess density, growth patterns, and lifestyle to craft waves that are easy to maintain and flattering every day. — Lena