Wavy hair is one of the most versatile and effortlessly stylish textures. It offers volume, bounce, and movement — without the need for hours of styling. Whether your waves are natural or heat-styled, this texture is a beautiful foundation for looks that are romantic, edgy, casual, or polished.
In this article, we’ll explore five of the best hairstyles for wavy hair, with detailed tutorials, style tips, and variations that work for different lengths, occasions, and vibes. Whether you’re heading to work, brunch, or a weekend getaway, these looks are designed to celebrate your waves — not fight them.
1. Half-Up Crown Twist
💡 Why It Works:
This ethereal, face-framing style is perfect for showcasing your waves while keeping hair out of your eyes. It’s soft, romantic, and works just as well for casual coffee dates as it does for weddings or photoshoots.
✨ How to Style:
- Part your hair in the middle or slightly to one side.
- From each temple, take a 2-inch section of hair.
- Gently twist each section toward the back of your head.
- Join both twists at the back with a small clear elastic or a decorative barrette.
- Tug lightly at the twists to create volume and softness.
- Optional: Add a few curls with a wand to enhance the texture.
🛠️ Tools Needed:
- Texturizing spray or sea salt spray
- Bobby pins or clear elastic
- Curling wand (optional)
🔁 Variations:
- Add tiny braids to each twist for a boho vibe.
- Use a pearl or floral clip for weddings and events.
- Twist only one side and tuck it behind the ear for a modern, asymmetrical look.
2. Messy Low Bun with Face-Framing Waves
💡 Why It Works:
This style gives off effortless elegance — like you just rolled out of bed fabulous. It’s perfect for second or third-day hair, and your waves add just the right amount of volume and movement to the bun.
✨ How to Style:
- Loosely gather your hair at the nape of your neck.
- Twist the hair into a bun and secure with a scrunchie or bobby pins.
- Leave out a few strands in the front and around your ears.
- Use a curling wand to gently enhance the front pieces if needed.
- Finish with light-hold hairspray or a misting of shine spray.
🛠️ Tools Needed:
- Soft scrunchie or bobby pins
- Curling wand (optional for face-framing strands)
- Hairspray or texture cream
🔁 Variations:
- Add a scarf or silk ribbon around the bun.
- Position the bun to one side for a playful, Parisian feel.
- Use a claw clip for an even more relaxed version.
3. Voluminous Wavy Ponytail
💡 Why It Works:
The ponytail gets a glam makeover when styled with wavy hair. It’s a quick fix that still looks styled and intentional — ideal for hot days, workouts, or Zoom meetings.
✨ How to Style:
- Flip your head and lightly brush your hair with your fingers to maintain texture.
- Gather your hair into a mid or high ponytail and secure with a hair tie.
- Wrap a small strand of hair around the base to hide the elastic.
- Backcomb the ponytail lightly to boost volume.
- Define the ends with a curling wand or scrunch with mousse for extra wave.
🛠️ Tools Needed:
- Hair tie
- Teasing brush or wide-tooth comb
- Texturizing mousse or spray
🔁 Variations:
- Try a bubble ponytail by adding elastics down the length.
- Add a scrunchie or bow for a retro twist.
- Leave a small section out and braid it for a playful detail.
4. Side Braid with Loose Waves
💡 Why It Works:
This look blends the casual charm of a braid with the flowy softness of wavy hair. It’s great for warm days, long hours, or when you want something boho-chic that holds all day.
✨ How to Style:
- Part your hair to one side.
- Sweep all your hair over one shoulder.
- Braid loosely from just below the ear — choose a regular, fishtail, or rope braid.
- Secure with an elastic and tug gently at the braid to loosen and add volume.
- Let the shorter pieces and layers fall naturally around your face and neckline.
🛠️ Tools Needed:
- Clear elastic band
- Optional: Curling wand for added definition
- Sea salt spray or flexible hairspray
🔁 Variations:
- Add hair rings or beads into the braid for an edgy vibe.
- French braid from the temple and merge it into the side braid for a more intricate look.
- Incorporate a ribbon or thread through the braid for added color.
5. Textured Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves
💡 Why It Works:
Curtain bangs are having a major moment — and they pair beautifully with wavy textures. This look gives vintage glam with a modern, wearable feel.
✨ How to Style:
- Start with clean or second-day waves.
- If your curtain bangs are flat, use a round brush and blow-dry them away from your face.
- Use a curling wand to add extra volume to the crown and define pieces that need shaping.
- Finish with dry shampoo or root spray for volume and grit.
🛠️ Tools Needed:
- Round brush and blow dryer (for bangs)
- Curling wand or iron
- Volumizing or texturizing spray
🔁 Variations:
- Pin back curtain bangs with barrettes for a retro look.
- Pull the top half of your hair into a small bun or clip for a half-up variation.
- Add a deep side part for a 90s supermodel vibe.
💬 Bonus Tips for Styling Wavy Hair
- Start with moisture: Use leave-in conditioner or curl creams to define waves before styling.
- Work with your texture, not against it: Wavy hair looks best when slightly messy and undone.
- Sleep smart: Pineapple your waves or use a silk pillowcase to preserve the pattern overnight.
- Dry naturally or diffuse: Air-drying or low-heat diffusing helps waves form with less frizz.
- Avoid brushing dry hair: Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage and frizz.
🧴 Recommended Products for Wavy Hair Styling
| Product Type | What It Does | Top Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Curl Cream | Defines and smooths waves | Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk |
| Sea Salt Spray | Adds texture and beachy volume | Ouai Wave Spray |
| Lightweight Oil | Controls frizz and adds shine | Verb Ghost Oil |
| Flexible Hold Hairspray | Sets waves without stiffness | Moroccanoil Luminous Spray |
| Diffuser Attachment | Enhances natural waves with even heat | DevaCurl DevaFuser |
Final Thoughts
Wavy hair is the perfect canvas for hairstyles that are effortless, dimensional, and full of life. With the right cuts, techniques, and styling products, your natural waves can do more than just behave — they can shine.
Whether you’re in the mood for a breezy braid, a romantic half-up twist, or a messy bun that still looks chic, these five hairstyles will help you feel confident, styled, and effortlessly cool — every day of the week.