If you have wavy hair (Type 2A, 2B, or 2C), 2026 is officially your year. We’ve moved past the era of forcing our hair bone-straight or curling it into stiff ringlets. This year is all about that effortless, “I woke up like this” texture that looks undone yet expensive. Whether you want to embrace your natural pattern with an air-dry routine or polish things up for a luxe finish, wavy hair offers the best of both worlds: volume and manageability.
I’ve rounded up the 22 wavy hairstyles that are absolutely dominating Pinterest boards and salon requests right now. From the edgy Wavy Wolf Cut to the timeless Soft Romantic Waves, here is your ultimate inspiration guide for the year.
1. Soft Wavy Lob
This look is the definition of versatility. Sitting right at the shoulders, the Soft Wavy Lob offers enough length to tie back but is short enough to maintain plenty of volume. The waves here aren’t tight or rigid; they are loose, natural bends that feel modern, effortless, and incredibly chic for everyday wear.
To achieve this, ask your stylist for a blunt lob (long bob) to keep the ends looking thick, but request light, invisible layers throughout to encourage movement. Style it using a large-barrel curling wand, wrapping sections loosely and leaving the very ends straight. Finger-comb immediately to break up the pattern.
Maintenance is straightforward. Schedule trims every 8 weeks to keep the length hitting the shoulders perfectly. Use a texture spray on dry hair to keep the waves fresh and add a bit of grit so they hold all day.
2. Beachy Long Waves
This style captures the essence of summer, regardless of the season. Beachy Long Waves look relaxed, sun-kissed, and slightly undone, embodying that carefree 2026 energy. The goal is to avoid uniformity; different wave patterns mixed together create that authentic “just left the ocean” vibe.
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To get the look, you don’t need heat tools. Apply a high-quality sea-salt spray or sugar spray to damp hair. Flip your head upside down and scrunch the hair towards the scalp while diffusing on a low-heat setting. This encourages the natural wave pattern to clump and form without frizz.
Avoid heavy butters that weigh down the waves. Hydrate the ends regularly with a lightweight oil, as salt sprays can be drying. A weekly moisturizing mask keeps the texture soft, not crunchy.
3. Wavy Curtain Bangs
There is nothing quite as face-framing as a good set of curtain bangs paired with soft waves. This style softens the forehead and cheekbones, drawing attention right to your eyes. It gives any wavy cut a retro, 70s-inspired flair that feels incredibly romantic and stylish.
Ask your stylist for long, blended curtain bangs that taper down to the cheekbones or jawline. They should blend seamlessly into your layers. Styling is key here: use a round brush and blow dryer to sweep the bangs back and away from your face, while letting the rest of your waves air-dry or wand-curl.
You will need to style the bangs daily, even if you don’t do the rest of your hair. Schedule bang trims every 4 weeks to keep them out of your eyes and maintain the sweeping shape.
4. Textured Wavy Bob
If you want to go shorter, this bob is playful, airy, and full of movement. Unlike a sleek bob, the Textured Wavy Bob embraces the frizz and fluff slightly to create volume. It hits at chin-length and prevents the heavy “triangle” shape often associated with short wavy hair.
Request a chin-length cut with heavy, texture-focused layering to remove bulk from the bottom. To style, apply a volumizing mousse to wet roots and scrunch. Diffuse until 80% dry, then let it air dry the rest of the way to maximize the natural volume.
Refresh volume instantly with a dry texture spray or texturizing powder at the roots. Get trims every 6 weeks to keep the neckline clean and the bob from looking weighed down.
5. Wavy Butterfly Cut
The butterfly cut remains a top trend because it keeps length while adding massive volume. On wavy hair, it gives incredible lift at the crown and flow through the lengths. It mimics the shape of butterfly wings, with short layers framing the face and cascading into longer layers at the back.
Ask specifically for a butterfly cut that is tailored to your wave pattern (not a blowout cut). The layers should be short enough to spring up when wavy. Enhance the bounce by using lightweight styling creams that define the waves without gluing them together.
Maintain the bounce by avoiding heavy oils near the roots. Use a light hold hairspray to keep the face-framing “wings” sweeping away from the face. Trims are needed every 8-10 weeks to keep layers distinct.
6. Messy Wavy Shag
Cool, carefree, and totally Pinterest-famous, the shag is all about rebellious texture. It features choppy layers of various lengths and usually includes a fringe. It’s the perfect “I don’t care” look that actually looks amazing, giving you a rocker-chic aesthetic that works with your natural bedhead.
Ask for a shag with choppy layers throughout the crown and mid-lengths, along with heavy face-framing pieces. The key to styling is to do as little as possible. Apply a texture balm or salt spray and let it air-dry. Embrace the messiness—it’s the whole point!
This is a low-maintenance cut. Trims can be stretched to 10-12 weeks as the messy growth adds to the vibe. Use a dry shampoo to add grit and volume to the roots on non-wash days.
7. Glam Old-Hollywood Waves
For special occasions or when you just want to feel expensive, these waves are it. They feel polished, shiny, and timeless. Unlike the messy beach wave, this look is uniform, with every wave moving in the same direction to create a glossy, coherent “S” pattern.
You’ll need a curling iron for this. Curl all sections of your hair in the same direction (usually toward the face). Once the curls cool, brush them out softly with a boar bristle brush until they form a smooth wave. Apply a shine serum to eliminate any flyaways.
Set with a light-hold, flexible hairspray so the hair moves but retains the shape. Protect the style overnight by pin-curling the waves or using a silk bonnet to prevent friction frizz.
8. Wavy Wolf Cut
Edgy yet wearable, the Wolf Cut is a hybrid of the shag and the mullet. It adds significant volume up top with soft, tapered ends at the bottom. It’s perfect for wavy hair because the texture naturally fills out the shape, making it look deliberate and fashion-forward.
Ask for short layers on the crown to create a rounded volume, tapering into longer, thinner lengths below the shoulders. Diffuse gently, lifting the roots with your fingers to emphasize the top volume. Use a wax or paste to define the wispy ends.
Trim every 6-8 weeks to keep the shape sharp; otherwise, it can start to look just like grown-out layers. Use a root-lifting spray to ensure the top section stays voluminous and distinct from the bottom.
9. Natural Air-Dried Waves
This isn’t just a look; it’s a lifestyle shift. Natural Air-Dried Waves feel real, relaxed, and incredibly low-effort. By skipping the heat tools, you allow your hair’s health to recover, resulting in a unique pattern that is soft to the touch and perfectly imperfect.
The cut should be simple with long layers. The secret is the product application. Apply a high-quality air-dry cream or wave balm to soaking wet hair. Scrunch out excess water with a microfiber towel (or t-shirt) and then—this is crucial—don’t touch it until it’s dry.
Avoid heat damage to improve texture over time. Refresh in the morning with a fine mist of water and a tiny bit of leave-in conditioner. Focus on hair health masks to encourage clumping.
10. Wavy Mid-Length Cut
This length is the “Goldilocks” of wavy hair—not too short, not too long. It usually hits the collarbone or just below. It is easy, flattering on almost all face shapes, and endlessly versatile, allowing you to wear it down or throw it up in a clip.
Ask for a mid-length cut with soft, internal layers. These layers help remove bulk and enhance the wave flow without creating a choppy look. Keep the waves light by using foams or mousses rather than heavy creams, which can drag the wave down at this length.
Prevent buildup by using a clarifying shampoo bi-weekly, as product buildup is more visible at this length. Trims every 10 weeks are usually sufficient to keep the ends healthy.
11. Tousled Wavy Layers
If you love your length but hate the weight, this is the solution. Layers add movement and body without losing the overall length of the hair. The “tousled” aspect means the layers are blended to look windblown and dynamic rather than perfectly stacked.
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Request long, blended layers throughout the hair, starting from the chin down. To style, use a wide-barrel curling wand on random sections of hair, alternating directions. Run your fingers through the waves vigorously to break them up and create that tousled effect.
Deep condition the ends, as layers expose older parts of the hair. Use a texturizing spray to revive the volume throughout the day. Trims are needed to prevent the layers from looking stringy.
12. Wavy Blunt Cut
Contrasting wavy texture with a sharp, straight edge creates a look that feels clean, modern, and effortlessly chic. The Wavy Blunt Cut usually sits at the shoulder or lob length. The heavy bottom line makes fine wavy hair look significantly thicker and healthier.
Ask for a blunt perimeter with very subtle internal layers just to prevent “triangle head,” but keep the bottom line solid. Maintain the sleekness of the wave with a smoothing cream. You want the waves to be smooth and undulating, not frizzy, to contrast with the sharp cut.
This requires regular trims (every 6 weeks) to keep the blunt line crisp. Use a sealing oil on the ends to prevent them from looking frayed. Avoid over-texturizing the bottom.
13. Wavy Side Part
Gen Z might love the middle part, but the side part is back for 2026 with a vengeance. A deep side part adds instant drama and root volume to wavy hair. It creates a sweeping “peek-a-boo” effect over one eye that is mysterious and glamorous.
You don’t necessarily need a new cut for this, just a styling change. Create your waves first with your usual part. Then, flip your hair over to a deep side part. This “confuses” the roots, creating instant lift. Use a little hairspray to keep the heavy side in place.
Refresh the roots with a volume spray or dry shampoo, as the hair can get heavy on the parted side. You may need a bobby pin or texture spray to keep the “light” side tucked back.
14. Soft Romantic Waves
These waves feel feminine, gentle, and timeless. Unlike the beachy look, which is gritty, or the glam look, which is precise, Romantic Waves are soft and fluffy. They look touchable and dreamy, perfect for date nights or weddings.
Use a curling wand to curl the hair away from the face. The key is to brush lightly after curling to soften the ringlet into a fluffier wave, but stop before it loses shape. Keep the shine high and the feel soft by using a leave-in conditioner before styling.
Avoid crunchy hairsprays; use a flexible hold spray instead. Keep the hair hydrated with oils to maintain that soft, touchable feel. Protect from humidity to prevent the fluff from turning into frizz.
15. Wavy Pixie Grow-Out
Growing out a pixie can be awkward, but wavy hair makes it look intentional. Short waves look playful and modern during the transition phase. The texture hides the uneven lengths that happen during a grow-out, making it look like a stylish, textured crop.
Style with a texture paste or clay. Warm it between your hands and use your fingers to shape the waves, twisting small sections to define them. Keep the hair behind the ears or trim the mullet area to keep the structure clean while the top grows.
Trim the nape and edges every 4-5 weeks to keep the silhouette looking intentional, not overgrown. Use headbands or clips if the front pieces get unruly. Keep the texture defined with paste.
16. Wavy Long Layers
This is the quintessential “dream hair.” Long waves with layers feel effortless and flattering, cascading down the back with plenty of movement. The layers are essential to prevent the hair from dragging down the facial features and to encourage the wave pattern to spring up.
Ask for face-framing layers that start at the chin and long layers throughout the back to preserve the length. Deep condition weekly, as long wavy hair is prone to dryness and tangling. Style by air-drying or loosely curling large sections.
Focus on length retention; trim just the split ends every 12 weeks (“dusting”). Use a detangling spray before brushing to prevent breakage. Sleep in a loose braid or bun.
17. Wet-Look Waves
Glossy, “fresh out of the water” waves give high-fashion, runway vibes. This isn’t about looking greasy; it’s about looking intentionally saturated and sculpted. It’s a fantastic way to wear waves for a formal event or a night out in 2026.
Start with damp hair. Apply a generous amount of strong-hold gel mixed with a shine serum or hair oil. Comb it through to saturate, then scrunch gently to encourage the wave. Let it set completely without touching it.
Do not brush the hair once it is dry, or you will lose the wet effect and get frizz. Maintain the shine with a gloss spray. This style usually requires a wash to reset.
18. Wavy Bob with Bangs
This look feels youthful, stylish, and very Pinterest-worthy. A wavy bob hitting the jawline paired with fringe frames the face perfectly. The bangs can be straight, curtain, or wavy depending on your preference, but the combination is undeniably chic.
Ask for a bob with textured ends to avoid bulk, and soft bangs that blend into the sides. Style the bangs daily (they usually require a quick blow dry), but refresh the rest of the waves easily with a water mist and a scrunch.
Bangs require trims every 3-4 weeks. Use a lightweight dry shampoo on the bangs to prevent them from separating or looking oily. Keep the bob length consistent with trims every 6-8 weeks.
19. Loose Model-Off-Duty Waves
This style mimics the hair of a supermodel leaving a show—relaxed, barely-there waves that feel casual yet polished. It’s less defined than a beach wave and smoother than a shag. It whispers “expensive” without looking like you tried too hard.
Create this with a large barrel curling iron. Curl only the mid-sections of the hair, leaving the roots and ends straight. Minimal brushing is required; just shake it out with your hands. Maintain the texture with a dry texture spray, not a hairspray.
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Use a silk pillowcase to keep the hair smooth overnight. This look lasts for days; just refresh with a little dry shampoo at the roots. Avoid over-washing to maintain the “lived-in” texture.
20. Wavy Half-Up Style
This styling trick highlights your waves while lifting the face. It’s practical for keeping hair out of your eyes but lets you show off your length and texture. In 2026, the half-up look is loose and romantic, not tight and pulled back.
Pull the top section of your hair back loosely, starting from above the ears. Secure with a claw clip or a silk scrunchie. Pull a few face-framing wavy tendrils loose. Refresh the loose waves with a curl mist to ensure they match the top texture.
Avoid pulling the hair too tight to prevent tension breakage. Use accessories like bows or clips to dress it up. Spray the loose lengths with a shine spray.
21. Minimal Layer Waves
For those with fine wavy hair, too many layers can make the hair look thin. Minimal Layer Waves allow the hair to fall naturally and softly, appearing thicker and fuller. It’s a solid, heavy look that relies on the wave for interest rather than the cut.
Ask for a one-length cut or barely-there layering at the very bottom. Avoid over-styling with heat, as fine wavy hair damages easily. Hydrate the ends with a very lightweight oil (like argan) that won’t weigh the strands down.
Trim every 8 weeks to keep the ends thick. Volumize the roots with powder rather than teasing. focus on hair health to keep the single-length looking lush.
22. Luxe Defined Waves
These waves are the opposite of the messy trend. Defined, shiny, and separated, they feel polished and expensive. The goal here is high definition and zero frizz, creating a controlled wave pattern that looks sculpted.
This requires the “L.O.C.” method or similar layering. Apply a leave-in conditioner, then a wave cream, and finish with a light gel glaze. Diffuse carefully without touching the hair to set the cast. Scrunch out the crunch with oil once dry.
Protect this style religiously overnight with a silk or satin bonnet. Do not brush; finger coil any pieces that lose shape. Use a gloss spray for that extra expensive finish.
