Looking for some wavy hair inspiration? Here are some eye-catching styles that’ll help you embrace your wavy hair.
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Wavy hair is a weird hair type that doesn’t get as much attention as it should.
That might be due to how tricky wavy hair can be. It’s not exactly curly, but it’s definitely not straight, so what do you do with it?
On top of that, not all wavy hair looks the same. You’ve probably seen guys with long and luscious waves on social media, but that might not be the specific kind of wavy hair that you have.
You might have thin hair that gets wavy as it grows out, or you might have coarse hair that’s wavier than the ocean. Wavy hair also tends to look messy and bulky, so you usually want to avoid that as well.
The good news is that there are plenty of hairstyles specifically for wavy hair. From short styles that tame wavy hair to longer looks that let the waves do their thing, we’ve got it all here.
Here’s the list going from the shortest hairstyle to the longest.
9 Wonderful Wavy Hairstyles for Men
Here are some wonderful wavy hairstyles in no particular order…
Brushed Back
If your hair is severely wavy and hard to deal with, you might want a shorter cut that doesn’t take as much maintenance. Thankfully, you can have your cake and eat it too with a brushed-back style like this one.
This cut is mostly short, especially on the sides and back, but the top is grown out just enough to brush it back for a mini quiff of sorts. Thanks to that quiff, you get some wavy texture up top.
While the quiff is long enough to show off some waviness, it’s also short enough that the waves don’t get out of control.
Wavy Side Part
Here’s another short option that shows off the waviness more. Essentially, it’s just a side part, but the moderately wavy hair adds a ton of texture to this classic look.
For your waves to stand out, you’ll want about 3-4 inches of hair on top. If you go shorter, your hair won’t be as noticeably wavy because it won’t be grown out enough.
Finally, the sides are scissor cut instead of buzzed to give the hair fullness and depth.
For best results, use a matte finish hair product, like a clay, to style the hair. This will help to bring out the wavy texture.
Layered Waves
Wavy hair lends itself well to layered looks. Layering is an easy way to get a lot of texture and motion, and there are many ways to style layered cuts.
The cut featured here is a straightforward layered style with a long, middle-parted fringe. It’s a vintage 90s cut that’s stylish without being too loud.
The layers add dimension to the sides and back, and the messy fringe complements that. Usually, layered looks are on the more casual side, and this cut embraces that tendency.
Thick Waves
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do with moderately to extremely wavy hair that’s also thick. One option is to go for a messy medium-length style that allows the waves to flow freely.
Technically speaking, this is a sort of brushed-back hairstyle, but it looks more like a quiff style because the hair is so wavy and thick. The hair is only gently styled, which makes for a loose, messy result.
Obviously, this casual style is meant to draw attention to just how wavy the hair is. It’s not going to be for everyone, but it might be the right choice if you’re looking for a laid-back style for incredibly wavy hair.
Loose Quiff
While “quiff” might make you think of perfectly styled, voluminous hair on the heads of Instagram influencers, there are many other ways to style a quiff.
This loose quiff is a relaxed take on the style that brings out the casual qualities of wavy hair. Instead of brushing the hair directly up into a neat quiff, you brush the hair back to evoke a quiff with the volume you get from how the hair lies.
Another vital element is the gradual fade that starts just below the temple. This helps the sides blend into the top, creating balance and ensuring the hair doesn’t look uneven or too top-heavy.
Side Swept
This is another 90s-inspired look with a fun yet subtle vibe. It’s so relaxed that it almost doesn’t even look like it’s styled at all.
It’s also a good choice for guys with thin and wavy hair. However, this hair type is hard to deal with because it tends to lie flat (which means no volume) and hang down.
This haircut solves those problems by leveraging the hair’s looseness to create big, easygoing swirls. The volume is created by layering the hair, which also brings out the waves.
Wavy Shag
The shag is a classic vintage style, and it’s experienced a resurgence in popularity along with 60s/70s fashion in general.
The shag is great for wavy hair because it’s all about the texture. Shags are naturally messy and layered, so they look good with even remotely wavy hair.
The style also adapts itself to different types of wavy hair. Whether your hair is frizzy and voluminous or flat and loose, you can work with your hair type to create a sensational shag.
Lynchian Locks
Acclaimed filmmaker and artist David Lynch is mainly known for two things: his surreal movies and his hair. It’s rare to see Lynch without his extra wavy brushed-back look which has become one of his trademarks.
Lynch’s hair is characterized by loose waviness and a healthy amount of volume. The top is roughly 4-5 inches long, and the sides are kept thicker (though Lynch is sometimes seen with a shorter fade).
Depending on which specific look you’re going for, you can either comb the front upward into a laid-back quiff or brush it in more of a side part style.
Wavy Mullet
Like the shag, the mullet is a retro look that’s made a big comeback. This short version of a mullet makes full use of wavy hair and makes for a casual yet surprisingly versatile result.
Long on the top and thick on the sides, this mullet is more about the business in the front than it is about the party in the back. (Since the hair in the back only reaches 1 or 2 inches past the ear).
Of course, you can also opt for longer hair in the back if you want a more classic mullet style. That said, a short mullet is a good choice if you want an 80s vibe with a contemporary touch.
Which Wavy Style Will You Rock?
Wavy hair can’t be treated like any other hair type, and a good wavy hairstyle will take the waviness into account instead of trying to force the hair to do something it doesn’t want to do.
The wavier your hair is, the more important it is to choose a hairstyle that’s specifically suited for wavy hair. Of course, you could just get a buzz cut and call it a day, but why not show off your waves?
Hopefully, this article has given you an idea of what to do when it comes to wavy hairstyles.
What’s your favorite wavy hairstyle from this list? Let’s hear it in the comments!
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
