19 Long Wavy Hairstyles
Long wavy hair is the ultimate expression of relaxed beauty. It brings together softness, movement, and a romantic edge that works for almost any occasion. From effortless beach waves to intricate braided styles, wavy hair offers endless possibilities without sacrificing your natural texture. Whether your waves are natural or styled, this list of 19 long wavy hairstyles will inspire you to explore new looks that highlight your personality and hair’s unique flow.
Long Wavy Hairstyles
1. Classic Beach Waves
This effortless style is all about mimicking the salty, wind-swept waves you get after a day by the ocean. Use a sea salt spray on damp hair, scrunch it, and let it air-dry for a natural look. If you want more defined waves, use a large-barrel curling iron and alternate directions for a more organic finish. This style flatters everyone and is perfect for both everyday wear and casual nights out.
2. Side-Swept Glamour
For a touch of elegance, sweeping your waves to one side adds instant drama and sophistication. Use a deep side part and pin back one side with a sparkly clip or bobby pins. This style pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder outfits and is perfect for weddings, date nights, or holiday parties. It accentuates cheekbones and frames your face in a soft, alluring way.
3. Half-Up Twisted Crown
If you want something romantic and feminine, try a half-up crown made by twisting two sections from each side of your head and securing them at the back. Let the rest of your long waves flow down freely. It’s a subtle nod to boho style but polished enough for special events. You can enhance the look with floral pins or pearl accessories for added charm.
4. Loose Boho Braids
Adding a few thin, loose braids to your wavy hair creates an artistic, laid-back vibe. These braids don’t need to be perfect—they’re meant to look relaxed. This style is especially cute with highlights or balayage, which makes the braids pop against the textured waves. It’s a go-to look for music festivals or relaxed weekends.
5. Center Part with Soft Layers
A center part provides symmetry, while soft, cascading layers create movement that complements your natural wave pattern. This style adds a youthful freshness and flatters most face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped. Add a bit of shine serum to enhance the flow and give your waves that soft, healthy look.
6. Voluminous Blowout Waves
Want to look like you just left the salon? A voluminous blowout with soft waves gives you a polished and luxurious look. Use a round brush while blow-drying, then follow up with a curling iron for added wave and bounce. A good volumizing mousse and a lightweight shine spray can elevate the whole style, giving you that full-bodied, red carpet-ready hair.
7. Curtain Bangs with Waves
Curtain bangs blend seamlessly with long waves, framing the face in a retro yet modern way. They draw attention to the eyes and soften the jawline. When paired with flowing waves, the look is effortlessly chic. It’s a low-maintenance style too—just a quick blow-dry of the bangs and some loose waves, and you’re good to go.
8. Braided Headband
For a whimsical, fairy-tale vibe, create a small braid from a front section of your hair and pin it over your head like a headband. It’s an adorable style for garden parties or casual brunches. The waves underneath add softness, while the braid keeps your hair out of your face in a stylish way.
9. Messy Ponytail with Waves
Not every ponytail has to be tight and sleek. A messy ponytail with long waves exudes relaxed charm. Tease the crown slightly for volume and pull out a few strands around your face for a soft, undone finish. It’s a quick, practical hairstyle that still looks put-together and is perfect for everything from errands to casual coffee dates.
10. Wavy Layers with Balayage
Balayage and waves are a match made in heaven. The freehand color technique adds depth and brightness to your waves, enhancing their natural texture and giving the illusion of more volume. The result is sun-kissed, dimensional hair that looks like it belongs on a beach even if you’re in the city.
11. Hollywood Vintage Waves
These iconic S-shaped waves are structured, glossy, and full of vintage glamour. Use a smaller curling iron, set the curls, and then brush them out gently to get that uniform, wavy finish. Perfect for formal events or vintage-themed occasions, this look is pure elegance and always makes a statement.
12. Deep Side Part
A simple part change can completely transform your look. A deep side part creates instant volume and drama on one side of your face, giving your waves a more defined structure. It works especially well for round or square face shapes, offering a more angular silhouette.
13. Bubble Braids with Waves
For something a little more playful, try incorporating bubble braids into your wavy style. Gather small sections, secure with elastics down the length, and gently pull each section to create a “bubble” effect. It adds a fun and youthful twist, making your hairstyle stand out without needing a lot of effort.
14. Tousled and Textured
If you love that “undone” aesthetic, tousled waves with lots of texture are the way to go. Use a texturizing spray and scrunch your hair for natural lift. This style embraces imperfection and celebrates your natural hair pattern. It’s ideal for busy days when you want to look great with minimal styling time.
15. Sleek Top, Wavy Ends
This hybrid style combines a smooth, flat crown with waves starting from mid-length. Use a flat iron on the roots and switch to a curling iron for the ends. It’s a great way to balance a sleek, put-together look with the softness of waves. Great for professional settings where you want a touch of personality.
16. Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is a delicate, flowing braid that lets waves cascade through, almost like water slipping through fingers. It’s intricate but worth the time, especially for weddings or special occasions. The braid holds its shape well with long hair and looks stunning with highlights.
17. Wavy Shag
Think of this as the rock ‘n’ roll version of long waves. A wavy shag features choppy layers and lots of texture, adding a bold and carefree feel to your look. It works great with naturally wavy hair and gives that effortless, “cool-girl” vibe.
18. Fishtail Braid with Waves
The fishtail braid is detailed and elegant, and when paired with soft waves, it creates a fantasy-inspired look. Braid one side loosely and leave the rest of your hair flowing. It’s a romantic, earthy style that works well for special days or photoshoots.
19. Low Bun with Loose Waves
For a more refined look, gather your waves into a loose low bun at the nape of your neck, letting a few tendrils fall around your face. It’s understated but beautiful, and works equally well for a brunch date or a semi-formal event. Add a pearl pin or ribbon for extra charm.
FAQs
What products are best for styling long wavy hair?
Products that enhance texture and control frizz work best. Use sea salt sprays for a beachy effect, texturizing sprays for volume, and lightweight oils or leave-in conditioners to keep your waves soft and shiny without weighing them down.
How can I protect my waves overnight?
Try sleeping in a loose braid or a silk hair bonnet. Silk or satin pillowcases help reduce frizz and breakage, and braiding can help preserve your wave pattern so your style lasts longer.
Can I get long wavy hair without using heat?
Yes! Try braiding or twisting your damp hair at night and letting it dry naturally. Release in the morning and gently comb through with fingers. You can also use foam rollers or scrunching techniques for defined heat-free waves.
How do I keep waves from falling flat during the day?
Start with volumizing shampoo and mousse at the roots. Use a dry shampoo mid-day to refresh volume and a texturizing spray to bring waves back to life. Avoid heavy conditioners at the crown, and always let your curls cool before brushing or styling.
Are layers necessary for long wavy hair?
While not essential, layers can make a big difference. They remove bulk, add bounce, and help waves form more naturally. Ask your stylist for long, blended layers that complement your hair type and face shape.
Conclusion
Long wavy hair is a beautiful gift—versatile, full of life, and always in style. With so many ways to wear it, you can go from boho to glam to casual chic in minutes. These 19 styles celebrate the movement and freedom that wavy hair naturally offers. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, running errands, or just enjoying a cozy day at home, there’s a wavy hairstyle that fits your mood and moment.
