21 Wavy Hairstyles and Haircuts for Try for Your Next Look

Wavy hair combines texture, S-shaped waves and natural volume, sort of like the perfect mix of curly and straight hair. The best way to own your bouncy waves is by embracing them with a good haircut. While this goes for any hair type, the right cut and style can make a world of a difference when it comes to the way your wavy hair looks. 

Whether it’s a layered cut to remove some bulk or a choppy bob to show off your natural pattern, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to wavy hairstyles and haircuts. Read on as we share 21 haircuts for wavy hair that are perfect for adding some extra oomph to your strands.

Are Layers Good for Wavy Hair?

Layers are a great way to remove weight and bulk from wavy hair while adding dimension. If your air-dried wavy resembles a triangle, you likely have thick, wavy hair and could really benefit by adding layers to remove some weight. If you’ve never had layers before, try out long layers throughout and long face framing layers. A layered ‘70s shag cut is another great way to remove weight while creating texture and shape that is trendy once again. 

What Haircut Looks Best on Wavy Hair?

From long layers to choppy, wavy bobs with wispy bangs, there are so many great haircuts to discover for your wavy strands. Here are 21 different wavy haircuts to consider for your next trip to the salon. 

1. Asymmetrical Bob 

This super chic haircut plays with angles by flaunting strands that are longer on one side. An excellent way to upgrade the traditional bob, the asymmetrical bob is great for shaking up your look. To enhance your waves, all you need is a touch of curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, to give your mane effortless body and movement. Apply it on damp hair and scrunch your waves. Let your hair air dry, or use a blow dryer to diffuse it for a quicker style time.

2. Cheek-Length Bob

If you’re looking to sport a short hairstyle that will make a statement, this is the way to go. A cheek-length bob hits right above the jaw to really emphasize facial structure. Add wavy strands into the mix for a tousled, undone masterpiece.

3. Long Bob (Lob)

When in doubt, a lob is always a good choice, especially when you have way hair. For medium-length strands, the long bob tops the list when it comes to flattering haircuts for wavy hair. Whether you go for a length above your shoulders, at shoulder level or just below, its effortless appearance and versatility makes it so appealing for many. Plus, the lob is great if you’re looking for something low-maintenance. 

4. Choppy Lob

Welcome texture with a choppy, long bob. It’s easy to style, and it’s perfect if you like to air dry your hair because it embraces wavy hair texture and volume. If you’re game for adding even more dimension to your hair, consider adding some balayage for a sun-kissed look. Try it at home with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Balayage At-Home Highlighting Kit.

5. Bob With Micro Bangs

Itching to try something dramatic with your wavy strands? Let us put the bob with micro bangs on your radar. Wavy hair will complement the short bob with all over texture while the bold baby bangs complete the look.

6. Inverted Side Part Bob

An inverted bob features a short back and longer front pieces with stacked layers. Upgrade your inverted bob by abandoning a middle part (don’t be afraid Gen Z) and going for a modern side part bob. The side part does a great job at framing your face while the inverted cut accentuates your pretty waves.

7. Angled Lob 

This haircut is all about rocking shorter hair at the back, transitioning to gradually longer strands at the front. No doubt an angled lob is a bold choice and adding wavy hair into the mix is a great way to highlight this detailed ‘do. Plus, an angled lob is great for a round-shaped face because 

the variation in lengths works to visually elongate the face.

8. Pixie Cut

If you’re the kind of person that loves to experiment with short haircuts, it’s time to show the pixie cut some love. This cropped cut is super easy to style and even easier to maintain. Since this style is on the shorter side, it shows off your texture while keeping your strands out of your face. The bonus — it’s a great hairstyle for making thin hair look thicker.

9. Tapered Pixie Cut

The tapered pixie cut is another incredibly neat and stylish haircut for wavy hair that’s sure to make you stand out. This short, fun haircut gives your strands body at the front and while gradually getting shorter at the back and sides for a trendy alternative to the traditional pixie. It’s also great for people with thin hair because it allows you to add volume at the top. 

10. Side-Swept Pixie

If you can’t get enough of pixie cuts, give your short strands a stylish upgrade with the side-swept pixie. This cut features face-framing bangs and is totally transformed by your wavy texture. It’s a great option for those who constantly find themselves pressed for time since styling is minimal. Use a strong hold hairspray like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray - Unscented to keep your bangs in place.

11. Bixie Cut

Think of the bixie cut as part pixie cut, part bob. It’s the best of both worlds because you get the low-maintenance of a pixie cut while adding the longer length of a bob. Wavy hair adds the perfect amount of oomph to this hybrid cut, and it’s a great way to test the waters with ultra-short strands.

12. Layered Shag Cut

The shag haircut is the perfect match if you love flaunting retro-inspired styles. This on-trend haircut offers tons of layers and texture for wavy hair while removing extra bulk and weight. A great way to leave blunt layers behind, this cut gives you free rein to play with length while complementing your face shape for a standout look. 

Apply a generous amount of the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-in Conditioner onto towel-dried hair, scrunch and allow your hair to air dry for loose, effortlessly wavy strands. Refresh your curls every few days with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape Leave-In Spray.

13. U-Shaped Layers

Consider hopping on the layered haircut trend with U-shaped layers. This haircut is an excellent choice for those who prefer to rock subtler layers because as the name suggests, your strands will be cut into a “U” shape for soft, rounded layers throughout.

14. V-Cut Layers

If layers are your go-to, try out V-cut layers, which are cut into the shape of a “V,” giving your strands tons of movement while helping to reduce the bulkiness of thick, wavy hair. This cut works best on long, wavy hair so keep your length healthy with a weekly hair mask like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Savior Fiber Mask, Paraben-Free. With a formula that’s infused with fiber concentrates and collagen peptides, it helps to restore damaged ends and improve the appearance.

15. Feather Cut

Bold layers are always a fun way to play up your wavy hairstyle. Also popular during the disco decade, this nostalgic style induces major volume as it adds tons of layers that bring dimension and versatility to the hair. 

16. Long Layers

Now that you have layers on the brain, you can’t go wrong with classic, long layers. One of our favorite haircuts for wavy hair, this style will let you play with texture while showing off your cascading length. 

When growing out long hair, keeping your ends healthy can be challenging. We recommend implementing a hydrating hair serum like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In everytime you apply heat to prevent hair damage. Not only does it protect against heat up for 450 degrees, but it also helps to manage frizz.  

17. Layered Lob

If you like low-maintenance hair, the layered lob is a major hit. A classic long bob paired with layers does a fantastic job at highlighting wavy hair texture and creating a perfectly undone look. Spritz a leave-in treatment like the L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray, Leave In on your damp strands to define your waves, manage frizz, add moisture and more. 

18. Blunt Cut

This universally flattering haircut will keep the focus on your beautiful waves. Thick, wavy hair types may find a blunt cut to be shapeless and heavy but it’s a great option for thin, wavy hair because it adds volume and makes the hair appear denser. A simple hairstyle without any layers, the blunt cut serves as a fabulous, low-maintenance pick while keeping your strands looking dense and full.

19. Brow-Skimming Bangs

Another great way to frame the face and bring attention to your eyes is to opt for a bob with bangs that skim the eyebrows. Since micro bangs can feel a bit daring with certain cuts, this longer style is the perfect middle ground for those wavy hair without crossing the line into full-fledged blunt bangs. 

20. Curtain Bangs 

Curtain bangs are here to stay and they’re a great way to upgrade wavy haircuts. Unlike classic bangs, this trendy style parts your bangs right down the middle to beautifully frame your face. Whether you’re rocking a bob, lob or a layered mane, these bangs will serve as the perfect finishing touch to any haircut for wavy hair. Keep your style in place with L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray - Color Treated Hair. This extra strong hold hairspray lasts all day long without any crunch or residue and disappears with the stroke of a brush.

21. Wispy Bangs

Like the look of bangs but unsure if you’re ready to commit? Meet wispy bangs — the far less intimidating version of traditional bangs, thanks to their softer look and face framing quality. They’re a great complement to any hairstyle and they do a stellar job at highlighting your perfectly tousled wavy strands. Plus, you can easily hide them with the rest of your hair if you need a break. 

Next: 10 Hairstyles That Make Butterfly Clips Look Cool Again

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn