The 20 Best Haircuts for Short Wavy Hair

Considering a chop can be a bit daunting, especially if you have wavy hair. Part straight, part curly, packed with natural volume and allover texture—with the wrong cut, short wavy hair can become a bit tough to deal with on the daily (not to mention grow out). Done right, though, and those loose ‘S’ curls will absolutely pop.

If considering a major style change with a fresh chop can feel a little daunting, we’re here to help. From pixies to lobs, thin hair to thick hair, there are tons of short haircuts for wavy hair worth trying. Ahead, we’re sharing 20 of our favorite haircuts for short wavy hair to inspire your next salon visit.

What Haircuts Are Best for Wavy Hair?

There are so many flattering haircuts for wavy hair, but many people may prefer choosing a short hairstyle for a few different reasons. Short hair spotlights the natural texture, volume, and loose curls in your hair, which creates a bouncy, full-bodied look. Thicker tresses can benefit from shorter hairstyles because they can remove bulk, especially if the cut features layers. Short haircuts work for thin hair, too—a shorter cut lacks the excess length (and weight) that can cause waves to become limp or flat.

1. Pixie cut with cropped sides

If you’re tired of spending hours on your hair every day, the pixie cut could be the one for you. This textured wavy hairstyle features longer, piecey layers on top and close-cut sides—the combination of which ensures your hair has plenty of body but also helps keep maintenance to a minimum. 

Keep your pixie cut looking fresh with a curl-enhancing system like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curl Moisture Seal Conditioner, and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-In Conditioner. Use the system daily—or whenever you lather up—to help moisturize and reshape your curls without weighing them down.

2. Quiff

To showcase your natural texture in a whole new way, try the chic-meets-edgy quiff. Rock the dramatic look with impressive top height and volume, and close-cropped sides. For extra volume at the crown, spritz your waves with a hairspray like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented after styling. (Note: this is also one of our favorite men’s wavy short hairstyles, too).

3. Mullet

If you don’t mind different lengths throughout your hair, consider the mullet. This rebellious, ’90s-inspired look isn’t for the faint of heart—but the throwback style has evolved over time to become a lot chicer than its former counterpart. This short wavy hairstyle works especially well with a bit of texture, so be sure to keep a matte pomade like L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty on hand for quick touchups.

4. Bixie cut

Part pixie, part bob, this 90s hairstyle is all about embracing texture and nostalgia. The bixie cut is a little longer than your average pixie, so its choppy texture and layers play well with curls and waves. Plus, it doesn’t require a strict haircut regimen to maintain its shape, so you can stretch out the time between trims.

If you find your roots looking a bit greasy between wash days, mist a dry shampoo throughout your roots. This can help mask excess oil—and give your chic cut a volume boost, too.

5. Lob

Not quite short, not quite long—the lob, AKA the long bob, is the perfect blend of both worlds. This is one of those wavy hairstyles that works for all hair types and textures, so it’s an ideal short haircut. If you have thicker waves, try a layered lob to remove some bulk. Thin, wavy tresses will benefit from a blunt-cut lob, which will make strands appear thicker.

6. Side-swept bob

Get more bounce and movement for loose waves with a side-swept bob. This style can work on anybody, but it’s particularly flattering for those with longer face shapes. To complete the look, ask your stylist to part your hair on one side and then cut wispy, long bangs that hit around the cheekbone. 

7. Wolf cut

A little shag, a little mullet—the wolf haircut is the best of both worlds. While this ’70s-style haircut is typically a choice for longer hair, the combination of choppy layers and wavy texture can definitely suit shorter, wavy strands, too. Plus, it’s the perfect wash-and-go style, too—perfect for those after a low-maintenance short wavy hairstyle.

8. Shag bob

An asymmetrical bob is just what it sounds like—a short haircut that’s slightly longer on one side than the other. This dramatic style is pretty simple on the styling front, too. Ask your stylist for a slightly inverted shape to keep your strands from looking too poofy. If you do experience any unwanted frizz, work one pump of the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In throughout your waves to help frizz and static to a minimum.

Complement the texture of your naturally wavy tresses with a shag bob, which has remained one of the most popular short wavy haircuts for years. The all-over layers create an effortless, undone look that complements your hair’s natural texture, while the shorter length allows for easy styling. Use a texturizing paste to add piecey dimension while styling.

9. Asymmetrical bob

10. Inverted bob with an undercut

Longer in the front, shorter in the back, and buzzed underneath—that’s the inverted bob with an undercut in a nutshell. An undercut can do wonders for wavy hair since it can help thin out the layers and make it less puffy. This high-low style is especially flattering as short hair grows out, as the shorter length highlights bouncy waves and the undercut adds edgy texture.

11. Tapered bob

If your hair falls somewhere between straight and wavy, consider opting for a tapered bob. This short wavy haircut hits slightly below the jaw and features soft layering at the back for a tapered (or stacked) effect. The layering helps add texture, giving your in-between strands a thicker, wavier appearance. 

12. Lob with bangs

When it comes to flattering wavy hairstyles, the lob frequently rises to the top of the short wavy haircuts pile. It’s the perfect mid-length cut to spotlight your wavy strands because it’s long enough to let your waves take shape, but not so long that they end up weighed down. Depending on the length of your bangs, you’ll want to hit the salon every four weeks or so for a trim. 

13. Layered bob with micro bangs

Micro bangs (or baby bangs) are a daring look, but if you take the plunge, you’ll find that they complement short wavy hair beautifully—the pairing is a slightly edgier take on the classic French girl bob. Just remember that the shorter you go, the more your waves will spring back up. For that reason, it’s a good idea to have your stylist cut your hair dry so you can ensure your cut hits exactly where you want it to.

14. Mushroom bob

Don’t let the moniker fool you—the mushroom bob is a far cry from the bowl-cut-like style you may be picturing. The short cut hits right above the jaw and features slightly curved ends, which gives the cut its distinct rounded shape. While it’s suitable for many hair textures, we love how it looks when worn with a soft, windswept wave. 

15. Bottleneck bob

If you’re looking to pair your short wavy hair with bangs but aren’t ready to commit to full fringe, consider bottleneck bangs. Similar to curtain bangs, this longer take on fringe hits about mid-cheek, and is typically worn parted in the middle. The face-framing look is at once chic and effortless, especially when worn with loose, tousled waves.

16. Textured lob

While a blunt cut may work for thin tresses, thicker waves can benefit from some added texture. Try a chin-length bob with some piecemeal layers cut throughout to give your short wavy hair an undone, beachy look.

17. Classic pixie 

It can be hard to showcase your natural texture when your hair is ultra-short, but with the right technique, even a pixie cut can put those waves on full display. Ask your stylist to cut your hair with a razor, rather than scissors, to add movement and texture. If you start to notice buildup from any styling products you use (which can be more noticeable on super-short strands), consider adding a clarifying shampoo or scalp serum, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil-Erasing Serum, to your weekly routine. 

18. Soft mullet

If you’ve been curious about the mullet, but are on the fence about trying the retro style, the soft mullet is an excellent place to start. This easy, classic look is a little less extreme than a traditional mullet and features feathered layers in front for a softer transition from short to long. And because it thrives on texture, this short wavy haircut is perfect for those looking to put their texture on full display. 

19. Butterfly cut

While a butterfly cut is typically seen on longer tresses, it can actually work quite well for short wavy hair, too. Ask your stylist for lots of face-framing layers and thinned-out ends. The final look will look full and voluminous, but feel light and feathery, which is really the best of both hair worlds.

20. Box bob

This structured, short haircut stops at the chin and has an overall square shape that frames your face (like a box, only chicer). The short cut is anything but subtle, and it’s great for fine, thin waves because the full shape and blunt ends make strands look denser than they are.

Next Up: The Ultimate Wavy Hair Care Guide