22 Chic and Easy Hairstyles for Wavy Hair

Naturally wavy hair is one of the most desirable hair types around. After all, waking up with a head full of waves is a fabulous way to stay ahead of the texture game. However, there’s nothing wrong with exploring your options when trying out other chic wavy hairstyle looks. It’s the perfect chance to steer away from letting your strands just hang free. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to take your hairstyling game to the next level. You can experiment with braids or choose from a range of wavy bob hairstyles and other trendy looks. In other words, the possibilities are vast and seriously fashionable.

If you’re ready to make a big impact on the hairstyling front, we’re here to help. Follow along as we share 22 of the best wavy hairstyles to help you show off your gorgeous texture.

1. Beach Waves

This wavy hairstyle is an all-around classic, and for a good reason. Whether you have short or long hair, fine strands or lots of thickness, you can make beach waves work for you. You can use a curling iron — just be sure to apply a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray Leave-In beforehand — or opt for a heat-less option like sleeping in overnight braids. Both will deliver the same beautiful, tousled waves we all know and love. Start your journey to beach waves with the help of our article, 8 Ways to Get Perfect Beach Waves.

2. Side-Swept Waves

It doesn’t get more glamorous than side-swept waves. The timeless hairstyle livens up the look of long hair with a simplistic touch — and it’s a great way to take style cues from your favorite A-listers.

To get the beloved Hollywood ‘do yourself, apply a bit of hair mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, to damp strands before letting them air dry. Once complete, create a deep side part and apply a bit of hair gel to the roots. Brush through for a sleek finish.

Editor’s tip: If you plan to use a curling iron to define the waves, make sure you spritz on a heat protectant to avoid any breakage or damage.

3. Pinned-Back Waves

If you’re anything like us, you love low-maintenance hairstyles — especially on days when your mane isn’t having it. Try pinning back your front strands with pretty pins, clips and barrettes. It’s a minimalist look that doesn’t skimp on style. Plus, these waves take seconds to create, which can speed up your beauty routine. 

Brush your strands back and place a few bobby pins or decorative accessories at the back of your head to keep your strands out of your face. Finish off the look by misting your strands with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hold hairspray.

4. Messy Half-Up Ponytail

A messy half-up pony serves up childhood nostalgia with a laidback and carefree spin. This look also comes in handy to help you flaunt your natural texture, true length and an updo all at once.

To get the look, apply a generous amount of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse to damp strands. Scrunch and let air-dry. Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to horizontally part your hair just above your ears to create your half-up look. Secure your half-up pony right at the crown of your head to give the appearance of full, bouncy tresses.

5. Half-Up Braided Top Knot

Another style that looks flawless with wavy tresses is this half-up braided top knot. It’s the happy medium wavy hairstyle for days when you can’t decide between wearing your hair down or in an updo. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate your look for a work meeting or a night out on the town. Follow our step-by-step tutorial on How to Weave a Half-Up Braided Top Knot to get the stunning look yourself.

6. Waterfall Braid

We also can't get enough of the look of an intricate braid and how fuss-free the hairstyle can be. One of our favorite braided styles is the waterfall braid. It combines the look of a woven pattern with cascading waves for a romantic vibe. Click through our article, How To Do a Beautiful Waterfall Braid, for all the deets on how to create the look on your wavy hair.

7. Fishtail Braid

When it comes to wavy hairstyles, there’s nothing more classic than braids — specifically, this Pinterest-worthy version that we’re predicting will never go out of style. Timeless and chic, this intricate style turns heads with ease and it makes the perfect pairing for long, wavy hair. And don’t be daunted by the detailed plaits: It might seem difficult to execute, but it’s actually really easy to do yourself. For some pointers on how to jazz up your braided style, read our article: How to Do a Fishtail Braid.

8. Double Dutch Braid Pigtails

Pigtails are topping the biggest hair trends of 2022 list right now. Sure, it’s a look you might have not worn since you were a kid, but there are many different styles you can rock as an adult. Take double Dutch braid pigtails, for example: This style will give your mane a playful vibe with a fluffed-up look that’s anything but child-like. Plus, it doesn’t require a ton of time weaving in front of the mirror to style, making it one of our top low-maintenance picks. Grab your L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Leave-In Serum and click through to our article on How to Dutch Braid Your Hair to get started.

9. Face-Framing Baby Braids

If you’re looking for a hairstyle that really lets your tousled waves show, look no further than face-framing baby braids. Just as its name suggests, the on-trend hairstyle involves loosely braiding two small strands on either side of your face. It’s a great go-to if you need to tame any frontal frizz and for keeping hair out of your face. Secure them with a small elastic and a mist of texture spray to give the braided tendrils a more textured look.

10. Criss-Cross Ponytail

Name a more versatile hairstyle than the ponytail — we’ll wait. No matter the look you’re going for — whether you’re going out to run errands or having a big night out — a ponytail always adds a chic, low-key spin to your entire getup. But if you want something a bit more elevated, give a criss-cross ponytail style a try. It adds an extremely elegant and fashionable twist to an old-school ponytail, and it’s a breeze to style. Visit our article, How to Create a Criss-Cross Ponytail Hairstyle, for all the deets.

11. Bubble Ponytail

In case you haven’t heard, bubble braids are still in — and are not going away anytime soon. Everyone from beauty influencers to supermodels to celebrities has been rocking this style that’s a fun, voluminous take on typical braids and the classic ponytail. It adds detail and personality to your strands without the labor-intensive styling session. Bonus: It doesn’t require any weaving skills, making it super easy to do. Head on over to our article, How to Bubble Braid Your Hair in 5 Steps, According to a Stylist, for the ultimate hair makeover.

12. Messy Ponytail

A messy ponytail is a minimalist hairstyle that never disappoints. Like its classic messy bun sister, the messy ponytail is the ultimate hairstyle for anyone looking for a low-key look that is chic any way you wear it. And since longer wavy hairstyles can easily step into bedhead territory, you’ll be able to flaunt an on-trend look easily.

Kick things off by spritzing your strands with hair texturizing spray or dry shampoo, like the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo. Finger-comb all of your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Pull out a small tendril of hair on each side of your face to lighten your look.

13. Braided Ponytail

Level up your next ponytail by adding a braid to it. The braided ponytail gives your mane a stylish upgrade by helping you flaunt your length and a woven pattern in one look. You can do a high, low or side pony — whatever feeds your mood for the moment. To achieve this look, first fasten your hair into a ponytail. Split the length of your hair into three equally-sized sections and weave a plait. Once you reach the ends, secure it with a hair tie.

Editor’s tip: If you really want to make a statement, incorporate a pretty scarf into your braid, using it as one of the three sections. You can also add on-trend pearl barrettes for a bit of embellishment. 

14. Messy Bun

The messy bun is a chic-meets-playful wavy hairstyle that can transition from day to night with ease. It’s not labor-intensive and will also appear cool on anyone. Plus, the versatile tousled topknot is a great hairstyle when you’ve skipped a few wash days but still want to look put together. See what all the hype is about with our article, How to Create a Messy Bun.

15. Low Braided Bun

We’re all for a low bun — it keeps pesky flyaways away from the face, it’s easy to do and always makes for a polished look. But if you want a chic and unique way to steer away from the classic bun, try a low braided bun instead. This ‘do adds pizzazz and style to your mane, but still manages to look sleek and sophisticated.

To DIY, create a middle part from ear to ear and clip the bottom layer of hair out of the way. Split the top layer into three equally-sized sections and weave a braid to your ends. Secure with a hair elastic. Release the bottom section of hair and gather it into a low ponytail. Wrap the length of your ponytail around its base to form a bun and secure it with a hair elastic. Wrap the length of the braid around your bun and hold it in place with bobby pins.

16. Ballerina Bun

Another bun style that pairs well with wavy hair is the ballerina bun — and it’s not just for those of you who can balance on your toes! This hairstyle adds twists to the equation for a trendy look. Whether you’re on the go, working out or having a night out with your pals, it’s a great option for any occasion.

All you need to do is first gather your strands into a high ponytail. Then, twist the length of your ponytail until it’s fully twisted and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins. Spritz on the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Strong Hold hairspray to smooth away any frizz or flyaways.

17. Space Buns

What’s better than one bun? Two buns! All the cool kids on TikTok are rocking space buns, and now it’s your turn to give the style a go. A beloved style during the ’90s and early aughts, this ‘do adds a fun and playful element to your mane and sets the tone for an out-of-this-world look. Check out our article, How to Do Space Buns, to master the trend.

18. Half-Up Bouffant

Now that big hair is in, it couldn’t be a better time to test drive the half-up bouffant. Not only does this retro-style serve up ‘60s flair with a voluminous touch, but it also pairs perfectly with wavy tresses. Wear it for a virtual meeting or rock it at an upcoming black-tie soirée — either way, the look is a win-win. 

Give the vintage look a go by first creating a horizontal part in the center of your head. Make sure that the top half is significantly smaller than the bottom. Then, clip the lower half out of the way. Tease the top layer with a rattail comb and smooth the hair back. Secure with bobby pins. Release the bottom half and fluff your tresses.

19. Claw Clip Updo

20. Middle Part Layers

Gen Z called it: Side parts are a thing of the past and middle parts are flattering and should be here for the long haul. While we don’t technically side with that opinionated claim (for the record, there are many beautiful ‘dos with side parts), we do agree that middle parts complement wavy hair beautifully. Plus, this simple, on-trend look helps to frame your face and accentuate your features.

21. Wet Hair Look

It’s safe to say the wet hair look isn’t leaving us anytime soon. For years, celebrities and every day people have donned the smooth, sculpted style. And in case you were wondering, this hair trend doesn’t require you stepping foot outside with a sopping wet head of hair. With the right styling products, it’s actually pretty easy to achieve. 

To try it yourself, run a small amount of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, through your hair. Then, top your mane off with gloss spray for a high-shine finish and comb your strands toward the back of your head. Tousle the ends so the sleek portion at the top and waves at the end blend together, and your wet look is complete.

22. Colorful Waves

While temporary hair dye isn’t technically a hairstyle, it can definitely make any hairstyle you choose to rock look more unique. One day, you might want to wear braids and add a subtle pastel hue to them. Then the next day, you may want to get a little more creative by adding a bold hot pink to your wavy ponytail. 

The L'Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray has so many colors to choose from, that you’ll never get bored when styling your hair. The best part is that it washes out after just one shampoo, so you can experiment with different colors as often as you’d like while avoiding the hair damage that can come with bleaching and coloring.   

Next: How to Take Care of Wavy Hair

Written by: Sophie Dweck; Photo Credit: Jasmine Burnside