Long wavy hairstyles have always been a timeless choice for those who love to showcase their hair’s natural beauty while embracing a versatile look. Whether you’re going for a casual beachy vibe or a glamorous red-carpet appearance, wavy hairstyles offer endless possibilities for styling. The beauty of long waves lies in their ability to add volume, texture, and movement to your hair, making them suitable for nearly every face shape and hair type. They’re not just a trend; they’re a classic style that continues to evolve with new techniques, cuts, and accessories.
If you’ve ever wondered why waves are such a popular hairstyle, the answer is simple: they’re universally flattering and easy to manage with the right cut and products. Waves can soften strong facial features, add dimension to flat hair, and give thin hair a fuller appearance. Plus, the range of wavy hairstyles available means there’s something for everyone—from loose, romantic curls that are perfect for a date night, to voluminous Hollywood waves that make a statement at any special event. They’re also incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch up your look with minimal effort, whether you want soft, tousled waves or polished, defined curls.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore 25 stunning long wavy hairstyles that suit every personality, occasion, and hair type. We’ll dive into a variety of styles, from bohemian beach waves and classic Hollywood curls to unique looks featuring braids, layers, and accessories. For each hairstyle, we’ll provide detailed descriptions and step-by-step styling instructions to help you achieve the perfect wavy look. Whether you’re looking for a new everyday style or something more special, this list has you covered. Ready to be inspired by these beautiful, wavy looks? Let’s get started!
1. Loose Beach Waves
Description: Loose beach waves are the quintessential long wavy hairstyle, giving you that effortlessly chic, sun-kissed look. Perfect for both casual outings and formal events, this style adds a touch of bohemian flair to your look.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Start with damp hair and apply a sea salt spray to enhance your natural texture. Use a large-barrel curling wand to wrap sections of hair away from your face, holding for a few seconds. After curling, gently run your fingers through your hair to break up the curls and create loose waves. Finish with a light texturizing spray for added volume and a carefree vibe.
2. Hollywood Glam Waves
Description: Hollywood glam waves are all about elegance and sophistication. This style features perfectly polished, cascading waves that are reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour, ideal for red carpet events, weddings, or any special occasion.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Apply a heat protectant and blow-dry your hair smooth. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create uniform waves, curling each section in the same direction. Once all the curls are done, gently brush them out with a boar bristle brush to create a soft, wave-like pattern. Set the style with a strong-hold hairspray to maintain the glamorous finish.
3. Textured Mermaid Waves
Description: Textured mermaid waves offer a mix of volume and texture, creating a fuller, more defined wavy style. This look is perfect for adding a bit of drama and flair to long hair.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Apply a curl cream or mousse to damp hair and scrunch to enhance your natural waves. Use a triple-barrel waver or crimper to create deep, defined waves throughout your hair. Finish with a sea salt spray to add texture and a matte finish, giving you those dreamy mermaid vibes.
4. Soft Romantic Waves
Description: Soft romantic waves are perfect for date nights, weddings, or any occasion where you want to feel feminine and chic. This hairstyle features loose, flowing waves that frame the face beautifully.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Start by blow-drying your hair with a round brush to create volume. Use a medium-barrel curling wand to curl large sections away from your face. Allow the curls to cool, then gently brush through them with a wide-tooth comb to soften the waves. Finish with a light shine spray to add a polished touch.
5. Wavy Layers with Curtain Bangs
Description: This trendy look combines long wavy layers with curtain bangs, adding movement and dimension. The curtain bangs softly frame the face, while the waves add a playful yet sophisticated touch.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Blow-dry your curtain bangs using a round brush to create a soft, swooping effect. For the rest of the hair, use a large curling wand to create loose waves. After curling, use your fingers to tousle the waves and add a texturizing spray for volume and definition.
6. Tousled Waves with Face-Framing Layers
Description: Tousled waves with face-framing layers offer a relaxed and effortless look. The face-framing layers add softness around the face, enhancing your natural features.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a diffuser. Use a curling wand to create waves, focusing on the layers around the face. Scrunch with your fingers to break up the waves and finish with a texturizing spray for a tousled, beachy look.
7. Boho Waves with Braided Accents
Description: Boho waves with braided accents are perfect for those who love a bit of bohemian flair. The loose waves paired with small braids create a unique and artistic style.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Start by curling your hair in loose waves using a large-barrel curling iron. Take small sections of hair from the sides and braid them, securing the ends with clear elastics. Pull the braids apart slightly to make them appear fuller. Finish with a light hairspray to keep everything in place.
8. Voluminous Waves with Deep Side Part
Description: Voluminous waves with a deep side part are all about drama and elegance. This hairstyle creates the illusion of fuller, thicker hair and works well for formal occasions.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Part your hair deeply to one side. Use a volumizing mousse at the roots and blow-dry with a round brush for maximum lift. Curl your hair with a large-barrel curling iron, focusing on creating large, voluminous waves. Brush through the curls for a soft finish and set with a strong-hold hairspray.
9. Cascading Waves with Subtle Balayage
Description: Cascading waves with subtle balayage add depth and dimension to your hair. The balayage highlights accentuate the waves, creating a sun-kissed, natural look.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Apply a heat protectant to your hair and curl it in sections with a medium-barrel curling wand. Alternate the direction of the curls for a more natural look. After curling, use a wide-tooth comb to gently brush through the waves. Finish with a shine spray to enhance the balayage highlights.
10. Retro Waves with Pin-Up Roll
Description: This hairstyle blends retro waves with a modern pin-up roll for a unique, vintage-inspired look. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of old-school glamour with a twist.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Curl your hair using a medium-barrel curling iron, focusing on creating uniform waves. Section off the front part of your hair and create a pin-up roll by rolling it towards your scalp and securing it with bobby pins. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
11. Effortless Beachy Waves with Highlights
Description: This hairstyle combines the relaxed feel of beachy waves with the added depth of highlights. It’s perfect for a sun-kissed, carefree look.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch with your fingers. Blow-dry using a diffuser to enhance the natural waves. Add a few curls with a curling wand for more definition, and finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the highlights.
12. Big and Bouncy Waves
Description: Big and bouncy waves are all about volume and movement. This style is perfect for those who want to add fullness and a bit of drama to their look.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a large round brush for maximum volume. Use a large-barrel curling wand to create big curls, and then gently brush them out for a bouncy wave effect. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to maintain volume without stiffness.
13. Waterfall Braid with Loose Waves
Description: A waterfall braid paired with loose waves creates a romantic, ethereal look that’s perfect for special occasions like weddings or proms.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Then, create a waterfall braid along one side of your head, allowing sections of hair to fall through the braid. Secure the braid with bobby pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the braid and waves in place.
14. Soft Waves with Side-Swept Bangs
Description: Soft waves with side-swept bangs add a touch of elegance and softness to any look. The side-swept bangs frame the face beautifully, adding balance and sophistication.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Blow-dry your bangs using a round brush to create a swooping effect. Use a curling wand to add soft waves to the rest of your hair, then tousle with your fingers to keep the look relaxed. Finish with a light shine spray for a polished finish.
15. Half-Up, Half-Down Waves
Description: The half-up, half-down style combines loose waves with a stylish top knot or braid, giving you a versatile look that works for both casual and formal settings.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Curl your hair in loose waves using a medium-barrel curling wand. Take the top section of your hair and either braid it or twist it into a top knot. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
16. Long Waves with Feathered Ends
Description: Long waves with feathered ends add softness and movement to your hairstyle. The feathered ends create a wispy, airy effect that’s perfect for a laid-back look.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Use a curling wand to add loose waves throughout your hair. Focus on the ends to create a feathered effect. Brush through with a wide-tooth comb and finish with a lightweight hairspray to keep the style in place.
17. Bohemian Waves with a Headband
Description: Bohemian waves with a headband offer a relaxed, carefree style that’s perfect for festivals or casual outings. The headband adds a stylish accessory to the look.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and scrunch with your fingers. Blow-dry using a diffuser and add a few loose curls with a curling wand. Place a headband over your hair, and pull a few strands out around your face for a soft, boho vibe.
18. Waves with Braided Crown
Description: Waves with a braided crown create a regal, ethereal look that’s perfect for special occasions. The braided crown adds a beautiful, intricate detail to the loose waves.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Curl your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Take two small sections from each side of your head, braid them, and wrap them around the top of your head to create a crown. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray.
19. Messy Waves with a Top Knot
Description: Messy waves paired with a high top knot create a fun, playful look that’s perfect for a day out or a casual event.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Curl your hair with a large-barrel curling wand to create loose, messy waves. Gather the top section of your hair into a high top knot and secure with bobby pins. Tousle the waves with your fingers for added texture and finish with a texturizing spray.
20. Elegant Waves with Pearl Hair Clips
Description: Elegant waves with pearl hair clips add a touch of sophistication and glamour to any hairstyle. The pearl clips serve as a chic accessory to elevate your look.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Create soft waves using a large-barrel curling wand. Once the waves are set, place pearl hair clips on one side to sweep the hair back. Finish with a shine spray for a polished finish.
21. Side-Swept Hollywood Waves
Description: Side-swept Hollywood waves are a glamorous, red carpet-inspired look. This style is perfect for formal occasions and adds a touch of old-school elegance.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Part your hair deeply to one side. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create structured waves, all curling in the same direction. Brush through with a soft brush to blend the waves together. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
22. Waves with a Twisted Front
Description: Waves with a twisted front add a unique detail to a classic wavy hairstyle. The twist helps keep the hair off the face while adding a fun, chic element.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Curl your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron for loose waves. Take a small section from each side of your face, twist them back, and pin them behind your head. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the twists secure.
23. Long Layered Waves
Description: Long layered waves add depth and dimension to your hair. The layers create natural movement, making the waves look fuller and more dynamic.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Use a curling wand to create loose waves, focusing on the mid-lengths to the ends. Use a texturizing spray to add volume and definition to the layers. Tousle with your fingers for a natural, voluminous finish.
24. Waves with Micro Braids
Description: Waves with micro braids are a fun, bohemian-inspired style. The micro braids add texture and interest to the waves, giving you a unique and creative look.
Source: Pinterest.com
How to Style: Curl your hair with a large-barrel curling wand to create loose waves. Take small sections of hair and create tiny braids throughout. Secure the braids with small, clear elastics and finish with a light hairspray.
25. Classic Waves with a Side Braid
Description: Classic waves with a side braid offer a beautiful blend of elegance and playfulness. The side braid adds a creative touch to the classic wavy look.
Source: Instagram.com
How to Style: Curl your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron to create classic waves. Take a small section from one side and braid it, securing it with a clear elastic. Gently pull the braid apart to create a fuller look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves and braid in place.
Conclusion
Long wavy hairstyles are more than just a beauty trend; they’re a versatile and timeless way to express your personality and enhance your natural beauty. From loose, effortless waves to more structured, polished curls, there’s a wavy hairstyle that fits every mood, occasion, and hair type. With the right techniques, tools, and a bit of creativity, you can easily transform your look from casual to sophisticated, all while keeping the focus on those gorgeous waves. The beauty of long waves is that they offer a perfect balance between elegance and ease, allowing you to look put-together without spending hours in front of the mirror.
In this guide, we’ve covered 25 stunning long wavy hairstyles that range from everyday chic to red carpet-ready. Each style comes with its unique charm—whether it’s the soft romantic waves for a wedding, the boho waves with braided accents for a music festival, or the glamorous Hollywood waves for a night out. We’ve also provided detailed styling tips to help you achieve these looks at home, ensuring that you can easily recreate them, regardless of your hair type or skill level.
Remember, the key to perfect waves is finding the right style that complements your face shape, hair texture, and personal preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks and techniques until you find the one that feels right for you. With these 25 stunning long wavy hairstyles, you’re sure to find the inspiration you need to switch up your look and embrace the waves with confidence and flair. So go ahead, pick your favorite styles, grab your curling iron, and let your waves do the talking!
