16 Gorgeous Wavy Haircuts Recommended by Top Stylists

1. Sleek Blunt Bob

A blunt bob is characterized by its sharp, straight edges, especially at the ends, giving a sleek, polished appearance. For those with natural waves, the style won't be entirely straight, but it will present a balanced, uniform effect. 'Depending on the hair's density, a blunt bob can enhance wavy hair, especially if it's on the finer side,' explains Shelly Aguirre, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. This cut is also perfect for round faces as it frames the face beautifully.

2. Layered Shag

In recent years, the shag haircut has become increasingly popular, especially among millennials and Gen-Xers. It's a perfect match for wavy hair. 'A shaggy cut eliminates excess weight and volume at the bottom with well-layered sections, creating a chic and polished look,' explains Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon. Not only does it add flair, but the layers help keep hair more manageable. 'For longer and thicker hair,' he adds, 'layers will reduce bulk and enhance the shape.'

3. Pixie Cut

While pixie cuts suit nearly all hair types, wavy hair brings added texture and depth that traditional pixies may lack. Another benefit: 'A pixie cut with wavy hair can be very adaptable,' says Aguirre. If you prefer to stretch out time between salon visits and use minimal product, ask your stylist for a tousled, choppy finish to maintain effortless style.

4. Voluminous Curls

Looking for extra definition? Boost your wavy hair by adding some curls for added volume and bounce. 'Introducing a few curls to your natural waves can create a beautifully textured look and feel,' says Lacy Gadegaard West, CEO of Laced Hair Extensions. To achieve this, use hot rollers or a curling wand, but don’t forget to apply a smoothing serum or taming product to reduce frizz.

5.

Curtain Bangs

Thinking of bangs but not quite ready for the full commitment? Wavy hair is the perfect match for curtain bangs, which beautifully frame your face and add depth. This style is easy to maintain with just a blow dryer and a round brush for shaping. Plus, you can pin the longer bangs back if you prefer to keep your face clear, and they'll seamlessly blend with the rest of your hair as they grow out.

6. Inverted Lob Haircut

Enhance your waves with an inverted lob (also known as a "long bob"), which gradually becomes shorter toward the back. This style is not only fashionable but also allows for easy growth. You can add bangs along the way for a more balanced and even look as it grows out.

7. Short Undercut Hairstyle

Ready to make a statement? An undercut is a daring haircut where one or both sides of the temples are shaved or trimmed very short. Although it's been a mainstay for men's fashion for years, it has become a trendy choice for women wanting to highlight their wavy locks. This style leaves half your hair cropped short while the other half, with its natural waves, flows freely.

8. Grown Out Pixie

Nestled between a pixie cut and a bob, the versatile in-between crop is perfect for showcasing waves. To achieve this look, ask your stylist for a style that's shorter in the back and longer in the front, with face-framing pieces that are long enough to tuck behind your ears. Adding a deep side part creates a flattering, sculpted angle. Enhance your waves with curl cream (either air-dry or diffuse), or use a curling wand to create beautiful, soft ripples like Halle.

9. Wolf Cut

Model Mica Argañaraz embraced the wolf cut by sporting a wavy version on the runway. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish helped bring this edgy, choppy layered style into the limelight. This haircut is particularly flattering for those with fine hair, as it adds volume and texture. It also gives off a cool, rocker vibe. Best of all, it enhances your natural texture—whether you have waves or curls, this cut will make them shine. Just air-dry and you're ready to rock.

10. Feather Cut Bob

This 70s-inspired look draws its influence—just as the name suggests—from birds! It focuses on soft layers (or feathers, as they’re affectionately called) that can either be enhanced to promote movement or smoothed down for a sleek effect (who doesn’t love versatility?). This feathered style is suitable for both short and long hair, but it truly shines in a bob. Amp up your waves with a curling iron or simply apply wave cream and let your hair air-dry for a sculpted, almost retro vibe.

11. Wispy Bangs

A foolproof way to make bangs look effortlessly stylish: keep them wispy (just like Sabrina Carpenter). Although bangs are often thought to be high-maintenance, the celeb-inspired, wispy bang trend is refreshingly laid-back. Experts say wispy bangs beautifully frame your face, and the airy, shorter strands are much easier to manage than full, heavy fringes. They’re also perfect for wavy hair. Ask your stylist for feathery, wispy bangs and finish the look with a bit of leave-in conditioner and a round brush.

12. Asymmetrical Waves

While blunt cuts and perfectly straight edges are undeniably beautiful, there’s something incredibly refreshing and chic (hello, Mary!) about an asymmetrical haircut. The uneven style adds intriguing, face-flattering angles, and don't forget, hair grows back! So if you're ready to take the plunge, bring this photo to your stylist as inspiration for wave-enhancing potential. For styling, experts suggest defining natural waves with mousse, then wrapping small sections around a wand for added piece-y texture.

13. Ombré Ends

Cuts and hairstyles do wonders for highlighting your waves, but hair color plays a massive role in enhancing texture. A subtle ombré effect, where the color gradually lightens towards the tips, makes your waves truly stand out. Elizabeth Olsen's golden brown with caramel highlights gives extra depth, making her waves even more captivating.

14. Silver Waves

For anyone who thinks "going grey" signals giving up, Andie MacDowell shows that silver is truly timeless. Whether you're transitioning to natural grey hair or experimenting with silver dye, the metallic shade beautifully highlights soft waves. Keep your hair lustrous and prevent any brassiness with the help of purple shampoo.

15. Wet-Look, Beachy Waves

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton reveals that the secret to achieving the wet-look begins with freshly washed hair. He advises applying a serum to keep hair soft and hydrated, followed by a mousse (he's a fan of ColorWow's version) to add volume and provide hold. To finish, he uses a gloss to create a mirror-like shine. Before drying with a diffuser, he twists the hair into small sections to help shape the waves. Dry with the diffuser (it looks wet, but it's actually dry!), then shake it out for those glossy, mermaid-inspired waves.

16. High, Wavy Ponytail

Gabrielle Union's sleek, high ponytail is a prime example that an updo doesn’t have to be overly intricate. Her ponytail at a recent premiere proves that a style that's smooth at the front and wavy at the back can exude modern sophistication. Wondering how to take your ponytail from gym-ready to red-carpet worthy? Keep the front smooth with some gel, and let your natural waves cascade down the ponytail length (use an iron or even a clip-on ponytail for a polished look). For the final touch, wrap a strand of hair around the base of the ponytail and secure it with a pin for a refined finish.