Is it just us, or do long, wavy hairstyles seem have their own gravitational pull? The undulating coifs never cease to top every coveted style list or search. And while lived-in beach waves may have an eternal place on our Pinterest boards, there are far more options to consider. Bombshell waves and stacked layers revitalize the longest of tresses while crimps, bends, and grungy textures unlock a whole new persona to the usually romantic style.
Need proof? We rounded up 25 long, wavy hairstyles to try and spoke with two experts—Devin Rahal and Ryan Richman—for their top tips on creating waves at home.
Keep on scrolling for 25 long, wavy hairstyles you’ll want to try immediately.
Layered Waves
There’s big, and then there’s Texas big. For megawatt waves of this caliber, follow Queen Bey’s lead and get a fully layered cut, like a butterfly cut, to provide scaffolding for all this body.
Grunge Waves
Call it the revival of indie sleaze beauty looks or just a hit of grungy nostalgia, but Dua Lipa’s crinkled waves have us reaching for the nearest hot tool. The vibrant red hue only emphasizes the angsty moodiness of the style.
Lived-In Waves
Shay Mitchell’s lived-in waves are the epitome of effortless elegance. Though a little effort may be necessary to start. Carefully constructed S-shaped waves and loosely crinkled bends come together for the perfect I-woke-up-like-this look.
Center Part With Volume
Laura Harrier’s center part means that volume can be concentrated at her roots, and throughout the mid-lengths of her hair. We love the drama of this look, which can be replicated with a medium-barreled curling iron and a texture spray.
Side Part With Volume
This textured look works well on day-after hair. Just add plenty of texture spray, and curl the ends. If you want, add further volume with a teasing comb (just back-comb the roots and muss it up with your fingers).
Vintage Waves
Megan Thee Stallion’s vintage waves are all about structure. Gently brushed-out fingerwaves create the romantic, glossy crinkles of a bygone era.
Highlighted Waves With Center Part
Ashley Benson’s center part helps accentuate her gleaming highlights. Here, her hair is kept loose and wavy, with layers framing the face.
Classic Waves With Texture
Long waves still look great with added texture, as Deepika Padukone effortlessly emphasizes. Once you’ve replicated the classic beach waves, you can play around by raking out the tight curls with your fingers and applying a texture spray, scrunching it through the ends.
Tousled Waves
This gorgeous head of wavy hair on Vanessa Lachey looks like it just came from the beach.
Ombré Waves
Ombré is an especially fitting highlight technique for adding dimension to endless waves. The color of this style is amazing. Follow Rahal’s steps for beachy waves to let your ombré pop.
Unraveled Braids
Partially unraveled braids, as seen here on Gabrielle Union, are a unique way to create looser waves on natural curls. Hair jewels add a touch of red carpet-ready glitz.
Painted-On Color
We love waves paired with balayage highlights, which give the appearance of layers and thickness while keeping the color looking natural. “Highlights can give you a little extra dimension that makes curls look that much more beachy and textured,” says Rahal.
Shoulder-Length Ombré Waves
Another take on ombré. Gemma Chan’s waves move from deep, chestnut brown to a cooler ash brown at the ends.
Blonde Bombshell Curls
Nothing beats a classic bombshell curl when you already have thick, luscious blonde strands.
