Wavy hair offers a unique texture that sits between straight and curly, providing natural volume and movement that many people desire. However, it can also come with its own set of challenges, like frizz and a tendency to be unpredictable. Finding the right hairstyle is key to taming the waves while showcasing their best qualities. Instead of fighting against your hair’s natural tendencies, the best approach is to choose a cut that works with your texture, making your daily grooming routine simpler and more effective.
The ideal hairstyle for wavy hair often involves strategic layering and shaping to control bulk and prevent the dreaded “triangle” effect where the hair puffs out at the sides. Whether you prefer a short, low-maintenance look or a longer, more expressive style, there is a perfect cut to suit your waves. This guide explores thirteen different hairstyles designed specifically for men with wavy hair, offering options that range from classic and professional to modern and casual. Each style is chosen to help you manage your texture and look your best with confidence.
1. The Wavy Quiff
The wavy quiff is a fantastic way to add a touch of modern sophistication while embracing your hair’s natural movement. This style features shorter sides with a longer top section, particularly at the front. Unlike a quiff with straight hair, the wavy version does not need to be perfectly smooth. The natural bends in the hair create a more relaxed and textured look that feels effortless. The volume comes from brushing the hair up and back from the forehead, creating a wave-like shape that highlights the hair’s dynamic texture. It is a versatile look that works well for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
To achieve this style, you will likely need a blow dryer to help lift the hair at the roots and direct it backward. While the hair is still slightly damp, apply a light styling cream or mousse. Use your fingers to shape the quiff, encouraging the waves to form a cohesive, swept-back look. The key is to find a product that provides hold without weighing the hair down or making it stiff. The end result is a polished yet touchable hairstyle that looks full of life and character, turning your natural waves into a defining feature of your style.
2. The Textured Crop
The textured crop is a popular and practical choice for men with wavy hair who prefer a shorter, low-maintenance style. This cut involves short, often faded sides with a slightly longer top that is layered to enhance the hair’s natural texture. The hair on top is typically styled forward, creating a short, choppy fringe. For wavy hair, this is an ideal cut because it works with the texture rather than against it. The choppiness of the layers breaks up the waves, preventing them from clumping together and becoming puffy. Any skilled stylist at a New York Barbershop can master this look, shaping it to fit your specific head shape and wave pattern.
Styling a textured crop is incredibly simple, which is a major part of its appeal. After washing, you can let it mostly air-dry. Then, take a small amount of matte clay or paste, rub it between your hands, and work it through your hair to create separation and definition. The goal is a slightly messy, “just-woke-up-but-better” look. This style is excellent for active lifestyles and is professional enough for most modern workplaces. It is a rugged yet tidy haircut that keeps your waves under control without eliminating their natural charm.
3. The Classic Side Part
The side part is a timeless hairstyle that brings an air of classic elegance to wavy hair. While often associated with straight hair, a side part can look incredibly distinguished with a bit of texture. The natural waves add body and a soft, romantic quality to this otherwise structured cut. The style involves creating a defined part on one side and combing the hair over. With wavy hair, the result is less slick and more dynamic, with the waves creating gentle crests and troughs across the top of the head. This look is perfect for professional settings, weddings, or any occasion that calls for a polished appearance.
To achieve a wavy side part, it is best to comb the hair into place while it is still damp. This helps to set the direction of the style. Use a grooming cream or a light-hold pomade to provide control and reduce frizz without flattening the waves completely. You want to maintain the hair’s natural volume. If your waves are particularly strong, a slightly stronger product might be necessary to keep the part defined throughout the day. This hairstyle proves that wavy hair can be just as sophisticated and neat as straight hair, offering a refined look with added character.
4. The Bro Flow
The “Bro Flow” is a medium-length hairstyle that has become incredibly popular for its relaxed and confident vibe. This style is perfect for men with wavy hair, as it is all about showcasing natural texture and movement. It involves growing the hair out long enough so that it can be swept back from the face, often tucking behind the ears. The waves create a cascading, “flowing” effect that looks rugged and effortlessly cool. This is an excellent option for men who are growing their hair out, as it represents a stylish destination in itself rather than just an awkward in-between stage. It is also surprisingly good for some types of Receding Hairlines, as the forward-swept motion can provide some coverage.
The key to a successful Bro Flow is to ensure it looks healthy and intentional, not just unkempt. Regular trims are necessary to remove split ends and add subtle layers that prevent the hair from becoming too heavy or shapeless. To style it, use a leave-in conditioner or a light styling cream on damp hair to control frizz and enhance the wave pattern. Then, simply train the hair back with your fingers or a comb as it dries. It is a low-maintenance look that projects an air of easy-going confidence, perfect for creative professionals or anyone with a laid-back personal style.
5. The Wavy Slick Back
A slick back with wavy hair offers a modern twist on the classic, ultra-smooth style. Instead of being perfectly flat and glossy, a wavy slick back retains the texture and volume of the hair. The hair is combed backwards, but the natural waves create ridges and movement, resulting in a look that is both structured and full of life. It is less severe than its straight-hair counterpart and has a more approachable feel. This hairstyle is great for formal events when you want to look polished but still want your hair to have some personality.
To get this look, you will need a product with a good hold but a flexible finish, such as a water-based pomade or a styling cream. Apply the product to damp hair and use a comb to guide the hair back from your forehead. Do not try to flatten the waves completely; instead, work with them. The comb will help to unify the waves into a consistent backward direction. You can use your fingers to gently lift the front for a bit more volume if desired. This style effectively keeps wavy hair under control and out of your face while highlighting its unique and attractive texture.
6. The Medium-Length Messy Look
Embracing the mess is one of the best ways to style medium-length wavy hair. This approach involves cutting the hair into layers to remove weight and encourage movement, then styling it to look deliberately tousled. It is a confident, artistic look that projects a carefree attitude. The natural bends and twists of wavy hair are perfect for this style, as they provide the foundation for a textured, piecey finish. It is the ideal haircut for someone in a creative field or for weekend wear when you want to let your hair do its thing. The key to making it work is using the right Must-Have Products to prevent frizz and add definition.
A sea salt spray is the hero product for this hairstyle. Spritzing it onto damp hair and scrunching with your hands will enhance your natural wave pattern and add a gritty, beachy texture. A light matte paste or styling cream can then be used to define individual pieces and add a bit of hold. The goal is to look artfully disheveled, not like you just rolled out of bed. It is a style that celebrates imperfection and turns the often-unpredictable nature of wavy hair into a stylish asset.
7. The Wavy Undercut
The wavy undercut creates a bold and high-contrast look that is very popular. This hairstyle features short, buzzed sides and a much longer top section. The disconnect between the long, wavy top and the short sides creates a dramatic and edgy silhouette. It is a fantastic way to manage the bulk of thick, wavy hair, as the undercut removes all the weight from the sides, making the overall style feel lighter and cooler. The long hair on top can then be styled in various ways, from a messy crop to a swept-back look.
This style allows the natural texture of your waves to be the main focus. You can let the waves fall forward for a fringe effect or use a bit of product to push them up and back for a more voluminous style. Because the sides are so short, maintenance is relatively simple, though you will need to visit the barber regularly to keep the undercut sharp. The wavy undercut is a statement haircut that blends the rebellious spirit of an undercut with the soft, organic feel of natural waves, resulting in a look that is both tough and stylish.
8. The Wavy Crew Cut
A crew cut is a classic, short hairstyle that can be adapted beautifully for wavy hair. In a traditional crew cut, the hair is faded on the sides and left slightly longer on top. For wavy hair, leaving a bit more length on top allows the texture to show through. This creates a much more interesting look than a standard buzz cut, as the waves on top add dimension and a softer finish. It is an extremely practical and low-maintenance option for men who want a clean, professional appearance without the daily hassle of styling. Finding a skilled New York Barber is key, as they will know how to taper the sides perfectly to complement the texture on top.
This haircut requires virtually no styling. You can simply wash it, towel it dry, and be ready to go. If you want a bit more definition, a tiny amount of wax or paste can be used to separate the waves. The wavy crew cut is an excellent choice for athletes or anyone with a very active lifestyle. It is also a great option for summer, as it keeps you cool while still looking put-together. It proves that you can have a short, masculine haircut without sacrificing the unique character of your wavy hair.
9. The Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a stylish and energetic hairstyle that works surprisingly well with wavy hair. Unlike a traditional mohawk with its severe, spiked strip of hair, a faux hawk is much more subtle. It involves shorter sides that blend into a longer strip on top, which is then styled towards the center and upwards. For wavy hair, this results in a soft, textured ridge rather than sharp spikes. The natural movement of the waves prevents the look from appearing too stiff or aggressive, making it more wearable for a variety of occasions.
To style a wavy faux hawk, use a strong-hold product like a clay or wax to push the hair on top towards the middle. Use your fingers to create texture and separation, allowing the waves to create a messy, dynamic peak. The length on top can vary; a shorter faux hawk is more conservative and office-appropriate, while a longer one makes a bolder statement. This style is great for adding height and drawing attention to the eyes. It is a fun, youthful look that channels a bit of punk-rock energy in a sophisticated way.
10. The Long and Layered Look
For men who love the look of long hair, growing out waves can result in a truly stunning style. However, simply letting it grow without a plan can lead to a shapeless, triangular mass. The key to long, wavy hair is a good haircut with long layers. A stylist will cut layers throughout the hair to remove weight, prevent the ends from getting too bulky, and encourage the waves to form properly. This creates a look that is full of movement and life, reminiscent of rock stars and surfers.
Managing long, wavy hair is all about controlling frizz and maintaining moisture. You should use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and avoid washing it every day, as this can strip the hair of its natural oils. A leave-in conditioner is a must-have product to keep the strands smooth and defined. Depending on your desired finish, you can let the hair air-dry for a natural look or use a diffuser to enhance the wave pattern. It is a high-impact look that requires commitment, but the payoff is a head of hair that is undeniably cool and full of personality.
11. The Asymmetrical Cut
An asymmetrical haircut for wavy hair involves cutting one side shorter than the other or having a fringe that sweeps dramatically across the face. This imbalance creates a very modern, fashion-forward look. The natural texture of wavy hair enhances the style, adding softness and movement to the sharp, geometric lines of the cut. This is a great choice for someone with an artistic or creative personal style who wants a haircut that is unique and eye-catching.
The styling depends on the specific cut. For a long, sweeping fringe, you would use a light cream to control frizz and guide the hair across the forehead. For a cut with one side significantly longer, you might let that side hang naturally while keeping the shorter side neat. Because this is a more avant-garde look, it is important to find a stylist who is skilled in precision cutting and understands how wavy hair behaves. An asymmetrical cut is a bold statement that showcases both the texture of your hair and your confidence.
12. The Wavy Pompadour
A pompadour with wavy hair is a softer, more romantic version of the classic 1950s style. While a traditional pompadour is slick and perfectly coiffed, a wavy one embraces texture and a bit of controlled messiness. The style still involves creating significant volume at the front by sweeping the hair up and back, but the waves add a unique, undulating pattern to the surface. It is a dramatic and stylish look that is perfect for special occasions or for anyone who enjoys a vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Achieving this style requires a blow dryer and a round brush to create the initial lift and shape. You will need a strong-hold pomade to maintain the height throughout the day. Unlike with straight hair, you don’t need to fight for a perfectly smooth finish. Let the natural separation of the waves show through to give the style its character. The wavy pompadour is a sophisticated choice that combines the height and drama of a classic cut with the relaxed appeal of natural texture.
13. The Short and Natural Look
Sometimes the best approach is the simplest one. A short, natural haircut involves keeping the hair relatively short all over, just long enough for the wave pattern to be visible. The hair is scissor-cut to follow the shape of the head, resulting in a soft, uniform look. This is different from a crew cut because the length on the sides is not dramatically shorter than the top. It is a very understated and clean style that is incredibly easy to manage.
This haircut is perfect for men who want to look neat and tidy with minimal effort. It requires no real styling; at most, a small amount of anti-frizz serum or light cream can be used to keep the waves looking healthy and defined. Because it is so simple, the quality of the cut is paramount. A good barber will ensure that the shape is perfect and that it will grow out well. This is a timeless, no-fuss option that allows the natural beauty of your wavy hair to speak for itself.
Conclusion
Wavy hair offers a wealth of styling possibilities that range from neat and classic to bold and modern. The key to a great hairstyle is choosing a cut that complements your natural texture rather than working against it. Whether you opt for a short, textured crop, a medium-length bro flow, or a classic side part, the right cut will make your daily routine easier and boost your confidence.
Do not be afraid to experiment with different lengths and styles to find what works best for you. Communicate with your barber about your goals and be open to their suggestions. By embracing your waves and choosing a flattering haircut, you can turn your unique hair texture into your greatest style asset. With the right cut and a few key products, you can enjoy a great hair day every day.
