Haircuts for Men with Wavy Hair: Long to Short Styles
Wavy hair has a unique charm that’s both relaxed and effortlessly stylish—making it one of the most appealing textures for men at any age. Whether your waves are loose and beachy or tighter with more structure, the right haircut can enhance your natural texture and bring out a confident, youthful edge. In fact, the soft volume and movement of wavy hair often help older men appear younger and more dynamic. In this guide to the best haircuts for men with wavy hair, we’ll explore flattering styles for long, medium, and short lengths—along with styling tips and product picks to help you make the most of what you’ve got.
Understanding Wavy Hair for Men
Men’s wavy hair can often be tricky to style, but with the right haircut, products, and techniques, it can be both low-maintenance and stylish. The texture of wavy hair gives it movement and volume, making it perfect for creating various looks—whether you want something sleek or tousled.
The key to great wavy hair lies in working with your natural texture, not against it. That means embracing the wave, adding some layers for volume, or choosing a haircut that complements your natural shape. Let’s dive into the best haircuts and how to style them.
Best Haircuts for Wavy Hair Men
Long Wavy Hair
Long wavy hair can give you an effortlessly cool, beach-inspired look. The key to keeping it fresh is layers. Long hair with waves can quickly become heavy if not layered correctly, so work with your stylist to incorporate layers that enhance your natural texture and prevent it from looking flat.
- The Flowing Wave
This style lets your waves flow freely with a little more length on top and shorter sides. It’s relaxed but still polished. To keep it looking sharp, ask your stylist for long layers to prevent your hair from becoming too heavy or boxy. - The Surfer Cut
This one’s all about that laid-back, beachy vibe. The hair is longer and allowed to fall naturally with some texture. To get the best look, use a sea salt spray to define your waves and keep them looking carefree.
Medium Wavy Hair
Medium-length cuts strike the perfect balance for men with wavy hair. They’re long enough to let your natural texture shine, yet short enough to keep things manageable. This length gives you the freedom to play with different looks—whether that’s a tousled, carefree style or something more polished and structured. It’s a go-to length for guys who want versatility without too much upkeep.
- The Textured Crop
This is a popular cut for medium-length wavy hair, with short sides and a slightly longer, textured top. The natural waves add a casual, effortless look, while the shorter sides keep the style neat and easy to maintain. - The Wavy Pompadour
This cut works wonders for men who want volume and structure. The pompadour uses the volume of your waves to create a taller, slicker top, while the sides are trimmed short or faded. A great style for both formal and casual events. - The Undercut with Wavy Top
The undercut gives you sharp contrast with the short sides and longer top. This is a great way to showcase your waves in a more structured yet still edgy way. You can keep the top tousled for a messy look or style it clean for a more polished effect.
To keep medium wavy hair looking its best, regular trims are key. Without maintenance, it can quickly grow past that ideal middle length—losing shape and becoming harder to style. A good rule of thumb is to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain the cut’s structure and prevent the ends from looking weighed down or frizzy. Using a lightweight styling cream or sea salt spray between cuts can help keep the waves defined and the style balanced.
Short Hairstyles for Wavy Hair Men
Short wavy hairstyles are perfect for men who want a clean, low-maintenance look without giving up the personality that waves bring. The natural texture adds just enough movement and edge to keep things interesting, even with a shorter cut. These styles are ideal for busy routines—they’re easy to maintain, quick to style, and still let your waves shine through. Whether you prefer something neat or a bit more rugged, short haircuts for wavy hair offer a stylish, no-fuss way to embrace your natural texture.
- The Short Textured Crop
This haircut is short all around but still allows you to work with your natural waves. With a little product, you can define your waves and achieve a clean, effortless style that’s ideal for everyday wear. - The Buzz with Waves
For a more daring approach, a buzz cut with textured waves on top creates a striking look. The buzzed sides highlight the natural waves on top, and the contrast makes the waves pop even more. - The Tapered Cut
A tapered cut keeps the sides short and gradually blends into a longer top. The result is a clean, professional look that still shows off your natural wave without being too overpowering.
Styling Tips for Wavy Hair Men
Whether your hair is long, medium, or short, styling wavy hair is all about working with your natural texture. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your waves.
- Avoid Over-Washing
Wavy hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so washing too frequently can strip away natural oils. Try to wash your hair 2-3 times a week to keep it healthy and hydrated. - Use a Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners can help maintain moisture and reduce frizz. Look for products designed for textured hair to keep your waves defined and smooth without weighing them down. - Embrace the Air-Dry Look
Let your hair dry naturally to enhance your waves. If you’re in a rush, use a blow dryer with a diffuser to dry your hair gently without creating frizz. - Use the Right Styling Products
Men’s wavy hair can benefit from products that define and separate the waves. Texturizing sprays, light mousses, and sea salt sprays are perfect for adding volume and control without making your hair feel stiff.
Best Products for Wavy Hair Men
To keep your waves looking their best, it’s important to use the right products. Here are some top product recommendations for men’s wavy hair:
- Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray is essential for adding texture and volume to wavy hair. It enhances your natural waves and helps create that beachy, tousled look without making your hair feel heavy. - Texturizing Cream
A good texturizing cream can define waves without weighing them down. It gives a natural, relaxed hold while adding volume and shine. - Curl Defining Gel
For tighter waves or curls, a curl-defining gel can enhance the wave pattern and reduce frizz, leaving your hair with more structure. - Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight leave-in conditioner can keep your hair hydrated and soft, making it easier to manage and style. - Matte Paste or Clay
For a more structured, defined look, a matte paste or clay is great for adding control and texture, especially for shorter or medium styles.
When it comes to men’s wavy hair, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer long, medium, or short styles, embracing your natural waves can give you a laid-back yet stylish appearance. With the right haircut and products, you can enhance your waves and create a look that suits your personal style. Remember to keep your hair healthy, use the right styling products, and enjoy experimenting with different cuts to find the one that best highlights your natural texture!
