Exploring 31 Wavy Hairstyles for Men: From Short to Long and Everything in Between

Wavy Hairstyles for Men: Riding the Waves of Style

Wavy hair for men is like the ocean: full of texture, movement, and sometimes wild beauty. Whether you’re going for a laid-back beach vibe or a polished professional look, wavy hair offers versatility that’s both stylish and dynamic. This article explores ten wavy hairstyles tailored for various lengths and styles, fitting for any event or personality.

From short tousled waves to long flowing locks, there’s a style here for every wavy-haired man looking to make a splash.

Rugged Mid-Length Waves for the Professional Gentleman

This style strikes the perfect balance between casual and professional. Mid-length waves that gently brush the shoulders are ideal for men with a heart shape face, as they help soften the forehead’s width. This look is perfect for office settings or virtual meetings, lending a touch of laid-back professionalism. Brown or hazel eyes are particularly complemented by the sun-kissed highlights often found in wavy hair.

To maintain this look, use a lightweight mousse to keep the waves defined without weighing them down. A regular trim every six to eight weeks will help keep the waves from looking unruly. Opt for a nourishing shampoo like Moroccan Oil’s Hydrating Shampoo to keep your waves healthy and vibrant.

Short and Messy Waves: Cool and Effortless

Ideal for men who prefer a low-maintenance yet stylish look, short and messy waves are perfect for round faces as they add texture and break up symmetry. This style is particularly trendy among younger men or those sporting a more casual, cool aesthetic. It’s a great fit for weekends out or casual gatherings, complementing darker eye colors like black or deep brown.

Achieving this look is simple: work some texturizing paste through damp hair and let it air dry. To keep your waves looking their best, use a sea salt spray for added texture and a matte finish. Regular washing with a gentle cleanser, such as Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo, will ensure your waves stay fresh and defined.

Long Layered Waves with a Fade: A Modern Twist on Classic Length

Long wavy hair paired with a subtle fade on the sides offers a modern twist that’s both striking and manageable. This style works well for men with longer face shapes, providing balance with its voluminous texture. It’s an excellent choice for artistic events or creative professions, enhancing green or blue eyes with its flowing layers.

Maintaining long wavy hair requires more care: use a hydrating conditioner to prevent frizz, like Aveda’s Nutriplenish Conditioner Light. Regular light trims and occasional layering will keep your waves looking intentional and neat. For daily styling, a light hold gel will keep your waves in place without stiffness.

Beachy Korean Medium Waves: Effortlessly Stylish

Inspired by Korean fashion, medium-length waves that softly frame the face create a youthful and fashionable look. This style is particularly flattering for Asian men and suits those with oval or heart-shaped faces. It’s ideal for both casual outings and more formal events, making it incredibly versatile. Complementing darker eye colors, this style also works well with lighter tones such as grey or light brown.

For the perfect beachy wave, use a curl-enhancing cream and a diffuser on low heat to encourage natural wave patterns. To maintain the health of your hair and enhance its natural texture, invest in a good quality wave spray, like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray.

Classic Hollywood Waves for the Charismatic Man

Embrace the glamour of old Hollywood with this polished and refined style. Perfect for formal occasions or important business meetings, these sleek, defined waves are best suited for men with medium to long hair. Ideal for those with a round face, this style elongates and adds a touch of sophistication.

Styling these waves requires a good pomade to keep them in place while adding shine. For maintenance, a rich leave-in conditioner will keep your waves smooth and controlled. Consider using Oribe’s Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner to give your waves a luxurious feel.

Tousled Top with Short Sides: Dynamic and Edgy

This hairstyle combines short, clean sides with a longer, tousled top, creating a dynamic contrast that’s both edgy and attractive. Great for men with oval or square faces, it brings attention to the eyes and adds height to the appearance. It’s an excellent choice for creative professionals or anyone looking to add a bit of edge to their style.

To get the look, apply a volumizing spray to the roots and rough-dry with your fingers for a tousled effect. A light wax or clay can be used to add texture and hold to the style. To keep the short sides neat, regular barber visits are essential, and a daily wash with a balancing shampoo like Sachajuan’s Scalp Shampoo will keep your scalp healthy.

Sophisticated Waves with Beard: The Ultimate Masculine

Pairing wavy hair with a well-groomed beard creates a sophisticated and rugged look that’s hard to ignore. This style works best with medium to long waves and is especially flattering for men with longer face shapes. Ideal for both casual and professional settings, it enhances the masculine silhouette and is perfect for those who want to make a statement.

To style, use a beard oil to keep your facial hair soft and a cream to define your waves without making them crunchy. Regular trims are crucial to keep both your hair and beard looking their best. A dual-purpose wash like Jack Black’s All-Over Wash can keep your hair and beard clean and conditioned.

Bohemian Rhapsody: Long and Flowing Waves for the Free Spirit

For the free-spirited man, long flowing waves offer a bohemian look that’s both alluring and whimsical. This style suits men with square or oval faces, providing a soft contrast to sharper features. It’s an excellent choice for artists, musicians, or anyone embracing a laid-back lifestyle.

Maintaining long waves requires minimal manipulation to keep the natural pattern intact. Use a wide-tooth comb for detangling and apply a light oil, like argan, to keep your hair moisturized and frizz-free. Washing with a sulfate-free shampoo will ensure your waves stay healthy and vibrant.

Structured Waves for the Corporate Maverick

This style is all about control and sophistication, making it perfect for the corporate world. Structured waves are trimmed to a medium length and styled neatly to project confidence and professionalism. Suitable for men with any face shape, it’s particularly complimentary to those with defined jawlines.

Using a strong hold gel, comb your waves back to keep them in place throughout the day. To ensure your hair remains healthy and manageable, incorporate a deep conditioning treatment weekly, like Redken’s Extreme Strength Builder Plus.

Adventurous Undercut with Wavy Top: Bold and Stylish

The adventurous undercut combines a daring short cut on the sides with a voluminous wavy top. This style is perfect for men who like to stand out and enjoy a bold, stylish look. Suitable for heart or round faces, it emphasizes the hair’s natural texture while keeping the overall appearance neat.

Style the top with a volumizing foam to enhance the natural waves, and keep the sides sharp with regular trims. To maintain the look, use a hydrating shampoo and occasionally treat your hair with a protein pack to strengthen the waves, like Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector.

Effortless Beach Waves for Casual Days

Ideal for men with medium length hair, effortless beach waves provide a relaxed, casual look perfect for weekends or vacations. This style works great for heart shape face, enhancing natural features with its soft texture.

Apply a light sea salt spray and scrunch your hair while it dries naturally. For maintenance, a moisturizing conditioner will keep your waves soft and prevent dryness.

Slicked-Back Wavy Elegance for Formal Events

Slicked-back waves offer a classic, refined look for formal occasions. Suitable for men with medium to long wavy hair, this style works well with an oval face, adding a touch of elegance.

Use a strong-hold gel to slick back the waves, giving a clean, polished appearance. Regular use of a leave-in conditioner will keep the waves smooth and manageable.

Textured Crop for a Modern Twist

A textured crop with wavy hair adds a modern edge, perfect for younger men or those looking for a fresh, trendy look. This style suits round faces best, balancing the face shape with added height on top.

Styling with a matte paste will add texture and volume. Keep the waves defined with regular trims and a texturizing shampoo.

Layered Waves for Added Dimension

Layered waves can add dimension and depth to any wavy hairstyle, making it ideal for those with thicker hair. This style complements an oval or square face by providing volume and movement.

Use a volumizing mousse to enhance the layers and a light hairspray to hold the style in place. A hydrating deep conditioner will help maintain the health of your layers.

Retro Waves for a Vintage Look

Inspired by the past, retro waves bring a touch of nostalgia and class, perfect for themed events or those who appreciate vintage fashion. Best for men with medium to long hair and works well with a round face.

A strong pomade will help sculpt your waves into sleek, retro shapes. Maintain the shine and health of your waves with an oil-based conditioner.

Messy Bedhead Waves for the Laid-Back Man

Messy bedhead waves offer a carefree, laid-back style ideal for casual outings. Suitable for short to medium length hair, this look fits men with oval or heart-shaped faces.

A light styling cream can add texture without weighing down the hair. Use a nourishing shampoo to keep your waves looking healthy and natural.

Wavy Quiff for a Touch of Drama

The wavy quiff adds drama and height to any look, making it perfect for special occasions or professional settings. It suits men with square or round faces by elongating the face and adding interest.

Use a volumizing foam to lift the roots and a hairspray to hold the quiff in place. Regular washing and conditioning will keep your waves bouncy and vibrant.

Side-Parted Waves for a Classic Charm

Side-parted waves bring a classic charm and sophistication, ideal for business meetings or formal gatherings. This style works best for men with medium long hair and complements an oval face.

Apply a light styling cream to enhance the waves and a fine-tooth comb to define the part. A color-safe shampoo will keep your hair looking glossy and refined.

Undercut with Wavy Pompadour: Bold and Stylish

Combining an undercut with a wavy pompadour creates a bold, stylish look that stands out. Perfect for adventurous men, this style works best with thicker, medium-length hair and suits round faces.

Use a strong-hold mousse to sculpt the pompadour and a sharp razor for the undercut. Regular styling and conditioning will maintain the distinct separation and texture of the pompadour.

Soft Tousled Waves for Everyday Sophistication

Soft tousled waves offer an effortlessly sophisticated look, ideal for everyday wear or relaxed business settings. This style suits men with medium length hair and round faces, providing a refined yet casual appeal. Particularly flattering for Asian men, it enhances natural textures and complements light-colored eyes, adding a subtle, striking contrast.

Maintaining this style is straightforward: a light texturizing spray enhances the waves, while a hydrating conditioner keeps them soft and manageable.