10 Long Hairstyles That Work Beautifully with Wavy Hair

1. The Effortless Beach Wave

This is the quintessential wavy hair look: relaxed, tousled, and sun-kissed. The beauty of naturally wavy hair is that it’s already halfway to perfect beach waves. To enhance this style, apply a texturizing sea salt spray or a light-hold mousse to damp hair. Scrunch your hair gently as it air-dries or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. For a more defined look, you can wrap random sections around a large-barrel curling wand, leaving the ends out for that undone feel. The key is imperfection—a few pieces sticking out or falling across your face only adds to the charm.

2. The Classic Half-Up, Half-Down

This timeless style is a perfect match for wavy hair because it manages to look both polished and playful. The natural volume and texture of your waves prevent the style from looking flat or too severe. Simply gather the top section of your hair, from your temples back, and secure it with a clip, elastic, or a chic scarf. You can leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a soft effect. For a modern twist, gently pull at the crown section to add a bit of height and volume, or twist the sides before joining them at the back.

3. The Sleek, Deep-Side Part

Contrast is a powerful styling tool. Pairing the structured elegance of a deep side part with the organic texture of wavy hair creates a stunning, red-carpet worthy look. Comb your hair to one side, creating a clean, deep part. You can smooth the top section with a bit of serum or light gel for control, but let the length of your hair fall in its natural wave pattern. This style highlights your facial structure and allows your waves to look intentionally chic rather than just casual.

4. The Textured Braid (or Braid Crown)

Braids and waves are a match made in hairstyle heaven. Wavy hair adds immediate volume and a bohemian feel to any braid, preventing it from looking too tight or sparse. A simple side braid, a fishtail, or a Dutch braid all look incredible. For a truly ethereal look, try a braid crown. The waves that escape from the braid and frame your face soften the style beautifully. Remember to gently pull apart the sections of the braid after securing it to make it look fuller and more integrated with your loose waves.

5. The Voluminous Blowout with Waves

This style takes your natural wave pattern and elevates it with incredible volume and shine. Using a large round brush and a blow-dryer, dry your hair while lifting the roots to create lift. Instead of brushing out the waves completely, work with them, using the brush to enhance the curve. Finish with a pass of a large-barrel curling iron over random sections to unify the wave pattern. The result is big, bouncy, luxurious waves that are full of life and body—perfect for a special occasion.

6. The Low, Messy Bun

For days when you want your hair up but still want to showcase your texture, the low messy bun is your best friend. Its success relies entirely on the wave, which provides the necessary texture to keep the bun looking artfully disheveled rather than just messy. Pull your hair into a low ponytail, twist it loosely, and wrap it into a bun at the nape of your neck, securing with pins. The magic step is to pull out several wavy pieces around your face and neck, and loosen the bun itself with your fingers.

7. The Defined, Hydrated Wave

If your waves tend to be on the curlier side or you want to combat frizz for a more defined look, this style is for you. It’s all about enhancing your natural pattern with the right products. After washing, apply a curl-defining cream or gel to soaking wet hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly, then scrunch thoroughly. Let your hair air-dry or diffuse. This method encourages your waves to clump together into shiny, defined, springy curls and waves, showcasing a healthier and more intentional texture.

8. The Bohemian Headscarf Style

Incorporate a silk or patterned scarf into your wavy hairstyle for an instant dose of personality and boho flair. You can tie it around a ponytail or bun, use it as a headband, or wrap it around a half-up style. The scarf adds a pop of color and texture that complements the organic feel of your waves. This accessory is perfect for a bad hair day, as it stylishly holds back any unruly pieces while allowing the prettiest parts of your waves to shine through.

9. The Layered Shag with Curtain Bangs

This is a cut-dependent style that truly unleashes the power of wavy hair. Long layers and face-framing pieces, like curtain bangs, are cut to work specifically with your wave pattern. The layers remove weight, allowing your waves to bounce up with more volume and movement from root to tip. Curtain bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair, offering a soft, flattering frame for your face. This cut creates a style that looks amazing with minimal effort—just scrunch and go.

10. The Elegant, Textured Ponytail

Move over, sleek ponytail. The textured, wavy ponytail is here, and it’s far more forgiving and interesting. Gather your hair at your desired height, but before securing it, run your fingers through your hair to keep the volume and texture. Use a coil-free elastic to avoid creasing. Once secured, gently pull at the crown to lift it, and wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic. The result is a ponytail that’s full of body, with waves cascading down in a lively, modern way.

Embrace Your Natural Texture

The common thread through all these stunning hairstyles is a celebration of your natural wave. Long wavy hair is incredibly versatile, capable of moving from casual daytime charm to sophisticated evening elegance with just a few tweaks. The most important tip is to find the right products for your specific wave type—whether it’s a mousse for volume, a cream for definition, or a serum for shine. Work with your texture, not against it. Let these ten styles be your inspiration to experiment, have fun, and show off the beautiful, unique waves you were born with.