Each new season inspires us to change our outward appearance to match the natural world around us. Since dying your hair a lush, vibrant green isn’t a simple or universally flattering way to step into summer, trying waves like the beaches we’re living at or dreaming of is another great option.
While wavy hair is mostly associated with 2a-c textures, any texture can achieve a natural or defined wavy look with some styling and product.
Whether you’re trying to emulate Old Hollywood glamor, bohemians of the ’60s, or Disco Divas, wavy hair is a fun way to embody the sultriness of summer. When I see someone rocking a wavy hairstyle, I know they’ve got something fun ahead of them.
While intimidating, if not exhausting, the rapid trend cycle has bequeathed us with new or reworked variations on wavy hair that encourage experimentation and messiness. With all your summer plans, who has time to put their hair in curlers of alternating directions, blow dry, and then brush out? Charli XCX and other indie sleaze fashionistas are giving us a whole new meaning for bedhead.
On the other hand, the surreal French Riverian glamor of the Cannes Film Festival is a reliable, annual source of inspo for those evenings when you want to spend an indulgent few hours getting ready for a Big Night Out.
We’ve included products for these styles to make your glam time more leisurely and less hectic.
1. Venusian Waves
Image Source: @brinleemonette
These relaxed, damp waves lengthen the face and give the appearance that you emerged from the ocean.
2. Middle Part-y Girl Waves
Image Source: @maybeitswavybaby
A tousled style to embrace the long days and late nights of summer fun.
3. Braids Throughout Waves
Image Source: Pinterest / @yesicarodea
Add sporadic braids across the top layer of your hair to achieve beach-goddess glamor.
4. Preppy Waves
Image Source: @oliviarodrigo
Rodrigo’s relaxed waves feel more sassy by using a headband to push them back.
5. Beachy waves with bangs
Image Source: @mjrodriguez7
Create an extra layer of face-framing hair. By embracing your natural waviness and resisting heat styling on your bangs, your hair will look more in unison.
6. Crimped blunt waves
Image Source: @adisonjustis
Use our curl formers in angled formations to achieve a crimped yet beachy effect. This sharp hairstyle is flexible for professional and social settings.
7. Pageboy hat and soft waves
Image Source: Michael Putland/Getty Images
The queen of Disco knew how to add attitude to her angelic, fluffy waves. Any hat will do, but a pageboy creates a retro flair.
9. Shag with bangs
Image Source: @jaylenzanelli
The shag is back in full swing. This punk-inspired hairdo can work with any texture while the layers add volume and flair.
10. Jessica Rabbit Waves
Image Source: @chloebailey
Red, bodacious waves create the ultimate Old Hollywood summer sunset glam.
10. Marcel Waves
Image Source: Getty Images
For an authentic vintage glamor look, MUA and historian Erin Parsons goes in depth on how to create the 1920s staple. Use The Doux Pop Lock Glaze on your wet hair before using the setting clips to create hold.
11. Waves with curtain bang
Image Source: @courtney_lloyd_hair
You get a curtain bang by gently parting your bang in the middle and cutting diagonally downward from there. This style adds a touch of coyness to your look.
12. Blunt bob with waves
Image Source: @sparrowlogansquare
These waves allow your natural texture to shine for a short, angular cut.
13. Wolfy shag cut
Image Source: @belowbeautyy
A punky look that doesn’t require much maintenance for a summer on the go.
14. Colorful Elastics
Image Source: Pinterest
To avoid frizziness after a long day outside, use elastics in alternating colors to keep your part clear. You can match the colors to an outfit or use them to represent yourself, whether rainbow for Pride or red, black, and green for Juneteenth.
15. Loose S-shape Waves
Image Source: @wolfiecindy
Use Rizo’s Curl Defining Cream to do the real work by keeping the swirls in place for the breezy, effortless look.
16. Pinned Back Part
Image Source: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Keep your hair out of your face while the waves cascade around you by pinning back your part. This look simultaneously creates a mermaid vibe and classic glamor.
17. Ponytail with wisps
Image Source: @babyskymakeup
This style creates a relaxed, ethereal vibe by leaving face-framing tendrils out of your pony.
18. Pinned back half-bouffant
Image Source: Steve Granitz/Getty Images
The lovely gathering of the hair under the pin adds a glamorous touch and volume, bringing your beach waves from day to night.
19. Pigtails
Image Source: Pinterest
To have a styled look while keeping your waves out of your face, revisit a schoolyard classic. Depending on the height of where the pigtails are tied, you can achieve a sassy popstar look or a dainty bucolic one.
20. Top Layer crown knot
Image Source: TikTok/@litalze
This style has intentional braiding to create a bun with the top layer of your hair. The remaining layers can be left in loose braids or adorned with clips. Get creative while knowing the top is firmly in place with the bun using Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Hair Sheen once it’s set.
21. Coquette Bouffant
Image Source: Pinterest/@gummyhope
Why stop at one bow when you can have 20? Adorn your voluminous hairdo to create a unique spin on the classic 60s style.
22. Heavy Side Bang Waves
Image Source: @societysalons
By adding a side-parted bang, your face receives extra framing. The look gives the waves a retro, flirty feel.
23. Endless Summer Bandana
Image Source: @joansmalls
Use a silk scarf to keep the wind from unfurling your waves or add a creative touch to your updo. This accessory gives a bohemian vibe and can tame a messy hair day by making it look more intentional.
24. Wide Headband
Image Source: Pinterest
This practical and sporty accessory can be rolled up in your purse. Take it out at the club, beach, or before you leave your house to create volume in the back while keeping hair out of your face.
25. Messy Top Knot with tendrils
Image Source: @jazvnessa
This look is flexible, as it’s to be formal enough for a big date and casual enough for a flirtatious errands look. By clipping or tying the hair up while leaving the waves out, the volumized style lifts the jaw while creating a beachy essence.
A popular summer tradition is keeping a list of things to accomplish with friends before the season’s end. Adding a few of these hairstyles lends a fun and creative way to scratch a few items off that list while trying something new.
At NaturallyCurly, we want our readers to feel empowered by the endless possibilities that come with embracing who they are and pursuing their goals.
Summer can be whatever you want it to be – a time to sculpt an improved version of yourself, a time of leisurely introspection. And, of course, time for limitless fun when we’re off work at 5, and the sun doesn’t go down until 9. Styling your hair is a way to express these possibilities without breaking the bank.