21 Long Wavy Hairstyle Ideas
Long wavy hair offers endless styling possibilities, combining the versatility of length with the natural texture and movement of waves.
Whether you’re blessed with natural waves or create them with styling tools, this coveted look frames your face beautifully.
Ready to make the most of your flowing locks?
These 21 long wavy hairstyles will help you showcase your hair’s natural beauty while experimenting with fresh, modern styles that range from effortlessly casual to elegantly polished.
1: Classic Center-Part Waves
Frame your face symmetrically with this timeless style that works for virtually every face shape.
The center part creates perfect balance, allowing your waves to cascade evenly on both sides.
You’ll achieve the most natural-looking waves by applying a lightweight mousse to damp hair and either air-drying or diffusing with minimal manipulation.
This versatile, everyday style transitions seamlessly from office to evening with just a quick refresh of texturizing spray at the roots for added volume.
2: Deep Side-Part Glamour Waves
Create instant drama and volume with a deep side part that showcases your waves’ fullness.
This asymmetrical approach adds sophistication while drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
You can enhance this look by using a 1.5-inch curling iron on strategic sections, focusing on creating uniform waves that flow in the same direction away from your face.
Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray, then gently brush through for perfect, red-carpet-worthy waves that maintain movement without looking stiff.
3: Half-Up Boho Waves
Combine the practicality of keeping hair off your face with the beauty of displaying your length.
This half-up style creates the perfect balance of polish and casual bohemian vibes.
Gather the front sections of your wavy hair back, securing them with decorative pins or a small clear elastic slightly above your crown for maximum volume.
Let the remaining waves flow freely, enhancing them with sea salt spray scrunched through your mid-lengths and ends for that perfect “just returned from the beach” texture.
4: Layered Waterfall Waves
Showcase dimension and movement with strategically cut layers that create a cascading waterfall effect.
The varying lengths allow your waves to form naturally at different points throughout your hair.
Ask your stylist for long layers that begin near your chin and continue downward.
These layers will preserve your overall length while adding crucial movement to prevent your waves from feeling heavy.
Style by applying a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair, then allow it to air dry or diffuse gently for natural-looking waves that showcase your hair’s built-in dimension.
5: Beachy Ombré Waves
Combine sun-kissed color with textured waves for this carefree, vacation-inspired look.
The color gradient adds visual interest and dimension to your waves as they catch the light.
Create this style by applying a texturizing spray to damp hair, then braiding into two loose braids and allowing it to dry completely before releasing for effortless, natural-looking waves.
The ombré color technique lightens just your mid-lengths and ends, creating a natural sun-bleached effect that requires minimal maintenance as it grows beautifully.
6: Loose Ribbon Curls
Transform your waves into more defined, ribbon-like curls for special occasions.
This glamorous style creates uniform waves that look deliberately styled while maintaining movement.
You’ll need a 1-inch curling wand. Wrap large sections around the barrel and leave the ends out for a modern, undone finish that prevents the curls from looking too perfect.
Allow the curls to cool completely before gently running your fingers through—never a brush—to maintain definition while creating soft, flowing waves that last all day.
7: Face-Framing Curtain Waves
Flatter your features with this 70s-inspired style featuring face-framing layers that open like curtains.
The strategic cut creates softness around your face while your length provides versatility.
Ask your stylist for long layers that begin at your cheekbones or jawline and then gradually blend into your overall length.
This technique adds movement exactly where you need it most.
Style by blow-drying with a round brush, turning the face-framing sections away from your face to create that perfect curtain effect that instantly brightens your complexion.
8: Brushed-Out Vintage Waves
Channel old Hollywood glamour with this sophisticated take on wavy hair.
The thoroughly brushed-out texture creates a smooth, unified wave pattern that exudes timeless elegance.
Create this look by first making defined waves with a curling iron, allowing them to cool completely, and thoroughly brushing them through with a boar bristle brush.
The magic happens in the brushing stage—what begins as separate curls transforms into a cohesive, flowing wave pattern that moves as one while maintaining incredible softness.
9: Textured Topknot with Wavy Tendrils
Keep your waves off your neck while maintaining their visual impact.
This partially up style showcases your texture while creating a cooler option for warmer days.
Gather the top half of your wavy hair into a loose, textured bun at your crown, securing it with pins rather than an elastic to maintain the casual, undone aesthetic.
Leave face-framing pieces out intentionally, enhancing their wave pattern with a small curling iron if needed for that perfect balance of polish and effortless style.
10: Wavy Braided Crown
Incorporate braiding into your wavy hairstyle for added dimension and bohemian flair. This technique creates visual interest while keeping your hair partially secured.
Begin a Dutch braid at one temple, working around your hairline and incorporating only the front sections of your hair.
The braid should sit like a crown above your flowing waves.
The contrast between the structured braid and your free-flowing waves creates beautiful texture variation perfect for festivals, weddings, or whenever you want an elevated boho look.
11: Sleek Roots with Wavy Ends
Create a compelling contrast with this modern interpretation of wavy hair.
The smooth, controlled roots transitioning into natural waves offer the perfect balance of polish and movement.
Achieve this look by applying a smoothing cream to your roots and blow-drying them flat with a paddle brush before allowing your natural wave pattern to take over from mid-length down.
This style works especially well for second-day hair or when you want a more refined approach to waves that still maintains their natural beauty and movement.
12: Side-Swept Romantic Waves
Create soft asymmetry by styling your waves to cascade predominantly over one shoulder.
This romantic look instantly adds drama without requiring complicated techniques.
Begin with your normal wavy styling routine, then use a flexible-hold hairspray to set your part before gently directing the majority of your hair to your preferred side.
Secure it with a decorative clip on the opposite side if needed.
This allows the full length and volume of your waves to create a striking silhouette that beautifully frames one side of your face.
13: Wavy Low Ponytail
Elevate the classic ponytail by incorporating your natural or styled waves.
This sophisticated yet practical style keeps hair contained while showcasing your beautiful texture.
Gather your wavy hair at the nape of your neck, securing it with a covered elastic.
The key is keeping the ponytail loose enough to maintain the integrity of your waves.
Pull out a few face-framing pieces and wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish that makes this seemingly simple style appropriate even for formal occasions.
14: Wavy Shag with Curtain Bangs
Embrace the return of 70s-inspired cuts with this modern shag that maximizes your waves’ natural texture.
The layered approach creates volume and movement throughout your length.
Ask your stylist for layers throughout, with special attention to creating face-framing pieces and curtain bangs that blend seamlessly into your overall style.
This cut actually enhances natural wave patterns, requiring minimal styling.
Simply apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and allow it to air dry for effortless, rockstar-worthy waves.
15: Wavy Half-Up Topknot
Combine current trends with classic waves for this Instagram-favorite style.
The half-up topknot creates height at your crown while allowing your beautiful waves to shine.
Gather just the top section of your hair—from temples to crown—and twist it into a messy bun.
The key is keeping it deliberately undone rather than perfectly smooth.
The contrast between the structured topknot and flowing waves creates visual interest, which works beautifully for casual brunches and evening events.
A simple accessory change is all it takes.
16: S-Wave Pattern
For this structured yet soft approach to wavy hair, create uniform, defined waves that resemble the letter “S.”
The consistent pattern creates a vintage-inspired finish with modern appeal.
This distinctive wave pattern can be achieved using a flat iron, bending in alternating directions down the length of each section.
The technique requires practice but delivers striking results.
This defined wave style particularly complements one-length cuts, creating movement and dimension without requiring layers or additional cutting techniques.
17: Wavy Bubble Ponytail
Transform a basic ponytail into a statement style by showcasing your waves in this segmented approach.
The “bubble” technique creates visual interest while maintaining the practicality of an updo.
Create a standard ponytail, then place small clear elastics every few inches down its length. Gently tug the hair between each elastic outward to create the bubble effect.
Your natural wave texture enhances each segment, creating dimension and preventing the style from looking too sleek or severe—perfect for adding playfulness to your look.
18: Deep Wave with Side Sweep
Create dramatic glamour with deep, defined waves swept elegantly to one side.
This red-carpet-worthy style offers sophistication while showcasing your length and texture.
Use a 1.25-inch curling iron, wrapping large sections away from your face. Allow the curls to cool completely before brushing through with a wide-toothed comb for definition.
The side-swept direction creates instant drama, particularly when paired with evening makeup and statement earrings on your exposed side for special occasions.
19: Mermaid Waves
Channel your inner sea goddess with these long, loose, undefined waves that mimic the natural movement of water.
This effortless style maximizes length while adding a beachy texture.
Create this distinctive wave pattern using a three-barrel waver or by braiding damp hair into multiple loose braids, allowing it to dry completely before releasing.
The unstructured, varied wave pattern distinguishes mermaid waves from more defined styles, creating that perfect “just emerged from the ocean” magical and effortless texture.
20: Wavy Side Braid
Showcase your waves in a structured yet soft side braid that highlights both texture and length.
This practical style keeps hair contained while displaying your waves’ natural beauty.
Begin a loose French or Dutch braid at your temple, working diagonally down toward the opposite shoulder and incorporating all your hair as you go.
The key is maintaining looseness throughout—gently tug on the edges of your braid after securing the end to showcase your waves and create that perfect undone finish.
21: Wavy Low Messy Bun
Create elegant ease with this deliberately undone updo that showcases your natural texture.
The low placement offers sophistication while the messy finish keeps it modern and approachable.
Gather your wavy hair at the nape of your neck, twisting loosely into a bun without overly smoothing or perfecting the shape.
The goal is controlled chaos rather than sleek precision.
Secure with pins rather than elastics, allowing face-framing pieces to fall naturally for that perfect balance of polish and effortlessness that works across occasions from office to wedding.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer bohemian beach waves or polished glamour curls, these 21 styles showcase the versatility of long wavy hair.
Experiment with different techniques to find your signature wavy look, embracing the beautiful texture and movement that makes your locks so enviable!
