15 Shoulder Length Wavy Hairstyles for Naturally Wavy Hair
If you have naturally wavy hair, you know it can be a blessing and a challenge. Shoulder length is the perfect sweet spot; long enough to show off your waves, but short enough to keep them manageable.
These 15 shoulder length wavy hairstyles are designed to enhance your natural texture, reduce frizz, and give you effortless, beachy vibes every day.
Classic Layered Waves
This timeless style adds movement and volume to your natural waves. Layers are cut throughout the hair, starting around the chin and blending down to the ends.
The layers help reduce bulk and let your waves spring up naturally. Use a sea salt spray on damp hair, then scrunch gently.
Air dry or diffuse on low heat for a soft, tousled finish. This look works for most face shapes and requires minimal styling effort.
Beachy Waves with a Middle Part
A middle part gives your waves a balanced, effortless look. Start by parting your hair down the center while it is damp.
Apply a lightweight curl cream and scrunch upward. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser on low speed.
The result is loose, beachy waves that frame your face symmetrically. This style is perfect for a casual day out or a brunch date.
Keep the ends slightly textured by adding a dab of styling gel. Avoid heavy products that weigh down your waves.
Side Swept Waves
Sweeping your waves to one side creates instant glamour. After washing, apply a volumizing mousse to your roots.
Blow dry your hair with a round brush, directing the front section to one side. Use a curling wand to define a few face framing waves if needed.
Finish with a light hold hairspray. This style works well for formal events or when you want to show off your collarbone.
Textured Bob with Waves
A shoulder length bob with textured waves is chic and low maintenance. Ask your stylist for a blunt cut with subtle layers throughout.
On damp hair, apply a texturizing spray and scrunch. Let your waves air dry for a messy, undone look.
The blunt ends keep the style modern while the waves add softness. This cut is great for fine wavy hair because it creates the illusion of thickness.
Half Up Half Down Waves
This versatile style keeps your waves out of your face while showing off their length. Take the top section of your hair from ear to ear, twist it back, and secure with a claw clip or hair tie.
Leave the rest of your waves loose. The half up look adds volume at the crown and works for both casual and dressy occasions.
You can also braid the top section for a boho vibe. Make sure the loose waves are well defined with a curl cream.
Wavy Lob with Curtain Bangs
A long bob with curtain bangs is a trendy choice for wavy hair. The bangs are cut to frame your face and blend into the rest of your waves.
On damp hair, apply a heat protectant and blow dry the bangs with a round brush, sweeping them to the sides. Scrunch the rest of your hair with a wave cream.
This style softens your features and adds movement. It is ideal for women who want a low maintenance look with a touch of sophistication.
Deep Side Part with Loose Waves
A deep side part instantly adds drama and volume to your waves. Use a fine tooth comb to create a sharp part on either side.
Apply a volumizing foam to your roots and blow dry with your head upside down. Then scrunch your waves with a lightweight gel.
The deep part lifts the roots on the smaller side, giving your hair a glamorous boost. This style is great for round or heart shaped faces.
Braided Crown with Waves
Add a boho touch to your waves with a braided crown. Take two small sections from the front of your hair, braid them, and pin them across the top of your head like a headband.
Leave the rest of your waves loose and flowing. This style keeps your hair off your face while highlighting your natural texture.
It is perfect for festivals, outdoor parties, or a romantic date. Use a few bobby pins to secure the braids and set with a light hairspray.
Tousled Waves with a Hairband
A soft fabric hairband can elevate your waves instantly. After styling your waves, place a wide headband over your hair, pushing it back slightly to create volume at the crown.
Let a few face framing waves fall loose in front. This accessory adds a playful, retro vibe and helps control frizz on humid days.
Choose a headband in a neutral color or a bold pattern to match your outfit. The style is quick, requires no extra product, and keeps your hair away from your face while looking chic.
Wet Look Waves
For a sleek, edgy style, try wet look waves. Apply a generous amount of gel or mousse to soaking wet hair.
Comb through to distribute evenly, then scrunch your waves. Let your hair air dry without touching it.
The result is defined, glossy waves that look like you just stepped out of the shower. This style works best for nights out or when you want a bold statement.
Use a strong hold gel to keep the waves in place. Avoid touching your hair after it dries to maintain the sleek finish.
Messy Bun with Wavy Tendrils
A messy bun with wavy tendrils is a go to for effortless style. Gather your hair into a loose bun at the nape of your neck or higher.
Pull out a few face framing pieces and let them hang naturally. The waves in the tendrils soften the look and add romance.
This style is perfect for second or third day hair when your waves have relaxed a bit. Use a texturizing spray to give the bun grip and volume.
Finger Coils for Defined Waves
Finger coils give your waves a uniform, defined look. On damp hair, apply a curl defining cream.
Take small sections and wrap them around your finger from root to tip. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser.
Once dry, gently separate the coils with your fingers for more volume. This technique reduces frizz and makes your waves last longer.
Voluminous Waves with Root Lift
Boost your waves with extra volume at the roots. Apply a volumizing mousse to your roots and blow dry upside down.
Use a round brush to lift the roots while drying. Then, use a large barrel curling iron to add loose waves to the mid lengths and ends.
Brush through with a wide tooth comb for a soft, voluminous finish. This style is perfect for fine wavy hair that needs body.
Waves with a Braided Side Accent
Add a small braid along your hairline for a unique accent. Take a section of hair from your temple, braid it loosely, and secure it behind your ear.
The rest of your waves remain loose. This style draws attention to your face and adds a delicate detail.
It is great for weddings, parties, or any day you want something special. The braid can be a simple three strand or a fishtail.
Sleek Waves with a Center Part
For a polished, modern look, try sleek waves with a center part. Start with straightened hair or use a flat iron to smooth your waves.
Then, use a curling iron to create uniform S shaped waves. Brush them out gently for a sleek finish.
Apply a shine serum for a glossy look. This style is sophisticated and works for professional settings or evening events.
The center part keeps the look balanced. Use a heat protectant before styling to prevent damage.
