Long, wavy hairstyles have an undeniable allure. Whether you’re aiming for bombshell glamour, effortless beachy vibes, or grungy texture, waves can transform your look and add dimension to your hair. To help you master the art of long, wavy hair, we’ve curated 50 stunning hairstyles inspired by celebrities and experts. Plus, we’ve tapped top hairstylists Devin Rahal and Ryan Richman for their expert tips on creating waves at home. Keep scrolling for endless inspiration and step-by-step guidance to achieve these looks yourself.
1. Layered Waves
Beyoncé’s blonde layered waves are a masterclass in volume and movement. Her fully layered cut, reminiscent of a butterfly cut, provides the perfect foundation for megawatt body.
How to Achieve: Ask your stylist for long layers that create scaffolding for big, bouncy waves. Use a large-barrel curling iron and finish with a volumizing spray for added lift.
2. Grunge Waves
Dua Lipa’s crinkled, moody waves exude indie sleaze nostalgia. The vibrant red hue adds an edgy twist, making this style both bold and romantic.
Styling Tip: Use a flat iron to create crinkled bends, then mist with a texturizing spray for a lived-in, grungy finish.
3. Lived-In Waves
Shay Mitchell’s cherry cola waves are the epitome of effortless elegance. Her S-shaped waves and loosely crinkled bends create a perfectly undone “I-woke-up-like-this” vibe.
Pro Hack: Use a medium-barrel curling wand to create loose waves, then scrunch your hair with a texture spray for a relaxed, natural look.
4. Center Part With Volume
Laura Harrier’s voluminous waves with a center part are dramatic and glamorous. The volume concentrated at the roots and mid-lengths adds a touch of Hollywood flair.
Step-by-Step: Apply a mousse to damp hair, blow-dry with a round brush, and use a medium-barrel curling iron to create soft waves. Finish with a texture spray for hold.
5. Side Part With Volume
Priyanka Chopra’s textured waves with a deep side part are perfect for day-two hair. This style is all about adding volume and dimension with minimal effort.
Quick Fix: Tease the roots with a comb, spritz with texture spray, and curl the ends for a polished yet tousled finish.
6. Vintage Waves
Megan Thee Stallion’s finger waves are a nod to the roaring 1920s. Gently brushed-out curls create a romantic, glossy finish that’s timeless and elegant.
Expert Advice: Use a small-barrel curling iron to create tight waves, then brush them out for a seamless, vintage-inspired look.
7. Highlighted Waves With Center Part
Ashley Benson’s beachy waves and rooty highlights are effortlessly chic. Her center part enhances the dimension of her color, while the loose waves frame her face beautifully.
Color Tip: Opt for balayage highlights to achieve a sun-kissed effect that complements wavy textures.
8. Classic Waves With Texture
Deepika Padukone’s long waves are a study in texture and movement. Her classic beach waves are elevated with a tousled finish that feels fresh and modern.
Finishing Touch: Rake out tight curls with your fingers and apply a texture spray to the ends for a more undone appearance.
9. Waves With Loose Bangs
Sandra Oh pairs her tightly-coiled waves with equally wavy fringe. Her bangs are curled under to mimic the texture of her hair, creating a cohesive and polished look.
Bang Styling: Use a round brush to blow-dry your bangs, flipping the ends outward for a flirty finish.
10. Tousled Waves
Vanessa Lachey’s beachy waves look like they were kissed by the ocean breeze. This laid-back style is perfect for achieving effortless elegance.
Beach Wave Formula: Start with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, then apply a curl-enhancing product before air-drying or diffusing. Use a curling wand to add loose waves, leaving the ends untouched for a natural finish.
11. Ombré Waves
Kelly Brook’s ombré waves are a stunning example of how color can enhance texture. The gradient effect adds depth and dimension to her cascading locks.
Ombré Technique: Ask your colorist for a seamless transition from dark roots to lighter ends, then follow Rahal’s steps for beachy waves to let the color shine.
12. Unraveled Braids
Gabrielle Union’s partially unraveled braids create soft, boho-inspired waves. Hair jewels add a touch of glamour, making this style red-carpet-ready.
How to Style: Braid your hair overnight or ask your stylist for braids, then unravel them at the ends for a relaxed, wavy look.
13. Painted-On Color
Katie Cleary’s balayage waves highlight the natural layers and thickness of her hair. This technique creates a seamless blend of color that enhances the texture of her waves.
Highlight Hack: Balayage adds dimension without harsh lines, making it ideal for wavy hair.
14. Shoulder-Length Ombré Waves
Gemma Chan’s ombré waves transition from deep chestnut brown to cool ash tones at the ends. This subtle gradient adds sophistication to her wavy style.
Color Tip: Choose complementary shades for your ombré to ensure a natural, blended effect.
15. Blonde Bombshell Curls
Ashley Diana Morris’s bombshell curls are the epitome of Hollywood glamour. Thick, luscious blonde strands paired with defined curls make this style unforgettable.
Curling Technique: Wrap sections of hair around a large-barrel curling iron, alternating directions for a more natural finish.
16. Effortless Wavy Hair
Rachelle Lefevre’s voluminous waves are enhanced with extensions, but you can achieve a similar look with thick, naturally wavy hair.
Thick Hair Tip: Use a wide-barrel curling iron to create loose waves, and alternate the direction of the curls for a more natural appearance.
17. Wavy Half-Up, Half-Down
Chloe Bailey’s high half-up, half-down style combines sleekness with cascading waves. Defined edges highlight her face, adding structure to the look.
Half-Up Hack: Smooth the crown before securing the top section, then let the waves flow freely down your back.
18. Gisele Waves
Gisele Bündchen’s iconic beachy waves are a staple of effortless beauty. Her natural texture is enhanced with subtle curls that look windblown and carefree.
Wave Creation: Use a medium-sized curling iron to create flat, natural curls, alternating directions for a tousled finish.
19. Big, Bouncy Curls
Kim Kardashian’s polished curls are the definition of glamour. Her voluminous waves are perfectly structured yet soft.
Polished Look: Blow-dry your hair straight, then use a large-barrel curling iron to create defined curls. Finger-comb them into place and finish with hairspray.
20. Barely There Waves
Jasmine Tookes’s barely-there waves are perfect for a casual, undone vibe. A subtle shag cut enhances the effortless texture of her hair.
Minimalist Approach: Create sporadic, angular curls instead of uniform ringlets for a more relaxed appearance.
21. Long, Casual Waves
Sofia Vergara’s waves are a great way to add volume to straight hair. Her highlights further enhance the dimension and movement of her style.
Highlight Benefit: Highlights not only add color but also help your hair hold waves better.
22. Natural Waves
Azita Ghanizada embraces her natural texture with air-dried waves. Scrunching her hair as it dries enhances the natural wave pattern.
Air-Dry Trick: Wind towel-dried hair into a loose bun and let it dry for effortless waves.
23. Medium-Length Waves
Jessica Alba’s medium-length waves prove that you don’t need long hair to rock voluminous styles. Layers add body and movement to her look.
Layer Advantage: Layers create bounce and prevent medium-length hair from looking flat.
24. Curly Waves
Tyra Banks’s curly waves strike the perfect balance between loose curls and tighter waves. This hybrid style is versatile and fun.
Curly Hack: Use a wand to enhance natural curls, focusing on sections that need extra definition.
25. Loose Curls
Myleene Klass’s highly defined curls are a beautiful way to style thick, naturally curly hair. Her loose waves feel polished yet relaxed.
Loose Curl Tip: Leave the ends untouched when curling for a more natural, effortless look.
26. 70’s Waves
Ciara’s take on ‘70s-inspired waves is a masterclass in blending retro and modern aesthetics. Her center-parted style features mostly straight strands from the crown to the chin, while the ends cascade into soft, undulating waves. This juxtaposition creates a timeless yet contemporary vibe that feels effortlessly chic.
How to Recreate: For shallow, heatless waves, Richman suggests a clever trick: “Take old stockings, tights, or a robe belt and clip it to the top of your head. Wrap or braid your hair around one end of the fabric on each side, secure with an elastic, and sleep on it overnight. In the morning, unravel the braids for tousled, beachy waves.” For tighter waves, braid your hair; for looser waves, simply wrap it around the fabric.
27. Salt Water Waves
Jameela Jamil’s beachy waves evoke the carefree essence of a saltwater swim, but they’re just as easy to recreate at home. The key lies in enhancing your natural texture with the right products.
Styling Tip: Richman recommends using a wave spray or texturizing spray to achieve this second-day look. Spritz the product onto damp or dry hair, scrunch with your hands, and let it air-dry for a laid-back, effortless finish.
28. Old Hollywood Waves
Stephanie Jacobsen’s Old Hollywood waves are the epitome of timeless glamour. This style is all about uniformity and precision, making it perfect for formal events or red-carpet moments.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Deeply part your hair to one side.
- Prep with a blowout cream to protect against heat and add shine.
- Blow-dry using a medium to large round brush for volume.
- Use a 1.25” curling iron to create uniform curls, wrapping sections away from the face on one side and toward the face on the other.
- Brush out the curls with a flat brush, starting at the front and sweeping them back for a seamless, sculpted shape.
- Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to lock in the look.
29. Brushed-Out Curls
Zoe Saldana’s brushed-out curls offer a bold, edgy twist on natural texture. Instead of flattening her curls with a blow dryer or straightener, she embraces their volume and pairs them with a statement accessory for added flair.
Pro Tip: To achieve this look, let your natural curls air-dry or diffuse them for definition. Once dry, use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to gently loosen the curls, creating a voluminous, big-hair effect.
30. Storybook Waves
Jourdan Dunn’s twisted half-up, half-down hairstyle strikes the perfect balance between elegance and relaxation. Face-framing pieces and a loose silhouette keep the look approachable, while the intricate twists add a touch of sophistication.
Perfect Occasion: This style is ideal for formal events like proms or weddings, offering a romantic yet understated vibe.
31. Bouncy Waves
Megan Fox’s bouncy waves exude confidence and glamour. The secret to achieving her seamless, flowing curls lies in the technique used during styling.
Expert Insight: “Twisting the hair as you wrap it around the barrel gives you the soft wave with a ridge,” says Richman. “If you wrap the hair flat, you won’t get that Old Hollywood feel.”
32. Y2K Waves
Audrina Patridge brings back the early 2000s with her iconic straight bangs-meets-curly body style. Side-swept fringe and natural blonde highlights update this nostalgic look for the modern era.
Modern Twist: Pair this style with a sleek middle part or curtain bangs for a fresh take on the Y2K trend.
33. Soft Waves
Julia Roberts’ effortless waves are a testament to simplicity and elegance. Her signature style is easy to replicate at home, making it a go-to for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet polished look.
How to Achieve:
- Pull damp hair into a loose bun and let it air-dry.
- Once dry, release the bun and finger-comb the waves for a soft, tousled finish.
34. Shiny Waves
Iman’s luscious curls are enhanced by caramel highlights and a glossy finish, proving that shine is the ultimate accessory.
Shine Hack: Apply a dollop of shine serum to damp hair before braiding it into four sections. Let the braids air-dry or use a diffuser to speed up the process. Once dry, unravel the braids and rake through with your fingers for soft, loose waves.
35. Choppy Waves
Naomi Campbell’s choppy waves paired with long, eyebrow-grazing fringe are a match made in hair heaven. The textured layers add dimension, while the bangs frame her face beautifully.
Styling Tip: Use a lightweight texturizing spray to enhance the choppy layers and maintain movement throughout the day.
36. Glam Waves
Jennifer Lopez’s side-parted, glamorous waves are the epitome of red-carpet-ready hair. Her thick, luscious locks are styled to perfection, creating a look that’s both polished and effortless.
How to Style:
- Prep with a hair primer to control frizz and add shine.
- Blow-dry with a mixed-bristle round brush for smoothness.
- Use a flat iron to create soft S-waves, bending the hair up and down as you glide the iron down.
- Finish with a lightweight shine spray to tame frizz and add gloss.
37. Wet-Look Waves
Tracee Ellis Ross’s wet-look waves offer a fresh, edgy take on traditional waves. This style is all about embracing high-shine products to create a sleek, polished finish.
Product Pick: Use a gel or serum to slick back your waves, ensuring they stay in place throughout the day.
38. Wavy High Ponytail
Rihanna’s wavy high ponytail is a show-stopping combination of volume and length. Extensions add extra drama, making this style perfect for special occasions.
Quick Fix: Add clip-in extensions or opt for a pre-made ponytail for an instant transformation.
39. Carefree Waves
Blake Lively’s loose, textured waves are the modern equivalent of Jennifer Aniston’s iconic ‘90s hairstyle. This effortless look celebrates natural texture and movement, making it a favorite among celebrities and everyday women alike.
Texture Trick: Use a sea salt spray to enhance your natural waves and add a tousled, lived-in finish.
40. Shaggy Waves
Melanie Laurent’s slightly overgrown shaggy waves exude cool-girl vibes. This style works equally well for casual outings and formal events, thanks to its versatility and texture.
How to Achieve: Rough-dry your roots for added volume, then use a wand with adjustable heat settings to create loose waves. Alternate the direction of the curls for a more natural, undone look.
41. Caramel Waves
Kerry Washington’s caramel-highlighted waves are a lesson in dimension and light. The warm tones bring attention to her face, while the loose waves add movement and softness.
Highlight Tip: Ask your colorist for caramel highlights to brighten your complexion and enhance your waves.
42. Wavy Pigtails
Lana Condor’s wavy pigtails are youthful, fun, and surprisingly sophisticated. This style proves that pigtails aren’t just for kids—they can be chic and modern when done right.
How to Style: Prep with a volumizing product, curl small sections of hair, and secure the pigtails with invisible elastics for a seamless finish.
43. Goddess Curls
Leighton Meester’s timeless curls are the epitome of goddess-like beauty. This style is perfect for those who want to embrace their natural texture without sacrificing polish.
Heat-Free Option: Use sponge rollers or pin curls to set your waves overnight, then diffuse or air-dry for a flawless finish.
44. Face-Framing S-Waves
Anne V’s long waves are styled into S-shaped curls that frame her face beautifully. This technique adds structure and elegance to an otherwise relaxed look.
Formal Finish: Use a curling iron to create defined S-waves, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends for a sophisticated touch.
45. Crimped Waves
Rita Ora’s crimped waves bring back the early 2000s with a modern twist. The matte finish and subtle texture make this style feel fresh and unexpected.
Revival Tip: Dust off your crimping iron and experiment with different section sizes for varied effects.
46. Technicolor Waves
Saweetie’s light blue waves prove that vibrant colors and soft textures can coexist beautifully. The gentle spirals soften the bold hue, creating a harmonious and eye-catching look.
Color Inspiration: Don’t shy away from experimenting with unconventional shades—waves look stunning in any color.
47. Pinned-Back Waves
Penélope Cruz’s asymmetrical, pinned-back waves are both practical and stylish. This look keeps hair out of your face while showcasing the full-bodied texture of your waves.
Styling Hack: Use bobby pins or decorative clips to secure one side of your hair, creating an asymmetrical silhouette.
48. Subtle Ombré Waves
Zendaya’s subtle ombré waves transition seamlessly from chestnut brown at the roots to reddish caramel at the ends. This coloring technique adds depth and dimension to her highly textured style.
Ombré Tip: Opt for a subtle gradient to keep the look natural and sophisticated.
49. Loose Siren Waves
Lindsay Lohan’s glossy, undulating waves are the epitome of siren-inspired glamour. The smooth, frizz-free finish makes this style feel polished and refined.
Frizz-Free Formula: Use a smoothing serum and finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock in the shine.
50. Waves With Mini Braid Accents
Storm Reid’s ultra-long waves are elevated with mini braids that frame her face. This mermaid-inspired look combines texture and structure for a unique, eye-catching style.
Braid Hack: Incorporate small braids along your hairline for a playful yet sophisticated twist.
With so many variations of long, wavy hairstyles, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re channeling Old Hollywood glamour or embracing carefree beachy vibes, these looks are sure to inspire your next hairstyle transformation!
