Wavy hair sits in an odd middle ground, not quite curly enough for curl-specific products, not straight enough to skip texture products altogether, and medium length is where that in-between texture actually shines. The waves have enough length to move and layer over themselves, but they’re not so long that they pull straight under their own weight by midday. Most of these styles work with what your hair is already doing rather than fighting it into a different pattern entirely.
Classic Beach Waves
A texturizing salt spray applied to damp hair before diffusing on low heat brings out natural S-shaped waves without frizz. Focus the diffuser at the roots first for lift, then let the ends air dry. This is the lowest-maintenance option on the list and works especially well on hair that already has some natural bend to build from.
Curling Wand Waves
For hair without much natural texture, a 1-inch curling wand alternating direction by section creates a more consistent wave pattern than air drying alone. Curl away from the face for the front pieces and let the rest fall randomly. Brush through gently once cool to loosen the curls into softer, looser waves.
Wavy Lob with Side Part
A collarbone-length lob with a deep side part lets waves fall unevenly across the face on one side, adding movement without extra styling. Blow dry with a round brush for volume at the roots, then finish with a light-hold wave spray. This shape flatters most face types since the asymmetry softens sharp angles.
Braid-Out Waves
Braid damp hair into two or three loose braids and let them dry fully, ideally overnight, before unraveling. This gives a crimped, defined wave pattern without heat. Run a small amount of oil through the ends after unbraiding to smooth frizz while keeping the wave shape intact through the day.
Voluminous Wavy Shag
Layered shags naturally break wavy hair into pieces, so the wave pattern reads more dimensional instead of falling in one flat sheet. Scrunch a mousse through damp hair before diffusing to encourage the layers to separate. This cut also grows out well since the layers keep reshaping the wave pattern as length changes.
Half-Up Wavy Style
Section the top half of your hair back and secure with a clip or clear elastic, leaving the waves below loose and untouched. A few pieces pulled forward around the face soften the line. This works well on wash day two or three, when natural oils help the waves hold their shape longer.
Wet-Look Waves
Apply a curl-defining gel to soaking wet hair and scrunch upward with a microfiber towel, then air dry without touching until fully set. This creates a glossier, more defined wave than air drying alone. Avoid a regular towel here, since the friction disrupts the wave pattern before it has a chance to form.
Deep Side-Swept Waves
Directing all your waves to one side with a deep part and a bit of finger styling creates a more dramatic, editorial look for medium length hair. Pin the opposite side back slightly to hold the direction in place. This style photographs particularly well since the asymmetry catches light differently across the face.
Wavy Ponytail with Face Framing
Pull hair into a mid-height ponytail, leaving a few wavy face-framing pieces loose on each side. Curl just the tail lightly if your natural texture needs reinforcement. This is a five-minute option that still looks styled, especially useful on days when a full wave routine isn’t realistic.
Diffused Curly-Wavy Blend
For hair that falls between curly and wavy, a lightweight curl cream scrunched into soaking wet hair followed by diffusing on medium heat brings out the curl pattern without over-drying. Flip your head upside down while diffusing for extra volume at the crown, then finish upright to set the direction.
Textured Waves with Sea Salt Spray
Spray a sea salt formula through mid-lengths and ends on already-dry hair, then scrunch and tousle by hand for beachy texture on second-day hair. This revives waves that have started to fall flat without a full restyle. It also adds a matte finish that softens any residual shine from the previous day’s product.
Wavy Bob with Undone Ends
A blunt-cut wavy bob at the collarbone with slightly flipped-out ends avoids looking too polished or too messy. Blow dry with a round brush, then use a flat iron on just the last two inches to create the flip. The contrast between smooth roots and textured ends keeps this style interesting.
Loose Twisted Waves
Twist two-inch sections of damp hair and clip them close to the head, then let them air dry or diffuse before releasing. This creates a looser, more elongated wave than a braid-out. It’s a good middle option for hair that gets too tight or crimped from smaller braids.
Wavy Curtain Bangs with Layers
Curtain bangs that blend into wavy layers frame the face without a hard line, since the wave pattern continues right through the fringe. Style with a round brush for a soft outward curl, or let them air dry alongside the rest for a more relaxed, undone finish.
Overnight Waves
Braid or twist hair before bed on damp, not soaking, hair for waves that are ready by morning with no styling time needed. Loosen with your fingers once dry rather than brushing to avoid frizz. This method works best with a light leave-in applied before braiding to prevent overnight tangling.
Wavy High Half-Bun
Gather the top section of hair into a small bun at the crown, leaving wavy layers loose underneath. This lifts the style off the neck while still showing off the wave pattern through the length. A texturizing spray on the loose sections beforehand helps the waves hold their shape longer through the day.
Face-Framing Wavy Layers
Long, face-framing layers cut through the front of a medium length wavy style highlight the wave pattern right where it’s most visible. Curl these pieces slightly more than the rest if your natural texture needs a boost near the face, then let the back fall as it naturally does.