Wavy hair, whether styled to be tousled and beachy or sleek and polished, is incredibly flattering. Choosing the right haircut for wavy hair is essential to showcase its natural texture and movement. Fortunately, there are numerous options available, from layered cuts that remove bulk from thicker strands to trendy choppy bobs that make a stylish statement.
If you've struggled with hair that feels too bulky when long or too unruly when short, medium length might be your sweet spot. Medium-length hair offers the perfect balance of style and ease, transforming frizz into texture and waves into movement. It is still fairly light and airy like a short hairstyle, but it gives you the length and versatility of a longer look.
One drawback of thick locks is their monolithic character. That’s why haircuts which reveal the ends and endow them with the feel of movement are extremely flattering for thick tresses. When styling mid-length thick locks, pay particular attention to the volume you are blessed with by nature.
Coloristic solutions can change much about the appearance of your thick locks too. The main goal you should pursue when dyeing your thick hair is the feel of movement. Balayage and ombre techniques help to achieve the desired effect. Smooth transitions of similar hues add dimension, motion and lightness to your thick locks.
Here are some flattering haircuts for wavy hair to consider before your next salon appointment:
Read also: Styling Mid-Length Hair
Shag: If you’re looking for a medium-length haircut for wavy hair that doesn’t require much maintenance, the shag should be at the top of your list. This retro cut features tons of layering throughout for a touseled, lived-in look-and the choppy layering helps ensure your natural texture shines.
Bob: Bobs are among the trendiest haircuts to sport this year, and the cheekbone-grazing length can be incredibly flattering for those with short wavy hair. If your hair is on the thicker side, ask your stylist to use a razor to thin out your ends. It’ll remove unnecessary bulk to help keep that dreaded triangle shape at bay.
Blunt Lob: A blunt lob is one of the most flattering haircuts for wavy hair, particularly for those looking for a style with plenty of volume. Though a lob can hit anywhere between the jaw and collarbones, we recommend aiming for a cut that falls just below the chin. This in-between length is short enough to be low-maintenance, but long enough that it’ll allow for plenty of body and movement.
Choppy, Layered Lob: Welcome in extra texture with a choppy, layered lob cut. Layered wavy hair cut to a collarbone-skimming lob keeps the easygoing nature of the longer bob cut, but adds an extra dose of volume and bounce. If you’re game for adding even more dimension to your hair, consider adding some balayage for a tonal, sun-kissed look.
Feather Cut: The feather cut is a ‘70s-inspired cut with soft, razor-cut layers that, as the name implies, lend the hair a fluffy, feathered look. On wavy hair, the cut creates a cascade of curled waves for a boost of dimension (and just a touch of nostalgia). Ask your stylist to add in extra layers around your cheekbones and jaw for a flattering face-framing effect.
Read also: Fine Hair Solutions
Wispy Bangs: If you’re interested in trying bangs but aren’t quite ready for straight-across fringe, consider opting for wispy bangs. These long, airy bangs help frame the face and highlight your perfectly touseled wavy strands (without the maintenance requirements of blunt fringe). Another bonus: You can easily clip them back or hide them with the rest of your hair if you need to take a break from styling.
Curtain Bangs: Curtain bangs are the perfect in-between for those torn between face-framing layers and classic fringe. The chic style pairs longer-cut bangs with a center part for a face-framing style that highlights your texture beautifully. Plus, curtain bangs pair well with any wavy hairstyle, from sleek bobs to long, beachy waves.
Medium-Length Cut with Fringe: Another great way to frame the face and bring attention to your eyes is to opt for a medium-length cut with fringe that falls right below the brows. The longer length keeps the bangs feeling light and airy-and helps ensure a pain-free grow-out period.
Blunt Cut: A blunt cut skips the layers and bangs and opts for one long length that puts the focus on your wavy texture. This option is particularly well-suited for those with fine wavy hair, as the lack of layers helps create the illusion of denser, thicker strands. This is also a great pick for those who favor low-maintenance haircuts-regular trims are all you need to keep the cut looking great.
Asymmetrical Haircut: Opting for an asymmetrical haircut is a great way to put your enviable waves on full display. This ultra-chic cut involves cutting the hair slightly shorter on one side than the other for a dynamic, high-low effect. It’s a great pick for those with short wavy hair who still want a bit of length to play with.
Read also: Balayage on Medium Hair
Long Layers: For those who want to keep their length but add dimension, long layers are the way to go. The layering adds movement without sacrificing length and helps highlight your natural texture. Keep in mind that growing out your hair can take time, particularly if you’re dealing with damage. Schedule regular trims to nix split ends (once every six to eight weeks is ideal) and use a hydrating hair serum to help keep your strands nourished so they can grow long and strong.
Micro Bangs: If you’re ready to commit to a bold chop, micro bangs may be what you’re looking for. This style involves cutting ultra-short (think: one- to two-inch) bangs high up on the forehead for an edgy, face-framing effect. While micro bangs do require regular trims to maintain their shorter length, they’re relatively low maintenance as far as daily styling goes. In many cases, you can let them air-dry along with the rest of your waves for a unique-and undeniably cool-wash-and-go hairstyle.
Butterfly Cut: The butterfly cut is one of the most flattering haircuts for those with medium-length or long wavy hair. The trendy cut features long, fluid layers that gradually cascade from the mid-lengths to the ends for a glam yet understated face-framing effect.
Whisper Cut: The so-called “whisper cut” is worth considering if you have thick or unmanageable waves. This technique involves cutting ultra-subtle layers throughout your mane to remove bulk while maintaining the appearance of a blunt cut.
Tapered Fringe: Think of tapered fringe as a hybrid of curtain bangs and blunt fringe. The flattering, face-framing cut features a thick fringe that’s slightly shorter in the center than it is on the sides. Often, the sides taper further, cascading into longer face-framing layers.
Modern Mullet: The trendy cut features lots of choppy layers that sit shorter in the front and longer in the back (like a modern mullet, but less severe). The ultra-textured cut is a great way to highlight your natural waves and looks especially great when worn a bit messy.
Here are some additional haircut ideas for thick wavy hair:
Medium-length wavy hair is effortlessly gorgeous-but it takes the proper care to make those waves shine. Here are some pro tips for defining your texture, reducing frizz, and saving time, even on hectic mornings.
Dealing with wavy, frizzy hair can feel like an uphill battle, but the right haircut can make all the difference. Here’s how to embrace your texture, keep frizz in check, and ensure your hair looks its best.
Layers can be a game-changer for frizzy, wavy hair. They help reduce bulk, add movement, and keep waves from looking too heavy or unruly.
Bangs can actually complement wavy, frizzy hair beautifully! Opt for long curtain bangs or wispy, face-framing bangs that blend seamlessly into your layers.
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