There are so many classic hairstyles that stand the test of time—from pixie cuts and bobs to layered lengths and French-girl fringes—but few come so universally appealing as the wave. Whether it’s a laidback beach wave created with your hair straighteners or a more defined kink that you might be lucky enough to have naturally, wavy hairstyles are totally timeless, work on all hair lengths and always look chic.
To prove it, I’ve been busy looking through my saved folder on Instagram to pick out some of my favourite fashion girls and celebrities who make wavy hair look so damn good. Ahead, see 35 wavy hairstyles with the biggest curve appeal.
Keep bouncy waves and a softly curled fringe in place with a simple hair clip like Alyssa.
Long hair looks so glamorous when worn in loosely tousled waves as Jourdan Dunn proves here.
IMO, wavy hairstyles look best when left to their own devices, but Nnenna’s regal velvet headband might just have convinced me otherwise.
Side-parted, mid-length waves look so good on Rosie.
The ultimate cool-girl accessory for your waves? A bucket hat, of course.
Hailey’s artfully dishevelled strands look like she’s just got back from the beach—in a good way.
I love how the blunt ends of Marianne’s pastel bob contrast with soft waves through the lengths.
Eva’s retro waves are definitely red carpet–ready.
Waves look so good on shorter haircuts as they add so much volume and lift.
J.Lo chopped her trademark long strands into a lob recently—opting to style it with some artfully placed waves.
Use a curling tong with a large barrel to create Emma’s bouncy waves.
Beyoncé’s centre-parted waves and blonde highlights pay subtle homage to the ’90s. I’m obsessed.
Although Scandi girls are renowned for their minimalist style, it turns out that they’re passionate about the simplicity of wavy hair too.
Seriously—how shiny are Ashley’s sleek waves?
If you naturally have a subtle wave to your hair, then try using a tong to add a slightly more defined one at the front of your hairstyle like Lorna—a great timesaver.
Switching your parting to the side instantly takes laid-back beach waves into a special occasion style.
A feathery French-girl fringe looks so chic when paired with a relaxed wavy hairstyle.
This tousled bob might well have convinced me to chop all my hair off.
Add a statement hair accessory to loose waves for an easy wedding guest look like Stephanie’s.
Sometimes only a full head of bouncy beach waves will do as Maya demonstrates.
Zeena’s one-length cut and centre paring pays homage to the ’70s.
If there’s one celebrity that has made wavy hair their beauty trademark, it’s Alexa.
I’m going to be doing everything I can to grow my hair long if it means my waves will look as good as Monikh’s.
Use a texture spray at the roots of your hairstyle to add as much volume as Zendaya has here.
Fashion girl Courtney keeps her roots completely flat for this cool style.
I love the way that Olivia’s braided roots add texture to her wavy style.
If you have naturally fine hair like Lucy, then try plaiting your hair before bed to re-create this subtle beach wave for the next day.
Spritz a salt spray through the lengths of your hair to add piecey texture.
Experts usually suggest that you brush your waves through once you’ve used a curling tong but leave them alone if you prefer your waves to have more definition like Callie’s do.
A classic red carpet wave as modelled by Kim K.
Lili’s side-swept waves are giving off major ethereal vibes.
Slightly wet-looking and incredibly chic, Margot’s gentle waves are perfectly elegant.
Perfectly preened, I love the way Priyanka’s tonged waves still look soft and full of texture.
Shay is without a doubt the queen of undone, beachy waves.
I don’t think I could be any more obsessed with Lea’s centre-parted waves and retro headband.
