When you want to branch out and try something new with your hair, there are so many iconic haircuts and styles that spring to mind—from the blunt bob and the pixie cut through to a full fringe or a slicked back bun. But when it comes to easy and effortless styles that work for every hair type and length, few are as appealing (especially to the low-maintenance girls among us) as a wavy hairstyle.
As someone with naturally straight hair which struggles to hold a curl, I’ve always coveted curls and waves. From tousled beach waves to retro-inspired glamour waves, wavy hairstyles are totally timeless, work on all hair lengths, and never fail to look good.
It’s taken a few years, but I’ve finally figured out what types of waves are achievable for me and which products will help me to achieve them (you’ll find my faves down below). If, like me, you’re not after a major change in your hair, but simply want something a little fun, a little different, and (above all) easy to achieve, scroll down for my roundup of influencers and celebrities with the most iconic wavy hairstyles.
No matter how short it goes, Alyssa Coscarelli’s hair is (without fail) a constant lesson in how to style waves in short lengths.
Jourdan Dunn’s short hair looks so glamorous when worn in a simple sculpted wave with a strong side part.
Seventies-inspired blown out waves with defined layers and a centre parting are bang on trend.
To recreate Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s ‘undone’ waves, curl hair in the same direction then wait for it to cool and gently brush through.
Hailey Bieber’s subtly dishevelled strands look like she’s just got back from the beach—in a good way.
In my opinion, wavy hairstyles look best when they appear to be effortless. A case in point: Emma Chamberlain’s soft face-framing waves.
Retro waves and a sculpted shape always look good on shorter haircuts as they add so much volume and lift.
Hilary Duff’s loose beachy waves have always been iconic.
If you’ve recently experimented with balayage or lowlights, a wavy style is great for enhancing colour.
Beyoncé’s centre-parted waves and blonde highlights pay subtle homage to the ’90s. I’m obsessed.
Want to recreate Emili’s incredible bouncy waves? Use a wide-barrelled curling wand and alternate the direction of each strand
We’re obsessed with everything about this style. The length, the colour, the side part—and seriously, how shiny are Ashley’s sleek waves?
Lorna’s ever-so-subtle wave is a lesson in how to wear second day hair.
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.
A brushed-back up-do looks so chic when paired with a voluminous wavy ponytail.
Wearing a tousled wave hairstyle is a great to experiment with the current trend for a short sculpted fringe—the key is to add major volume at the roots.
Plaiting damp hair before bed and sleeping with the braids in is a great way to wake up to effortless beachy waves like Stephanie Broek’s.
Accessorising with a bandana or headband instantly takes laid-back beach waves into a special occasion style.
The ultimate cool-girl accessory for your waves? A beret, of course.
If there’s one celebrity that has made wavy hair their beauty trademark, it’s Alexa Chung, our go-to hair muse.
On trend as always, Monikh’s one-length cut and centre parting pays homage to the ’70s.
Laura’s tightly sculpted waves are definitely red carpet-ready.
Kim Kardashian has recently gone back to her roots—once again wearing her signature waist-length, centre-parted waves.
Proving that wavy hair and a fringe can be done, Lily Collins’ brushed out waves have major volume.
Use a texture spray before styling and a hairspray after styling to ensure your waves last as long as Lucy Williams’ do.
I love the way a wavy hairstyle really makes the lighter strands in balayage pop. In this particular style, a face-framing fringe and blunt ends add to the effect.
Use a curling tong with a large barrel, then brush hair out with a soft brush to recreate these sculpted waves.
No matter how straight your hair naturally is, long-lasting waves are effortless to achieve with this easy-to-use styler.
Not only does this lightweight foam add major shine and boost volume, but it’s also perfect for creating tousled looks.
The key to achieving those low maintenance ‘fresh off the beach’ surfer waves? Why, Bumble and bumble Surf Spray, of course.
If your hair doesn’t naturally hold a curl, or you simply want to ensure that your waves stay in place from day to night, a hairspray is essential.
For beachy, mermaid-inspired waves, a three-pronged curler like this one is an essential tool.
Good hair starts with the scalp—this leave-in treatment will remove excess oil and product build-up, so hair maintains bounce and lift from the roots.
