How Do I Choose the Best Haircut for Wavy Hair?

Wavy hair is a jack-of-all-trades that can be styled straight, curly, casual, or elegant depending on the cut. Choosing a haircut for wavy hair is a personalized process that will depend on face shape, preferred style, and the individual texture of hair. A great haircut for wavy hair can be short, medium, or long, as long as it is shaped correctly for a person's style needs.

Choosing a short haircut for wavy hair will depend on the intensity of the curl and the thickness of the hair. Short hairstyles usually stop at the chin, thus not allowing much room for waves to form. Some stylists recommend a one-length short cut for wavy haired clients, with the option of adding a layer of bangs. Heavily layered short cuts can allow too much volume around the base of the cut, leading to a mushroom-like appearance that may be difficult to style. A medium bob that stops just below the chin is also a good way to create a versatile look that can be styled straight or wavy as desired.

A medium haircut for wavy hair is often based around textured layers. Layering hair that flows toward the shoulders allows waves to be defined but natural-looking, allowing volume to be distributed throughout the cut instead of concentrated at the top or bottom of the hair. Medium haircuts tend to fall around the shoulder, and often comprise two or three longer layers plus face-framing pieces or long bangs. A layered haircut for wavy hair is the ultimate low-maintenance style; simply raking fingers through the hair may be enough to create a casual, natural style that looks great.

For people with longer hair that falls well below the shoulders, a graduated haircut for wavy hair is often recommended. Long layers create different levels within the hair, which helps to prevent tangles and frizzing while adding dimension to the overall look. By creating long, gradual layers, each layer can have its own body and movement, without clumping up with all the other pieces of hair. Bangs are often a great way to add some pizazz to a long haircut for wavy hair. By creating a frame, bangs help ensure that the eyes are directed toward the face instead of simply slipping over long tresses.

When choosing a haircut for wavy hair, it is important to consider the amount of time that can be devoted to styling and maintenance. Short cuts may require styling every day to ensure that the shape of the hair remains flattering. Long hair can take an exceptionally long time to dry and style, especially if tools such as curling or flat irons are incorporated. A medium haircut can be very low-maintenance, but runs the risk of looking somewhat ordinary if not styled correctly.