The Best Haircuts for Wavy Hair (No Matter The Length) According to a Celebrity Stylist

How to style wavy hair:

As a wavy-haired gal, it can be a beauty challenge trying to find a haircut that suits my natural hair texture. Whether I go for a major chop with 6+ inches off or a simple trim with a few layers, everything looks gorgeous once I leave the salon with a smooth, bouncy, voluminous blowout. But after washing my hair and letting it air dry at home, it rarely has that same finish and dimension.

So, to find the best haircuts for wavy hair, I tapped celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance about his tips and insights. “Wavy hair works with almost any haircut—you just need a version that suits your texture, lifestyle, and styling habits,” he says. So whether you want a blunt bob or longer layers, there’s sure to be a haircut that suits your waves.

Ahead, all the best haircuts for wavy hair, no matter your desired length.

“I almost always reach for a moisturizing cream or lightweight styling cream on wavy hair,” says Marc. “Wavy textures tend to be naturally drier through the mid-lengths and ends, and adding moisture helps enhance definition while reducing frizz.”

“Apply your products to soaking wet hair, scrunch or shape the waves into place, and once you’re happy with the shape, leave it alone until it’s dry,” he explains. “Constant touching can disrupt the wave pattern and create unnecessary frizz.

And for added definition, hot tools can also be used to enhance natural waves. A curling iron or wand can be used to bend the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends for a soft finish that still looks like your natural texture.

The best haircuts for wavy hair:

1. Face-framing layers

@peterluxhair

@sabrinacarpenter

“If you want a wash-and-go style, soft face-framing layers can work beautifully,” Marc says. “They encourage movement around the face, connect the shorter pieces into the longer lengths, and often make the hair appear longer and more intentional.” This style also works well if you want to add in a curtain bang. “The goal isn’t necessarily adding layers everywhere, but placing them strategically based on how you wear your hair most often.”

2. Invisible layers

@ninapark

@brycescarlett

“If you want to embrace your waves and air-dry your hair into that beachy texture, I’d lean towards a haircut that removes some internal weight,” explains Marc. “Invisible layers allow the hair to move more freely.” The subtle layering is blended seamlessly throughout the hair, creating dimension without the choppy, obvious look of more traditional layers.

3. The textured bob

@gigihadid

@selenagomez

“Textured bobs can help encourage natural movement and make waves appear more defined,” says Marc. With less heaviness than a blunt cut, they help waves fall more effortlessly and bring out the hair's natural texture. You can customize the style with an A-line bob, a tiered bob, or subtle layers throughout.

4. The girl next door cut

@simoneashley

@umajammeh

The girl-next-door cut strikes the perfect balance between long and short, with a chest-grazing length that's ideal if you're not ready to commit to either extreme. Its relaxed shape works great with wavy hair, enhancing natural texture and movement without requiring much effort. Plus, it's easy to style for everyday wear, whether you air-dry your hair or spend a few minutes with a hot tool.

5. Italian bob

@brycescarlett

@lauraharrier

“If you prefer a sleeker look, I’d recommend a one-length shape for shorter hair,” says Marc. The Italian bob’s blunt shape and slightly lengthier ends help waves sit closer to the head for a flatter finish. The cut enhances natural wave patterns by allowing just enough movement at the ends, so the texture looks soft and effortless rather than overly rigid and sharp.

Meet the Expert:

Marc Ballance is a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City. He’s known for his expertise in cutting and styling bangs, layers, bobs, and more.

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things hair. As a wavy-haired editor, she’s spent years trying to perfect her go-to cut, and she spoke to celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance for his top tips on choosing the best styles for waves.

Jasmine Hyman

Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.