Loose wavy hair creates a modern, softer style with S-shaped waves that look natural. The texture adds an effortless, romantic vibe to any hairdo, ideal for any occasion.
Shannon Bishop is a stylist and bridal hair specialist from Detroit, MI. She shares steps and tips on how to achieve this lovely style.
“The way you wrap your hair around the iron is the most significant part. I usually start with ribbon-wrapping around the iron once and begin to ‘twist wrap.’ I always leave the very ends out,” Bishop states.
S-waves don’t show quite well on shorter hair. The pattern will only look more like a finger wave than a loose wave. In this case, hair extensions are beneficial.
The best thing about loose waves is that they work for most hair types, even finer locks. “For women with thin hair, invest in clip-in extensions for fullness and to hold the shape,” Bishop suggests.
For those who have natural waves, use a styling cream for the ends and a shine spray to finish the look.
Feel free to consult your stylist to make sure you achieve your preferred look. They can advise you whether you can pull off the style, considering your hair type and texture.
To flaunt a hairdo that’s classic and timeless, check out this inspirational photo collection. Here are the hottest and trendiest ways to wear loose wavy hair.
#1: Soft Blonde Loose Waves
Soft loose waves are dreamy and fun when you get to embrace a natural wave pattern, but not all of us are that lucky. Thank goodness for hot tools and good products! With the help of both, we can come close to mimicking a natural wave pattern. Ask your stylist about how you can create soft loose waves with a flat iron or wand. If you want to make your wave more beachy, don’t forget to reach for your sea salt or texture spray to finish!
#2: The Prettiest Loose Curls
When it comes to medium-length to long hair, loose curls and waves are one of the most popular looks to ask for. This hairstyle is perfect for adding volume and texture to straight hair. Or enhancing the natural texture of wavy or curly hair. The key is to keep the curls loose and relaxed rather than tight and structured. To achieve this, start with damp hair and apply a curl-enhancing product, such as a mousse or a curl cream. Then use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your hair on low heat. Once dry, use your fingers to gently separate and fluff the curls for a more natural look.
#3: Mid-Length Lived-In Brunette
Mid-length brunette hair is one of the most universally flattering hairstyles for women of all ages. If you have pale skin, adding auburn to chocolate brown will enhance your shine. If you want to try this color for your olive skin, add a few babylights around your face. Doing this will add more dimension to your dark locks.
#4: Brunette Wavy Hair
Women who desire brunette wavy hair should try a curling iron style. Using a curling iron to create soft wavy hair is the easiest way to achieve this look. Pro Tip: Want your waves to last a little longer? Be sure to lightly spray your curls with a flexible hairspray before combing them out into loose waves.
#5: Chic Blonde Hair with Loose Curled Ends
It’s best to leave it to the professionals when you want to achieve a blonde hair color. Yet, my best advice for loose curled ends is to invest the time and tools to recreate the style at home. Usually, a mist heat protectant and a 1 1/2” hot tool like an iron or air wrap would be great to start with.
#6: Modern Blonde Balayage on Loose Wavy Hair
A blonde balayage is very modern when done on loose wavy hair. In order to slay these waves, I suggest using a 1.25-inch curling wand and wrapping your hair away from your face. Make sure to use a heat protectant spray like Mydentity MyDefender and your hair will look fresh.
#7: Medium-to-Long Loose Blonde Waves
Be ready for any occasion with loose blonde waves. The bright ribbons of blonde shine through the effortless bouncy waves. Use a curling iron, starting at the mid-length of your hair, and work your way down. For max volume and to loosen up tight curls flip your head upside down and spray with some hair spray.
#8: Side-Parted Loose Wavy Style
Consider a side-parted loose wavy style if you want a classy-looking style that won’t take you hours to do! Before you style your hair with waves, be sure to use a volumizing mousse. It can help you get big waves that will hold all day.
#9: Face-Framing Wavy Hair for Square Faces
Face-framing wavy hair is a flattering hairstyle for square faces. In general, loose waves for long hair help balance a squared or angular face, due to the softness of the curl. Think round vs. sharp – as opposites, the two create the perfect compliment.
#10: Textured Wavy Bob
A textured wavy bob is a perfect way to incorporate loose waves for short hair. Short hairstyles, like the bob, can look very romantic with soft, loose waves. Consider adding a few curls to your bob before going out or heading to an event!
#11: Soft Waves for Round Faces
Soft waves can do wonders for round faces! Women over 50 will notice that as they age, their face tends to appear more rounded. Utilizing wavy textures within your style will help combat unwanted facial roundness.
#12: Loose Perm Waves for Long, Thin Hair
Those with long, thin hair should try loose perm waves. Styling loose beach waves on long hair can be challenging when hair is thin and fine. Opting for a body wave perm or loose, beachy perm is a great way to ensure that your waves will stay in place permanently!
#13: Long Choppy Layers with Waves
Long choppy layers with waves is the on-trend, go-to wavy cut. When asking yourself if waves are right for you, or if you have enough, just remember – the wavier the better!
#14: Medium-Length Body Wave Perm
A medium-length body wave perm is the best way to achieve medium-length loose curls. A loose wavy perm will permanently alter the hair’s curl pattern, making everyday styling a breeze!
Related: More medium-length wavy hairstyle ideas.
#15: Loose Deep Waves with Wispy Bangs
Women over 40 look stunning with loose deep waves with wispy bangs. The addition of bangs to aging hair will help hide any signs of a receding hairline, while the wavy texture creates an illusion of fuller lengths.
#16: Natural Wavy Shag with Bangs
A natural wavy shag with bangs is the best haircut for wavy hair. Loose waves work well with this crop as the variations in length allow each and every wave to bounce up and stand out. The addition of bangs also provides a beautiful face-framing effect.
#17: Layered Haircut with Loose Waves
Women looking for a wavy style should try a layered haircut with loose waves. Layered haircuts are the best haircut for wavy and curly styling because the variations in length allow the texture to flow as organically as possible.
#18: Shoulder-Length Bob with Beach Waves
A shoulder-length bob with beach waves is all the rage! Women who prefer loose beachy curls will love this style due to its easy maintenance and fashion-forward edge. Try taking this crop to the next level with a money piece or bit of face-framing balayage.
#19: Soft Wavy Fine Hair
Do you have soft fine wavy hair? Try opting for a wavy style! Wavy haircuts are a great way to boost volume, texture, and creates the illusion of thicker, fuller locks.
#20: Short Bob with Tousled Waves
Women with loose wavy hair should try a short bob with tousled waves! Even if your hair is naturally wavy, try using a curling tong to amplify your style. You’ll have the waviest, most gorgeous crop on the block!
#21: Long Blonde Waves
Long blonde waves are one of the most popular hairstyles for wavy hair. S-pattern waves, commonly called “loose waves,” are one of the most universally flattering curl patterns and look stunning and nearly every woman.
#22: Shaggy Layers and Messy Waves
Women looking for an easy-to-style hairdo should try shaggy layers and messy waves. Opting for a shaggier cut will make styling looser waves a breeze!
#23: Soft Waves on Thick Hair
Soft waves on thick hair is a wavy hairstyle that suits those with more hair density. The key to creating the most flattering waves is to opt for the loosest curls when styling. Avoid curls that are too tight as they will not lay softly on thicker hair.