Hairstyles for Wavy Hair

If you hair is wavy, you can thank your genes. Your hair's texture is determined by the shape of the hair follicle. While you can alter the texture of your hair with chemicals or heat, you can also work with what you have naturally. If you were born with straight hair, you can also try the fun and casual look of wavy hair. Here we'll look at the different types of hairstyles for wavy hair for short, medium and long lengths. 

If you were blessed with wavy hair, you may want to keep hair short, as this type of style doesn't take a lot of daily maintenance to keep up this "do." Regular visits to the salon will be

needed to keep the length steady, but this casual-looking length can be maintained by simple wash-and-go routine with a small amount of style product such as a leave-in conditioner or styling gel. If you use a hairspray, make sure it offers soft hold. You don't want your "do" to look crunchy or stiff. One of the benefits of wavy hair is its softness, so remember that. Do wash your hair, work through it while slightly damp with hair gel, then blow dry to give volume. When using a blow-dryer, apply a diffuser to keep air from getting frizzy later on.

For sleeker styles and to maintain the natural curl, avoid using a hairbrush, which will remove some of the wave and promote frizz. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Also, you can let your hair air-dry for a more natural look. You can also add barrettes or clips to accessorize. If your hair is straight, you'll want to use a curling iron for fine hair or loose perm to get the desired amount of waves. If your hair is already curly, you'll want to smooth out your hair and hot rollers work best for this.

If you need a little inspiration, think of actresses who rock the wavy hair look. Check out red carpet pics or pick up a favorite fashion magazine. There are even some magazines and websites devoted strictly to showing different hairstyles. You can go tousled and beachy like Meg Ryan and Sienna Miller or think 1940's style sleek like Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron. For short an wavy,

Wavy Bob

A Bob hairstyle is a classic cut, but you can make it modern by having your hairdresser cut it from short-to-long throughout, thus adding a textured, lived-in look. After adding styling product, you can add volume with a round brush and hair dryer. Sweeten up the cut with one side pulled back with a colorful or sparkly barrette.

The Vintage Bob

If you're in love with a Hollywood look or want to experiment, you can try a short, 20's-style wavy bob. This style features hair that is parted on the side, with shorter layers near the front. You can see this style occasionally on starlets as they're crossing the red carpet.

The Layered Look

Whether your hair is short, medium or long, this type of hairstyle for wavy hair can be cut into the hair for dramatic effect. On medium-length wavy hair, layers are helpful in creating body and flow, and on very thick wavy hair, can lighten the load a bit. Piecey layers of hair can create a laid-back, modern look that is easy to maintain. The upside to having medium-length wavy hair is that you can still wear hair styled back into a pony tail or up-do.

Center Part

If you're tired of the side-parted look you've been sporting, try a center part. Waves will fall on both sides of your face, and you'll instantly feel more "centered." This wavy hairstyle gives a more all-round voluminous look and is great for medium to long hair.

Updos

Some of the most sexy wavy hairstyles simply involve getting them up, up and away form the face. You expose your neck and jawline, which is very sexy. You can leave a few wavy pieces hanging, or one or two side strands, or you can wear it half-up and half-down, which leaves your longer hair cascading in the back, while still exposing your gorgeous face.

The Glam Look

For longer wavy hair, try this sleek and fabulous style for a night on the town or even a casual evening. Leave the top portion of the hair straight, but let waves flow near the bottom. Hair can be side- or center-parted, and styling cream or serum will be needed on the top portion of the hair to keep it sleek and smooth.

Wavy Shag

This type of wavy hairstyle is a sexy, slightly messy style for wavy hair and looks great especially with thicker hair. This shag features long layers, as too many short ones will create frizz. This is a great way to style medium to medium long hair. Just remember that in order to keep longer styles looking healthy and not frizzy and fried, you'll want to stop into the hairdresser for regular trims to keep split-ends at bay. Add bangs to add a girlish, feminine look.

Wavy/Straight Mix

You can have the best of both worlds with this cut. It makes for a softer look than with just straight hair. Simply straighten sections of your hair with a flattening iron, and leave the rest wavy. Spray with a light-hold spray to keep the look natural and full.

DIY Waves

This is one of the easiest, low-maintenance wavy styles to accomplish and it involves basically no chemicals. Simply wash and condition your hair at night, and towel dry. Then, place hair into a bun or use barrettes or bobby pins to secure. For very long hair, you cal also braid the hair while it is still damp. When you awake, let your hair out of the holders and voila! you have perfectly natural looking waves.

Add Bangs

You can take years off of your look by having bangs cut into your hair. They can be heavy and straight-across or side-swept and blending into the rest of the hair. They can be even or choppy. No matter how they're cut, add bangs and you are certain to hear compliments from others.