60 Best Short Wavy Hairstyles For Women To Try In 2024

Your handy guide to selecting stunning wavy hairstyles that suit any outfit and occasion.

Reviewed by Jessica Noonan, Hairstylist
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc
Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism)  • 

The wave of long beachy hair is over, and now it is time to shed light on some glorious short wavy hairstyles. Whether it is to beat the heat during a blazing hot summer or to spice up your drab hairstyle, short waves are the way to go.

Wavy hair looks voluminous and thick because of its slightly S-shaped structure. It is a fair middle ground between curly and straight hair. Adding to that, short textured styles look lived-in, effortless, and cool! Thanks to the likes of Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Lucy Hale, Rihanna, Emma Stone, and Jennifer Lawrence, everyone wants to cut their hair short and style them in waves.

Sarah, a beauty vlogger, shared how using a dry texturizing spray and a sculpting cream helped attain her luscious, short, wavy hair. She said, “The sculpting cream I feel really does a good job at like managing my frizz and the texturizing spray I feel does an amazing job at like adding the volume (i).”

Keep reading if you want to jump on board and surf the short hair wave. We scoured the vast corners of the internet to bring you some chill, short wavy hairstyles. These hairstyles will make you want to cut your hair, wave it, and groove along to your favorite songs with a glass of wine. Scroll down now to ride that cool wave vibe!

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Short wavy hair is one of the haircuts that require the least maintenance. You can easily style 1-2 days old hair without any hassle.
  • Wavy and curly hair types are more prone to frizz. Use anti-frizz products while styling your hair, especially if you live in humid areas.
  • Highlights and layers are a great combination to intensify the appeal of short wavy hairstyles.

Awesome Short Wavy Hairstyles

1. Runway-Ready

Runway-Ready
Image: Shutterstock

Jump in for a quick shower and brush your hair back. Apply a layer of your favorite lipstick and run off to work. Sounds familiar, right? It turns out this is a fashion trend now! Wet slicked-back hairstyles were a huge sensation on the runways at NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022. This chic trend works amazingly for wavy hair and is relatively low-maintenance. So, the next time you miss your alarm, opt for this wet-hair look sported by Kat Graham for the world premiere of a well-known French space opera.

How To Style

  1. Brush back your damp hair to get rid of any tangles.
  2. Take a dollop of thickening gel and work it through your hair.
  3. Leave the gel on for a few minutes.
  4. Brush again to smoothen the hair wherever you want and fix it with a setting spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This hairstyle is among those that look perfect on every face shape and hair type. So, don’t think twice and opt for slicked-back hair to get a suave look.

2. The Messy Goddess

The-Messy-Goddess
Image: Shutterstock

Joey King is one of the few actresses that looks cute and charming, even with a shaved head! She has shaved her head not once but thrice for her onscreen roles. While you may not like to go completely bald, check out this style that looks super cool and effortless. It is perfect for the days when your hair decides to be rebellious.

How To Style

  1. Apply a dollop of thickening gel to your damp hair.
  2. Scrunch up the hair and leave them undisturbed for a while.
  3. Run your fingers lightly through the hair and let your natural waves do the magic!
  4. Use a setting spray to keep the style in place throughout the day.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Round and oval face beauties can adorn this style without a worry in the world.

3. Easy-Peasy Middle Part

Easy-Peasy-Middle-Part
Image: Shutterstock

As the relatable queen Lara Jean Covey and as herself, Lana Condor has so many amazing style moments. Just like this one! The classic middle-part hairstyle with Lara’s quirky fit is a treat to the eyes. Style it your own way for a perfect date-night look.

How To Style

  1. Brush back your wet hair and create a middle parting.
  2. Squirt some thickening gel on the palm of your hand and work it through your damp hair.
  3. Scrunch up the hair towards the ends and leave them for a while.
  4. Run your fingers through the hair and fix your look with a setting spray

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

If you are searching for face-slimming hairstyles, this classic style is for you. It looks great on almost every face shape and hair type. From dressy tops to pantsuits and cotton tees, this hairstyle looks fab with everything.

4. Vintage Victory-Roll

Vintage-Victory-Roll
Image: Shutterstock

Whether she’s enacting powerful characters, singing her heart out, or talking about using your voice, Janelle Monae never disappoints her audience. You can say the same for her victory roll hairdo. For anyone who wishes to be bold and break stereotypes, this hairdo is perfect.

How To Style

  1. Wash up your hair and gel them up.
  2. Use a wide-toothed comb and separate the front section of your hair
  3. Tie the remaining hair at the back into a small knot.
  4. Now, move to the front section and use your hands to roll the hair into a circular shape.
  5. Secure your rolls with bobby pins and use a setting spray to complete the look.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Are you blessed with a petite frame and a small face? Then, this edgy style is for you.

5. The ‘90s Vibe

The-90s-Vibe
Image: Shutterstock

If one had to pick a celebrity who could completely surprise us with their style, it would be Janelle Monae. She can easily carry an edgy and vintage victory roll as well as this classic ‘90s look. Monae looks stunning with her voluminous curls for the American Music Awards, and so can you!

How To Style

  1. Use a thickening agent on your damp hair.
  2. Make a side part and start making waves similar to the look above using clips.
  3. Let the clips sit in your hair for 10-15 minutes and remove them.
  4. Brush the hair at the crown and back using your fingers to give them a messy look.
  5. Finish it off by using a fixing spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This short wavy hairstyle falls perfectly on a round or oval face. If you have voluminous hair, it can make you the star of the night.

6. Sophistication Queen

Sophistication-Queen
Image: Shutterstock

Stunning and elite – who wouldn’t expect the same from a runway queen? Tyra Banks is an absolute delight in this short and trendy layered pixie. A perfect style to go with any look, this cute yet elegant pixie cut is the best thing you can get today.

How To Style

  1. Wash your hair and let them dry.
  2. Soft curl the crown hair to get the style above.
  3. Let the hair fall on your forehead.
  4. Gently run a round brush through your hair and finish off with hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

It would look absolutely gorgeous on angular and oval-faced beauties with thick hair.

7. A Little Pixie Dust

A-Little-Pixie-Dust
Image: Shutterstock

Anne Hathway has rocked numerous hairdos, and this chic, short pixie style is just one of them. If you are looking for a timeless hairstyle that requires minimal effort, this would definitely be the one!

How To Style

  1. Shampoo and condition your wavy hair and apply some mousse for the desired volume.
  2. Brush away any tangles and make a side part.
  3. Let your hair air dry and finish with a setting spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

While this hairstyle looks stunning on all face types, it is highly recommended for oval-faced beauties with wavy hair.

8. Silver Waves

Silver-Waves
Image: Shutterstock

Whether you jammed out to Ciara: The Revolution or missed out on her successful album, there’s no denying she’s a queen of style. From basic black-brown tresses to bold colors, she’s a vision in all. All gray-haired beauties, here is the most-awaited look for you. This silvery-wavy hairdo is edgy and perfect for those who wish to stand out.

How To Style

  1. Apply thickening gel on your damp hair and make a side part.
  2. Brush the hair and make waves using claw clips in them.
  3. Let the hair dry and remove the clips.
  4. Finish off the look with some setting spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Got a long angular face? If yes, this hairdo is made just for you. Try it out without a worry!

9. Curtain Bangs

Curtain-Bangs
Image: Shutterstock

Whether for her lovely voice in Aladdin or her action-packed role in Charlie’s Angels, you must have liked Naomi Scott at least once. Well, irrespective of it, this hairdo can be sported for a lazy day at work or a cozy evening with your loved ones.

How To Style

  1. Wash your hair and apply some gel.
  2. Make a middle part and separate your bangs from the rest of the hair.
  3. Set the bangs as you want them to and let them dry naturally.
  4. Tie up the rest of the hair at the back into a small knot.
  5. Finish it off with some hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

The beauty of this look is that it can work on anyone and everyone. Give it a shot without thinking twice!

10. Eye-Grazing

Eye-Grazing
Image: Shutterstock

The doppelganger queen, Nina Dobrev (all those who have watched the Vampire Diaries will get the reference), looks flawless in everything. She looks incredible here, doesn’t she? The eye-grazing bangs are picture-perfect and add to her beauty. You can sport this look easily for almost every occasion and with a variety of outfits.

How To Style

  1. Apply some mousse and work it through your damp hair.
  2. Brush away all the tangles and make a side part.
  3. Tuck the hair on one side behind the ears and secure it with a pin.
  4. Take the bangs on the other side and brush them outwards.
  5. Tousle up the rest of your hair and let them air dry.
  6. Finish off the look with a hair-setting spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Round, oval, or heart-shaped, this hairstyle looks impressive on every face and hair type.

11. The Vampire’s Girl

The vampire's girl short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Darker than night locks, styled perfectly along the lines of your face, enhancing the light in your eyes. Need a look that would satisfy your love for gore and goth Vampiric Stories? Go on, opt for this dark and absolute fierce look that was so amazingly sported by our ‘Confident’ singer Demi Lovato at the American Music Awards last year. Have a stunning and deep red eye-lens to go with the hairstyle? Just Perfect!

How To Style

  1. Put a dollop of thickening gel on your hair to give it sheen and volume.
  2. Brush your right parted hair and put two-three long clawed clips while it is still wet.
  3. Let it dry naturally (or you can use a blow dryer).
  4. Take off the clips and apply some setting spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

One of the hairstyles that look amazing on every face type and hair type. So, don’t think twice before sporting this look for your much-awaited party. Pair it with smokey and flirty eyes and a gown that would steal hearts.

12. Like In The 1920s

Like in the 1920s short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Wanna go back to the age of flapper, wherein popping on A-line dresses was routine to the Jazz parlous? Yes, this look adorned by Arizona Muse is just too perfect for you! Add a bright red lip color and a blingy and charismatic dress – and there you go, all set to steal some hearts!

How To Style

  1. Neatly comb your tightly gelled hair to one side.
  2. Secure the waves with the help of clips and leave them there for a while.
  3. Remove the clips and finish with a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Ah! If you’re the owner of a long face and cute cheekbones, this is the hairstyle for you. For hair type, anything ranging between thick to medium would carry it well.

13. The Waterfall

The waterfall short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Apart from being a splendid actress, JLaw has garnered worldwide fame for her prim and proper dressing sense and hairstyles that can easily be adapted by the masses. Just like this one! It’s classic in its own way, and will suit your needs for a perfect date-night hairstyle.

How To Style

  1. Apply a thickening gel on your damp hair and leave it for a while after scrunching.
  2. Use your fingers to create a loose waterfall pattern and fix it with a set spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Good news for all the round-faced lots who whine for a face-slimming hairstyle that would raise their style quotient. This style is Just For You, and having nice and thick hair is just like the ‘cherry on top’.

14. So Very Classy

So very classy short wavy hairstyle
Image: Instagram @queenletizia

Queen Letizia of Spain looks so spectacular in this specific look that has her face framed in shiny waves. You can bask in the royal glow too! How? Check out below.

How To Style

  1. Give your hair a wavy texture by using a thickening gel and scrunching it.
  2. Use a one-inch curling rod to curl the ends to give a wavy-curly appearance to them.
  3. Brush well and set your new hairstyle by using a good quality shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This one is for oval and round-faced ladies with normal to thick hair who love to look all pointy and angular, and, not to forget, super stylish.

15. Messrs Mistress

Messrs mistress short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

A big fan of the nerve-wrecking tale of ‘Chicago’? If yes, you must have guessed what’s to come. Roxie Hart, the beautiful vaudevillian steals your heart every time she appears on screen, be it in the form of Renee Zellweger’s 2002 Roxanne or the most recent Rumer Willis’ enchanting Roxie. Undoubtedly, her distinct early 20th Century hairstyle would be the source of inspiration for all girlies for years to come.

How To Style

  1. Apply mousse on freshly washed hair.
  2. Put on a few hair clips using a round brush to achieve what is shown in the picture.
  3. Let your hair dry.
  4. Remove the clips and set the style by spritzing a setting spray.
  5. Finish with a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

As this style is super-short, women with long and angular face-type with any type of hair can try it without a worry.

16. Tousled Touch

Tousled touch short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Tossed and spunked, yet extremely classy – ahh…how much this phrase suits this ‘straight out of bed’ hairstyle of Sarah Paulson! Her long neck looks even more astounding owing to this up-touched style. A perfect red carpet look indeed!

How To Style

  1. Scrunch your wet hair that has been tossed well with thickening gel for volume.
  2. Use a round brush to further tousle your wavy hair.
  3. Finger-comb and toss it to a side and fix with a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Got a long face and extremely wavy thick hair that gets tangled all the time? Yes, go for updo hairstyles like this one that takes no time to make you the star of the event!

17. Blond And Beautiful

blonde and beautiful short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Looking forward to a style that plays well with your ‘Reverse U’ cut, giving your face a sexy and distinct edge? Just go for this absolutely hot wavy style that Malin Akerman wore at 2015 Oscars. Simply beautiful!

How To Style

  1. Begin by shampooing and conditioning your wavy hair and apply mousse to have the desired volume.
  2. Use a round brush to make a side part and make your hair tangle-free, while maintaining the natural wave.
  3. Let your hair dry and finish it up with a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

While this hairstyle will gel well with all face types, I would recommend girls having an oval face and good wavy hair to adorn this.

18. Lilac Effect

Lilac effect short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

From Blond to pink, our Dark Horse Katy Perry has the power of inspiring all her fans with her out-of-the-world fashion sense and amazing hair colors. Don’t you agree? Be it CleoPerry or E-aty. This time, it’s Lilac waves at Grammy and wow, just how well she carries it. Don’t sigh, you can achieve this look too. Pinky Promise!

How To Style

  1. Scrunch your dyed wet hair using a thickening gel and let it air dry.
  2. Make use of a good quality round brush to further mess up your lilac hair.
  3. Set using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Girls having a round face and chubby cheeks, here is your chance to look gorgeous. Show them how bold and beautiful you can get!

19. Spunk’d

Spunk'd short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

A short bob with bangs – just so splendid! You can always perk it up Kristen Stewart style – just pair it up with a classy sunglass and all done! Nothing can stop you from looking all badass-ly fabulous. Go, girl!

How To Style

  1. Lather your crown hair with a good quality mousse and let it air dry.
  2. Take a portion of your mane and use a curling rod to get an extra outward wave.
  3. Brush well and give the style a finishing touch with a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

For those blessed with a petite frame and a small face.

20. Out Of The Page

Out of the page short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Here comes one of the most interesting short haircuts for wavy hair! Nothing can beat this goth-punk style when it comes to distinction, and Zendaya makes sure of that by sporting a bun with waves that will blow your mind. Her short wavy hair is styled in a way to beat all the stereotypes of a red-carpet theme – and that too with finesse!

How To Style

  1. Simply gel up your washed hair.
  2. Use a wide toothed comb to get the above look and use clips for getting the waves.
  3. Remove the clips and set by using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Are you the owner of a cool angular face? Yep! This style is made for you, and you only!

21. Loose Ends

They say lazy is stylish, and yep it is! Reason? Just look out for this hairdo of Gloria Trevi that perfectly compliments her bronze skin and glittery outfit. But, in reality, this style can be achieved in a matter of minutes. Hehe…read on to know how!

How To Style

  1. Neatly part your blond hair to the side. If your hair lacks the desired volume, you can always make use of a thickening gel on your still damp hairspray.
  2. Use a curling rod to loose curl the ends and give it an elite touch.
  3. Finish it up by using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Round-faced girls, do try this style out to make your face look more angular and pretty.

protip_icon Quick Tip
The loose-ends hairstyle offers you ample scope for accessorizing. From wearing simple, beaded, or floral headbands to wrapping the crown area with a bandana, you can do a lot with it.

22. Stick To The Basics

Stick to the basics short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

When the whole world is coming back to the basics, why don’t we as well? Especially when you are a proud owner of a pixie which can go really monotonous if spiked up daily. So, we have an alternative, make it stick to the scalp! Trust me, you’ll feel a lotta more bold and confident.

How To Style

  1. Thoroughly lather your wet hair with gel and make a side-partition.
  2. Make use of a hair clip to create elegant finger waves using your crown hair while it’s still damp.
  3. Finish it up with a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Another less-maintenance hairstyle for angular and oval faces with normal hair.

23. Elegantly Mine

Elegantly mine short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

I’m sure you all wish to look like someone straight out of a magazine. Good news guys, we have (actually stylists of Jaimie Alexander) have come up with a style that will suit your pockets as well as your face. You can carry the same from day picnics to night parties, without any fuss. How gorgeous!

How To Style

  1. Scrunch up your damp hair by using a thickening gel.
  2. If your hair isn’t that wavy, you can always use a curling rod to get that super-wavy look.
  3. Use a round brush to further tousle your hair and set it by using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

The best part about this style is that it would look good on all hair and face types. Amazing, isn’t it?

24. Shades Of Me

Shades of me short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Feeling bold? Want to experiment with your regular and boring hair? I might be sounding like a typical advertisement commercial, but trust me, this half brown and half blond hairstyle has a spark that cannot be neglected. Just give it a try!

How To Style

  1. To achieve this look, make use of a good quality thickening gel to get the volume and texture.
  2. After letting it air-dry, push back the side hair to make your bangs more prominent.
  3. Outward curl your bangs and brush it to the side.
  4. Fix with a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Another of the long curly bob types that would fall perfectly on your round face, making you the star of the night.

25. Miss. No-Mess

Miss no mess short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

In this fast-paced life, getting that perfect style that can be charismatic, yet effortless is like finding a source of water in Sahara desert. Especially when you have the so-called stubborn and rough waves that take up your mornings to style them well enough to survive for the day. Hah! This style is just for you. Messy hairstyles are fun. And this one requires less effort but nobody can deny how charming it looks.

How To Style

  1. Use a thickening agent if you want and let the hair air dry.
  2. Push back the hair on one side and secure it by using bobby pins.
  3. Take the hair at the crown and rough brush them to the side, giving it a very messy look.
  4. Finish it off by using a fix spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Heart-shaped or oval, this style is perfect for those ladies who wish to look laid back for a day, without losing their classiness.

26. Chopped Up

Chopped up short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Choppy and elite, it’s just what this hairstyle of Audrey Tautou is. I’m sure her pretty smile and great pixie remind you of the cute photoshoots of the 1960s. A perfect style to go with the summery skies and blue waters. So, don’t think so much, just adapt!

How To Style

  1. Soft curl your crown hair to get the desired hairstyle.
  2. Brush your hair using a soft, round brush and let it be all haphazard for this particular look.
  3. Set it by using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

I know you know the answer. Yep! It would look absolutely stunning on oval and angular-faced ladies with thick hair.

27. The Art Of Grandiose

The art of grandiose short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

The Evil Queen who ruined the life of Snow White is actually super classy and I know you all must have seen (and admired) her splendid fashion appearances at various red-carpet events. Now, it’s time to get inspired by her wavy and dazzling style that is easy to come up with and stunning to look at. He he..Just what we lazy bugs want (wink!wink!).

How To Style

  1. To get this particular Charlize Theron hairstyle, scrunch up your wet hair by using a thickening agent.
  2. Use a one-inch curling rod to outward curl the ends and brush it up to the side.
  3. Set it up using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Looks absolutely dazzling on round faces as well as long faces and on girls having thick and boast-worthy hair.

28. In ‘High’ Light

A bang that can bring you to limelight, quite literally. Deep side-parted hairstyles have always been trendy. And this one looks hot as well as cute at the same time.

How To Style

  1. Gel up your wet hair and give it a side partition.
  2. Take the smaller half, push the hair back, and fix it up using pins.
  3. Take up the bangs and slightly curl them away from the face. Fix it up using a round brush.
  4. Apply a hairspray to fix up the whole hairstyle.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Simply the best hairstyle for the oval face types, don’t you agree?

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can go all out while choosing the hair color for this hairstyle. Bright pink, electric blue, and liseran purple are some unique options.

29. A Messer’s Tale

A messer's tale short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

This Oh-so-messy and Oh-so-hot style carried by Alice Rohrwacher looks absolutely dashing for a day event. Perfect for those who don’t want to work very hard in coming up with a brand new style for their almost manageable short wavy hair.

How To Style

  1. Scrunch your wet hair and slather on some mousse.
  2. Use a round brush to get the desired wavy and wet locks that enhance the unkempt look.
  3. Set it up using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Round or oval, this style will suit all, so just take it up without a worry in the world.

30. The Age-Old Romance

The age old romance short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Who doesn’t want to look all romantic and classy, just like our really popular model cum TV hostess Hofit Golan, who has gotten her wavy hair into an elegant twirl! It’s beautiful indeed!

How To Style

  1. Apply a thickening gel on your wet hair for volume and let it dry.
  2. Push up your crown hair and bring it up in a roller curl.
  3. Take the smaller side and brush it back to give an illusion of a bun.
  4. Brush up the side hair and set up the bangs by applying a set spray and shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

With a long bang that covers a part of the face, this style will look best on girls having a round face and thick and lustrous hair.

31. A Ticket To The Platinum

A ticket to the platinum short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Platinum or white blond can look really spaztastic on bronze or tanned skin because of its distinct and shiny appearance. For example, just look at the perfection flaunted by Nene and her short and pretty platinum-blonde hair. You can try it too!

How To Style

  1. Gel up your wet hair to get a real shiny look.
  2. After making a partition, brush softly and secure the sharp waves by using hair clips.
  3. Remove the clips after the hair dries up.
  4. Fix up the style by using a setting hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Are you the owner of a small round face with medium to thick hair? Then, this style is just for you!

32. Eye-Catching Love

Eye catching love short wavy hairstyle
Image: Instagram @alyssonparadis

Free-falling, messed up, absolutely amazing – yep! All these adjectives complement this astounding hairstyle flaunted by our wide-smile beauty Alysson Paradis perfectly. It’s just a tossed up hairdo that can practically make your day (or night).

How To Style

  1. Scrunch up your wet hair and apply a thickening gel for sheen and volume.
  2. Take a one-inch curling rod and create messy waves.
  3. Brush it up in the desired way and finish by using a shine spray. If you want, you can further tousle your hair using your fingers.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This is practically the best hairstyle that can go with every look, every occasion, and every dress.

33. Tossed up

Tossed up short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

I’m sure this style reminds you of the bouffant era with our lovely ladies of the 60s. It’s full of waves and full of elegance, offering the taste of old age music just like what musician Cyndi Lauper is wanting to portray. Pretty, isn’t it?

How To Style

  1. Begin with backcombing your hair to achieve the fake bouffant look with volume.
  2. Make partitions in your hair to curl them in loose ringlets that will fall freely on your face
  3. Finish it off using a hair-fixing spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

One of those pretty hairstyles that can complement every face-type and hair-type.

34. So White As Snow

So white as snow short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Too lazy to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror, styling your messy mane? This style will suit you best; you can even make use of your precious fingers to get it done. All thanks to the godly stylists of Batman famed Caroline Damore!

How To Style

  1. Just like other hairstyles, begin by scrunching up your neatly gelled hair to give it volume.
  2. Take a curling rod and curl the ends inwards.
  3. Brush up your hair softly.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This pretty lob (long bob) hairstyle looks great on round-faced girls with nice-textured hair.

35. Things I Let Fall

Things I let fall short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

There are more than ’10 things’ that we love about our lovely ‘Kat’, isn’t it? This pretty and beautiful hairstyle that she adorns in every event appearance definitely takes the cake. Just like what Julia Stiles has done with her golden blond short locks here!

How To Style

  1. Slather your wet hair with a thickening gel for texture and volume.
  2. Gently brush down and make a partition.
  3. Curl away the hair at the bottom and set it up using a blow dryer.
  4. Finish it with hairspray and it’s done!

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Looks the cutest on women with round faces, just like Stiles.

36. Swept Aside

Swept aside short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

The queen of versatility Vanessa Carlysle (all those who have watched Deadpool will get the reference) is not only experimental with her genres, she plays around with her hairstyles! She looks so amazing here, doesn’t she?

How To Style

  1. To attain this Morena Baccarin look, you need to lather your damp hair with mousse and toss it up.
  2. Tuck the hair on one side behind the ears. Secure it with pins.
  3. Take the bangs and give it a free curl in separate sections, tousle it up, and set using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Round, oval, or heart-shaped, this hairstyle gels with every face and hair type.

37. Crowned

‘Boldness’ is a word synonymous with our Spanish beauty Arantxa Bustos due to her unique fashion and hair sense. Just like how she carried her gentle waves so differently at Gandia Shore Presentation. It’s just Wow!

How To Style

  1. Start with backcombing your dry hair to give your back of the head a fuller appearance
  2. Curl up your front hair into messy waves using a curling rod.
  3. Tousle it up using your fingers and finish it by using a sheen spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Will look great on round and oval face types.

38. In Layers

In layers short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

A feather cut is something that can look absolutely amazing without much effort, and so including it on the list becomes an absolute necessity. Our beloved veteran actress Jane Fonda shows us how to carry the waves in style. Marvellous!

How To Style

  1. Scrunch up your damp hair using a hair-thickening gel and let it dry.
  2. Take up the layers and brush it off individually to give it a feather-like appearance.
  3. Set it using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This hairstyle that covers our cheeks should be adorned by round-faced girls to get a slimmer look.

39. Partially Slicked-Back

Partially slicked back short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

A perfect badass look that would look perfect with slicker chains and multiple piercings (heh..heh..just joking). Anyway, you can always wear this hairstyle with a devil-may-care attitude and smokey eyes. No troubles, you can even pass your fingers through your hair just like what is done in the underworld movies.

How To Style

  1. Use a good quality mousse to add volume to your unkempt hair.
  2. Take up the side hair and pin it to the back, so as to make it stick there.
  3. Take up the bangs and style them in waves just like shown in the picture.
  4. Set the hairstyle with a shine-hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

It looks the best on women with an edgy and angular face.

40. Pepper With Caramel

Ahh! I just can’t stop spazzing over the perfection of Violante Placido here, from her make-up to dress to accessories, to of course her highlighted hair. Her beautiful short hair has been styled in soft waves. The best part is the addition of honey colored highlights at the ends, which looks just flawless.

How To Style

  1. Begin by backcombing the base to give it the desired volume. You can even apply a thickening gel.
  2. Give some sections here and there a wavier appearance by curling them using a curling rod.
  3. Finish it using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Another of the ‘best suited for all faces’ lot and it really makes me happy knowing that I can try it too. What about you?

41. Rock Punk’d

At my one word, everyone Follow everywhere I go,
They all scream High, scream Low, today let’s Go together with me,
With one breath, I sweep away about this much.
Oh my god. I’m so hot
I-I-I’m A Rockstar

Yes, Kat Deluna is hot and she has rocked this ‘bad girl’ look with tousled shiny blonde texturized hair.

How To Style

  1. Scrunch up your damp hair using mousse and let it dry.
  2. Create tight curls in your hair and mess them up using your fingers.
  3. Set up your uniquely done unkempt hair using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Will look amazing on small, round faces as well as on those girls who have high cheekbones.

42. Curled In

Curled in short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Blond highlighted hair, when curled in a layered mazza, can give you a really out-of-the-world look. See how Scarlett Johansson is looking with her white base make-up and swept-back curls and side-trimmed hairstyle.

How To Style

  1. Begin by slathering thickening gel on your hair and let it dry.
  2. Sweep your crown hair to the back and use big rollers to develop inward curls.
  3. Spritz some hairspray to finish the look.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

With its swept-back appearance, this style will look splendid on women having a small forehead and oval face-type, preferably with thick, healthy hair.

43. Stocked Up

Stocked up short wavy hairstyle
Image: IStock

Styling your choppy hair daily in a different avatar can be really tiring, leaving you with no other option than to prop all the hair on the crown and bask in the happiness of having no extra load on your forehead. But, you can make that sloppy hairstyle look stylish too. Be lazy in style!

How To Style

  1. Scrunch up your damp hair with the use of a thickening gel.
  2. Brush back the entire lot.
  3. Set it using a fine quality hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This short and spunky hairstyle would look just awesome on girls having an oval or heart-shaped face with a thick mane.

44. Wave Me Down

Wave me down short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

By now, we have established that wavy hair can look absolutely chic when styled in a right manner. So, why won’t you try this super-spazzy style adorned with honey highlights that can give you a celebrity-like feel?

How To Style

  1. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, apply a thickening gel to your hair for volume.
  2. Make your bangs turn into soft waves by using a curling rod.
  3. Toss up your hair with your fingers and fix up the style by using a shine spray and hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

A cute look for all our beauties out there with an absolutely round face and chubby cheeks. Try it out!

45. The Falls

The falls short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Being blessed with super-thick wavy hair can be an absolute mess at times, especially when it comes to managing them. What can be done? Silly, just style it how it’s shown in the picture. This style adds an extra star to your face and dress and is extremely easy to handle. Whoa!

How To Style

  1. Toss up your crown hair and apply some thickening gel for shine and volume.
  2. If you want, you can even backcomb your bangs for a fluffy effect.
  3. Straighten your bangs by using a flat iron.
  4. Finish it by using a hairspray to set your style.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

With long bangs masking half of the face, this hairstyle can be adapted if you have a round face. And yes, having thick hair is an absolute necessity.

46. Miss Brownie

Miss brownie short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

This everyday style needs no extra care and management, yet will still look fabulous on every garment you decide to adorn. There is no distinct partition, and it looks wind-swept and sassy. Amazing, right?

How To Style

  1. Apply some mousse to your freshly shampooed and conditioned hair.
  2. Make a middle partition and use a blow dryer to set the hair.
  3. Fix it by using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This style will suit every girl who is a proud owner of an oval or diamond face, and good brunnette hair.

47. Princess Braids

Princess braids short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Coming up with one of the simplest yet elegant braided hairstyles that can be flaunted on your wavy short hair can be tricky. So, here we are, with a princess-like French-knotting braid that is both beautiful and attractive. You have multiple heads do double turns when you walk by!

How To Style

  1. Begin by going through the usual routine of shampooing and conditioning. You can even put in a thickening product if you aren’t that sure of your hair texture.
  2. Divide your hair into sections, and take up the middle partition. Start French braiding from the front to the back, like shown in the picture.
  3. Finish it using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Don’t worry, this style suits every hair length (including shoulder-length hair), face-type, and hair-type. Go on, style your hair, pop on an attractive gown, and be ready for a fab night!

48. Other Worldly Things

Other worldly things short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Snow blond is personally one of my favorite blond types due to its pristine appearance. Hence, it won’t be fair if I don’t introduce you guys to a style that fairly takes up the purity of the short hair to another level. This spunky style is tousled and other-worldly-like – really!

How To Style

  1. Comb your freshly washed hair to the side. You can even back-comb if you want for volume.
  2. Use one-inch flat iron to flatten out the bangs in sections, leaving the waves intact
  3. Set the tossed hair using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This Miley Cyrus inspired style will look dazzling on angular faces with nice focused cheekbones!

49. Miss Chic

Miss chic short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Short and sloppy hair can be made into a full-on chic and stylish hairstyle, as is evident in this picture. All you need is some patience!

How To Style

  1. Scrunch up your wet hair with mousse and backcomb the crown hair for volume.
  2. Make a partition and brush back the shorter side and fix it up with a pin.
  3. Straighten up the bangs using a one-inch flat iron and fix up the hairstyle with a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This short and frenzy hairstyle will suit all the face and hair types, that is for sure.

50. The Pretty And The Perfect

The pretty and the perfect short wavy hairstyle
Image: IStock

Being perfect is an art, which is really difficult to achieve, but what are we here for? I’m sure all eyes are bored deep into this pretty and oh-so-perfect hairstyle because mine was. And who is to blame, this style is an epitome of perfection.

How To Style

  1. To achieve this perfect look, toss and tease your hair for volume.
  2. Take all the hair from the crown and backcomb for fullness.
  3. Straighten the bangs using a hair gel and flat iron.
  4. Fix the new and rocking hairstyle using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Another of the pretty hairstyles with deep side-swept bangs that will gel well with all face types provided you have medium to thick hair.

51. Grunge-ing

Grungeing short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

It all started in the early nineties, all this grunge-affair, bringing dirty into fashion. Anyhow, who is to forget the tousled unkempt hair, loose ripped tees, and boyfriend denim fashion of those times. Even you can adapt this grunge fashion, just like Katie Holmes did. And doesn’t she look all classy?

How To Style

  1. The easiest of the lot, you can achieve this particular hairstyle simply by teasing your wet hair and applying some gel.
  2. Let your locks dry and finger comb them for a messy look.
  3. Finish it off by using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

As this shaggy haircut covers most of the face, anybody can boldly adorn it. It doesn’t matter if you have a perfect round face or a thin, angular one!

52. Taylor-Made

Taylor made short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

‘Cause we never go out of style’

Oh! How true! There hasn’t been a single time wherein our 1989 star has disappointed her fans and admirers. From creating splendid music to being open to all kinds of fashion experimentation, this Out Of The Woods singer has left no page unturned. See how amazingly her waves have been so elegantly wrapped at the back in an impersonation of a bun?

How To Style

  1. For getting this elegance personified style, lather up your hair while it’s still damp with a premium quality mousse.
  2. Brush the side hair to the back gently and secure it with a pin. Do the same thing to the hair on the other side, leaving out the bangs to fall elegantly to your forehead.
  3. Twist the small bun formed at the back and pin it. Finish the style with a fix spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This Taylor-made hairstyle is another one that will look awesome on anyone regardless of their face or hair type.

53. Ice-Rock

Ice rock short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Willing to dye your hair into a bold ice blue with a gray tinge? Then you shouldn’t miss out on styling your hair in this spunky low Mohawk. It looks really out of the blue – quite literally!

How To Style

  1. Lather up your Mohawk. with a thickening gel for shine and volume.
  2. Brush up the crown hair to achieve a spikey appearance.
  3. Finger comb your hair to get it all rocky and messy and top it up with a shine spray for added sheen.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

In order to carry this style with grace, you need to have an edgy and angular face that would take the hotness quotient to another level.

54. Fresh Out Of The Oven

Fresh out of the oven short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Going for an ombre hair color can be tricky, but this style is just perfect for the beginners who want to try it out but are worried about going for a higher degree of experimentation. The brown roots to platinum ends are all classy and chic and will look absolutely fantastic on all.

How To Style

  1. Brush off your freshly washed hair into sections. You can even apply a thickening agent for added sheen and volume.
  2. Tease the hair at the front by tossing it lightly with your fingers.
  3. Finish it using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Yes, go for it! It will suit you all, regardless of what your face and hair type is.

55. A Melange of Colors

A melange of colors short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

For experts who get their hair dyed all the time, this melange mix of ash, gray, ice-blue, and blond is just perfect to enhance the waves adorning the head. This exclusive look is less explored, making a way for you to try and shine at the upcoming party!

How To Style

  1. Scrunch up your mildly damp hair by using a thickening agent and detangle it using a round brush.
  2. Brush back the bangs and the side hair to give it a look similar to that in the picture.
  3. Finish it by using a shine spray for added sheen.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Good news guys!Covering a good portion of the face, this style will look the best on round faces.

56. Frozen Love

Frozen love short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Another one of the blue counterparts, because blue is the color of the season (and my favorite color, wink..wink). This ice blue hair color is rocking hot and pretty at the same time, accentuating the waves in this style. Go on, try it out!

How To Style

  1. Lather up your damp hair with a good quality mousse and let it air-dry.
  2. Take a one-inch curling rod to form loose waves throughout your thick hair, away from your face.
  3. Set the formed style by using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

Will look the best on oval faces and healthy hair ranging from medium to thick.

57. Half Rolled Up

Half rolled up short wavy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

In this blazing sun, keeping your mane open all the time can become a really tiring task, compelling you to just pop it in a hair tie or something. This half hair up-do looks really classy and will save you from the stress of managing your wavy hair too. The caramel balayage hair with blonde highlights add extra oomph to the overall look. Isn’t it just wow?

How To Style

  1. Scrunch up your wet hair with some gel to give it a messy and unkempt look.
  2. Take up your crown hair and tie it at the back of the head using a hair-tie.
  3. Finish your hairstyle by using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This half hair up hairstyle will look dashing on all face types and hair types.

58. Braid To Be

Image: Instagram

Our Hannah Montana is all grown up, is ridiculed for her twerkiness, but who is to deny the absolutely pure fashion she has brought to the world. Skin colored leotards – check, bold and chopped hairstyles – check!). See how distinctively she has had her side hair braided into a fashion statement, which adds stars to a regular (and boring) hairstyle.

How To Style

  1. To get this Miley style, apply mousse to your short hair.
  2. Part the crown hair. Make the bangs stand up like a pseudo-mohawk. Take the side hair and start braiding it. You can even use ribbons.
  3. Set the style using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

It would look great if you have a nice and small face with sharp features.

59. Move It On The Side

Move it on the side popular hairstyle for short wavy hair
Image: Shutterstock

Crown waves are nothing new, but its impact cannot be denied, especially after taking a look at how elegant it looks in this picture. The white blond hair is flossed and made into a sea of waves.

How To Style

  1. This curly mess is a super pretty hairstyle. First, toss up your wet hair with some gel and let it dry.
  2. Tease your back hair to achieve that fullness and use a curling rod to make tight curls out of your crown hair.
  3. Let the curls fall freely on the forehead and fix the style by using a hairspray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This style will bring a distinct flavor to all face types, from round to oval to diamond.

60. Red Alert

Red alert hairstyle for short wavy hair
Image: Shutterstock

Crimson is IN this season, and what’s better to end this incredibly long list with a lazy and tousled style that suits all occasions and faces. Just choose whether you want to look like Katy Perry or Emma Stone!

How To Style

  1. Simplest to do, begin by tossing up your damp hair with some gel.
  2. Brush your hair downwards, keeping the natural waves intact.
  3. Side sweep the bangs and finish it off by using a shine spray.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

As mentioned earlier, this is another of the looks that will gel well with all faces and hair types.

61. Dreamy Caramel Swirls

Scarlett Johansson with a wavy short bob
Image: Shutterstock

This retro short wavy bob hairstyle exudes such a dreamy, soft, and romantic vibe, complementing Scarlett Johansson’s angelic face. If you’re headed to a vintage-themed party or a semi-formal evening event, this chic and sexy look should definitely be your pick.

How To Style

1. Wash, blow-dry, and prep your caramel-dyed bob hair with some heat-protectant styling product.
2. Side-part your hair and soft curl both sides, preferably with a large barrel to get a swirly, rather than a tight curled look.
3. Use some bobby pins to pin the short parted side to your head.
4. Softly push your swirls back on the long parted side with your fingers to give them a gentle, but not messy, tousled layered look.
5. Apply holding spray to set your hairstyle.

Best Face Shape And Hair Type

This style is great for naturally wavy or straight hair types on round, oval, or heart-shaped faces.

Infographic: Tips To Care For Short Wavy Hair

Surely you are excited to get these amazing hairstyles. But here’s the thing. You must follow a proper hair care routine to maintain those beautiful waves. So, check out the infographic below to learn the best hair care hacks for short wavy hair.

tips to care for short wavy hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Short wavy hair is the perfect look to sport during summer and spring. It looks very stylish without being too long and irritating in the sun. With these 60 short wavy hairstyles, you can experiment and look different every day! From gothic vampire and vintage hairstyles to elegant and edgy hairdos, there are hairstyles for women of all personalities, attires, ages, and careers.

Remember to pick a hairstyle that suits your face shape. You can add your own personal touch to these hairstyles by experimenting with hair accessories or hair colors as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should short wavy hair be layered?

Although there is no hard and fast rule to layer short wavy hair, layering does give it an illusion of being thicker. If you have thick hair, it is better to go for light layers to enhance their appearance.

How can I make my short hair wavy after a shower?

After a shower, towel dry the hair and spray texturizing spray. Neatly comb the hair and make loose braids. After a few hours, undo the braids and separate the curls gently for waves.

Do curtain bangs look good on wavy hair?

Yes, curtain bangs look good on wavy hair. They are easy to maintain and style.

Key Takeaways

  • Short, wavy hairstyles are low-maintenance and give you a voluminous look.
  • Simple middle or side parts create a slimming illusion for round faces, while curtain bangs soften the look.
  • Layers and highlights intensify the appeal of short, wavy styles.
  • Messy, unkempt styles are easy everyday looks, while half updos are great for managing thick hair.
  • Soft inward or outward curls at ends add drama and interest to the hair.
Short Wavy Hairstyles

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Take a look at this video to level up your cute and wavy hairstyle! It shows how you can style your short curly hair to look effortlessly beautiful.

Personal Experience: Source

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