Long Wavy Hair Advice
Long, wavy hair is a classic look that never goes out of style. While it’s a relatively low-maintenance “do,” there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that longer hair looks luscious and healthy.
- A lot of people make the mistake of never booking a haircut when they’re trying to grow their hair long. However, that’s a huge mistake. While the myth that cutting your hair makes it stronger is false, getting regular trims helps prevent and remove split ends and can relieve some weight to give your hair a little more bounce and luster.
- You also want to make sure you’re using the right products to style and care for your long locks. You can use shampoos and conditioners suitable for “all hair types,” but if you don’t have any particular issues that need addressing, like dandruff or color treatment, look for products designed for wavy or curly locks. Verb makes a set that helps add and amplify texture to improve natural waves.
- Once or twice a month, swap out your conditioner with a nourishing hair mask, like this one from Kenra, to make sure the entire length of your hair is healthy. Focus on your ends in particular so they don’t dry out and go limp.
- To prevent your waves from becoming a shapeless cloud of frizz, only brush them out when they’re wet. To prevent breakage, use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush suitable for wet and damp hair, like this one from Paul Mitchell.
- Letting your hair air dry is the best way to make sure your waves form naturally, with minimal frizz. However, if that’s not an option for you, apply a little curling cream, like this one from Moroccanoil, to your hair to help the waves lock into place. Scrunch your hair as you dry it or, better yet, use a diffuser. If your hairdryer doesn’t come with one, there are universal options available.
- Long hair can be prone to dullness, especially the further from your scalp it grows. Add a shine spray or serum, like this one from Kerastase, into your routine to give your hair a natural luster all the way to the ends.
- You’ll also want to do everything you can to protect your hair from external things that could damage it and force you to cut it short before you’re ready. For example, if you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, opt to wear a hat or use an SPF on your hair, like this one from Coola.
- If your hair is prone to tangling, consider putting it in a loose braid while you sleep. This will prevent knots and help your hair maintain its waves.
- You can protect your hair even more by tying it with satin hair bands like these from Kitsch.
- Consider swapping your regular cotton or flannel pillowcases with silk or satin options as well to further prevent breakage. Bedsure makes sets of 2 that come in a variety of colors.
Long Wavy Hairstyle Ideas
Subtle Beach Waves with Sun-Kissed Balayage
Long wavy hair is enhanced with subtle beach waves and a sun-kissed balayage, creating a natural, effortless look that’s perfect for any season.
Soft Romantic Curls
This long wavy hairstyle features soft, romantic curls that are lightly tousled for an effortless, dreamy look, embodying a sense of whimsy and charm.
Sleek and Polished Waves
Sleek long wavy hair, defined and polished, with a deep side part adds an element of glamour and sophistication, perfect for a night out.
Cascading Chocolate Waves
Long wavy locks highlighted by honey and caramel streaks through cascading chocolate waves, offering depth and warmth to the hair’s natural beauty.
Voluminous Layers and Blowout
Amplified with layers and a blowout, this voluminous long wavy hair boasts maximum bounce and body, making it a head-turning look.
Brunette to Blonde Ombre
Long wavy ombre hair transitions gracefully from deep brunette roots to blonde tips, offering a stunning contrast and contemporary flair.
Glossy Waves for Formal Events
An elegant long wavy hairstyle with glossy waves, ideal for formal events, showcases timeless beauty and refined elegance.
Enhanced Natural Texture
Featuring natural texture enhanced with a diffuser, this long wavy hair achieves defined waves for a beautiful, laid-back style.
Mermaid Hair with Teal and Blue Streaks
Bold teal and blue streaks through long wavy mermaid hair make a vibrant statement, perfect for those looking to stand out with color.
Wavy Hairstyle with Fringe
Blending bangs seamlessly into soft waves, this long wavy hairstyle with a fringe offers a fresh and flattering update to classic waves.
Cool Ash Blonde Tones
Ash blonde long wavy hair features cool tones throughout, providing a modern, edgy look that’s both striking and stylish.
Fiery Red Hues
Rich, fiery hues through long wavy red hair create a bold and striking appearance, perfect for making a vibrant statement.
Brunette with Subtle Layers
Long wavy brunette hair with subtle layers adds movement and depth, enhancing the hair’s natural beauty with a touch of sophistication.
Pastel Pink Ends
Soft, feminine touches are added to long wavy hair with pastel pink ends, blending whimsy with elegance for a gentle, captivating look.
Half-Up, Half-Down with Floral Accessories
This long wavy hairstyle features a half-up, half-down twist adorned with floral accessories, merging natural beauty with a touch of romance.
Icy Platinum Blonde Tones
Platinum blonde long wavy hair with icy tones offers a standout look, perfect for those aiming for a bold, eye-catching style.
Vintage Hollywood Waves
Classic, smooth waves give long wavy hair a vintage Hollywood style, exuding glamour and sophistication reminiscent of the silver screen.
Sleek Wet Look
Defined waves achieved with gel provide a sleek, wet look to long wavy hair, offering a contemporary edge to traditional wave styles.
Chunky Highlights
Long wavy hair with chunky highlights creates contrast and dimension, adding visual interest and depth to the overall look.
Glossy Dark Waves
