Looking to refresh your short hairstyle with a playful, easygoing vibe? Wavy short hair is the answer. It’s effortlessly chic, full of texture, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re into tousled beach waves, soft curls, or structured waves with a polished finish, there’s something on this list for you.
In this article, we’re diving into 21 wavy short hair styles that are trending right now—perfect for every hair type, face shape, and vibe.
Why Choose Wavy Short Hair?
Wavy short hair is more than just a cute cut—it’s the ultimate low-maintenance hairstyle that offers tons of movement and personality. It works with natural waves or can be styled with a flat iron, curling wand, or even heatless methods. Plus, it looks just as good with messy texture as it does when smoothed out.
Benefits of Wavy Short Hair:
- Adds Volume: Waves can make thin or fine hair appear fuller.
- Effortlessly Stylish: Looks good whether messy, tousled, or glam.
- Low Maintenance: Wash-and-go styles are totally achievable.
- Versatile: Great for casual days or dressed-up occasions.
1. Textured Wavy Bob
This style is perfect for anyone who wants that just-rolled-out-of-bed look—on purpose. The layered bob gives dimension, while loose waves keep it soft and breezy.
Tip: Use sea salt spray to enhance the natural texture.
2. Beach Waves on a Chin-Length Cut
The classic beach wave meets the chic chin-length cut. This combo flatters most face shapes and is incredibly easy to style with a curling iron or flat iron flick.
Styling Trick: Wrap hair around the iron away from the face for an open, flattering wave.
3. Shaggy Wavy Pixie
Add edge and drama with a pixie cut that’s long on top and short on the sides. Incorporating soft waves gives it a feminine twist while keeping it rock-and-roll.
Product Must-Have: Matte pomade to define waves and add volume.
4. Wavy Bob with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are a soft, face-framing way to update your look. Pair them with a wavy bob for ultimate French-girl vibes.
Perfect For: Oval and heart-shaped faces.
5. Jaw-Length Waves with Side Part
This structured yet flowy look works well for formal or professional settings. The deep side part gives volume while short waves frame the jawline beautifully.
6. Layered Wavy Lob (Long Bob)
A lob offers the illusion of longer hair without the hassle. Add in layers and tousled waves for dimension and movement.
Best Tool: A large barrel curling wand for loose, beachy curls.
7. Wavy Bob with Bold Highlights
Make your waves pop by adding bold balayage or chunky highlights. It adds contrast and gives your texture a whole new level of dimension.
Great Color Ideas: Platinum blonde, copper, caramel, or pastel tones.
8. Wavy Inverted Bob
This cut is shorter in the back and longer in the front—giving a sleek, angular look. Soft waves break up the sharp lines and make it more casual.
Styling Tip: Use a flat iron to alternate wave direction for a more natural look.
9. Natural Wavy Crop
If you’ve got natural waves, enhance them with lightweight styling creams. A short crop shows off your natural texture while keeping things simple.
Maintenance: Diffuse your hair on low heat or let it air-dry.
10. Retro Waves on Short Hair
Channel vintage glam with structured waves and shine spray. This works especially well for short bobs styled with a side part.
Event Ready: Perfect for weddings, parties, or date nights.
11. Asymmetrical Wavy Bob
This edgy cut features one side slightly longer than the other. Add waves for a balanced contrast between bold and soft.
Good For: Round and square face shapes.
12. Choppy Waves with Baby Bangs
This punk-inspired style combines piecey, choppy waves with short, blunt bangs for a high-impact look.
Styling Idea: Use a texturizing spray to keep everything light and airy.
13. Tousled Wavy Pixie-Bob
Can’t decide between a pixie and a bob? Get both! Tousled waves help blend the two styles seamlessly for a cute, lived-in look.
Pro Tip: Use your fingers—not a brush—to separate curls for that undone finish.
14. Blunt Wavy Cut
A straight-across, blunt cut adds weight and boldness to your look. Loose waves soften it up and give you that “effortless chic” balance.
15. Boho Waves on a Short Shag
A mix of layers, bangs, and disheveled waves give off an artsy, bohemian energy. Think of this as the rockstar’s day-off hairstyle.
Styling Product: Dry shampoo or wave-enhancing mousse.
16. Wavy Short Hair with Undercut
Ready to go bold? An undercut adds edge to wavy locks on top. It’s stylish, breathable, and unexpectedly cool.
Who Should Try This: Great for bold personalities and summer-ready haircuts.
17. Short Wavy Hair with Middle Part
Symmetry at its finest. A middle part keeps things balanced, and soft waves add dimension and body.
Face Shape Match: Best for oval and heart-shaped faces.
18. Soft Glam Waves on Bob
Perfect for formal occasions, this look involves polished waves with extra shine and control. Use a heat protectant and shine serum.
Best For: Dinner dates, weddings, or interviews.
19. Wavy Bowl Cut
Modernize the classic bowl cut by adding waves and movement. It’s unexpectedly stylish and very high-fashion.
Styling Tip: Use a round brush while blow-drying to shape the waves.
20. Wavy Short Hair with Color Fade
Go bold with a color melt or ombre effect. Waves really show off multi-dimensional tones, whether pastel, platinum, or mermaid-inspired.
21. Shaggy Wavy Bob with Bangs
This one’s a crowd-pleaser. Soft shaggy layers + bangs + waves = the ultimate cool-girl cut. Low-maintenance, youthful, and modern.
Pro Tip: Spritz some salt spray, scrunch, and go!
How to Maintain Wavy Short Hair
Whether you’re naturally wavy or heat-style your texture, here’s how to keep your short waves looking fresh:
- Use lightweight styling products: Mousses, sea salt sprays, or curl creams help enhance texture without weighing your hair down.
- Avoid brushing dry hair: It can disrupt your waves and cause frizz.
- Air dry or diffuse: Both methods help retain your wave pattern.
- Trim every 6–8 weeks: Short hair grows out fast—keep it healthy and in shape with regular trims.
- Sleep on silk: A silk pillowcase reduces frizz and helps preserve your wave definition overnight.
Final Thoughts on 21 Wavy Short Hair Ideas
Whether you’re embracing your natural texture or adding waves with heat tools, wavy short hair is a fun, youthful, and versatile choice. These 21 wavy short hair ideas cover everything from polished to punk and everything in between. With the right cut, product, and styling approach, your short waves will always be on point.
Ready for a change? Pick your favorite look from this list and show it to your stylist—your perfect wavy short hair transformation is just a snip away.
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