A big part of loving your hair is understanding it. But for those with wavy hair, it can be a little harder to read the signs. Hairstylist Samantha Draper previously told Vogue, “Typically, an indicator of wavy hair is air-dried hair that holds an S-shape wave. Wavy hair also has more volume than straight hair and often can be described as poofy or puffy.” Another common indicator of wavy hair is frizz, so “if you feel your hair can be frizzy, dry, and reactive to humidity, you likely have naturally wavy hair,” Draper adds.
The next step in your hair journey is figuring out the best cuts and styles that work for you. One of the biggest misconceptions about cutting wavy hair is that it should be cut the same way as straight hair, says Shahid Dilshad Pasha, master trainer manager at Davines India. “If you ignore the natural pattern, the cut can look uneven once it dries.”
Good cuts for wavy hair remove excess bulk, avoid blunt heaviness, and distribute weight strategically to reduce frizz and maintain body and movement. Here are some of our favorites.
Shag
Photo: Getty Images
Complete with curtain bangs, feathered layers, and textured ends, the shag gives wavy hair a lived-in, effortless feel because it “works with the wave texture rather than against it,” says Sonia Presswala, creative lead of hair and makeup at Looks Salon.
Long layers
Neil Mockford
