It can be difficult to create beachy waves in medium-length hair. After all, who wants to spend the time to look good? It may take time to learn how to master those waves, but keep trying!
People can feel frustrated the more times they try curling the hair and the waves never show up. Someone might know what the purpose of beach waves is, but have no idea what to do before and after the curls are done. I once worked with a client who had really thick hair to her collarbone. She had seen a lot of videos that showed how to get the ‘undone’ look but none of them worked. I got her to the point where she felt free to ‘mess’ with her hair, and then she got the look she wanted!
If you have medium-length hair, I suggest getting a n1 to 1.25 inch curling ironn and doing alternating curls so they don’t get clumped together. Also, make sure to take the ends of your hair out about a inch to keep the hairstyle more modern. If your hair is finer, lightweight mousse and then a heat protectant with memory hold would do best, while thicker hair would do better with a n salt sprayn instead of a blow dry cream to help separate the strands more. The most important thing about this look is to use finger-combing to separate the curls and then also use a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=flexible+hold+hair+spr
#1: Soft Curtain Bangs with That Perfectly Undone Mid-Length Wave
What really stands out about this look is how great the curtain bangs look and their ability to frame the face while not looking too overdone. It means a lot when people get the \”roller and a prayer\” reference. Because of the way the golden highlights look when light hits them and the way they warm up the look with the waviness, they work great. It allows for a very natural look despite someone spending a long time in the salon to get that style done. The layers are perfect, they have enough thickness towards the ends, yet enough movement so that the hair is not stagnant, and it really does bounce when you move. If you have this fine hair, you have to be realistic with yourself because the waves are going to need some touch ups. Between washes it is very minimal so you can spend a whole lot of time on it, only five minutes.
#2 Platinum Waves That Actually Look Expensive
I’ve seen plenty of platinum hair that looks fried and damaged, and this is definitely not the feeling I’m getting from this. The overall texture of the hair stands out because when hair is this light, there needs to be some waviness or movement present (it keeps the hair from looking flat and see-through). The bends in this hair gives the hair more volume and, appearance of intent, and also fullness. These framing layers keep the ends from looking too wispy, which is often seen on platinums because any thin spots and little breakage will be extremely evident on the hair when it is this shade/level. I won’t sugarcoat it though: this color is a significant liability; it’s important to know that you’ll be visiting a toning service and using a good purple shampoo to keep brassiness at bay within the first few weeks.
#3: Warm Highlighted Waves with Just the Right Amount of Layer
Soft layers and warm highlights offer a healthy appearance, heightening the compliment with color work. Flipped layers provide the desired length while the cut provides bouncy and happy feels. The cut also grows out better than most people consider/expect because most people don’t want to come back every 6 weeks. The faded color will look pretty, plus it’ll give you time to not worry about color.
#4 Wavy Curtain Bangs That Actually Work Day to Day
This haircut type may seem easy, but the masterclass is in the balance. The bangs are just the right length to sit to the side on a lazy day, yet just short enough to give your face some frame when you style them. The hair in loose waves looks as though she braids them, and then shook the waves out. This is a valid way to achieve this look without any heat. The medium hair density also helps a lot because even if some hair is left out to support the wave in the ponytail, it just ends up straight by afternoon. Remember, curtain bangs need to be trimmed every three to four weeks to maintain them. If you ok with the maintenance then it’s one of the most flattering styles of bangs.
#5 Soft Fringe with Tousled Texture That Lives Well
The first thing I notice is the fringe – it’s not heavy or blunt, but rather feathered **just enough** to blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair when worn down, it doesn’t appear disconnected from the entire look. The mid-length waves have the **perfectly imperfect** look, as if she just casually ran a few sections of a flat iron and **sort of forgot about it**, but honestly, that’s the vibe. This is a hairstyle that will age well as the week progresses. It looks just as good on day one as it does on day three, and that’s always been my priority when I’m cutting. Nobody wants a haircut that only looks good when it’s freshly styled. A little hydrating oil on the ends is always going to keep everything looking polished without weighing it down.
#6 Fine Hair Waves with Bangs That Add Something
I appreciate how a client puts faith in a stylist’s ability to work a confident cut, and I assume this delicate client enjoys the waves. Soft bangs do layer off a few years and when paired with mid-length layers, they really give the cut confidence to avoid that fine hair cling that happens with all one length. This will look amazing on a heart or round face as it will draw the focus down and elongate the face. Also, my secret is that fine hair at this density is going to require some extra morning love. When it comes to texture and volume, do not hold back on wet to dry volume spray, especially when the hair is clean, this is actually one of my little favorite tips.
#7 Lived-In Curtain Bangs with Effortless Dimension
The shape of the style is nice and gives the illusion of changing dimensions while avoiding a stripey or chunky appearance. The highlights are woven in a way that makes them stand out and adds a lot of depth but still keeps it simple. I like that the curtain bangs are longer because they grow out more gracefully and you can go longer without a trim before they start poking you in the eyes. The longer bangs really add to the style and I think people underestimate that. The easiest way to create a messy look is to apply a little product to damp hair and then let it dry. You can either let it air dry or use a diffuser on a low setting to encourage the waves. I think this style improves with time and the natural oils from your scalp add shine while the waves soften and relax.
#8 Caramel Waves That Catch the Light
The first detail that stands out to me is the color. The combination of soft, warm caramel rolling through the waves really shows off the texture and warmth. The color is both sunlit and artificial light pleasing. The layers are so soft that you can’t see any hard lines. Everything looks blended in a way that is cohesive and designed without being stiff. If your hair is this fine and wavy, really lucky because this texture holds shape without product. A light mist of hair spray and a curl on the curling iron on the pieces that didn’t cooperate and you are set. The overall look is youthful and effortless which is what any client that sits in my chair is really asking for without them even saying it.
#9 Subtle Balayage on Soft Mid-Length Waves
The Balayage technique used here is blended to perfection. Paired with these soft and relaxed beachy waves, this style is very elegant. The ends of her hair look naturally lighter, and that’s exactly what Balayage aims to do. You can tell the health of her hair from the overall look, and it’s evident a lot of care and time was put into the processing. This look is great for people who want additional dimension to their hair, but don’t want to have to talk about their hair. It enhances the look, rather than transforming it drastically. If you’re thinking about getting a look like this, I suggest asking your stylist for a fresh from the beach look. Also, use this photo as a reference for the soft and natural dimension.
#10 Polished Beachy Waves with Warm Dimension
I like this look because it is somewhere in the middle between polished and casual. Lots of people want beachy waves, but those can look too messy for some occasions. This style is appropriate for any event because of the smoothness throughout the crown. Balayage highlights warm up the hairstyle but in this case, it does not compete with the waves. Her length is just past her collarbone which is super flattering because it moves freely while still having some weight to it. This style uses waves rather than curls which tend to drop and create an awkward look. I think this style was made with a bigger barrel and a loose wrap. This look can easily make you feel good about yourself.
#11 Soft Textured Layers That Wear Beautifully
I appreciate it when layers do the work from the shadows. They should be invisible. Plenty of natural movement in the hair is perfect so the waves look good. It’s not like they were made in some sort of way. Length that is just above the shoulders is good because it sways and is easy to tuck behind the ears when you need it out of your face. This haircut with medium to thick hair would be a dream, because you would have enough density to fill out the shape without looking flat on the sides. If you want this specific texture consistently, you are probably looking at a little iron work every few days. Your technique will make it a ten-minute situation.
#12 Waves with Varied Texture That Keep Things Interesting
The waves look awesome! I like that they don’t look overly styled like a lot of hair tutorials show. The different waves look different whether it be straight, bent, or kinked and creates this “I don’t care” look that people actually stress over. Her hair looks great because of all the volume and structure the waves create. If you’re going for that look, I’d suggest adding a lightweight mousse to make the hairstyle last. I think this is pretty underrated but having a base from your mousse will keep everything in place without your hair feeling crunchy.
#13 Soft Highlighted Waves with Easy Movement
Your highlights look amazing! They really stand out especially around your face and top layers which catches light and draws attention. This creates a great sun-kissed look – it’s not too much plus it says “I have amazing hair!” The loose wave pattern looks so effortless. It’s the type of waves you get when you scrunch your hair in the blow dryer and leave it. I love the look for people who say they only have 4 minutes to get ready in the morning. The look works perfectly for fine to medium hair since you still get the movement and it won’t go flat by the afternoon.
#14: Classic Beachy Texture with Natural Balayage
This balayage has been blended so well that it looks just like the sun-kissed highlights we get in summer, what an amazing compliment to the artistry in this style. The soft waves that fall to the shoulders frame the face instead of closing it off. What a great compliment to the cut! The mid-length layers look great because these types of cuts usually have less layering, but the crown of the hair has a lot of hold and volume! I like to call this look a trust your stylist moment, because those layers are crucial, and while they aren’t visible when the hair is straight, you can see them a lot as the hair moves in waves. The look is also very low maintenance so it can be styled easily and will look great when air dried as well. The light iron work on the front pieces elevates the look a lot! Great job!
#15 Sun-Warmed Waves with That Perfectly Tousled Feel
The color has an outdoorsy, lovely warmth. It looks as if she has been outdoors a lot and her hair just responded. The wave texture tells a similar story. I enjoy that it falls just below the shoulders because that legth gives you options: you can do a half-up style, tuck one side back behind the ear or just let it do its thing. Any of these options work, and don’t be fooled by the untidy appearance of the wave texture — it takes a lot of effort. If you want the kind of deliberate messiness that looks like a texturizing spray on dry hair, then you will need to set the waves instead of relying on your flat iron to do all the work. This looks better on second or third day hair. That’s the kind of style info I wish more people heard before they get a new hairstyle.
#16 Relaxed Mid-Length Waves with Quiet Layering
This cut features well blended layers that create movement instead of forcing the hair into any particular shape. With shorter hair the ends can look thin and scraggly after the hair grows out a little, but these layers won’t do that. The subtle color variation adds depth without being too obvious and creates the illusion of more hair. This is a great option for those wanting to create more density as the illusion of more hair is a good thing. Because it is not doing anything too extreme, this is a hair cut that will work for all face shapes. This means it will work for you too. Just because the cut is more extreme, doesn’t mean it won’t look effortless. The lighter bits at the ends of the hair will require some maintenance to ensure they don’t go brassy. A good color depositing conditioner is a great idea to keep the color looking fresh. Your colorist should be able to advise on that.
#17 Warm Blonde Waves with Soft Body
The warm blonde color is beautiful! It is just the right warm tone for skin tones of a medium to warm shade. There is no chance of washing out! It has enough wave to seem interesting without going overboard. If your hair is medium thick hair like this, you will definitely see the layers working. There is enough density to separate the layers that create that dimensional movement. Compared to cool tones, warm blondes are more forgiving when it comes to grow out. The roots blend more naturally and you can go longer with more weeks before it looks like you’ve neglected your hair. With a rounder face, the length and soft wave will give you a flattering frame. If your face is more oval, you can’t go wrong with any of this so just enjoy it.
#18 Easy Textured Waves with a Natural Flow
This is an attractive hairstyle because I find beauty in its simplicity, style and shape, and the way natural waves play into the overall effect. It looks like a simple hairstyle, but it’s deceptively difficult to keep looking good. It has layers to frame the face which give the impression the hair waves effortlessly. If your hair is wavy, this would require minimal styling and it’s great for heat damage prevention. You can just wash your hair, put some product in it, and let it air dry. You can literally just wash your hair, grab a coffee, and walk out the door and it won’t look like you just rushed out.
#19 Golden Blonde Layers with Sun-Drenched Texture
The best part is incorporating actual depth into the texture of the waves. The highlights catch the light at the tops of the waves, and the solid color rests in the troughs of the waves. This creates an illusion that is truly three-dimensional, and not just a single-process color that is flat. The overall design of the color has an incredible sunlit effect in images, and most importantly, it is just as amazing in-person on just about any day of the week. If you have a heart-shaped face, this is especially great. The volume around the mid-lengths and the soft taper through the ends creates a beautiful balance with the wider cheeks and more slender chin. The trade-off here is regular color upkeep and highlighting maintenance. The result, in my opinion, is so good that it justifies the upkeep.
#20: Rich Chocolate Base with Golden Pieces Through the Wave
I love a chocolate color with woven warm highlights because it adds richness, thickness and gloss to the hair even without product. The waves are big enough to showcase the color dimension. Each bend captures the gold tones at a different angle, which gives the color that expensive salon look. Medium density hair is the sweet spot for this look because there’s enough hair to create fullness in the wave, but not so much that it becomes bulky. Those highlights against a darker base will need more maintenance than an all over color, so talk to your colorist about toning in between full highlight sessions, but the stunning result is worth it!
#21: Light Blonde Layers with Breezy, Undone Waves
I can appreciate how the layers are creating movement and keeping the ends from looking thin. Balancing both effects can be tricky on finer hair, especially with blonde processing. The light blonde highlights are concentrated in the front and top sections which gives the most brightness around the face where you want it, rather than being uniformly distributed, which is a smart choice from the colorist. The wave is casual, and a bit undone at the ends in that soft way that looks like “I have better things to do than to perfectly curl every section” and that is exactly the vibe this length is asking for. If you’re considering this, I hope you know the routine is going to need a good leave in conditioner because blonde layers and heat are a trifecta that can dry you out quickly if you’re not careful.
#22: Fine Hair Waves with Dimension That Punches Above Its Weight
This is an amazing example of how fine hair can be styled, and with the right dense layering and highlights, the hair can appear to have more volume. The waves are soft and understated. This is exactly how fine hair should be styled. Too many tight curls are remedial and unprofessional, or too large, loose curls can make certain pieces of the hair look flat. The right soft waves done well can achieve the perfect balance. I think the highlights are at least 50 percent of the work in addition to all the visual separation between the strands that fine hair lacks and gives the illusion of more volume. This is an example of a great custom cut and color combination that optimizes the look and I think it will be especially rewarding to those irritated by the lack of body in their fine hair.
#23: Cool Toned Waves with Quiet, Natural Movement
I appreciate the texture! It’s not trying to do huge beach waves, instead it’s got some nice texture waves at the ends that add some life to the hair without screaming,’I styled this!’ The layers are super internal, the type you can’t see in a picture, but will feel amazing when you run your fingers through the hair. These layers prevent that triangle look that mid length hair can develop when there aren’t enough layers to redistribute weight. A soft balayage would also be beautiful because it would enhance the dimension in the waves. The shape and texture of the waves is practically begging for it. The length with a soft inward curve will be very flattering to round and oval faces as it will narrow the overall shape.
#24: Soft Balayage Waves That Actually Add Volume
A balayage serves two primary purposes; it adds dimension to the color and creates the appearance of more fullness to the waves. The lighter strands reflect light and give the illusion of thickness to each individual wave. This is something I show my clients when they wonder if a balayage is worth the investment. For a cut like this, the answer is most certainly yes because it takes the style from good to absolutely stunning. The waves are just the right length; they’re not too tight and not so loose that they don’t even register, and the ends are a little piece-y which keeps it fresh. If your hair is thicker than average, you might want to ask your stylist for some internal layering or texturizing to avoid bulk at the ends because this style looks best when the hair is able to move and heavy ends just won’t do the trick.
#25: Textured Waves with Highlights That Look Like You Were Born with Them
There is a great choice of color here. The blending of highlights look good as they grow out and have no lines. It looks like your hair is fresh. The waves look so touchable. This is the result of using a curling wand instead of a curling iron. To achieve this look each piece is clamped and held for about 10 seconds. With fine hair, this cut looks fuller, especially in the mid lengths where volume is really needed. Even with this cut, a light styling cream will enhance the look and help it stay without a crunchy or stiff texture as long as it is applied to damp hair. Some people may look at this and think, “Did you do something different with your hair?” This look does give off that vibe. In the best way possible, they will feel something is off without being able to quite figure it out.
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