25 Low-Maintenance Long Wavy Hairstyles That Will Be Your New Go-Tos

Long hair, don’t care! We rounded up 25 of the hottest hairstyles for wavy long hair that you won’t be able to try fast enough.

By Leann Garofolo & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 17 Aug 2023

If you have the ability to grow princess-length hair and you have natural waves, we’re throwing some major side-eye your way. All envy aside, there’s no mistaking that long wavy hair is undeniably beautiful and never goes out of style. Whether your strands have a slight bend or your waves toe the line into curls, the options for wavy hairstyles on long hair are boundless.

Of course, with unlimited styling options comes a paradox of choice: How can we possibly nail down the right look when there are so many to choose from? Luckily, we curated 25 of our favorite low-maintenance long wavy hairstyles for you to experiment with until you find the one (or ones!) that best suits your style. So grab your curling wand or air-dry lotion, and get swept away in these inspirational ideas.

Which hairstyle is best for long wavy hair?

The better question might be, what hairstyles aren’t suitable for long wavy hair? Between the volume and length this hair type offers, the styling options are endless. We especially love braids, half-up, half-down looks, and fun ponytails, but letting your hair dry into its naturally wavy texture can be equally rewarding.

A lovely long wavy hairstyle can only go so far, though, because what good is a pretty ‘do if your mane’s health is in disrepair? If you’re struggling to grow or maintain long, strong hair without breakage, visit your stylist for regular trims. Sidelining those split ends greatly affects how long your tresses ultimately grow. In addition, consider investing in a hair care system like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate. Using the Intensive Treatment along with the rest of the collection has been shown to result in less breakage for longer hair.

How do you style long wavy hair?

We thought you’d never ask! Get ready for some major inspiration with 25 of our favorite on-trend looks.

The 25 Best Long Wavy Hairstyles to Try Now

Blown-Out

Wavy long hair is practically the poster child for a stunning blow-out. The round brush styling will make strands sleek and frizz-free while allowing the natural bends of your gorgeous waves to shine through.

Scrunched Beach Waves

Beach waves are one of the most classic long wavy hairstyles, no matter the season. The look requires a bit of scrunching and a little texture spray. One of our go-to texturizing finishing sprays is Matrix’s Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray. It works as a dry shampoo and gives hairstyles workability, buildable hold, and shine.

Side Braid

If you have long, layered, wavy hair, you’re no stranger to the fact that hair tends to fall into your eyes and face. Rein in overgrown hair layers by fastening one side of hair into a tendril-hugging side braid. It’s so boho-chic that nobody will know it’s actually a problem-solver!

Faux-Pony

Knotting a section of long wavy hair over the rest of your free-flowing strands creates the look of a stylish ponytail while allowing your swishy length to cascade down your back.

Top Knot

Check out the quick tutorial above to see how L’Oreal global artist Danielle Keasling fastens her wavy long hair into a perfect messy top knot using Biolage Professional’s Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray. This medium-hold hair spray protects hair against heat while adding body and shine.

Waterfall Braid

Waterfall braids are beloved for their elegance, and the best part about them is that your strands don’t have to be super-sleek to wear the look properly. The trendy plait shines when paired with loose, textured waves.

Curtain Bangs

Looking to update your long wavy hair but can’t part with any of your precious length? Consider curtain bangs. The dramatic addition switches your look in a flash and draws focus to your dazzling eyes. Avoid heat damage when you re-style your fringe by applying a one-and-done thermal protector like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream. When you re-apply hot tools, the heat-activated formula springs back into protective action.

Air-Dried Texture

We could make a laundry list of reasons for the benefits of having wavy long hair. One of the first that comes to mind is its ability to air-dry into picture-perfect waves without much interference.