How to Get Wavy Hair: Men’s Guide to Effortless Waves

If you’ve ever admired effortlessly tousled waves and wondered how to get the look yourself, you’re not alone. Wavy hair strikes the perfect balance between dapper and relaxed, making it a go-to for men who want a natural, textured style without spending hours in front of the mirror.

The good news? You don’t have to visit your stylist for a perm to get that wavy look. With the right products, styling techniques, and hair care routine, you can train your hair to hold waves while keeping it healthy.

Here are our top strategies for getting wavy hair, plus styling tips for maintaining your look.

Wavy hair is defined by loose, flowing curls or bends that add texture and volume. Some guys have naturally wavy hair, while others need a little help creating the look.

1. How Hair Type Affects Waves

Your natural hair texture will determine how much effort you need to achieve waves.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Straight hair requires more work to create and maintain waves.

• Slightly wavy hair just needs the right products and techniques for enhancement.

• Curly hair can be styled for a looser wave pattern.

If you have naturally wavy hair, you’ll still need good hair care habits to keep those waves waving. Issues like frizz, dry hair, or oil buildup can affect how wavy your hair looks.

2. The Right Hair Length for Waves

While wavy hair can be achieved at most lengths, certain styles and cuts work better than others.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Short hair (under two inches) struggles to hold waves unless you have some natural texture.

• Medium-length hair (three to six inches) is the ideal length for holding defined waves.

• Longer hair (six or more inches) can have deep, beachy waves with the right styling techniques and products.

3. Healthy Hair Holds Waves Better

If you exit this tab having learned one thing, let it be this: The healthier your hair, the better it’ll hold waves.

A healthy hair care routine is essential for keeping your hair happy (and in this case, wavy).

Here are some basic tips:

• Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to prevent dryness.

• Avoid over-washing, which strips away natural oils.

• Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep hair soft and frizz-free.

• Don’t brush aggressively. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair.

Another hair health tip is to know when to call the experts in. If you’re experiencing hair loss, constant scalp issues, or dandruff that won’t go away, make an appointment with a healthcare professional.

There are a few techniques for getting wavy hair. The best way to approach it will depend on your hair type and preferences.

1. The Scrunch Method

If you have naturally wavy hair, this is the easiest way to enhance it.

Here’s how to scrunch your hair to achieve waves:

1. Wash and condition your hair.

2. Pat your hair dry with a towel until it’s damp.

3. Apply sea salt spray or curl-enhancing mousse.

4. Scrunch your hair from ends to roots, squeezing lightly with your hands.

5. Let your hair air-dry the rest of the way, or use a diffuser and blow-dry it on low heat.

You might find it helpful to bend over when scrunching your hair. If you use a diffuser, scrunch it with the diffuser, bringing the tips of your hair toward your scalp.

2. The Twisting or Braiding Method

Curious how to make straight hair wavy? For men with medium-length or long hair, twisting or braiding damp hair can create defined waves overnight.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with slightly damp hair.

2. Apply a small amount of styling cream for hold.

3. Divide your hair into sections and twist or loosely braid them.

4. Leave the braids in overnight, then undo them in the morning.

5. Run your fingers through your hair and apply sea salt spray for extra texture.

The tighter the braids, the tighter the curl pattern will be.

3. The Denman Brush Method

If you want structured, uniform waves, a Denman brush (or a similar styling tool) can help enhance natural waves while distributing styling products evenly. This technique works especially well for men with slightly wavy or curly hair looking to define and shape their waves.

Here’s how to use a Denman brush for waves:

1. Start with damp hair after washing and conditioning.

2. Apply a lightweight curl-enhancing mousse or styling cream to add hold.

3. Use a Denman brush to gently brush through your hair, section by section.

4. As you brush, twist the brush slightly in the direction you want the waves to form.

5. Scrunch your hair upward with your hands to encourage waves.

6. Let your hair air-dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser for best results.

This method helps create natural, controlled waves while minimizing frizz and adding volume.

4. Curling Wand or Flat Iron

For guys with naturally straight hair, heat styling can help create lasting waves.

Here’s how to use a curling wand or flat iron:

1. Start by applying a heat-protectant spray to prevent damage.

2. Wrap small sections of hair around a curling iron for a few seconds, then release.

3. Gently tousle the waves with your fingers for a relaxed, natural look.

4. Apply a light-hold styling cream or hairspray to keep the waves in place.

Though hot tools can be amazing for creating wavy hairstyles, try to use them in moderation to avoid heat damage, which can leave your hair frizzy, brittle, and dry. Consider using the lowest possible heat setting on your hair dryer or curling iron.

5. Finger-Curling

Want a low-maintenance, no-heat way to create waves? Finger-curling is an easy trick that works well on damp, freshly washed hair.

Here’s how to finger-curl:

1. Start with slightly damp hair and apply a curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner.

2. Take small sections of hair and wrap them around your finger to form a loose curl. If the curl looks too small for your liking, wrap your hair around two or three fingers at a time.

3. Hold each section for a few seconds, then gently release.

4. Repeat throughout your head, ensuring each curl is wrapped in the same direction for a uniform wave pattern. (Or alternate directions for a messier, beachier look.)

5. Let your hair air-dry naturally, or use a hair dryer with a diffuser on low heat to speed up drying.

This technique helps enhance natural texture. It’s perfect for guys who want a soft, effortless wave without using heat-styling tools.

People with straight hair — or brittle, unhealthy hair — often find that their curls come out within a few hours. A good maintenance plan can help you keep your hair wavy and healthy.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Use light-hold styling products. Styling cream, mousse, and hairspray can help your hair hold its shape.

• Condition regularly. If you often lose your curls to frizz, try to keep them hydrated by conditioning them after every wash. Consider a deep-conditioning hair mask if you have particularly dry hair.

• Refresh waves daily. If your hair flattens overnight, lightly spritz it with water or sea salt spray and scrunch to revive the texture.

• Use a silk or satin pillowcase. This avoids putting extra friction on your hair, which helps reduce frizz and breakage while you sleep.

• Avoid heavy hair products. Waxes and pomades can weigh waves down and make them look greasy.

• Trim every six to 12 weeks. Keep your waves looking fresh by removing split ends with regular trims.

Wanna learn more? Check out our hair care tips for men and our guide to the best hair-thickening products for men.

For those committed to rocking the wavy look, it’s all about experimenting with different techniques and products. With the right approach, you can achieve effortless waves without damaging your hair.

Keep this in mind:

• There are many methods for getting wavy hair. Scrunching, braiding, finger-curling, or using hot tools can help you achieve the beachy hair of your dreams.

• Quality hair products can make a difference. In addition to a gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner, consider using styling products like curl cream and sea salt spray.

• Healthy hair holds texture better. A healthy hair routine will help your mop look and feel better — plus, it’ll hold those waves you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

If you’ve tried these techniques and still struggle to create waves, your hair’s texture may not be ideal for this style — but that’s okay. Plenty of other hairstyles might work better for your hair type.

Until next time, wave hello to your hair for us!