These Long Wavy Hairstyles Are Too Dreamy to Ignore

Long wavy hair offers a timeless allure, blending elegance with a touch of wild grace. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance daily look or an elegant evening style, these ideas will inspire you to embrace and accentuate your waves.

Long Wavy Hair Advice

Long, wavy hair is a classic look that never goes out of style. While it’s a relatively low-maintenance “do,” there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that longer hair looks luscious and healthy.

• A lot of people make the mistake of never booking a haircut when they’re trying to grow their hair long. However, that’s a huge mistake. While the myth that cutting your hair makes it stronger is false, getting regular trims helps prevent and remove split ends and can relieve some weight to give your hair a little more bounce and luster.
• You also want to make sure you’re using the right products to style and care for your long locks. You can use shampoos and conditioners suitable for “all hair types,” but if you don’t have any particular issues that need addressing, like dandruff or color treatment, look for products designed for wavy or curly locks. Verb makes a set that helps add and amplify texture to improve natural waves.
• Once or twice a month, swap out your conditioner with a nourishing hair mask, like this one from Kenra, to make sure the entire length of your hair is healthy. Focus on your ends in particular so they don’t dry out and go limp.
• To prevent your waves from becoming a shapeless cloud of frizz, only brush them out when they’re wet. To prevent breakage, use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush suitable for wet and damp hair, like this one from Paul Mitchell.
• Letting your hair air dry is the best way to make sure your waves form naturally, with minimal frizz. However, if that’s not an option for you, apply a little curling cream, like this one from Moroccanoil,  to your hair to help the waves lock into place. Scrunch your hair as you dry it or, better yet, use a diffuser. If your hairdryer doesn’t come with one, there are universal options available.
• Long hair can be prone to dullness, especially the further from your scalp it grows. Add a shine spray or serum, like this one from Kerastase, into your routine to give your hair a natural luster all the way to the ends.
• You’ll also want to do everything you can to protect your hair from external things that could damage it and force you to cut it short before you’re ready. For example, if you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, opt to wear a hat or use an SPF on your hair, like this one from Coola.
• If your hair is prone to tangling, consider putting it in a loose braid while you sleep. This will prevent knots and help your hair maintain its waves.
• You can protect your hair even more by tying it with satin hair bands like these from Kitsch.
• Consider swapping your regular cotton or flannel pillowcases with silk or satin options as well to further prevent breakage. Bedsure makes sets of 2 that come in a variety of colors.

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Long Wavy Hairstyle Ideas

Sun-Kissed Honey Waves

This look is all about those soft, tousled waves paired with warm, honey-blonde tones. I love how the subtle dimension keeps it from feeling flat, and the texture adds just the right amount of beachy volume.

It’s effortless, sunkissed, and super flattering on lighter complexions.

Deep Black Waterfall Curls

These glossy black waves cascade like a waterfall, and they’re seriously striking in person. I always recommend this kind of style for anyone with thick hair who wants a soft, romantic feel without losing length.

A little curling wand and a smoothing serum go a long way here.

Dimensional Mocha Waves

This rich mocha shade paired with flowing waves is perfect for adding body and movement to long hair.

I love how the soft caramel highlights pick up the light and create that sunlit effect. It’s super wearable but still gives that wow factor.

Copper Cinnamon Curls

This long wavy style brings out all the richness of a copper-cinnamon tone. It’s warm, spicy, and feels so vibrant without being overpowering.

I like to use a wide-barrel iron for these waves and finish with a shine mist to really let that color pop.

Subtle Caramel Balayage

This soft caramel balayage over a natural brunette base gives a beautiful lift to the whole look. The waves help blend the lighter pieces in a really seamless way.

It’s such a great option if you want dimension without committing to a high-maintenance color.

Icy Platinum Waves

These long icy silver waves are a total showstopper. It takes some maintenance to keep the tone this cool, but it’s worth it if you’re going for a high-impact style.

I love styling this with soft waves to give it that ethereal, dreamy vibe.

Bold Honey Ombre

This honey ombre look has that perfect root-to-tip transition that keeps it looking polished but fun. I like to soften the wave near the ends to help the lighter tones really shine.

It’s a great option if you want bold color that still feels natural.

Chocolate Waves with Curtain Bangs

This warm chocolate brown paired with soft curtain bangs is such a flattering combo. The waves give it movement while the bangs frame the face beautifully.

I always recommend this style for adding softness and structure with minimal upkeep.

Jet Black Glam Waves

These voluminous jet black waves are ultra-glossy and full of bounce. It’s one of my favorite looks when someone wants to go classic but striking.

A deep side part or center part works equally well depending on your vibe.

Auburn Glow Waves

This vibrant auburn look has so much dimension thanks to the subtle blend of reds and browns throughout. It’s perfect for fall but works year-round if you love a rich tone.

I like to use a light-texture cream to enhance the shine and keep it touchable.

Soft Ash Blonde Waves

This long ash blonde look is the ultimate in effortless glam. The soft, face-framing layers blend seamlessly into loose waves that create movement without feeling too “done.”

I love how the cooler blonde tone keeps things chic and modern.

Glossy Copper Curls

Talk about show-stopping shine. These voluminous copper waves give major mermaid energy, and that color is unbelievably rich.

If you’ve been craving warmth with dimension, this is a copper dream come true.

Dimensional Brunette Balayage

This wavy brunette balayage is pure hair goals. The soft blend from deep roots to caramel ends gives it depth, while the lived-in waves keep it feeling fresh and effortless. Perfect if you love subtle but striking.

Chestnut Waves with Highlights

These tousled chestnut waves have a gorgeous mix of warm brown and lighter strands that brighten everything up.

It’s a natural look with a bit of extra polish, and the soft bends make it totally wearable day to night.

Lilac Silver Waves

If you’re looking for a bold twist on long waves, this lilac silver color is next level.

The icy tone mixed with pastel purple gives it that fantasy feel, while the bouncy waves keep it wearable and flattering.

Beachy Vanilla Blonde

These beachy, vanilla-toned blonde waves are sun-kissed perfection. The texture is soft and carefree, like you just stepped off the sand.

I’d pair this with bronzy makeup for a sunkissed, golden-hour vibe.

Jet Black Glam Waves

These long jet black waves are high drama in the best way. The deep, glossy tone makes the texture pop, and the extra volume gives it that glam edge.

This look is classic, moody, and seriously stunning.