As we step into 2026, wavy hair continues to dominate men’s grooming scene with effortless texture, relaxed volume, and modern versatility.
From polished Hollywood waves to tousled surfer-inspired looks and sharp textured crops, this year’s freshest styles blend natural movement with clean, contemporary edge perfect for guys who want low-maintenance hair that still turns heads.
Discover the must-try wavy cuts defining 2026.
1. Classic Wavy Comb Over
The Classic Wavy Comb Over combines timeless tones with fresh texture, making it one of 2026’s most versatile men’s hairstyles. This style features a deep side part with wavy hair swept to one side — adding natural dimension and movement. It works especially well for oval, heart, and square face shapes, and balances length on top with trimmed sides for a structured yet relaxed look.
Materials Needed
- Comb
- Hairdryer with nozzle attachment
- Round brush
- Heat protectant spray
- Sea salt or texturizing spray
- Matte pomade or clay
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45–55 minutes
- Daily styling: ~10–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Prep: Start with towel-dried hair and spray a heat protectant evenly.
- Blow-Dry Directionally: Using a round brush, blow-dry hair upward and toward the side part to encourage natural wave formation.
- Add Texture: Lightly mist sea salt or texturizing spray to enhance natural waves and add grip.
- Shape: Comb hair into the side part, lifting the front slightly for height.
- Styling Product: Work a small amount of matte pomade or clay through the top to define waves and maintain shape.
- Finish: Gently tousle with fingers for a relaxed yet neat finish.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim regularly every 5–6 weeks.
- For thicker waves, avoid heavy gels that flatten texture.
Image Prompt:
“Men’s wavy comb over hairstyle with natural texture, medium-length waves swept to the side, modern and polished 2026 trend”
2. Textured Wavy French Crop
The Textured Wavy French Crop is a fresh 2026 twist on the classic crop. Short on the sides and back with a textured, wavy top, this style highlights natural waves while keeping a neat silhouette. It’s ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces — adding character and effortless charm.
Materials Needed
- Clippers with guards
- Haircutting shears
- Sea salt spray
- Light matte clay
- Comb & fingers
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45–55 minutes
- Styling: ~8–10 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Sides & Back First: Use clippers to trim sides and back short while leaving the top longer.
- Texturize Top: Use shears to add subtle texture without removing wave integrity.
- Sea Salt Spray: Spritz sea salt spray onto damp hair to enhance natural wave pattern.
- Air-Dry or Diffuse: Let hair air dry or diffuse lightly to emphasize waves.
- Define Waves: Apply a small amount of matte clay to lift and define top waves.
- Finalize Shape: Style with fingers to keep a relaxed texture.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 5–6 weeks to maintain shape.
- Keep top longer for more pronounced waves.
Image Prompt:
“Textured wavy French crop hairstyle for men, short sides with wave top, fresh and modern 2026 look”
3. Curly Wavy Undercut
The Curly Wavy Undercut is bold and fashion-forward. This look features a high undercut contrasted with a wavy or curly top — giving maximum texture and contrast. Best for oval, triangular, and rectangular faces, it elevates natural movement into a standout style.
Materials Needed
- Clippers with different guards
- Haircutting shears
- Curl enhancing cream or mousse
- Diffuser attachment
- Wide-tooth comb
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–60 minutes
- Styling: ~15–20 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Clip Sides: Create a high undercut by clipping sides and back short.
- Top Length: Leave the top significantly longer (2–4 inches) to hold waves or curls.
- Enhance Texture: Apply curl cream or mousse to slightly damp hair.
- Diffuse: Use a diffuser to dry curls, boosting shape and volume.
- Define with Fingers: Separate curls with fingers to add structure.
- Light Hold: Use a light matte spray to hold waves in place.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim undercut every 3–4 weeks.
- Moisturize curls routinely to maintain elasticity.
Image Prompt:
“Men’s curly wavy undercut hairstyle, bold waves with shaved sides, high-contrast modern look”
4. Wavy Side-Part Taper
The Wavy Side-Part Taper is a balanced yet striking look. The waves on top add movement while a clean taper on the sides and back keeps things structured. It works beautifully for oval and square faces, suitable for both formal and casual settings.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Sea salt or texture spray
- Light styling cream
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50 minutes
- Styling: ~10–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Taper Sides: Use clippers to create a gentle taper from temples downward.
- Cut Top Length: Leave enough length on top (~2–3 inches) for wave formation.
- Enhance Texture: Apply sea salt or texture spray to slightly damp hair.
- Blow-Dry Waves: Blow-dry with fingers or diffuser to define movement.
- Shape Part: Comb hair into a defined side part.
- Finish: Add light styling cream for hold.
Maintenance Tips
- Taper sides every 5–6 weeks.
- Avoid heavy products to retain natural wave.
Image Prompt:
“Wavy side-part taper hairstyle for men, sleek sides and flowing wavy top, fashionable 2026 look”
5. Tousled Wavy Quiff
The Tousled Wavy Quiff adds elevated volume with relaxed texture. The quiff rises up slightly at the front and flows backward with wave movement, lending an energetic but refined appearance. Suited for heart-shaped and oval faces, this style is both bold and approachable.
Materials Needed
- Comb
- Blow dryer
- Round brush
- Sea salt spray
- Matte paste or clay
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–55 minutes
- Styling: ~12–15 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Prep Damp Hair: Apply sea salt spray for grip.
- Blow-Dry Quiff: Use a round brush to lift hair at the front while blow-drying.
- Encourage Waves: Diffuse or use fingers to bring out wave movement.
- Add Product: Use matte paste to define quiff and add separation.
- Shape with Fingers: Push upward and back for quiff shape.
- Final Hold: Light hairspray to lock style.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim top every 6–8 weeks.
- Use texture products for daily definition.
Image Prompt:
“Tousled wavy quiff hairstyle for men, voluminous front and loose waves, stylish fresh look 2026”
6. Beachy Wavy Shag
Surf-inspired and carefree, the Beachy Wavy Shag delivers tousled layers with maximum movement. This style is excellent for medium to thick hair and flatters oval, square, and triangular faces. It’s casual, playful, yet undeniably stylish.
Materials Needed
- Sea salt spray
- Hairdryer with diffuser
- Wide-tooth comb
- Light texturizing spray
- Matte paste
Time Period
- Haircut: ~55–60 minutes
- Styling: ~15–18 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Spritz Sea Salt: Apply on damp hair for texture.
- Diffuse Dry: Use diffuser to encourage waves.
- Layer: Comb through and define shaggy layers.
- Add Texture Spray: Use texturizing spray for separation.
- Style with Matte Paste: Work paste into ends for shape.
- Tousle: Finger-style for a beachy finish.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim layers every 6–8 weeks.
- Refresh with sea salt daily.
Image Prompt:
“Beachy wavy shag hairstyle for men, tousled layers, relaxed and trendy 2026 look”
7. Slick Wavy Side Part
The Slick Wavy Side Part combines a classic part with sleek waves. It’s a refined look that’s great for professional settings or refined occasions without sacrificing texture. Best for oval and square faces.
Materials Needed
- Comb
- Heat protectant
- Blow dryer
- Heat styling brush
- Gel or gel-cream
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45 minutes
- Styling: ~10–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Protect Hair: Spray heat protectant.
- Blow-Dry Waves: Use a brush to lift waves and create a side part.
- Apply Gel-Cream: Smooth waves into place.
- Comb for Shape: Direct hair into a crisp part.
- Finish: Gentle mist for hold.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 5–6 weeks.
- Use gel-cream for shine and hold.
Image Prompt:
“Slick wavy side-part hairstyle for men, neat and textured waves, formal stylish 2026 look”
8. Wavy Tapered Crop
The Wavy Tapered Crop is a fresh, low-maintenance style that combines a cropped top with waves and tapered sides. Perfect for oval and square faces, it’s easy to style and maintains natural movement.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Sea salt spray
- Comb or fingers
- Matte clay
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45–50 minutes
- Styling: ~8–10 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Taper Sides: Use clippers to trim sides and back.
- Crop Top: Leave slightly longer wavy top.
- Sea Salt: Apply spray for texture.
- Define Waves: Finger-style or comb.
- Add Clay: Light clay for hold.
- Finish: Tousle lightly.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 6–8 weeks.
- Refresh waves daily.
Image Prompt:
“Wavy tapered crop hairstyle for men, neat sides and textured top, casual modern 2026 trend”
9. Faux Hawk Wavy Crop
The Faux Hawk Wavy Crop delivers edgy flair with a wave-textured top that peaks at the center, tapering to shorter sides. It’s an expressive look for oval and triangular faces and gives attitude without being too extreme.
Materials Needed
- Haircutting shears
- Clippers
- Texturizing spray
- Matte paste
- Comb
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50 minutes
- Styling: ~10–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Short Sides: Clip sides and back short.
- Top Length: Leave top longer for waves.
- Texturize: Use sea salt spray.
- Blow-Dry: Lift waves upward.
- Define with Paste: Add matte paste and shape into a faux hawk.
- Finish: Tousle edges.
Maintenance Tips
- Refresh shave every 3–4 weeks.
- Keep product light.
Image Prompt:
“Faux hawk wavy crop hairstyle for men, textured peak and short sides, edgy modern look 2026”
10. Long Wavy Fringe
The Long Wavy Fringe pushes boundaries with longer waves cascading forward toward the brow. It creates a bold frame for the face and pairs well with soft layers. This look suits oval and heart-shaped faces and adds expressive flair.
Materials Needed
- Haircutting shears
- Sea salt spray
- Blow dryer with diffuser
- Light styling cream
Time Period
- Haircut: ~55–65 minutes
- Styling: ~15 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Top Long: Leave top and fringe longer (~4 inches).
- Layers: Add subtle layers.
- Sea Salt: Apply spray for texture.
- Diffuse Dry: Encourage natural wave.
- Shape Fringe: Let fringe fall toward brow.
- Finish: Light cream for definition.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 8–10 weeks.
- Deep condition weekly.
Image Prompt:
“Long wavy fringe hairstyle for men, flowing waves and forward fringe, bold 2026 trend”
