Short wavy haircuts in 2026 are still as popular as last year. These cuts and styles are fun, and free. Whether you have naturally wavy hair and not, you can still rock one of these haircuts with a simple curling iron and texture spray.
One of the best things about have short wavy hair is that you can wear it on 1 to 2-day-old hair. So if you don’t have the time, this really is one of the greatest low-maintenance looks, no matter your hair type.
Are you ready to be inspired? Good!
If you’re looking for the best short wavy hair ideas, then check out these photos before your next hair appointment!
#1: Short Fluffy Waves with an Undercut
Short fluffy waves are great styled with an undercut. One of the best ways to create this look is by using a volume mousse, blow dry, and finish curling with a straightener. Don’t forget to alternate your direction of curling to create texture. Undercuts are also best kept up by getting your haircut every 4-6 weeks.
#2 Tousled Haircut with Texture
This combination creates a ton of dimension as you see in this photo. The texture in their hair allows the depth to pop in without being too dominant. Ask your stylist to use the blending texture technique. To style, add a smoothing cream before you curly the ends, and then add in some dry texture spray to give that wavy look.
#3 Short Wavy Balayage Copper Red Hair
Try pairing a beautiful short & wavy bob cut with a copper red color using the balayage coloring technique. It’s a great way to add more color to your hair. Opt for side bangs to highlight your cheekbones and jawline.
#4 Classic Brown Bob with a Slight Wave
Try a choppy bob with a slight wave for a twist on this classic short wavy hairstyle. Keeping your color natural allows you to remain low-maintenance while adding the wave allows you some versatility with your haircut.
#5 Beachy Waves in Short Hair
Beachy waves in short hair create texture and body even if your hair is naturally pin-straight and fine. Use the right tools when styling. You may opt not to add soft waves on the bottom section of your hair at the back as it tends to create unwanted volume.
#6 Short Curly Hair Bob with Bangs
Try a short wavy hairstyle with bangs to freshen up your style. Curly hair can get weighed down with a longer length. To add some bounce, liven it up with a bob. If your hair is a 2C curl or below, the bangs will look fantastic with a blunt cut. It’ll naturally be defined with its own texture.
#7 Textured Cut With Choppy Bangs and Wavy Hair
Some of the most popular short wavy hair with bangs feature a textured cut with choppy bangs to look trendy and very youthful. Use a texturizing spray when styling to produce movement and shine to your dark hair.
Related: See more short wavy hairstyles with bangs.
#8 Short Blunt Bob with Ombre Beach Waves
A shorter blunt bob with ombré and beach waves gives a great lived-in color look with an edgy twist. With a blunt haircut, it showcases a strong crisp look with an effortless style. If you are looking for more of a beachy wave, a wand styler will be your best bet. The ombré technique is great for this style of cut, you still have enough length to leave the darkness at the top and melt into a beautiful lighter tone on the ends.
#9 Retro Hairstyle with Waves
A retro hairstyle with waves is the perfect updo for a night out or a special event. To get the hairstyle, ask your stylist for retro Hollywood waves.
#10 Easy to Style Hair for Women Over 50
Women over 50 typically want shorter hair that’s easy to style. The best haircuts have layers, which makes it easy to style and looks carefree. The style would work well on women in their fifties because it will keep their hair looking healthy and youthful.
#11: Neck-Length Wavy Hair and Jagged Ends
A neck-length bob with waves and jagged ends is a soft cool girl haircut. This elegant yet edgy style is best for a low-maintenance client. I recommend a texturizing hair product to keep this bob wispy. My favorite texturizing spray is the Number 4 High Performance Hair Care Sugar Texturizing Spray. To make this haircut customizable for you, be sure the length sits at an appropriate place on your chin. It will give you the most flattering effect.
#12 The Razor Cut for Short Wavy Hair
The razor cut for short wavy hair is a perfect option if you want more body and texture. A razor is a tool preferred by many stylists to execute haircuts for short wavy hair. It also seamlessly removes weight and bulk from hair when opted for ladies with thick hair. When styling, use a dime-size drop of Redken’s Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame.
#13 Black Wavy Pixie with Curls
A wavy pixie cut offers great volume and movement. You want your mane to look beautifully messy. A tousled style is best to make black fine hair look full-bodied.
#14 Dimensional Short and Wavy Layered Bob
Notice how the subtle movement shows off the dimension better in this short wavy hair? It’s important to prep your hair before any ironwork with a thermal protectant. A Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray is an effective one to use.
#15 Stunning Wavy Pixie Haircut
A wavy pixie haircut has tons of volume and texture. It’s quick and easy to style. A short wavy hairstyle is great when some asymmetry and a deep side part are added to the cut.
#16 Trendy Blonde Short Hair with Waves
Blonde haircuts show off the beautiful pops and lowlights of your hair hue. This is a classic hairstyle that is suitable for women of all ages. Ask your hairstylist for buttery highlights and a straight bob with beach waves.
#17 Short Messy Waves for Women Over 40
One way is with messy waves that add volume and texture, perfect for women who want something fresh.
#18 Short Texturized Waves with Bangs
Try a short wavy hairstyle that features a blunt cut. Try blending your short texturized waves with bangs. It’s perfect for women who are down for a classic style that works well with undone texture.
#19 Middle Part Hairstyle for Short Wavy Hair
The middle part is one of the more classic haircuts. That’s because it complements most face structures, except a round face shape. Part your hair right into the middle using a pintail comb, then wave each side with thongs, twisting away from your face and going in the same direction until you reach the back of your head. Let the waves cool down, spray with a soft hair spray, then brush out with a Manta hairbrush.
#20: Textured Cut
A textured cut is best when done with a razor. This particular cutting technique gives hair a more detailed and edgy style. Boost the movement and texture in your hair with the use of styling gel and texturizing creme. The result, as expected, will be looking soft and effortless.
#21 Edgy Textured Pixie Cut with Waves
Flaunt textured pixie haircuts with waves and change the short hair game! A chop like a wavy pixie cut is edgy most of the time, but the volume gives it a flirty feel into it. Use a salt spray for an additional piece-y definition if needed when styling.
#22: Short for Women Over 30
This haircut is super flattering for women over 30. Be sure to request a length that will allow your hair to sw