In this article
Type 2 hair, different from short curly hair, more commonly known as wavy hair, is a stunning natural style. It’s somewhere between straight and curly and is defined by loose loops or S-shaped waves. While many women with wavy hair like to wear it long, there are also many stunning ways to sport short wavy hair for incredible results.
In this article, we present ten short haircuts for wavy hair to try this year, that are well suited to numerous styling preferences. We also provide some insider tips from our styling experts, which will help you accentuate your waves to perfection.
Why short wavy hair is so charming and falttering?
Short wavy hair has a natural charm that feels laid-back yet eye-catching. It adds personality without trying too hard. Many people find it flattering because it brings together structure and fluidity, which gives the face more dimension while keeping the overall style light and easy to wear.
1. Waves add natural movement and softness
Short wavy hair stands out because of the way it moves. The bends and curves create a soft flow that straight or tightly curled hair often can’t replicate. Waves break up the silhouette and shares the haircut a relaxed feel. This makes short wavy hair visually interesting from every angle, from front, side, and back.
From a personal experience point of view, wavy hair feels intuitive to work with. You don’t need to chase perfection; the waves fall where they want, and that unpredictability becomes part of the look. Even on low-effort days, the natural texture creates shape and volume, saving time while still looking styled.
2. Wavy texture frames the face beautifully
Short wavy hair is flattering because it adapts to the face rather than sitting rigidly around it. Waves soften the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead, so it is able to create a more balanced frame. This makes it ideal for people who want a haircut that enhances their facial features without exaggerating sharper edges or angles.
The natural curve of waves builds volume where needed and leaves the face a lifted look. For those with round features, waves add dimension; for angular features, waves introduce softness. This flexibility explains why short wavy cuts work across so many face shapes.
10 short haircuts for wavy hair to try in 2025
Below are flattering short wavy hair women’s styling ideas you can try in 2025, with the help of your stylist:
1. Shaggy and short
The shag is one of the hottest hairstyles this year, and it’s a brilliant short wavy haircut to showcase your daring side. The shag is characterized by unruly waves that flow naturally to the shoulder line or above. For inspiration, check out Disney icon and actress Jenna Ortega, who masterfully showcases the short shag in many of her roles.
2. Wavy pixie
Wavy pixieThe beauty of a wavy pixie is that it’s highly attractive yet really easy to style and maintain. Find your hair’s natural parting and work your waves to one side, holding them in place with spray. You can even use a curling wand to define the ends of your pixie for a unique finish.
3. Short wavy hair with bangs
A stunningly simple wavy haircut for women is this short, wavy cut with bangs. Featuring a flattering tousled style, your waves are showcased effortlessly, while the length of the bob keeps things manageable. Blunt bangs are best, but you can also opt for wispy bangs if you prefer.
4. Curly and messy bob
If you’re looking for short haircuts for thick wavy hair, this curly and messy bob is a great option. Ask your stylist for a jaw-length cut with tight curls to accentuate your hair’s natural depth and volume. You can apply a hairspray if you wish, but part of the messy, tousled appearance can be achieved by leaving your hair to sit naturally. You can also find some short curly hair styles for your referrence.
5. Wavy bob
Short women’s haircuts for wavy hair don’t come more iconic than the classic wavy bob. The key to this wavy bob is an expertly angled cut, which is elongated towards the front. The bob is a great way to hold your waves in shape and it’s a go-to style that so many women favor for its ease and versatility.
6. Shoulder-length short wavy hair
“Short” means different things to different people, but we feel like you can go all the way to the shoulders and still describe your hair as short. Check out some of Margot Robbie’s most recent appearances to see how short, shoulder-length wavy hair can look great.
7. Short fringe wavy hair
If you don’t like the idea of bangs, which are a hallmark of many haircuts today, opt for a short, styled fringe when styling your waves. You can sweep your fringe to one side for a contemporary look and it’s a great way to help your hair at the front stand out from its natural waves.
8. Wavy pixie bob
An awesome wavy short haircut for round faces is the wavy pixie bob (bixie). This is a super low-maintenance look that’s a great choice for women with dark hair. The signature is waves that run down to the eyeline, helping to draw attention to your face’s best features.
9. Bob with undercut
If you want to showcase very short wavy hair, consider pairing a classic bob with a razor-sharp undercut. Ask your stylist to fade the undercut from the jawline as short as you’re willing to go, and leave enough length on top for a tousled, textured look.
10. Short layered wavy hair with highlights
If you have thick hair, textured layers are a great way to add volume to your look. What’s more, highlights are a useful addition for bringing contrast to the textures, enabling you to achieve a look that’s balanced and glamorous.
How to style short wavy hair?
✅ Use sea salt spray: Sea salt spray is the ideal product to use on short waves as it adds instant volume and bounce. Simply spraying your hair with sea salt spray can make a huge difference to how your waves sit.
✅ Be careful when drying your hair: Waves can easily turn to frizz if you dry your hair with a low-quality hairdryer. Switching to the Laifen Swift Special – an ionic hair dryer – eliminates frizz and helps you to dry your hair without it becoming unruly.
✅ Limit your product usage: If you use excessive amounts of oil-based products on your wavy hair, you risk flattening the waves. Therefore, limit the amount and type of products you use to keep your waves bouncy and voluminous.
The bottom line
If you’re blessed with type 2 hair, you have the just right opportunity to sport short, wavy hair this year. Cutting your hair shorter means less maintenance and less time in front of the mirror each morning. However, as shown above, it certainly doesn’t mean less impact, as short wavy haircuts are eye-catching and head-turning for all the right reasons.
No matter which style you choose, follow our simple tips above to unlock the secrets to stunning short wavy hair to keep your hair looking fresh this year!
