Trendy Short Wavy Hairstyle for Men

Short wavy hairstyles for men give a natural, relaxed, and stylish look with very little effort. They add soft texture and movement, making any haircut look sharp and modern.

Wavy Crop Cut

I’ve always loved the way a wavy crop cut sits on my models. It’s short, simple, and honestly feels like the kind of look that works even on a hectic day when no one has time to style anything. Whenever I put this cut on a client with natural waves, it almost wakes up their whole face. The hair just falls the way it wants to, and I kind of love that lazy-but-stylish vibe. To be fair, the first time I tried it, I thought it might look too basic—but it never does.
What I’ve found is that the magic is in the texture. I usually scrunch in a tiny bit of matte cream and just let the waves do their thing. Guys always ask, “Is that really it?” and I just laugh because yes, it is. A wavy crop almost styles itself if you give it freedom, and that’s honestly why I keep recommending it.

Textured Wavy Fringe

A textured wavy fringe is one of those styles I reach for when I want a guy to look effortlessly cool without looking like he tried too hard. Every time I do this cut on a model, there’s this moment when the fringe falls forward and suddenly their eyes stand out so much more. In my opinion, waves at the front add a softness that straight hair just can’t fake.
I remember one shoot where my model kept shaking his head because the fringe felt new to him, and it still looked amazing in every shot. That’s the thing with texture—it moves, and movement photographs beautifully. I usually tell guys to just use a tiny bit of sea salt spray and push the fringe forward with their fingers. Nothing perfect, nothing too arranged. The messier it is, the better it looks, and honestly that’s the charm of this cut.

Short Wavy Undercut

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hairform studio (@hairformstudio)

Whenever I do a short wavy undercut, I feel like I’m giving the guy a double personality—in the best way. The sharp sides mixed with the natural waves on top create this cool contrast that’s honestly unbeatable. I’ve always felt that waves look ten times better when they have something clean to sit against, and an undercut gives exactly that.
One time, a model told me he felt like a “cooler version of himself” after seeing his undercut in the mirror. I still laugh about that, but he wasn’t wrong. I usually tell clients to keep the top slightly longer so the waves can bounce a bit. A light curl cream and a quick scrunch are all they need. To be fair, this style looks like it took effort even when it didn’t, and that’s why I keep coming back to it for photoshoots.

Wavy Quiff

The wavy quiff is one of those styles I secretly get excited about when someone asks for it. There’s just something so playful about waves that naturally lift when you push them upward. In my opinion, it’s the perfect mix of tidy and messy. Every time I style a quiff on a model, the waves add this unexpected softness that takes the whole look up a notch.
I remember once a model kept checking himself out in every reflective surface because he couldn’t believe his hair had that much volume. I just told him, “Your waves did that, not me.” A bit of lightweight mousse and finger-lifting the front is usually all it needs. Honestly, a wavy quiff looks best when it’s not too stiff or perfect. Let the waves breathe a little—they reward you by doing half the styling on their own.

Wavy Caesar Cut

A wavy Caesar cut is such an underrated gem. People always imagine the straight, blunt version, but add waves and suddenly it becomes way more fun. Whenever I do this cut on a model, I love how the short fringe picks up the natural bends of the hair—it almost gives the style a bit of personality. In my opinion, waves make it look less serious and more approachable.
I once worked with a guy who thought a Caesar wouldn’t fit his face at all, but the moment we let the waves sit naturally, everything changed. He looked sharper but still soft around the edges. I usually keep the top just long enough for the texture to show, then tell guys to pat in a small amount of matte paste. Nothing fancy. Honestly, this style teaches you that simple cuts can still look fresh if you let the waves speak.

Short Wavy Pompadour

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Strands & Trends Hair Studio (@strandsandtrends)

A short wavy pompadour always feels like a fun challenge in the best way. I love how waves naturally want to lift, so when I shape them into a small pomp, they create this effortless height that looks stylish without being extra. In my opinion, this style looks even better on waves than on straight hair.
I still remember a model who thought his hair was “too stubborn” for a pompadour, and then the waves literally shaped themselves into place the moment I blow-dried them upward. I just laughed because his hair did all the work for me. A bit of light-hold cream and finger-styling is usually enough. Honestly, a wavy pomp should never look too polished—it’s that little bend and texture that makes it look intentionally cool rather than old-school stiff.

Wavy Side-Part

The wavy side-part is one of my go-to looks when I want a guy to look clean but still relaxed. The waves soften the parting line, which to be fair, can look a bit too formal on straight hair. When I comb waves to the side, they fall in this naturally uneven pattern that I personally find charming.
I had one client who literally said, “I look like I read books for fun now,” after I styled his side-part. Honestly, he kind of did—but in a really attractive way. A tiny amount of styling cream and a gentle sweep to the side is all most guys need. The trick is not forcing the waves; just guide them. They settle into place in this perfectly imperfect way I’ve grown to appreciate.

Messy Wavy Top

Whenever someone tells me they want something low-effort but still cool, I instantly think of a messy wavy top. This style is basically waves doing whatever they feel like, and I honestly love that energy. Every time I create this look for a shoot, the hair ends up looking carefree in the best possible way.
I remember one model joking that it looked like he “woke up handsome,” and that’s exactly the vibe. I usually use just a touch of sea salt spray and scrunch the hair while it’s slightly damp. That’s it. No combs, no perfect lines. The messiness is the whole charm. In my opinion, this is the kind of style where the less you try, the better it looks.

Wavy Taper Fade

A wavy taper fade is such a clean, modern option, and I’ve always enjoyed doing it because of the way the waves gradually soften into the fade. It’s like the haircut has layers of personality. In my opinion, this look makes waves feel intentional and polished without losing their natural vibe.
I once had a model who kept running his hands through his hair because he couldn’t get over how neat the sides looked compared to the textured top. I just told him that fades are magic like that. A little curl cream and a quick finger tousle is usually all it takes to keep the top looking sharp. Honestly, this style works for almost every guy who wants something fresh but not too dramatic.

Short Beach Waves Look

The short beach waves look is one of my personal favorites because it always feels so relaxed and summery. Every time I recreate this on a model, I’m reminded of how waves naturally want to look like they’ve been kissed by saltwater—even when we’re nowhere near a beach. In my opinion, this style is perfect for guys who want something soft and playful.
I once had a shoot where the theme was “easygoing charm,” and this hairstyle basically carried the whole vibe. I just used sea salt spray, scrunched the hair a bit, and let it air-dry. That’s literally it. The undone, slightly textured finish is what makes it work. Honestly, if a hairstyle could smile, it would be this one.

Maintenance Tips

Keeping short wavy hair healthy and defined is easy with the right routine. These simple habits help maintain your waves, reduce frizz, and keep your style looking fresh every day.

• Regular trims every 4–6 weeks
  This helps maintain shape and prevents split ends from ruining the texture.

• Use sulfate-free shampoo
  It keeps your hair from drying out and helps your natural waves stay soft.

• Deep condition weekly
  Adds moisture, reduces frizz, and makes waves look smooth and defined.

• Avoid heavy products to prevent weighing down waves
  Light creams or sprays keep the volume without flattening your natural texture.

• Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz
  It prevents friction that can cause tangling, dryness, and rough waves.