Wavy hair in winter fights frizz and flatness, and these winter hairstyles for women with wavy hair win both battles, with styles that let your texture shine. Waves are the most versatile hair type of all, soft enough to wear down, strong enough to hold a braid, and pretty enough for a party with almost no effort. If your waves have felt frizzy, flat, or just hard to manage in cold weather, this guide is for you.
In this guide you will find 21 winter hairstyles for women with wavy hair, each with step-by-step how-to, a product tip, and the occasion it suits best. We start with defined natural waves, taming winter frizz, braids that enhance waves, half-up wavy styles, wavy buns and updos, and party waves with shine, before the full list of looks. Save your favourites, try one a day, and let your texture shine all winter.
Defined Natural Waves
Defined natural waves are the foundation of every wavy style, and they start with how you wash and dry your hair. Use a curl-enhancing cream or a light mousse on damp hair, scrunch the lengths upward with your hands, and let the hair air-dry or dry it with a diffuser on a low heat. The waves will form in their natural pattern, soft, defined, and full of movement, without any hot tools at all.
In winter, defined waves need a little extra moisture, because cold air dries the hair and makes the waves look frizzy instead of defined. Use a leave-in conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends, and a little hair oil to smooth the surface. If your waves fall flat, a little dry shampoo at the roots will lift them, and a quick scrunch with your hands will bring the definition back. Defined waves suit every face shape, and they are the easiest wavy style of all.
Taming Winter Frizz
Winter frizz is the wavy-haired woman’s biggest enemy, because cold air, indoor heating, hats, and scarves all pull moisture out of the hair, and dry waves frizz instead of falling smoothly. The answer is moisture, and lots of it. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week, a leave-in conditioner on damp hair, and a little hair oil on the ends, and the frizz will calm down dramatically.
At home, the biggest frizz mistake is brushing dry wavy hair, which breaks up the wave pattern and creates a halo of frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair only, and leave the waves alone once they are dry. A silk pillowcase stops frizz overnight, and a silk scarf under a wool hat stops static. If the frizz does appear, a little hair oil smoothed over the surface, never at the roots, will calm it in seconds.
Braids That Enhance Waves
Braids and waves are a perfect pair, because a braid enhances the natural wave pattern and makes it look intentional. A loose Dutch braid, a fishtail, or a simple three-strand braid all work, and each one looks different, so you can change the style every day. Start with a little texturising spray, braid loosely, then pull the edges outward gently to make the braid look full and soft.
Braids suit every face shape, and they are wonderful in winter, because they keep the hair out of the way under a coat and a scarf, and they do not tangle as much as loose hair does. For a party, add a ribbon or a sparkly clip to the braid, and it becomes a party style. For a workout, a tight braid will stay put through anything. A braid is not just a style, it is a wave enhancer, and wavy hair benefits from it more than any other hair type.
Half-Up Wavy Styles
Half-up styles are perfect for wavy hair, because they show off the waves while keeping the hair out of your face. Start by gathering the top section back, twisting it loosely, and pinning it with bobby pins or a clip. Leave a few soft, wavy pieces out at the front, so the style looks relaxed, not severe. The result is a style that looks like you spent an hour on it, in two minutes.
Half-up styles suit work, weddings, and any day you want your hair out of your face, and they are wonderful in winter, because they keep the hair away from a coat collar and a scarf. For a party, add a sparkly clip or a small comb, and the simple half-up becomes a party style. For a busy morning, a half-up twist takes two minutes and looks like you spent twenty. A half-up style is the wavy-haired woman’s best friend, and it is worth mastering.
Wavy Buns and Updos
A wavy bun is a beautiful thing, because the waves create texture and fullness, and a bun is the easiest style to make look intentional. Start with a little texturising spray, gather the hair into a low ponytail, twist it loosely, and pin it into a bun, leaving a few wavy pieces out at the front. Pull the bun apart gently to make it look fuller, and secure it with bobby pins. The result is a bun that looks much bigger than the hair it is made from.
Wavy updos suit every face shape, and they are wonderful in winter, because they keep the hair out of the way under a hat and a scarf, and they do not tangle as much as loose hair does. For a party, add a sparkly clip or a ribbon to the bun, and it becomes a party style. For a workout, a tight bun will stay put through anything. A wavy bun is not just a style, it is a texture trick, and it is one of the best things wavy hair can do.
Party Waves with Shine
Party waves are all about shine, volume, and a little bit of drama. A blowout with soft waves, a half-up style with a sparkly clip, or a wavy bun with a ribbon, each one is made for holiday parties and winter weddings. The secret is to start with a good base, defined waves or a blowout, then add one party element, a sparkly accessory, a bold lip, or a little shine spray, and let it do the talking.
For a party, style the waves with a little extra volume at the crown, using a volumising mousse and a round brush, then add your sparkle. A touch of glitter spray on the parting, a rhinestone clip at the side, or a bold red lip will turn a daytime wave into a party wave in minutes. The best part is that wavy hair photographs beautifully when it has shine, because the light catches the waves and the hair looks full and glossy. Go bold, have fun, and let the waves shine.
Winter Wavy Hairstyles 1 to 4
1. The Defined Natural Wave. Soft, defined waves, formed with curl cream and a diffuser, no hot tools needed. It suits every face shape, and it is the easiest wavy style of all. Scrunch the lengths upward, let the hair air-dry, and finish with a little hair oil.
2. The Loose Wavy Blowout. A blowout with soft waves, using a large round brush and a volumising mousse. It suits work and parties, and it lasts two or three days in cold, dry air. Blow-dry in sections, turn the ends under, and set it with a cool shot of air.
3. The Wavy Half-Up Twist. Twist the top section back and pin it, leaving the rest loose and wavy. It suits work and weddings, keeps hair out of your face, and takes two minutes. Leave a few soft pieces out at the front for a relaxed finish.
4. The Wavy Low Bun. A low, loose bun at the nape, with wavy pieces out at the front. It suits work and weddings, and it is the most elegant wavy style. Gather the hair loosely, twist it, pin it, and pull it apart gently for fullness.
Winter Wavy Hairstyles 5 to 8
5. The Wavy Dutch Braid. A loose Dutch braid, pulled apart gently to make it look full and soft. It suits wavy hair best, because the braid enhances the natural wave. Start with texturising spray, braid loosely, and pull the edges outward for fullness.
6. The Wavy Side Part. A deep side part with the waves swept across one cheek, adding drama and volume. It suits every face shape, and it is perfect for winter parties. Set the part while your hair is damp for the best hold.
7. The Wavy Ponytail. A ponytail with soft waves, teased at the crown and pulled apart gently, looks much fuller than a straight ponytail. It suits everyone, and it is perfect for a workout or a busy day. Add a little dry shampoo at the roots for extra lift.
8. The Wavy Top Knot. A high, loose top knot, with wavy pieces out at the front. It suits everyone, keeps hair out of the way under a hat, and looks like you spent an hour on it. Add a sparkly clip for a party.
Winter Wavy Hairstyles 9 to 12
9. The Wavy Fishtail Braid. A fishtail braid looks intricate and full, even on wavy hair, because the small sections create texture. It suits wavy hair best, and it is a beautiful winter weekend look. Pull the edges outward for extra fullness, and add a ribbon for a party.
10. The Wavy Messy Bun. A messy bun, pulled apart gently to make it look fuller, is the easiest wavy style of all. It suits everyone, keeps hair out of the way, and looks like you spent an hour on it. Gather the hair loosely, twist it, pin it, and pull it apart for fullness.
11. The Wavy Half-Up Ponytail. A half-up ponytail lifts the crown and creates height, while the rest falls loose and wavy. It suits work and weddings, and it takes two minutes. Backcomb the crown lightly first, for extra lift, and wrap a small section around the elastic.
12. The Wavy Side Braid. A loose side braid, pulled apart for fullness, is a beautiful winter weekend look. It suits wavy hair best, and it keeps the hair out of the way under a coat. Pull a few wavy pieces loose at the front for softness.
Winter Wavy Hairstyles 13 to 16
13. The Wavy Braided Crown. A braid wrapped around the crown, pulled apart gently, looks full and romantic, and it keeps the hair out of your face. It suits weddings and parties, and it is beautiful with a few soft wavy pieces out at the front. Start with texturising spray, braid loosely, and pin it in place.
14. The Wavy Low Ponytail. A low ponytail with volume at the crown, teased lightly and pinned, looks much fuller than a flat ponytail. It suits work and weddings, and it is the most elegant wavy style. Wrap a small section around the elastic to hide it.
15. The Wavy Half-Up Bun. A small bun on top, with the rest of the hair loose and wavy, creates height and volume at the crown. It suits everyone, and it is perfect for a busy morning. Gather the top section, twist it into a small bun, and pin it in place.
16. The Wavy Voluminous Bob. A bob with layers and volume at the roots makes wavy hair look much thicker, because the short length removes weight and the layers create movement. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and it is fast to style with a round brush and volumising mousse.
Winter Wavy Hairstyles 17 to 21
17. The Party Wavy Blowout. Our big party look, full volume, soft waves, and hair that moves every time you turn your head. It suits every hair type, and it is made for holiday parties. Blow-dry with a large round brush, curl the ends away from your face, and finish with light-hold hairspray.
18. The Wavy Beach Waves. Soft, loose beach waves, made with a large-barrel wand and a little texturising spray, are romantic and effortless. Wrap large sections around the wand, leave the ends out, and brush through gently for a lived-in wave.
19. The Wavy Textured Lob. A long bob, or lob, with layers and texture, is a wonderful wavy cut, because the length is short enough to hold volume and long enough to style many ways. It suits every face shape, and it is fast to style with a round brush.
20. The Wavy Braided Ponytail. A ponytail with a braid woven through it looks intricate and full, even on wavy hair. It suits wavy hair best, and it is a beautiful winter weekend look. Braid a small section, wrap it around the ponytail, and pin it in place.
21. The New Year Wavy Shine Look. Our final look is the party shine look, full waves, a sparkly clip, and a little shine spray, made for New Year and winter celebrations. It suits everyone, and it is the perfect way to end the year. Style it big, add your sparkle, and dance all night.
Wavy Hair for Your Face Shape
Wavy styles should suit your face shape, as well as your hair type. Round faces look longer with volume at the crown and a side part, which draws the eye upward. Oval faces can wear almost any style, so try a bold, voluminous blowout. Square faces soften with soft waves and volume at the sides, while heart-shaped faces suit styles with fullness at the chin and jawline. Long faces look wider with volume at the sides, rather than just at the crown.
If you are unsure, ask your stylist to look at your face with your hair pulled back and to choose the style for you. Small changes make a big difference, moving the part by an inch or adding volume at the crown can change the whole balance of a style. The good news is that wavy styles are easy to change, so if you try a style and do not love it, you can try another one tomorrow without a bad hair phase.
How to Style Wavy Hair at Home in Winter
You do not need a salon visit to style wavy hair beautifully. Start with damp hair and a curl-enhancing cream or a light mousse, scrunch the lengths upward, and let the hair air-dry or dry it with a diffuser on a low heat. If you are short on time, dry the roots only and let the lengths air-dry, because the roots are what people see first.
For curls, use a large-barrel wand and wrap sections away from your face, leaving the last inch straight for a modern, undone look. For straight hair, a flat iron in small sections gives a sleek finish, but always use a heat protectant first. On second-day hair, a little water and curl cream scrunched through the lengths will refresh the waves without a full wash. Keep your products light, your hands out of your hair once it is styled, and the waves will hold all day.
Best Winter Products for Wavy Hair
Winter wavy hair needs moisture and light hold, in equal measure. A good curl-enhancing cream is the most useful product, followed by a leave-in conditioner for the mid-lengths and a lightweight hair oil for the ends. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week, especially if you colour your hair, and rinse it out thoroughly so the waves stay bouncy. A heat protectant is non-negotiable if you blow-dry, because winter hair is already drier than usual.
Keep dry shampoo in your bag for hat days, and a small bottle of shine spray for evenings out. Avoid heavy oils and thick waxes, because they weigh waves down and make them look flat, and save them for smoothing flyaways at the ends instead. Buy the smallest size first, try it for two weeks, and only then commit to the full size, because the right product for your hair type is worth finding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Wavy Hair
The most common mistake is brushing dry wavy hair, which breaks up the wave pattern and creates a halo of frizz. Another mistake is using too much product, especially heavy oils and waxes, which weigh waves down and make them look flat. A third mistake is skipping the trim, because split ends travel up the hair and make the whole style look rough.
At home, the biggest mistake is over-washing, which strips the natural oils and makes the waves look dry and frizzy. Wash every two or three days, use a light conditioner on the ends only, and let the waves air-dry when you can. Do not pull the hair back too tightly, because it flattens the waves and can break the hair. And do not cut your own hair at home, however tempting a tutorial looks, because the back of a cut is the hardest part to get right.
Keeping Your Waves Fresh Between Appointments
Wavy hair needs a trim every eight to ten weeks to keep the ends healthy and the style looking sharp. Between appointments, protect the ends with a little oil, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz, and wear your hair in a loose braid at night to stop breakage and to wake up with beautiful waves. If the waves start to fall flat, a little water and curl cream scrunched through the lengths will bring them back in seconds.
If you loved these winter hairstyles for women with wavy hair, you may also like our guide to winter hairstyles for women with straight hair, and our round-up of winter hairstyles for women with a round face. Both will help you choose the exact style that suits you best this winter.
Love these winter hairstyles for women with wavy hair? Save this pin to Pinterest and come back to it whenever you need a fresh idea. You can also use our free Pinterest Caption & Pin Generator to write the perfect caption for your pin in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep wavy hair from frizzing in winter?
Moisture is the answer. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week, a leave-in conditioner on damp hair, and a little hair oil on the ends. Do not brush dry wavy hair, use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair only, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to stop frizz overnight.
Can I straighten wavy hair in winter?
Yes, but always use a heat protectant first, because winter hair is already drier than usual. Straighten in small sections, use a low heat, and finish with a little shine serum. Your waves will come back after the next wash, so you can switch between straight and wavy whenever you like.
What is the best cut for wavy hair?
Long layers are the best cut for most wavy hair, because they remove weight and let the waves fall in a natural shape. Ask your stylist to cut your hair dry, or in its natural wave pattern, so the layers fall correctly when your hair dries naturally.
Save your favourite wavy styles from this list, try one a day, and let your texture shine all winter long. Wavy hair is not a problem to fix, it is a gift to style well, and once you know the tricks, you will love it. Follow Nova Fashion on Pinterest for more winter hair ideas, and come back soon for our next round of seasonal styles.