Surfer Hairstyles Guide: Short Cuts to Long Wavy Beach Hair

Introduction

Lately, I’ve been trying to get that effortless, beachy look, you know, the kind of surfer hairstyle that looks messy but cool. But no matter what I did, my hair either went flat or looked like I just rolled out of bed (not in a good way). It was frustrating, especially seeing others pull it off so easily.

If you’ve been in the same boat, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a real surfer hairstyle, from cuts and textures to styling tips and products that work. Let’s get into it.

What Is Surfer Hair? 

Surfer hair is a relaxed, textured hairstyle inspired by the beach and surfing lifestyle. It’s meant to look naturally messy like the wind, sun, and saltwater tousled your hair. Originally popular in Southern California, the style reflects a laid-back, adventurous attitude.

This look usually features medium to long hair with choppy, layered ends. The goal is to embrace your natural texture, whether wavy, curly, or straight, and make it look effortlessly cool. Think soft waves, messy curls, or even a “just rolled out of bed” look.

You don’t have to be a surfer to achieve surfer hair. You can get the style using sea salt spray, mousse, or texturizing products. Techniques like scrunching, tousling, and air drying help bring out natural volume and flow.

Overall, surfer hair is low-maintenance, easy to style, and suits many hair types from thick to thin, curly to straight. This style goes beyond just your hair; it captures the laid-back feel of coastal living and a carefree attitude.

What Length of Hair Works Best?

The best hair length depends on your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. Not every length suits everyone, so it’s important to choose what works for you.

Medium length is the most versatile. It’s low-maintenance, works well for thin hair, and adds a soft, natural lift with bounce.

Long hair (18–24 inches) is great for full styles and looks dramatic, but needs healthy strands and more care.

Short hair (under 12 inches) works well for bold looks and busy routines, especially for round faces that need volume on top.

The texture of your hair can make it appear longer or shorter than it is. Straight hair shows full length, wavy looks a bit shorter, and curly hair appears even shorter because of shrinkage.

Pick a hairstyle that fits your daily routine and makes you feel your best. Healthy hair at any length always looks better than damaged long hair.

Cool Men’s Surfer Hairstyles

Surfer hairstyles are relaxed, textured, and beach-inspired. From messy buns to long waves and short textured cuts, there’s a style for every hair type. Popular looks include tousled shags, surfer curtains, buzz cuts, and undercuts. Sea salt spray, mousse, or pomade helps create natural texture. Whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight, these styles offer a low-maintenance, effortlessly cool vibe that captures the surfer spirit.

The Best Men’s Wavy Hairstyles For 2025

Surfer hairstyles are easygoing and full of texture. They include messy waves, surfer curls, buzz cuts, or long flow styles. Short or long, they should look relaxed and natural. Sea salt spray or mousse helps add volume and wave. Wavy, curly, or straight hair all work. The goal is simple: get that beachy, laid-back look that feels cool without trying too hard.

 Messy Short Surfer Hair: Beach-Inspired Style Tips

Messy short surfer hair looks relaxed and beachy. It’s easy to style and doesn’t need much effort. Popular cuts include shaggy layers, fades, or buzz cuts. You can create the tousled look by spraying sea salt on your hair. You can pair it with a beard for a rugged feel.

Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser for texture, a must for authentic Surfer Hairstyles. The style works best with thick or wavy hair. But even straight hair can be styled with the right products. Surfer Hairstyles are great for active guys; they dry fast, handle wind well, and always feel laid-back and cool.

Undercut Surfer Hairstyle

The undercut surfer hairstyle blends beachy waves with a sharp contrast. With cropped or faded sides paired with longer strands on the top or back, this style updates the classic surfer vibe with a bold, contemporary edge.

Many styles pair the undercut with messy curls, curtain bangs, or slick-backs. Some versions include a temple fade, textured quiff, or even a long top swept back. These cuts keep the sides clean while letting the top flow freely or get tousled for volume.

It suits all hair types, straight, wavy, or curly, and can be styled with mousse, sea salt spray, or pomade. Whether you want a laid-back vibe or something bolder, the undercut adds structure to the relaxed surfer style.

 Surfer Curtains

Surfer curtains are a 90s-inspired hairstyle with curtain bangs and a middle part. Although it looks casual, styling matters. First, part damp hair. Next, use a styling cream along with some sea salt spray for added texture. Afterward, scrunch and let it air-dry. While it suits most hair types, it works especially well on mid-length cuts. Because it’s low-effort, Gen Z loves this look.

Side Swept Surfer Hairstyle

The side-swept surfer hairstyle is neat but still beachy. Hair that is medium to long works best with this product. You part it to one side, then let it fall naturally. It’s easy to style with sea salt spray and looks good for both chill and dressy days.

Feature	Side Swept Surfer	Surfer Curtains	Messy Short Surfer	Undercut Surfer
Hair Parting Style	Side part	Middle part	No clear part	Varies
Face Framing	Soft & angled	Symmetrical	Minimal	Clean & sharp
Hair Length Needed	Medium to Long	Medium to Long	Short	Short to Medium
Styling Products	Sea salt, cream	Sea salt, mousse	Pomade, wax	Mousse, pomade
Styling Effort	Low	Medium	Very Low	Medium
Best Hair Texture	Wavy or straight	Straight, wavy	Wavy or curly	All types
Look Type	Clean, soft	Vintage, chill	Rugged, playful	Structured, edgy
Occasion Fit	Daily or semi-formal	Casual daily	Very casual	Trendy, urban
Teen/Adult Preference	Adults & Teens	Mostly teens	Teens	Young adults
Popular With	Models, influencers	Gen Z, TikTok	Surfers, athletes	Urban trendsetters

Styling Techniques for Surfer Hairstyles

To style a surfer hairstyle, first grow your hair and ask for long layers. After towel-drying your hair, work in some sea salt spray or lightweight mousse for texture and hold. Let your hair air dry for natural texture. Additionally, use moisturizing products to avoid dryness. Moreover, regular trims help maintain the shape. Finally, avoid stiff products to keep it soft and tousled.

Using Sea Salt Spray

Using sea salt spray helps create fuller hair with natural texture and soft waves. It’s quick to use, just spray and scrunch. It works on all hair types and gives a light, flexible hold. Because it can dry out your hair, using a conditioner afterward is a smart move. For oily hair, use daily; for dry hair, limit use and moisturize in between.

Air Dry vs. Blow Dry

Air drying may seem safer, but wet hair is weak and breaks easily. Blow drying, if done right, with heat protection, distance, and cool air, can be gentler. Always towel-dry first. For best results, dry hair 80% with low heat, then air dry. The right method depends on your hair type and technique.

Scrunching and Tousling

Scrunching means squeezing hair to boost natural waves. Try using leave-in treatments, styling mousse, or sea salt spray for added texture and hold. Dry gently with a T-shirt or microfiber towel. Tousling lifts roots for volume. Avoid brushing after. Use clips, a diffuser, or your hands. Both methods give a messy, beachy texture. Perfect for surfer style without heat damage.

Popular Hair Products For Surfer Styles

To get that surfer look, you need the right products. These help your hair stay wavy, textured, and full of life. Sea salt spray is a top choice. It adds volume and gives your hair that beachy feel. Use a curl-enhancing mousse if you want more defined waves. Pick lightweight products so your hair doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.

Maintenance Tips for Surfer Hairstyles

Keeping surfer hair healthy is easy with the right care. Start by using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. It helps your hair hold on to its natural hydration and essential oils. Always use a conditioner or leave-in treatment to prevent dryness. Avoid washing your hair every day. Too much washing can make it dry and frizzy. Let your hair air dry when possible, and skip the hot tools.

Hydration is key. Sea salt spray looks great, but it can dry out your hair. So, use a deep conditioner once a week. Trim your hair every few weeks to keep the ends neat. Don’t brush dry curls; use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb on wet hair instead.

Simple Care Tips:

• 🧴 Use sulfate-free shampoo
  
• 💧 Deep condition weekly
  
• 🌬️ Let hair air dry
  
• ✂️ Trim every 6–8 weeks
  
• 🪮 Detangle with fingers or a wide comb
  
• 🌊 Don’t overuse sea salt spray without moisture care

How to Grow Your Hair for a Surfer Look

To get the classic surfer hairstyle, start by letting your hair grow out. Surfer styles work best on medium to long lengths, around 3 to 6 inches. Short, neat cuts don’t offer the messy, windswept texture you’ll need. Once it’s long enough, ask your barber for textured layers or a shaggy fringe. Layers add volume and flow, and scissor cuts often give a more natural finish than clippers.

Next, style your hair to match the laid-back surfer vibe. Spritz sea salt spray onto damp hair, then gently scrunch or twist small pieces with your fingers. Let it air dry naturally or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. Stick to matte products like pomades or texturizing clay for hold and separation. Avoid heavy, shiny products; they kill the carefree look. Keep the look effortless, slightly tousled, and easy to manage. That’s the surfer way.

Styling Surfer Hairstyles for Different Occasions

Surfer hairstyles are incredibly flexible. They work well in both casual and formal settings. For work or professional events, choose a cleaner style like brushed-back flow or a half-slick look. Use lightweight products like matte pomade or texturizing spray to add control without losing the relaxed feel.

For casual outings or beach days, go for tousled waves, messy buns, or side-swept styles. These need minimal effort, just some sea salt spray and finger styling. Whether it’s a chill hangout or a party, surfer hair fits in naturally. What matters is adding texture, lift, and a touch of messiness for that effortless style. You can easily adapt the same haircut for multiple occasions with small styling changes.

Embracing the Shaggy Surfer Haircut Aesthetic for Men

The shaggy surfer hairstyle captures a carefree vibe with loose movement and a slightly untamed finish. It suits all hair types, straight, wavy, or curly, and can be worn short, medium, or long. What makes it stand out are the choppy layers, flowy texture, and fringe or curtain bangs that give movement and volume. This look works great with undercuts, fades, or tapers for contrast and edge.

You can style it with mousse, sea salt spray, or matte pomade. Whether brushed back, side-swept, or tousled, it should feel carefree and easy-going. Many styles include a wet look, man bun, mullet, or textured top, often paired with sun-kissed highlights. The cut is low-maintenance but still needs occasional trims and light styling to keep it fresh. It’s not just a hairstyle, it’s a vibe that reflects freedom, beach culture, and personality.

Beyond the Hair Look

Taking care of your hair is more than just choosing a style, especially if you love Surfer Hairstyles. You need the right care, products, and tools to make your hair look good and stay healthy.

When your hair is oily or not freshly washed, styles like messy buns, sleek low buns, or side buns can help. These styles work with greasy hair instead of against it. Also, a trendy, low-effort style, tucking your hair behind your ears, requires smoothness and good parting.

For daily care, use products that match your hair type, like lightweight items for thin hair or rich formulas for thick hair. A good haircut is also important to support any styling. While applying conditioner, concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends, and use a gentle touch when detangling.

Apply a hydrating serum or heat protector before using blow dryers or straighteners. And remember: use only a apply a hydrating serum or heat protector before using blow dryers or straighteners. A small amount of styling product; too much can make hair sticky or greasy.

Conclusion

Surfer hairstyles aren’t just a trend; they reflect a carefree lifestyle and natural charm that many people admire. You don’t need to live by the beach or even know how to surf to pull off this look. With a little effort, the right hair care products, and some smart styling techniques, anyone can enjoy that tousled, sun-kissed vibe. Whether you go for the classic beach waves, the textured shag, or a side-swept surfer cut, there’s a version of surfer hair that fits every length, texture, and personality.

Furthermore, maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. Allow your hair to grow slightly longer, request layered cuts from your barber, apply sea salt spray, and keep styling to a minimum. Focus on keeping your hair healthy with the right conditioner and give it time to breathe between washes. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s effortless, lived-in style. So take the pressure off, have fun with your look, and let your hair do its thing. After all, surfer style is all about embracing what’s natural, easy, and authentically you.

FAQs

1. How do I get a surfer hairstyle without going to the beach?
Use sea salt spray on damp hair, scrunch it with your hands, and let it air dry for a natural, beachy look.

2. What hair length is best for surfer styles?
Medium to long hair works best, usually between 3 to 6 inches, for a tousled, wavy effect.

3. Can short hair pull off a surfer look?
Yes, with textured layers and styling products like matte pomade, you can still achieve that relaxed surfer vibe.

4. How often should I wash my hair for a surfer style?
2–3 times a week is ideal. Overwashing can strip natural oils that help create texture.

5. What products do I need for surfer hair?
Sea salt spray, matte styling clay, and a lightweight leave-in conditioner are key for texture and hold.