From sun-kissed highlights to tousled, textured waves, the surfer haircut perfectly embodies the laid-back, adventurous spirit of life by the ocean. Known for its natural, carefree aesthetic, this timeless style focuses on texture, volume, and an effortless flow that feels authentic and raw.
Whether it’s longer, layered hair with a windswept look or shorter, messy curls, surfer-inspired hairstyles work beautifully for different hair types and lengths. With a somewhat understated vibe, they give an air of casual confidence that feels right at home on the beach but also translates just as well to everyday life.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best surfer haircut ideas, ranging from classic favourites to modern variations. We will also share styling tips and techniques to help you achieve that perfectly undone, beachy vibe!
What is Surfer Hair?
Surfer hair is a casual, tousled hairstyle that mimics the natural, windswept, sun-lightened look often seen on surfers after a day spent in the ocean. It’s a style defined by its relaxed, carefree feel — textured, wavy, and slightly undone as if shaped by the sun, salt water, and breeze.
Often compared to beach waves for women, surfer hair captures a similar effortless appeal for men. It’s all about texture and movement, with natural waves or curls taking centre stage. The look works best with medium to long hair, making it a great choice for those who want a more laid-back and easy-going style.
Key features of a surfer’s hair include texture and volume, with sun-kissed, lighter ends or subtle highlights enhancing its beachy appeal. It’s designed to look natural and relaxed, embracing an imperfect finish that feels natural and authentic.
The origins of surfer hair can be traced back to the coastal surf culture, where outdoor lifestyles and the elements shaped both the aesthetic and attitude behind the style. It’s a reflection of an easy-going, adventurous way of life, with a large part of its appeal and popularity lying in its simplicity.
Additionally, what also makes surfer hair particularly appealing is its low-maintenance nature. There’s no need for frequent trips to the salon, with long and slightly messy being the essence of the look. However, achieving this style does require some specific styling techniques to create that windswept, beach-ready finish.
Surfer Hair Ideas
If you want to capture that laid-back surfer vibe, there are many ways to style your hair for an effortless, beach-inspired look straight out of the ocean!
Whether you have natural curls or waves or prefer a tousled look, these surfer hairstyles can complement various hair types and lengths. From longer, flowing styles to shorter, messier looks, there’s something for everyone who wants to embrace that easy-going aesthetic.
Messy Curls:
Messy curls are often a defining feature of surfer hair! This variation of the surfer hairstyle embraces natural texture, giving a relaxed look full of body and movement. Whether your curls are tight or loose, using mousse or pomade can help define them and enhance their natural volume.
Long Curly Hair:
Long curly hair is a classic surfer style. The texture of curly hair naturally lends itself to that beachy, windswept look, and if you’re not near the sea, using sea salt spray can help replicate that same effect.
If you’re transitioning from a shorter style, the process of growing your hair out may take some time, but it’s well worth it. Once your curls reach the right length, you’ll enjoy a look full of movement with a natural, relaxed appearance.
Tousled Hair:
A tousled look works on a variety of hair types. For those with naturally wavy or voluminous hair, simply spraying some sea salt spray or applying mousse and letting your hair air dry can give you the desired texture and beachy volume. This style also works well for shorter hair, where less effort is needed to create a windswept, tousled finish.
For those with straight hair, a quick method is to braid your hair loosely overnight, then run some loose-hold hair clay through it in the morning to achieve the tousled look.
The Surfer Man Bun:
The man bun is a simple yet effective way to keep your hair out of your face while still achieving that relaxed surfer style. The key is to keep it messy and effortless. Don’t worry about making the bun too neat and let a few stray pieces fall naturally to create a laid-back, windblown look.
This style works well for men with medium to long hair and adds a subtle touch of texture without feeling overly styled. You can position the bun higher on the head for a more prominent look or lower for something a bit more relaxed.
Long Wavy Fringe:
A long wavy fringe adds a subtle touch of surfer style with its relaxed vibe. The length at the front gently frames the face, giving a soft, effortless look. This style is ideal for those with naturally wavy hair but can also be achieved with a bit of product for men with straighter hair. A light sea salt spray or mousse can help create soft waves and enhance texture.
What Length of Hair Works Best for Surfer Hairstyles?
The surfer hairstyle is most effective with medium-length hair, as this length provides ample opportunity to create the effortlessly tousled effect this style is renowned for.
However, the surfer look can also be adapted to short and long hair. Whether you prefer a shorter, more structured style or longer, flowing hair, there are a few approaches that work well with both.
Tips for Shorter Hair: With shorter styles, the goal is to create a relaxed, tousled look without too much effort. A light sea salt spray ideal for adding texture — simply spritz it onto damp or dry hair and use your fingers to work it in for a natural, slightly undone finish. If more hold is needed, a matte pomade or styling clay can help define the texture without making the hair look too polished. The key is to keep the styling minimal, so the hair retains its laid-back, easy-going feel.
Tips for Longer Hair: For longer surfer styles, it’s all about embracing natural waves and movement. Letting hair air-dry is the best way to maintain a soft, unstructured look. A leave-in conditioner or lightweight styling cream can help keep the hair hydrated and prevent frizz, while a touch of sea salt spray adds a bit of wave and definition. For those with naturally straight hair, lightly scrunching the hair while damp can encourage more texture.
Regardless of length, the surfer look is all about effortless styling. The goal is to create a relaxed, natural appearance without overworking the hair, allowing it to move freely and fall into place with minimal effort.
Surfer Hairstyles for Different Hair Types
Regardless of the hair type, surfer hairstyles are all about embracing natural texture and achieving a relaxed, effortless style with minimal styling. However, there are some factors to consider relating to hair type to get the best results.
Straight Hair: For those with straight hair, achieving a surfer look often requires adding texture and movement. A layered cut can prevent the hair from looking too flat, while a sea salt spray helps create a natural, tousled effect. Light styling products, like texturising clays or matte pomades, can add definition without making the hair look stiff or over-styled.
Wavy Hair: Wavy hair naturally lends itself well to the surfer aesthetic. To enhance the waves, it’s best to air-dry the hair after washing and use a leave-in conditioner to keep it soft and defined. Longer styles, such as shoulder-length cuts or wavy fringes, work particularly well, as they allow the natural texture to develop without too much effort.
Thick Hair: With thick hair, managing volume and weight is key to keeping a surfer-inspired style looking effortless. A layered or textured cut helps remove bulk, making the hair easier to style. Lightweight styling products, such as styling creams or mousses, can help define the natural texture without making the hair feel heavy or too structured.
Thin Hair: For thin hair, the goal is to create the illusion of more volume and movement. A textured cut with layers can help add dimension. Products like dry shampoo or texturising sprays work well to lift the roots and create a fuller, more lived-in look without weighing the hair down.
How to Achieve the Surfer Haircut
Step 1: Start by washing your hair with a volumising shampoo and a lightweight conditioner. This combination will help add body and movement, giving your hair the natural lift needed for a windswept, beachy look.
Step 2: Apply a texturising spray or sea salt spray to damp hair. This will enhance and define waves, creating a tousled effect. Distribute the product evenly using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Step 3: Scrunch your hair while it is still damp to define the waves and curls. You can also use mousse or a lightweight styling cream for added texture and hold.
Step 4: For a relaxed surfer look, air drying is ideal. If you prefer to blow-dry your hair, use a low heat setting and attach a diffuser to your hair dryer. This will help maintain the shape of your waves and reduce frizz. For added volume, try diffusing your hair upside down while blow-drying.
Step 5: Finish your style with a lightweight styling product, such as a light-hold pomade or cream, to keep everything in place without weighing it down.
Styling Techniques for Surfer Hairstyle
To achieve the effortless beachy associated with the surfer hairstyle, using a sea salt spray is essential. Sea salt mimics the natural effect of ocean water by adding grip and enhancing waves, giving the hair a naturally sun-kissed and windswept appearance. Sea salt spray is also perfect for refreshing hair, as it absorbs excess oil, creates texture and volume, and provides a matte finish.
For a more natural and authentic look, air drying is a great styling option. This method allows your hair’s natural texture to shine through, resulting in a carefree and effortlessly tousled effect.
Scrunching is another technique to enhance the surfer look. After applying sea salt spray, gently scrunch your hair in an upward motion with your hands. This helps to create defined, beachy waves, adding texture and volume while maintaining that carefree, tousled vibe.
Tousling is perfect for enhancing the wind-blown effect of the surfer style. Simply run your fingers through your hair in different directions, lifting sections to add volume and movement. This adds that tousled, “just-rolled-out-of-the-ocean” look, making your hair appear naturally messy yet perfectly styled.
If you desire more volume for your surfer look, using a blow dryer on a low setting can help enhance volume and texture. When blow drying, use a diffuser attachment to maintain the shape of your waves and reduce frizz. Set the dryer to a low or medium heat setting and focus on drying your hair from the roots to the ends.
Book Your Hair Appointment Now
Ready to get the perfect surfer hairstyle? Book your appointment now at your nearest Rush Salon and let one of our expert stylists create the perfect surfer-inspired look
FAQ’s
Surfer hair is a casual, tousled hairstyle that mimics the natural, windswept, sun-lightened look often seen on surfers after a day in the ocean. It’s a style defined by its relaxed, carefree feel—textured, wavy, and slightly undone as if shaped by the sun, salt water, and breeze.
Use texturising products such as sea salt sprays and styling creams. These products can enhance the texture of your hair, giving it that desirable beachy feel. Additionally, for added volume, try blow-drying your hair upside-down while using a diffuser.
Natural curls, wavy hair, and rich textures work best with surfer hairstyles, as they add body and can fall loosely around the face, contributing to an effortless, windswept look.
To create waves without using heat, apply texturising spray or sea salt spray to damp hair. Scrunch your hair while it is still wet to define the waves and curls. You can also use mousse or a lightweight styling cream for added texture and hold and then allow your hair to air dry. Alternatively, you can loosely braid your hair or tie it into a bun and let it air dry.
