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Short wavy hair has entered its well-earned main-character era for women over 40.
It’s polished without feeling stiff and styled without looking overworked.
Waves add movement, softness, and just enough structure to make short hair feel intentional.
This is the haircut category that understands busy mornings and realistic maintenance.
In 2026, short wavy styles focus on smart layers, natural texture, and colors that actually enhance the cut.
Think shape first, effort second.
If your goal is a haircut that works with your hair instead of arguing with it, you’re in the right place.
1. Soft Silver Bob with Subtle Waves (Silver Blonde)
A chin-length bob with gentle, tousled waves that add texture and movement; the silver blonde enhances natural gray while keeping the look modern and elegant.
2. Layered Shag with Caramel Highlights (Chestnut Brown & Caramel)
Short shaggy layers with uneven wave patterns; warm caramel highlights brighten around the face for a youthful, dimensional finish.
3. Textured Pixie Waves (Platinum Blonde)
A modern pixie cut with longer wavy strands on top; platinum blonde creates bold contrast and adds brightness to mature skin tones.
4. Wavy Stacked Bob (Ash Brown)
A stacked back and soft wavy front create volume at the crown; ash brown keeps the palette cool and refined.
5. Beachy Wave Lob (Dark Chocolate)
A longer short lob that just grazes the collarbone; relaxed beach-like waves lend effortless polish to dark chocolate hair.
6. Curly Angled Bob (Honey Blonde)
An angled bob that’s shorter at the back and longer at the front; honey blonde warms the face and highlights each playful wave.
7. Tousled Wavy Crop (Rose Gold)
A cropped wavy cut with textured fringe; the subtle rose gold color gives a playful, sophisticated shimmer.
8. Feathered Waves with Bangs (Sandy Blonde)
Soft feathered layers with wispy front bangs; sandy blonde softens features and offers a lived-in, chic vibe.
9. Short Wavy Lob with Babylights (Champagne Blonde)
A slightly longer short cut with loose waves and delicate champagne babylights; the color lifts and illuminates the complexion.
10. Curly Finger Waves (Jet Black)
Retro-inspired finger waves with modern softness, finished in deep jet black for a sleek, striking style.
11. Choppy Wavy Bob (Copper Red)
Irregular choppy layers give lively texture; rich copper red adds warmth and radiance.
12. Wavy Pixie Bob with Side Part (Warm Taupe)
A soft pixie-bob hybrid that’s easy to style; warm taupe tones balance the waves for a mature, polished finish.
13. Short Beach Wave with Blonde Balayage (Golden Blonde)
A playful wave pattern that feels effortlessly chic; golden balayage brings sun-lit depth to the entire look.
14. Curly Lob with Soft Highlights (Mahogany Brown)
Loose, natural curls in a longer short cut; soft mahogany highlights add subtle dimension.
15. Wavy Asymmetrical Bob (Icy Blonde)
An asymmetrical bob with longer wave on one side; icy blonde adds edge and modern flair.
16. Layered Wavy Cut with Face-Framing (Chestnut with Warm Caramel)
Short layers cascade softly around the face, with warm caramel accents to highlight features.
17. Soft Spiral Waves (Honey Brown)
Gentle spiral waves throughout a short cut; honey brown color lends a natural, luminous softness.
18. Short Wavy Cut with Micro Bangs (Platinum Silver)
A chic wavy crop with very fine micro bangs; platinum silver gives a bold yet elegant contrast.
19. Tousled Bob with Smoky Ash Highlights (Smoky Ash Brown)
A textured bob with smoky ash highlights for a cool, understated dimension.
20. Wavy Bob with Deep Side Sweep (Golden Copper)
A deep side sweep and soft waves create movement; golden copper tones bring warmth and vibrancy.
21. Curly Shag with Soft Layers (Dark Espresso)
Short, curly shag with tapered layers for lift at the crown; dark espresso color keeps it rich and deep.
22. Chic Wave-Textured Bob (Champagne Pearl)
A refined bob with light, airy waves; champagne pearl tones add a luminous, sophisticated finish.
23. Short Wavy Cut with Subtle Purple Tint (Soft Violet)
Delicate wave patterns paired with a soft violet tint for a refreshing, modern twist.
24. Wavy Bob with Silver Bayalage (Smoky Silver)
A short wavy bob enhanced with smoky silver balayage; textured and dimensional without overpowering.
25. Textured Short Cut with Warm Ginger (Ginger Blonde)
Short, textured layers blend into warm ginger-blonde waves that add energy and shine.
26. Stacked Wavy Pixie (Ash Gray)
A stacked pixie with loose waves on top; ash gray creates contemporary contrast and depth.
27. Classic Wavy Bob in Natural Salt and Pepper
A timeless bob with soft waves that embrace natural color variation for effortless style.
