Waterfall waves are the chicest hair trend of the summer A classy hairstyle worth trying

This year too, waves are ready to climb back to the top of the seasonal hair trend rankings. While until recently rockstar-inspired wavy looks were stealing the hearts of it-girls, today the spotlight is on waterfall waves, a style that combines elegance, shine, and retro vibes.

Summer 2026 hairstyle trends: the timeless elegance of waterfall waves (gallery slides)

Like almost every hairstyle inspiration filling our social media homepages, waterfall waves also stand out for their inseparable connection to the past. Those with a keen eye for heritage trends will surely have noticed how these soft, glossy waves, now adored by celebrities, vaguely recall the hairstyles of the divas who walked the red carpets of old Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s. Carrying the same timeless charm, waterfall-style waves have become more relevant than ever, perfect for showing off with sophistication even away from the spotlight and camera flashes.

How to create waterfall waves: steps and products

If you want to experiment with waterfall waves for a special event or upcoming ceremony, it’s essential to carefully follow a few how-to tips. Everything begins with treating the lengths of your hair, which should be nourished and conditioned using products specifically designed for wavy or frizzy hair. One step you should never skip is applying a heat protectant product to shield the strands from the high temperatures of the styling tools you’ll use during hot styling. Once your hair is fully detangled, you can move on to creating the waves themselves. In this case, we recommend using a smart styler equipped with different barrels or attachments, so you can shape the waves according to your preferred final result. To finish the look, apply a gloss-effect hair oil to enhance shine, along with a delicate mist of hair perfume to elevate your cascading waves even further.