Here’s an overview of surfing hairstyles—what they are, why they work, and how to get and maintain them:
Table of Contents
What Is Surfer Hair?
- Often described as tousled, sun-bleached, and carefree, surfer hair evokes a 1950s–60s California vibe: long, thick strands naturally lightened by sun and saltwater.
- Modern variations still embrace this laid-back aesthetic but often feature medium length with textured, choppy layers, offering an intentional “windswept” look.
Popular Surfer-Inspired Styles
- Long Loose Curls & Beachy Waves
- Layered cuts, natural curls or waves, possibly enhanced with curl cream or sea-salt spray; ideal for adding volume and definition.
- Curtains Cut
- Middle-parted, manageable fringe framing the face, channeling 90s style vibes.
- Messy Man‑bun or Top‑knot
- Keeps the hair out of your face while surfing, yet retains that effortless beachy aesthetic.
- Fade Undercut + Tousled Top
- Short on sides/back for practicality, with longer textured top styled into messy waves.
- Short Curly Cut (Bleached or Natural)
- Short, fluffy curls with some bleaching and defined with mousse or curl cream for a beachy look.
Achieving the Look: Cut & Styling Tips
- Cut: Ask your stylist for long layers or a shaggy cut, preferably with a razor for natural movement.
- Texture: Use sea‑salt spray on damp hair to simulate the gritty, tousled beach effect.
- Volume: Start with a volumizing shampoo/conditioner to remove residue and lift strands.
- Styling: Scrunch hair or let it air-dry; diffuse if needed, then apply minimal products like curl cream, clay, or pomade to hold texture .
Care & Maintenance for Surfers
- Rinse and protect
- Pre-surf: wet hair and apply a protective cream/oil—this helps as a barrier against salt and sun damage.
- Post-surf: rinse with fresh water; consider leave-in conditioner or deep conditioning weekly to restore moisture.
- Manage tangles
- Many prefer hair down, as tying it can cause breakage and knots.
- For long hair, some surfers use loose bun or ponytail, or simply “duck-dive” to slick hair back, avoiding tangles.
- Hydration & UV care
- Boost hydration with oils like argan, aloe or baobab; hydrate internally via water/fruit .
- Sun protection is key—consider UV‑protective sprays or leave-in conditioners.
Quick Styling Summary
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut: Go for medium-to-long layers with choppy ends |
| 2 | Wash: Use volumizing cleansers |
| 3 | Prep: On damp hair, mist with sea-salt spray |
| 4 | Scrunch: Encourage natural waves or curls |
| 5 | Air-dry or diffuse, finish with light styling product |
| 6 | Protect & condition before/after surfing |
Cultural Note
The “surfer hair” stereotype is evolving.
It’s no longer just sun-bleached blondes—diverse surfer cultures worldwide, like in Africa, now showcase every hair type using protective styles like braids.
Surf Hair Cut
Bottom line: Surfing hairstyles embody a rich mix of tradition and modern styling—long, layered, textured looks with minimal fuss and real-world practicality for the waves. With smart cutting, texturizing, protective care, and healthy hydration, you can nail that effortless, beach-ready vibe—without sacrificing your hair’s integrity.
Whether you’re a seasoned wave rider or just someone who admires the laid-back coastal lifestyle, there’s something undeniably cool about the tousled locks of surfers.
Surfer’s hair has become more than just a hairstyle; it’s a statement that exudes an easygoing, carefree vibe.
In this post, I’ll dive into the nuances of surfers hair style, exploring its characteristics and offering some product suggestions to help you achieve that effortlessly tousled look.
Surfing Hairstyles/Surf Hair Styles
Photo Credits: SurferToday, Pinterest, Shutterstock