Hi, I’m Lena, a professional hairstylist with over 10 years’ salon experience. In this post I’m showcasing 32 QW hairstyles for women, each photographed to help you visualize cuts, colors, and styling variations. Whether you’re after a low-maintenance bob, a bold color statement, textured waves, or an elegant updo, these looks suit a wide range of face shapes, hair types, and lifestyles. I’ll guide you on which styles flatter round, oval, or heart-shaped faces, plus quick styling tips for fine, medium, and coarse hair. Expect practical salon-tested advice on product choices, heat protection, and simple tools that deliver the best results at home. Use the 32 images to compare lengths, layering techniques, and color placement before your appointment. If you’re prepping for a change, bring screenshots and discuss maintenance levels with your stylist — that’s the key to a successful QW transformation.
Textured Tousled Short Shag Bob with Choppy Fringe
This short, textured shag-bob with a choppy fringe works best on fine to medium hair and on naturally straight or wavy textures — it can be adapted for thicker hair with additional thinning and longer internal layers. In the salon the cut is created with point-cutting and texturizing/shear-over-comb techniques to build soft, disconnected layers, a graduated nape for lift, and a face-framing fringe that’s razored for movement. Styling technique: towel-dry then apply a lightweight heat protectant and volumizing mousse at the roots. Rough-dry with your fingers to build body or use a diffuser for waves; use a small round brush at the crown for added lift. Define pieces with a 1 curling wand or flat iron, alternating directions and keeping bends loose. Finish by raking a small amount of matte texturizing paste through the ends and misting with flexible-hold hairspray. Tools & products: blow dryer, 1 wand/flat iron, round brush, texturizing shears (salon), heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt spray, matte paste, light hairspray, dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — quick daily styling but requires salon shaping. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, weekly deep conditioning for texture, avoid heavy oils, and refresh with dry shampoo and a light sea-salt spray between washes.
Boho Half-Up Crown Braid with Loose Textured Waves
This relaxed half-up style pairs a shallow crown braid with soft, tousled waves for a romantic, bohemian look. Suitable for medium to long hair and works best on naturally wavy or textured hair; straight or fine hair will benefit from volumizing products and rough-drying to add grip, while very thick hair may require extra pins and stronger elastics. Technique: prep hair with a light volumizing mousse and heat protectant, then rough-dry. Create a shallow Dutch/French braid along the front hairline (crown), add one or two small side braids and secure them at the back with elastics and discreet bobby pins. Wrap remaining lengths into loose 1–1.25
Textured Romantic Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils — Loose Messy Bun
This soft, textured updo works beautifully on fine to medium hair and on layered or naturally wavy textures; thick hair can also wear it with some thinning or looser pinning. Start on towel‑dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant throughout. Rough‑dry for body, then create loose waves with a 25–32mm curling wand to add grip. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a low, slightly off‑center bun and secure with elastics and bobby pins, leaving two to four face‑framing pieces out. Pull sections gently for a lived‑in, messy finish and finish with a flexible hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, round brush or diffuser, curling wand, teasing comb, section clips, elastics and pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, light pomade for piecey definition, flexible hairspray, dry shampoo and a purple shampoo for maintaining blonde tones. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home in 25–40 minutes but faster with salon help. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizing spray, re‑curl tendrils as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase and deep‑condition weekly for bleached hair.
Long Layered Cut with Blunt Curtain Bangs — Platinum Blonde Finish
Suitable hair types: Works best on fine to medium hair to maximize movement; can be adapted for thick hair by thinning layers. Face-shapes that benefit: oval, heart, and round faces — curtain bangs softly frame features. Styling technique: Begin with a precision long-layer cut and blunt, slightly feathered curtain bangs. For texture, point-cut ends and add subtle face-framing layers. Blow-dry bangs with a small round brush to curl under slightly, then smooth lengths with a paddle brush. Create soft, undone waves using a 1–1.5 curling wand or flat iron, alternating direction and finishing with finger-combing. Tools needed: professional shears, thinning shears, blow dryer with nozzle, small and large round brushes, paddle brush, 1–1.5 curling wand, clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, lightweight smoothing cream or oil for ends, salt spray for texture, dry shampoo, and purple shampoo/toner for platinum upkeep. Difficulty level: intermediate — haircut requires a trained stylist; daily styling 15–30 minutes. Maintenance tips: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, full trim every 8–12 weeks, use weekly deep-conditioning and purple shampoo to maintain tone, and avoid daily high-heat styling to preserve color and integrity.
Textured Short Faux Hawk with Undercut and Intricate Shaved Hair Tattoo
Suitable for straight to wavy hair and medium‑fine to thick density, this textured short faux hawk pairs a disconnected undercut with a precision shaved tattoo for a bold, modern look. In the salon the process begins with a tapered clipper undercut and a clean neckline; a trained barber then uses a detail trimmer or straight razor to etch the design into the shaved area. The top is left 1–3 inches for movement and is point‑cut for texture. Styling technique: spray sea‑salt or texturizing mist into towel‑damp hair, blow‑dry while lifting the top with fingers or a small round brush, then work a matte paste or fiber through the lengths and shape the faux hawk by directing hair inward and upward. Tools needed: clippers (0–3 guards), detail trimmer/razor, scissors, blow dryer, round brush. Products required: sea‑salt spray, heat protectant, matte paste or clay, light hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — cutting and tattooing should be done by a professional. Maintenance: refresh the shaved design every 2–4 weeks, trim the top every 4–6 weeks, condition regularly, and protect the exposed scalp from sun.
Soft Textured Low Braided Bun with Wispy Curtain Bangs
This elegant low braided bun with wispy curtain bangs suits fine to medium hair best, but can be adapted for thicker hair with sectioned braids or light extensions. Start by blow-drying with a round brush to create lift at the crown; apply a root-lifting mousse to damp hair and heat protectant. Create soft curtain bangs by trimming long, face-framing layers and smoothing them with a flat iron if needed. Backcomb lightly at the crown for texture, gather hair low at the nape, and braid or twist into one or two loose plaits; wrap into a relaxed bun and secure with elastics and pins, pulling a few strands free to soften the look. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, flat iron (optional), curling iron (optional), elastics, and bobby pins. Products: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, lightweight hairspray, and a small smoothing serum for bangs. Difficulty: intermediate — roughly 20–30 minutes. Maintenance: refresh volume with dry shampoo, retuck or re-pin the bun nightly, trim bangs every 6–8 weeks, and deep-condition weekly to protect lightened or processed hair.
Voluminous Copper Waves with Long Layers and Side‑Swept Fringe
This look suits medium to thick hair best and translates well to naturally wavy or straight hair; fine hair can achieve similar body with a root‑lift mousse or clip‑in extensions. Start on damp, towel‑dried hair with a lightweight volumizing mousse through roots and mid‑lengths. Blow‑dry with a round brush to lift the crown and smooth the fringe, then section hair and use a 1–1.25 in curling iron or wand to create loose, alternating direction S‑shaped waves, leaving ends slightly looser for movement. Finger‑comb the curls and set with a low‑to‑medium hold flexible hairspray for soft hold. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, medium round brush, 1–1.25 in curling iron or wand, sectioning clips, and a wide‑tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, smoothing serum or lightweight oil, flexible hairspray and optional texturizing spray. Difficulty: medium — basic curling technique and sectioning skills required; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: trim layers every 8–12 weeks, use color‑safe shampoo for copper tones, weekly deep conditioning, refresh waves with a single‑pass hot tool or sea‑salt spray, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Long Layered Waves with Wispy Curtain Bangs — Natural Texture Styling
This look suits medium to thick hair with natural waves or loose curls and translates well to chemically curled or heat-styled hair. The cut is long, with graduated face‑framing layers and soft, wispy curtain bangs to reduce bulk and enhance movement. Salon technique: remove weight through long, blended layers and texturizing shears around the face; finish bangs with point‑cutting for a soft edge. Daily styling: work a dime‑to‑nickel amount of leave‑in conditioner through damp hair, then apply a curl cream or light mousse and scrunch from ends to roots. Diffuse on low heat while cupping sections to encourage definition, or air‑dry and refresh with a water + styling cream mist. Tools needed: diffuser, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips, blow dryer, optional 1
Long Layered Natural Red Curls — Voluminous Face‑Framing Style
This look is ideal for long, medium-to-thick naturally curly hair (3A–3C) that benefits from weight-removed layers and face-framing pieces to enhance shape and movement. In the salon, cut on dry curls to see true spring and remove bulk with long, graduated layers that preserve length while defining individual ringlets. Styling technique: start on damp hair, apply a lightweight leave-in and a curl-defining cream by raking through in sections, then scrunch to encourage clumping. Plop briefly or diffuse on low-medium heat while cupping curls to build volume at the roots. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, detangling brush for wet hair, hair clips for sectioning, microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt, diffuser, and sharp cutting shears for layers. Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, silicone-free conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl cream, light gel for hold, small amount of oil/serum, and heat protectant if diffusing. Difficulty: intermediate — basic home styling is straightforward but precision dry-cut layering is best done by a stylist. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh with water + leave-in or curl refresher spray, avoid brushing dry, and sleep with a silk/satin pillowcase or pineapple to reduce frizz.
Textured Blonde Messy Topknot with Face‑Framing Waves
This relaxed, textured topknot with soft face‑framing waves suits medium to long lengths and works best on fine to medium hair or naturally wavy hair. For very straight hair, add texture with products; for thicker hair, long layers help reduce bulk. Technique: apply heat protectant and a light mousse to damp hair, rough‑dry for volume, then create loose waves with a 1‑inch curling wand or flat iron. Section the top crown, tease lightly at the roots for lift, gather hair into a high, loose ponytail and twist into a messy knot, securing with pins and an elastic. Pull a few strands free around the face for softness. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser or nozzle, 1 curling wand or flat iron, teasing comb, hair pins, elastic bands. Products required: heat protectant, salt/texturizing spray, lightweight mousse or root lift, dry shampoo, flexible‑hold hairspray and a small amount of shine serum. Difficulty: easy–moderate; allow 20–30 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, re‑pin loose pieces as needed, and sleep with a loose silk scarf to preserve shape.
Textured Loose Side Braid with Soft Face‑Framing Layers
Suitable for medium to thick hair and natural waves; fine hair can achieve this look with added texture. Start on towel-dried or second‑day hair. Prep with a light leave‑in conditioner and a root‑lifting spray, then blow‑dry with a round brush or diffuse to preserve movement. Create a soft side part and pull hair over one shoulder. Backcomb lightly at the crown for subtle lift, then loosely three‑strand braid (or opt for a fishtail for a more defined finish) and secure with a small elastic. Gently pancake the braid to widen the sections and pull out a few face‑framing pieces to soften the hairline. Tuck and pin any unruly sections behind the ear with bobby pins for a polished feel. Tools: tail comb, round brush or diffuser, curling wand (optional), small elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, lightweight cream or paste for piecey texture, flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: Easy–medium; about 10–20 minutes once practiced. Maintenance: refresh on day two with dry shampoo and a mist of texturizer, re‑pancake the braid to renew shape, sleep with a satin scarf to minimize frizz, and trim layers every 8–12 weeks to keep the face‑framing pieces looking fresh.
Textured Short Shag Pixie with Feathered Blonde Layers
This modern short shag pixie works best on fine to medium hair, and also suits thicker hair when thinned through the crown. It’s ideal for clients with natural wave or straight hair who want movement and low-maintenance volume. Cut uses graduated, feathered layers around the crown and longer fringe to create lift and face-framing pieces. To style: towel-dry to damp, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a sea-salt texture spray through the mid-lengths. Rough-dry using a blow dryer with a nozzle, lifting at the roots with fingers or a small round brush for shape; finger-twist ends while blast-drying to encourage separation. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte paste or light wax through the ends for definition and a flexible hold, then set with a fine mist of flexible hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, small round brush, wide-tooth comb, curling wand (optional for extra bend), and sectioning clips. Difficulty: easy–medium; expect a 10–15 minute daily routine. Maintenance: salon trims every 4–6 weeks, weekly deep-condition treatment, use purple shampoo for brassiness on blonde, and refresh texture with dry shampoo between washes.
Soft Textured Low Braid/Ponytail with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed, textured low braid/ponytail with loose face‑framing tendrils suits medium to long hair and works especially well on wavy or lightly curly textures. Straight hair can achieve the same effect after adding texture with a wave iron or texturizing spray; fine hair benefits from volumizing mousse or powder at the roots, while thick hair should be sectioned for control. Technique: start on second‑day or dry hair, mist with salt spray, and rough‑dry to create grip. Create a soft center or slightly off‑center part, pull small sections at the crown to add lift, then gather hair low at the nape and either loosely braid or twist into a ponytail. Gently pull at sections to break up symmetry and release a few face‑framing strands; soften those with a 1
Textured Red Pixie with Side-Swept Fringe
Suitable for fine to medium hair and relaxed waves, this short textured pixie with a long side-swept fringe adds volume and movement while framing the face. The cut is created by layering the crown and using point-cutting and soft texturizing through the ends to keep weight off the face; longer fringe pieces are blended into shorter sideburn-length layers for sweep and versatility. Blow-dry with a round brush or use a 1 curling wand/flat iron to flick and define pieces, then roughen through with a salt spray or lightweight texturizing paste. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, small round brush, 1 iron, vent brush, and fine-tooth comb. Products: root-lifting mousse, sea-salt or texture spray, light pomade or styling cream, shine serum, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — 10–15 minutes daily for tousled polish. Maintenance: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to preserve shape; use color-safe, sulfate-free products for vivid red tones; refresh texture with dry shampoo between washes and deep-condition weekly. Tip: bring photos to your stylist and request soft razor texturing for modern separation.
Textured Half-Up Top Knot with Blunt Fringe
This look suits medium to long lengths and works best on fine to medium hair with natural wave or straight textures; thick hair can also wear it but may need extra thinning or stronger pins. Start on dry hair: apply heat protectant, then create loose, beachy waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand or large barrel iron, alternating directions for movement. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather the top half into a relaxed top knot, secure with an elastic and pins, and pull a few face-framing pieces loose to soften. Keep blunt bangs trimmed to sit just above the lashes and smooth them with a round brush or flat iron if needed. Tools needed: blow dryer with round brush, curling wand, fine-tooth comb, hair elastic, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, dry shampoo for grip, lightweight finishing spray, and a small smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–medium, 15–30 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist, re-twist the knot nightly if needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase and trim bangs every 4–6 weeks to preserve shape.
Textured Faux Hawk with Side Braid — Voluminous Mohawk for Short to Medium Hair
Suitability: Best on straight to wavy hair with medium to thick density; fine hair can work with added texture products and backcombing; requires at least 3–6 inches on top and clipped or tapered sides. Styling technique: Start with an undercut or tight clipper taper on the sides. Section the top and apply a root-lifting mousse; blow-dry using a round brush or fingers to create lift. Create loose barrel curls or finger waves on the top for body, then gently tousle to open the curls. On one side, take a small section along the transition and do a tight three-strand or Dutch braid, anchoring it into the nape or securing with pins for a seamless look. Tools needed: clippers, barber scissors, sectioning clips, round brush, blow dryer with nozzle, 1
Short Voluminous Platinum Blonde Tight Curls with Curly Fringe
Suitable for 3B–4A natural curl patterns and for clients with medium to coarse hair density; works well on bleached or highlighted hair with extra conditioning. Technique: create a short, rounded afro-shaped cut with a slightly longer curly fringe. Cut dry in curl clumps to see true spring-back, removing bulk at the perimeter with point-cutting and minimal weight to preserve bounce. For styling, apply leave-in conditioner to soaking-wet hair, distribute curl cream with a Denman brush or fingers, scrunch, then diffuse on low heat or let air-dry. Tools needed: sharp shears, thinning shears, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb/Denman brush, diffuser, microfiber towel. Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, rich conditioner, weekly deep-conditioning mask, leave-in detangler, curl-defining cream or light gel, silicone-free oil, heat protectant and purple shampoo for toned blondes. Difficulty level: Medium — cutting to shape needs a stylist experienced with tight curls; daily styling is fast. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the round shape, deep-condition weekly, refresh curls with water + leave-in or a curl-refresher spray, sleep on a satin bonnet or pillowcase, limit heat and use bond/protein treatments for bleached hair.
Textured Short Shag Pixie with Side‑Swept Fringe
This short textured shag pixie with a soft side‑swept fringe suits fine to medium hair best — it adds movement and the illusion of volume — but can be adapted for thicker hair by thinning and layering. The cut is created with short, choppy layers at the crown and longer, face‑framing fringe for softness. Styling technique: start on towel‑damp hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a light salt spray through the lengths. Rough‑dry with fingers while lifting the crown, then use a round brush or small paddle brush to sweep the fringe across the forehead; a small flat iron or 19–25 mm barrel tong can be used to bend ends and create piecey separation. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, round brush (1–1.5 in), flat iron or small curling iron, wide‑tooth comb, and a finisher brush. Products required: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing powder or sea‑salt spray, lightweight pomade or wax for definition, and flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: Low–medium — quick daily steps but requires a precise salon cut. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, refresh roots with dry shampoo, weekly deep conditioner for dyed hair, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Platinum Pixie Cut with Long Side Fringe
This textured pixie with a long side-swept fringe suits fine to medium hair best — layers add lift and the short length keeps weight off the crown. Thick hair can wear the look but will need internal thinning and razor layering from your stylist to maintain the silhouette. To style: start on towel-dried hair with a small amount of heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry using a 1 round brush or your fingers to lift the crown, directing the fringe to the side and drying sections in opposite directions for texture. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of texturizing paste or matte clay through the ends to separate pieces and create movement; lock with a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools and products needed: hairdryer with nozzle, 1 round brush, optional small flat iron for smoothing fringe, heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing paste/clay, flexible hairspray, and purple shampoo for tone maintenance if blonde. Difficulty: intermediate — easy daily styling but the precision cut requires a skilled stylist. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, and regular toning or purple shampoo to keep platinum bright.
Tousled Red Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, tousled updo with loose, face‑framing tendrils suits naturally wavy or curly hair best but can be adapted for straight or fine hair with added texture. Start on damp hair with a volumizing mousse through roots and a light heat protectant. Blow‑dry with a diffuser or rough‑dry while scrunching to enhance natural wave. Use a 1
Short Blunt Pixie with Heavy Eye‑Skimming Fringe and Tapered Nape
This modern short blunt pixie with an eye‑skimming fringe is best for straight to slightly wavy hair in fine to medium densities; thicker hair can be texturized to avoid a helmet effect, while naturally curly hair will need professional relaxing or daily straightening to achieve the sleek look. Cutting technique is precision scissor work with clipper tapering at the nape and point‑cutting at the ends to soften the fringe. To style: towel dry, apply heat protectant and a light smoothing cream, then blow‑dry the crown and fringe forward using a small round or paddle brush and concentrator nozzle. Finish by flat‑ironing small sections for a mirror‑smooth surface and add a dab of lightweight serum to tame flyaways. Tools: professional shears, thinning shears, clippers, blow dryer with nozzle, round/paddle brush, flat iron and sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, smoothing cream, lightweight serum, light‑hold hairspray, dry shampoo and occasional clarifying shampoo. Difficulty: intermediate–advanced — requires a precision cut from a stylist. Maintenance: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks, refresh with dry shampoo between washes, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and show your stylist photos to adapt the shape to your face.
Textured Platinum Pixie with Tapered Undercut and Side-Swept Fringe
Perfect for straight to wavy fine-medium hair, this platinum textured pixie with a tapered undercut combines choppy layers on top and a long side-swept fringe for movement and height. The cut is achieved by shaving the sides with clippers (guards #1–3) and scissor-over-comb layering on top to create disconnected texture. To style, towel-dry, apply a lightweight root-lifting mousse, blow-dry with a small round brush or finger-dry to shape the fringe, then work a pea-sized amount of matte texturizing paste through the top to separate pieces and build lift at the crown. A flat iron or small-barrel curler can refine and add bend to the fringe if desired. Tools: clippers, scissors, thinning shears, blow dryer with nozzle, small round brush, flat iron (optional). Products: purple shampoo (for tone), bond-builder (after lightening), root-lift mousse, sea-salt spray, matte paste, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: advanced cut – see an experienced stylist; daily styling is quick (5–10 minutes). Maintenance: undercut trims every 3–5 weeks, color toning and conditioning every 4–6 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning and diligent heat protection to keep platinum bright and hair resilient.
Textured Tousled Layered Red Bob with Side‑Swept Fringe
This modern, layered bob with a side‑swept fringe is ideal for fine to medium hair and suits naturally wavy textures best; straight hair will need heat styling to achieve the tousled movement, and thicker hair benefits from internal thinning and long layers. To style, start on towel‑dried hair with a lightweight mousse or root‑lift spray, then blow‑dry using a diffuser or rough‑dry with your fingers to enhance natural wave. Use a 1″ curling wand or flat iron to add soft bends in alternating directions, then break up the curls with a sea‑salt or texturizing spray. Finish by shepherding small amounts of matte pomade through the ends for separation and a flexible hold hairspray to set the shape. Essential tools: blow dryer with diffuser, 1″ curling wand or flat iron, tail comb, sectioning clips. Key products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, matte pomade, flexible hairspray and color‑safe shampoo for red tones. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice. Maintenance: salon trims every 6–8 weeks to preserve layers and fringe, use color‑protecting treatments, avoid daily washing, and refresh with dry shampoo and a quick finger‑tousle between washes.
Textured Choppy Pixie with Long Side Fringe and Tapered Nape
This edgy textured pixie is best suited to fine-to-medium straight or slightly wavy hair; thicker hair can wear the look but will require strategic thinning. The salon technique uses a graduated nape (clipper or short scissor-over-comb), layered point-cutting on top to create choppy texture, and a longer side-swept fringe that frames the face. Tools: sharp cutting shears, thinning shears, straight razor (optional), clippers, tail comb, sectioning clips, blow dryer with nozzle, small round or vent brush, and a flat iron for finishing small sections. Products: light volumizing mousse or root-lift spray for blow-dry body, sea-salt or texturizing spray for grit, matte paste or clay for piecey definition, a light flexible-hold hairspray and heat protectant. Difficulty: advanced for the initial cut (precision layering and tapering — see a stylist), but daily styling is low effort (5–10 minutes). Maintenance: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape, avoid heavy conditioners at the roots, refresh texture between washes with a mist of sea-salt spray, and deep-condition mid-lengths weekly if color-treated. For quick volume, blow-dry upside-down or lift roots with a vent brush before applying styling paste.
Tapered Curly Pompadour — Voluminous Natural Texture
This tapered curly pompadour is ideal for naturally curly or coily hair (3A–4C) with medium to high density. The look pairs short, tapered sides with a longer, shaped crown to maximize volume and defined texture. In the salon, create the shape with a clipper taper (ask for a #1–#4 fade depending on desired contrast) and finish the top with scissor-over-comb to keep movement while retaining curl length. For styling: start on damp, freshly cleansed hair, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then rake a curl-defining cream or mousse through the crown. Scrunch to encourage curl clumps and diffuse on low-medium heat or air-dry for softer definition. Tools needed: clippers, professional shears, wide-tooth comb or Denman brush, diffuser, and a styling pick. Recommended products: sulfate-free cleanser, hydrating leave-in, curl cream or mousse, flexible-hold gel, and a small amount of lightweight oil for shine. Difficulty: moderate — precise tapering is best done by a stylist; daily styling is quick. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh curls with water + leave-in spray, and sleep on a satin bonnet or pillowcase to preserve shape.
Voluminous Layered Waves with Side-Swept Fringe for Red Hair
This look suits medium-to-thick long hair and works best on natural waves or straight hair that holds a curl; fine hair can achieve volume with layers and root-lift products, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Start with a layered cut that removes weight through long face-framing layers and a side-swept fringe. Technique: towel-dry, apply a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant, then blow-dry with a round brush for root volume and smooth ends. Create loose, piecey waves using a 1–1.5 inch curling iron or wand, curling sections away from the face and alternating directions for movement. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, large-barrel curling iron/wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, texturizing/sea-salt spray, light flexible hairspray, occasional shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires practice to get consistent wave sizes and volume. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos for red tones, deep-condition weekly, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, and minimize daily heat to protect color and integrity.
Textured Tousled Bob with Side‑Swept Curtain Bangs
This textured, chin‑length bob with tousled waves and a side‑swept curtain fringe creates soft movement and natural volume. Hair type suitability: ideal for fine to medium hair to add body, and for thick hair when paired with long layers or thinning techniques. Styling technique: start on towel‑dried hair with a root‑lifting mousse; blow‑dry using a medium round brush or diffuser to lift roots and shape the fringe. Create loose bends with a 1
Long Layered Blonde Beach Waves with Loose, Textured Curls
This voluminous, long layered style is ideal for naturally wavy to curly hair or for medium–thick hair types seeking soft, textured movement. Salon-cut long layers and face-framing pieces create lift at the crown and allow curls to cascade without bulk. To recreate: start on damp, detangled hair with a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then apply a curl cream or light mousse from roots to ends. Diffuse on low heat while scrunching to encourage formation, or air-dry for a softer wave. For definition, use a 3/4–1 curling wand on random mid-length sections, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly undone for a beachy finish. Tools: diffuser, wide-tooth comb, curling wand, sectioning clips. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, leave-in conditioner, curl cream or sea-salt spray, heat protectant, lightweight oil for ends, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires sectioning and finishing technique but is salon-friendly. Maintenance tips: pineapple or silk bonnet at night, refresh with water + curl cream or curl-refresh spray, trim layers every 8–12 weeks, and deep-condition weekly to preserve shine and elasticity.
Boho Double Dutch Crown Braids to Loose Textured Braids (Medium–Long Hair)
This boho-inspired style pairs small Dutch crown braids at the hairline with two loose, textured braids down the sides — ideal for medium to long hair and medium to thick texture. Fine hair can work when pre-texturized or slightly backcombed; very thick hair benefits from sectioning. Technique: create a center part, Dutch-braid a 1–2 in. section on each side from temple to crown, secure, then gather remaining lengths into two loose three-strand or rope braids. Pancake the braids and pull pieces gently to create volume and softness. Time: 20–35 minutes. Tools: fine tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, curling wand or flat iron for waves, and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, light volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt or texturizing spray, smoothing serum for ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braid skills and finishing technique. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizer, retighten elastics after sleep, tame flyaways with a dab of serum, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape. Re-curl pieces as needed for renewed wave.
Textured Pixie with Tousled Top and Side-Swept Fringe
A modern textured pixie with a tousled top and side-swept fringe, ideal for clients seeking an easy, contemporary short style. Best suited to straight to wavy hair in fine to medium densities; thicker hair can be softened with aggressive texturizing. The salon technique combines short clipper or scissor tapering at the sides and back with point-cut layers and razor-texturing on the crown to create movement and separation. To style at home: towel-dry, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray, blow-dry using fingers or a small round brush to lift the roots, and use a diffuser for natural waves. Define pieces with a pea-sized amount of matte paste or styling wax, twisting sections for separation. Tools: hairdryer with nozzle/diffuser, round brush, texturizing shears (in salon), clippers for tapering, and a small flat or curling iron for touch-ups. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, matte paste, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires a professional cut for the shape; daily styling takes 5–10 minutes. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, condition to prevent dryness, and refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray between washes.
Romantic Textured Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitability: Best for medium-to-long hair; works well on fine to medium density. Natural waves or loose curls are ideal—very straight hair will need pre-curling, while very thick hair may require sectioning or light thinning and/or extensions for equal volume. Styling technique: Begin on clean, towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse. Blow-dry with a round brush for lift, or diffuse for natural texture. Create medium-sized curls with a 1–1.25” curling wand and let cool. Backcomb the crown lightly for lift, then gather sections and pin each curled loop into a soft, sculpted bun, leaving a few face-framing tendrils loose. Loosen pins and curls with fingers for a lived-in look, finish by setting strategically with spray. Tools needed: curling wand or hot rollers, sectioning clips, tail comb, teasing brush, assortment of bobby pins and hair elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing spray, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires curling and precise pinning. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillow or loose bun, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of spray, and retouch tendrils with a quick wand curl as needed.
Textured Low Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Soft, textured low bun with loose face‑framing tendrils that reads modern and effortless. Best for shoulder‑length to long hair and suitable for straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures; fine hair will benefit from texturizing products or light backcombing, while thick hair may require extra pins to secure. Start with dry hair: apply heat protectant, then a texturizing or sea‑salt spray through mid-lengths and ends. Create loose bends with a 1–1.25 curling iron or rough-dry for natural movement. Gather hair at the nape, twist into a loose bun and secure with an elastic, anchoring with bobby pins; leave a few front pieces out and use the pinch‑and‑pull technique at the crown to soften and add lift. Tools and products: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling iron (optional), elastics, varied-length bobby pins, dry shampoo or texture spray, light flexible hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium, 10–25 minutes depending on density. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin loose bits, sleep on silk, avoid heavy oils at roots, and trim face‑framing layers every 8–12 weeks.
As a stylist, my final advice is to choose a QW hairstyle that matches your lifestyle, hair density, and maintenance willingness. From the 32 images in this gallery you can pick a shape and color palette, then ask your colorist about face-framing highlights, root smudging, or low-maintenance glossing techniques. Protect hair with a UV and heat-protectant spray, trim every 6–12 weeks to keep edges crisp, and use a protein+moisture rotation if your hair has been lightened. For styling, invest in a quality round brush, a medium-barrel curling iron, and a lightweight flexible hairspray. When trying new textures, start with texturizing spray on damp hair and finish with a cool blast to set waves without stiffness. Book a consultation with your stylist and bring at least 3 of the 32 images so you can discuss realistic outcomes, timeline, and at-home upkeep. Ill always prioritize hair health — it’s the foundation of any beautiful QW look.