Surfer hair is more than just a haircut. It is a symbol of a relaxed and adventurous lifestyle. Whether you actually hit the waves every morning or you just want to look like you do, surfer hairstyles are a great choice. They are known for being messy, textured, and full of life.
The beauty of this look is that it does not have to be perfect. In fact, the less perfect it is, the better it looks. It is all about that just came from the beach vibe. This style has stayed popular for decades because it works for almost every hair type.
In this guide, we will look at the best surfer hairstyles for guys. We will cover everything from short and easy cuts to long and flowing styles. You will also learn how to style your hair to get that salty, sun-kissed texture at home.
Cool Men’s Surfer Hairstyle
There are many ways to wear surfer hair. It is not just one specific look. Depending on your hair type and how much time you want to spend styling it, you can find a version that fits you perfectly. Let’s look at some of the most popular options available today.
Brushed Back Flow
The brushed back flow is a classic look for men with medium to long hair. It involves growing your hair out so it has enough weight to fall naturally toward the back of your head. This style looks best when the hair has a bit of natural wave.
To get this look, you do not want your hair to look flat. It should have plenty of volume. You can achieve this by using a bit of sea salt spray while your hair is still damp. Then, use your fingers to brush it back instead of a fine-tooth comb.
This allows the hair to stay grouped in natural sections. It creates a flow that looks effortless. It is a great option if you want a style that looks good at the office but even better at the beach.
Crew Cut
You might not think of a crew cut as a surfer style, but it is very practical for actual surfers. When you are in the water, you do not want hair falling in your eyes. A crew cut keeps things short and clean while still allowing for some texture on top.
For a surfer version of the crew cut, keep the top just a little bit longer than a traditional military cut. This extra length allows you to use a matte paste to create a messy, textured look. It is the ultimate low-maintenance style.
If you have thick hair, this cut is perfect. It removes a lot of the weight and keeps you cool during the hot summer months. It is simple, masculine, and very easy to manage.
Tousled Shag
The tousled shag is a very popular surfer hairstyle for guys who like a bit of a retro look. This style is all about layers. By cutting the hair into different lengths, you create a lot of natural movement.
The shag look works incredibly well for men with medium hair. It should look a bit messy, as if you just woke up and went straight to the shore. The layers help prevent the hair from looking like a heavy helmet.
To style a shag, you really only need a texturizing product. You want to highlight the different lengths and let them fall where they want. It is a very forgiving style that does not require frequent trips to the barber.
Messy Bun
When your hair gets long, the messy bun becomes your best friend. This is a staple for surfers who have spent months or years growing out their locks. It is practical because it keeps your hair out of your face while you are active.
A surfer’s messy bun should not look too tight or neat. You want some loose strands to fall out around the ears and the back of the neck. This adds to the relaxed aesthetic.
To do this, simply pull your hair back and loop it through a hair tie. Do not worry about making it perfect. The more undone it looks, the more it fits the surfer theme.
Messy, Short Hair
If you prefer shorter hair, you can still get the surfer vibe. Surfer hairstyles short options usually focus on texture. Even with only two or three inches of hair, you can create a beachy look.
The key is to avoid using heavy gels that make the hair look shiny or stiff. Instead, use a matte clay or a sea salt spray. Apply the product and use your fingers to scrunch the hair upward.
This creates tiny peaks and valleys in the hair that mimic the look of salt-dried locks. It is a sharp look that works well for guys who want a beach style that still feels groomed.
Long, Curly Hair
Natural curls and surfer styles go hand in hand. Long, curly hair has a lot of volume and personality. When grown out to shoulder length, curls create a very iconic coastal look.
Curls tend to get dry, so it is important to keep them hydrated. Use a leave-in conditioner to make sure your curls stay defined rather than frizzy. The sun and salt can also lighten the ends of the curls, which looks great.
You do not need to do much to style this. Just let your curls air dry. The weight of the hair will pull them down into a nice shape that frames your face.
Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are perhaps the most famous of all surfer looks. This style is for hair that is not quite straight but not fully curly. It sits right in the middle with a gentle S shape.
To get beachy waves, most guys need a little help from a salt spray. The salt helps the hair clump together into those classic waves. It adds a bit of grit and hold without making the hair feel crunchy.
This style looks best when it is medium length, reaching down to the chin or the shoulders. It is the look most people think of when they hear the term surfer hair.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks have a long history in surf culture. They are a very bold choice and require a lot of commitment. For surfers, dreads are practical because they keep long hair contained and away from the face.
They also handle salt water very well. In fact, many people find that the salt helps the locking process. This style is all about texture and patience.
If you choose this look, remember that it takes time to maintain. You will need to keep your scalp clean and ensure the locks stay healthy. It is a unique and powerful look that stands out in any crowd.
Short Curls
If you have curly hair but want to keep it short, you can still achieve a surfer aesthetic. Short curls look great when they are allowed to be a bit wild. You can keep the sides a little shorter to give the hair some shape.
The top should have enough length for the curls to form. Use a light cream to keep them from getting too puffy. This look is very youthful and full of energy.
It is also very easy to take care of. You can simply wash it, add a tiny bit of product, and go. It is a great way to embrace your natural texture.
Long, Straight Hair
Straight hair can also be a surfer style. The trick is to make sure it does not look too flat or boring. Long, straight hair needs some movement to fit the beach vibe.
You can achieve this by having your stylist add some invisible layers. These layers are not easily seen but they help the hair move more freely. You can also use a bit of dry shampoo at the roots to give it some lift.
Even if your hair is naturally very straight, salt spray can give it a bit of rough texture. This keeps it from looking like you just stepped out of a hair salon.
Comb Over Taper Fade
For a more modern take on the surfer look, you can try a comb over taper fade. This style blends the classic beach top with a more modern, clean side. The sides are faded down to the skin or very short hair.
The top is kept long and swept to one side. Unlike a traditional professional comb over, this one should be loose and textured. It should look like the wind pushed your hair over rather than a comb.
This is a great option for guys who need to look professional for work but want to keep their surfer identity. It is a best of both worlds hairstyle.
Blonde Medium Curtains
The curtains look was huge in the 90s and has made a big comeback. For a surfer version, having medium-length blonde hair is the classic choice. The hair is parted down the middle, allowing it to frame the face on both sides.
This style works best if your hair has a bit of natural wave. If your hair is blonde, the sun will naturally create highlights that make this look pop. It is a very relaxed and slightly nostalgic style.
To keep it looking modern, avoid making the part too straight. Use your fingers to part your hair so it looks more natural.
Faux Hawk Fade
The faux hawk fade is for guys who want a bit more edge to their look. It involves keeping the hair long in the middle from the forehead to the back of the head. The sides are then faded short.
To give it a surfer twist, do not style it into a sharp point. Instead, use a matte product to give the middle section a messy, textured lift. It should look like a wave of hair.
This style is very energetic and looks great on men with oval or round face shapes. It adds height and makes the face look more balanced.
Short, Loose Curls
Short, loose curls are perfect for a low-effort beach look. If your curls are not very tight, you can let them fall naturally over your forehead. This creates a soft and approachable appearance.
This style does not need much product. A little bit of sea salt spray is usually enough to give the curls some definition. It is a very comfortable style for the summer heat.
It also hides the fact that you might have skipped a haircut for a few weeks. The messier it gets, the better it looks.
Buzz Cut
A buzz cut is the ultimate choice for the serious athlete. If you spend hours in the ocean every day, you might not want to deal with any hair at all. A buzz cut is clean, cool, and requires zero styling.
To make a buzz cut feel more like a surfer choice, you can go for a slightly longer guard. This allows your natural hair color to show through. Some surfers even bleach their buzz cuts for a high-contrast look.
It is a very bold and masculine choice. It also makes your morning routine incredibly fast.
Slick Back
The slick back is usually seen as a formal style, but it can be adapted for the beach. Instead of using shiny pomade, use a matte product or just some salt spray. Push the hair back while it is damp.
As it dries, it will hold the shape but look much more natural. It gives off a just-out-of-the-water look that stays in place. This is a good choice for medium-length hair.
It keeps the hair out of your eyes while giving you a very clean and sharp silhouette. It is a classic look that never goes out of style.
Long Flowing Blonde Hair
This is perhaps the most iconic surfer hair of all time. Think of the classic images of surfers from the 1960s and 70s. Long, blonde hair that reaches past the shoulders is a true statement.
If you are not naturally blonde, many surfers use sun-lightening techniques to brighten their hair in the sun. The salt water also helps to lighten the hair over time.
This style requires a lot of patience to grow out. You also need to take care of the ends so they do not become too damaged by the sun and salt. Using a good conditioner is a must.
Crew Cut Fade
The crew cut fade is a variation that adds a bit more style to the basic crew cut. By adding a fade on the sides, you make the top stand out more. It looks very modern and sharp.
On top, you keep that messy surfer texture. This creates a cool contrast between the clean sides and the wild top. It is a very popular choice for younger guys.
It is also very functional. It stays out of your way while you are surfing or playing sports, but still looks trendy when you go out at night.
Long Comb Over
A long comb over is a great way to manage long hair without putting it in a bun. You simply sweep most of your hair to one side of your head. This creates a lot of volume and a very dramatic look.
This style works best with hair that is at least six inches long. The weight of the hair helps it stay to one side. You can use a light cream to help guide the hair if it is being stubborn.
It is a very relaxed look that shows off the health and length of your hair. It also frames the face in a very flattering way.
Thick Wavy Fringe
If you have thick hair, a wavy fringe is a great way to show it off. This style keeps the hair long enough to fall over your forehead. The fringe or bangs should have a lot of texture.
Do not cut the bangs in a straight line. They should be choppy and uneven. This makes the look feel much more like a surfer style and less like a standard haircut.
This look is great for hiding a large forehead or for adding some balance to a long face shape. It is a very stylish and modern choice.
Middle Part
The middle part is a simple way to style medium to long hair. It is very easy to do and looks great on most face shapes. By parting the hair in the middle, you let it fall naturally on both sides.
For a surfer vibe, make sure the hair has some volume. You do not want it to stick flat to the sides of your head. Use some salt spray to give the roots a bit of a lift.
This style is very versatile. You can wear it down, or easily tuck the hair behind your ears if you need to focus.
Brush Forward with Undercut
An undercut is where the sides and back are cut very short, while the top stays long. Brushing the hair forward creates a unique and modern surfer look.
This style is all about the contrast. The long, messy hair falling forward over the short sides looks very intentional and stylish. It is a great way to manage very thick hair.
You can use a bit of wax to style the front so it has some clumpy texture. This makes it look like you just came in from a windy day at the beach.
Wavy Textured Crop
A textured crop is a short hairstyle that is all about the details. The hair is cut into many small layers to create as much texture as possible. This is one of the best surfer hairstyles for guys who want a modern look.
It is very easy to style. You just need a tiny bit of matte clay. Rub it between your hands and then mess up your hair until you like how it looks.
It is a very cool look that feels very current. It works well for all hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly.
Modern Quiff
The quiff involves brushing the hair upward and backward from the forehead. For a surfer version, keep it messy. You do not want a perfectly groomed quiff.
Instead, you want a quiff that looks like it was shaped by the ocean breeze. Use a blow dryer and your fingers to get the height, then add a bit of sea salt spray for hold.
This style is great for adding height to your look. It is a very confident and stylish choice that works well for many different occasions.
Messy Combed Over Hair
This is a more relaxed version of the comb over. Instead of a neat part, you just push all your hair to one side with your hands. It should look very informal.
This style is great for guys with medium hair. It allows the natural waves of your hair to be the star of the show. It is a very approachable and friendly look.
It is also one of the easiest styles to maintain. If it falls out of place, you just run your fingers through it and you are good to go again.
Short Messy Waves
Short messy waves are perfect if you do not want to deal with long hair but still love the beachy look. By keeping the hair around three to four inches long, you have enough length for waves to form.
Use a bit of product to keep the waves from getting frizzy. This look is very neat but still has that adventurous spirit. It is a great choice for students or professionals.
It looks very natural and does not look like you spent a lot of time in front of the mirror. This is the essence of surfer style.
Long Wavy Hair
Finally, we have long wavy hair. This is the ultimate natural surfer look. It is simply your hair grown out to its natural potential.
The waves add volume and movement. When the wind hits this hair, it looks incredible. It is a very free-spirited look that says you are at home in nature.
To keep long hair looking its best, make sure to trim the ends every few months. This prevents split ends and keeps the hair looking thick and healthy from root to tip.
What Is The Surfer Haircut?
A surfer haircut is defined by its texture and relaxed feel. It is inspired by the way hair looks after being exposed to sun, wind, and salt water. The salt in the ocean water dries out the hair slightly, creating a gritty texture that allows it to clump together in natural waves.
The sun also bleaches the hair, creating natural highlights. A surfer haircut aims to mimic these natural elements. It is usually characterized by being a bit messy and undone. It is the opposite of a stiff, formal hairstyle.
Most surfer cuts involve layers. These layers help the hair move and prevent it from looking too heavy. Whether the hair is short or long, the goal is always to look effortless and ready for the outdoors.
What Length of Hair Works Best?
One of the best things about surfer hairstyles is that they work with almost any length. There is no perfect length for this look. It depends on your personal preference and how much work you want to put into it.
Short hair is great for ease and function. It is perfect if you are very active. Medium hair is very popular because it is long enough to show off waves and texture but short enough to manage easily.
Long hair is the most traditional surfer look. It offers the most flow and movement. However, long hair takes the most time to grow and requires more care to keep it healthy. Ultimately, the best length is the one that makes you feel most confident.
How To Get Surfer Hair
You do not need to live near the ocean to get the surfer look. With the right steps and products, you can recreate this style anywhere. Here is a simple guide to getting the perfect beachy texture.
Wash Hair with Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner
Start with a clean base. Use a volumizing shampoo to help give your hair some lift. This is especially important if you have fine or flat hair.
When using conditioner, only apply it to the ends of your hair. If you put conditioner on your roots, it can weigh the hair down and make it look greasy. You want your roots to be light and bouncy.
Use Texturizing Sea Salt Spray on Wet Hair
Sea salt spray is the secret weapon for surfer hair. It mimics the effect of the ocean. While your hair is still damp from the shower, spray it generously all over.
The salt will add grip to your hair. This helps the strands stick together in small groups, which is how waves are formed. It is the most important step for getting that authentic beach look.
Scrunch Your Hair
Once the spray is in, use your hands to scrunch your hair. Take a section of hair in your palm and squeeze it upward toward your scalp.
This physical movement helps to encourage the natural waves and curls in your hair. Do this all over your head until you see the texture starting to form. This replaces the need for a comb or brush.
Dry Your Hair
The best way to dry surfer hair is to let it air dry. This allows the hair to settle into its natural shape without being disturbed. If you have the time, just let nature do its work.
If you are in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. A diffuser spreads out the air so it does not blow your waves apart. Use a low heat setting to avoid damaging your hair.
Add A Styling Product with Hold
Once your hair is dry, you might need a little extra hold to keep the look all day. Use a matte clay or a light wax. Stay away from anything that adds shine, as surfer hair should look dry and natural.
Take a small amount of product and rub it between your fingers. Gently pull it through the ends of your hair to define the waves. This will help your style stay in place even if it gets windy.
Popular Hair Products For Surfer Styles
To keep your surfer hair looking great, you should have a few key products in your bathroom. These will help you maintain the texture and health of your hair.
Sea salt spray is the most essential item. Look for one that contains natural minerals. Dry shampoo is also very helpful for adding volume at the roots and absorbing extra oil.
A good leave-in conditioner is important for guys with long or curly hair. It protects the hair from getting too dry. Finally, a matte styling clay or paste will give you the hold you need without making your hair look like you are wearing product.
Using these tools will help you achieve the best surfer hairstyles with very little effort. The key is to keep it simple and let your hair’s natural beauty shine through.
Conclusion
Surfer hairstyles are a timeless choice for men who want a look that is both stylish and relaxed. From the short and practical buzz cut to the iconic long flowing blonde hair, there is a version of this style for everyone.
By focusing on texture and using the right products like sea salt spray, you can bring the spirit of the beach to your daily life. Remember that the best surfer hairstyles are the ones that feel natural to you.
Do not be afraid to let your hair get a little messy. That is the whole point. Whether you are actually surfing or just heading to work, these styles will keep you looking sharp and feeling confident every single day.
