Classic surfer hair looks like it was dried by sea air and never touched again, but most versions rely on a cut that encourages movement plus a light product. The styles in this gallery span every length: a short textured crop with a quiff, a soft mullet with centre-parted curtain bangs, the surfer curtains cut that can be flipped left or right, medium waves brushed back, neck-length defined curls, a shaggy razor-cut mullet with a 70s mood and long, flowing mid-length hair.
Natural wave or curl makes this look easiest, but straight hair can get there with layers, choppy ends and sea salt spray. Thick hair benefits from layering to take out bulk, while fine hair needs volumising mousse at the roots so it does not lie flat.
Face shape matters for parting. Centre parts with curtain bangs soften a square jaw, while side parts and off-centre fringes suit rounder faces. Shorter options, like the temple fade with curls or the slick-back taper, need trims every three to four weeks, whereas longer surf styles can go months between cuts.
1. Brushed-Back Beach Waves
Medium waves brushed back from the face suit an active lifestyle and keep plenty of natural texture. Sergio Slavnov suggests a lightweight volumising mousse with herbal extracts to give lift and body without weighing the hair down.
Inspiration: @bestmenshaircutsnyc
2. With Wind-Swept Layers
Thick hair already has fullness, so wind-swept layers are all it takes to get this relaxed beach look. Layering removes bulk and leaves the hair light enough to move freely, echoing the motion of ocean waves.
Inspiration: @chris_ingle__
3. With Long Curtain Bangs
Bruno Brongar created this tousled surf look with highlighted curtain bangs and a deliberately messy finish. Spray volumiser at the roots of the fringe and rough it up with your fingers to keep it lifted and loose.
Inspiration: @brunobrongar
4. With Laid-Back Curls
Longer curls brushed back keep hair off the face without cutting length. Work a curl-defining product into damp hair, comb the curls backward and lock them in place with a light-hold spray. It is simple enough to recreate at home in a few minutes.
Inspiration: @brixway
5. Medium Mullet Cut
A soft medium mullet with centre-parted curtain bangs brings an easy surfer feel through longer nape hair and shorter sides. Straight hair suits the cut well, gaining texture and volume with little effort. The longer nape keeps the shape interesting as it grows.
Inspiration: @monroedelsolehair
6. Undercut Surfer Style
Subtle undercut temples blend into longer hair on top and at the back, adding drama to a messy slick back. The contrast gives the effortless surfer look a sharper, more modern edge. Ask for the temples to be blended rather than shaved to bare skin for a softer transition.
Inspiration: @mattyrulo_barber
7. Long Flowing Hairstyle
Mid-length flowing hair lets natural texture take centre stage in true surf-culture style. No routine is really needed; a slightly messy, nonchalant finish is exactly the point. A light leave-in conditioner keeps the ends from drying out in sun and saltwater, and a trim every few months removes split ends without losing length.
Inspiration: @marielentz.haare
8. With a Textured Quiff
Prefer short hair? A textured crop with a quiff captures the surfer mood in a compact cut. Use pomade to create spiky texture at the front, and tousle the rest for a casual, undone feel.
Inspiration: @antonbarbers
9. Defined Beach Curls
Golden blonde highlights brighten defined curls for an unmistakable surfer look. Longer curls need more care, so diffuse with a curl-defining product to get springy, bouncy ringlets. Blonde pieces look most natural when placed where the sun would lighten hair, around the face and on the top layer.
Inspiration: @hairbunney
10. “Wet Look” Hairstyle
Strong-hold gel creates a just-out-of-the-water finish on this shaggy cut. Rough it up slightly for a relaxed look, or comb it back for something more polished. Apply the gel to damp hair for the shiniest result, and avoid touching it once it begins to set so the texture stays piecey.
Inspiration: @hannahs.hairs
11. Side-Parted Soft Waves
Soft, side-parted waves evoke a summer beach mood. Part the hair to one side, lift it at the roots for that rolling wave shape and set it with a light mist of hairspray. Medium-length straight or wavy hair suits it best.
Inspiration: @chris_doesmyhair
12. Middle-Parted Taper Cut
Middle parts are not for every face, but they work especially well with a square jaw. Curtain bangs and medium, flowing lengths soften strong features and look sharp paired with glasses. Ask your barber to keep the sides tapered so the volume stays where you want it.
Inspiration: @brunobrongar
13. Surfer Shaggy Mullet
Shaggy layers and framing bangs give this long mullet its iconic surfer look. Ask for a half-razor, half-scissor cut, and add a moustache if you want to lean into the retro seventies mood. The razor work breaks up the ends so the layers move freely.
Inspiration: @tashdollars
14. Slick-Back Taper Cut
Tapered sides give a clean, polished base that suits any occasion, while longer hair on top keeps styling flexible. Wear it smoothed back, swept to the side or pushed forward into a fringe. A matte paste gives hold without shine for a more natural finish.
Inspiration: @thebyrdsnest
15. Medium Haircut with Choppy Ends
Neck-length straight hair gains texture from a slightly choppy cut at the ends. Tuck it behind the ears to keep it off your face for a relaxed day at the beach. Let it air-dry after a swim for an authentic beach texture.
Inspiration: @marielentz.haare
16. “Surfer Curtains” Haircut
Sergio Slavnov describes this cut as centre-parted with front length worn like a curtain bang that can be flipped either way. For straight-to-wavy hair he recommends sculpting foam on damp hair, scrunching, air-drying and finishing with extra-hold spray.
Inspiration: @bestmenshaircutsnyc
17. With Off-Centered Wavy Bangs
Off-centre wavy bangs and beachy texture celebrate a relaxed surf mood on short hair. Wavy hair looks best a bit tousled, so keep a sea salt or texturising spray on hand. Scrunch it through damp hair and let it dry without brushing to keep the waves intact.
Inspiration: @hair_by_teodor
18. Temple Fade with Curls
Faded temples emphasise the volume of loose curls on top. Trim the sides every three to four weeks to keep them crisp, or let them grow so the curls can frame the face. The tight sides make the curls on top look even fuller.
Inspiration: @mh_nogent94
19. Neck-Length Surfer Curls
Naturally curly hair is best cut dry so the stylist can judge the true length. Keep neck-length curls defined with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and a curl cream for a glossy, wet-look finish. Scrunch out any crunch once the curls are fully dry.
Inspiration: @lisa_blissondune
20. Medium Natural Curls
Longer, untamed curls are a fresh option for men moving on from shorter cuts. Learn to work with your texture, then wear the curls loose, in a bun or tied back in a low ponytail.
Inspiration: @barba_boutique
Asking your barber for a surfer cut
- Bring a photo and say whether you want the length kept at the front, the back or all over.
- Ask for texturising with a razor or point cutting so the ends look broken up instead of blunt.
- For a mullet or shag version, request shaggy layers through the crown and longer framing pieces at the front.
- Mention if you plan to grow it out so the cut can be shaped to pass through awkward lengths more easily.
Getting the beachy finish at home
Towel-dry, then spray sea salt or texturising spray through damp hair and scrunch with your hands. Air-dry where possible, or diffuse on low heat if your hair falls flat. Curly hair responds better to a curl cream and a diffuser than salt spray, which can dry curls out. Sun and saltwater are hard on hair, so use a sulfate-free shampoo, condition the lengths every wash and rinse with fresh water after the beach or pool.