PL
UASurfer hair is one of those styles that look as if you have just come back from the beach – slightly tousled, with natural texture, without a stiff shape or hairspray. The beach-hair look has taken over salons, magazine covers and Instagram feeds. The best part? You can get it whether you live by the sea or hundreds of kilometres from the water.
In this guide you will learn what surfer hair is, its main variations, how to get the look step by step, which products to use and which hair types it suits best.
Surfer hair – what is it?
Surfer hair (also called a surfer haircut) is a style with a natural, “undone” texture. It is not about mess – it is controlled disorder that looks as if wind and salt water did the work. The hair is usually slightly wavy or loosely curled, falls freely and has visible volume.
Key features of surfer hair:
- Length – usually medium to long (from ear to shoulder length or longer), although there is a shorter version
- Texture – wavy, irregular, with natural movement
- Finish – matte, not shiny, as if unstyled
- Colour – often with natural, sun-kissed highlights
It is a style that looks “zero effort” but, paradoxically, needs a few important steps to look really good.
Types of surfer hair
There is no single surfer look. Below are the three most popular variants – they differ in length, intensity of texture and how hard they are to style.
Classic surfer hair – medium length
The most recognisable variant. The hair reaches the ears or just below, and the hairdresser texturises the ends to make them lighter. It works on straight and wavy hair, is fairly easy to maintain and looks good both every day and for special occasions.
Surfer curtains – the longer version
Surfer curtains is a variant in which the hair is parted in the middle and falls on both sides of the face, partly covering the forehead. It is a nod to the 90s style that has made a strong comeback. It needs longer hair – at least cheek length – and works on both straight and slightly wavy hair.
Short surfer – the shorter alternative
If you prefer shorter hair but like the surfer vibe, short surfer hair is for you. The front reaches the forehead or just above the eyebrows; the texture is less pronounced but still visible. It is often combined with slightly shorter or clipped sides.
Surfer hair types compared
| Type | Hair length | Texture | Styling difficulty | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic surfer hair | Medium (to the ears) | Moderate, natural waves | Easy | Straight and wavy hair |
| Surfer curtains | Long (cheek length and longer) | Pronounced, slightly wavy | Medium | Wavy and loosely curled hair |
| Short surfer | Short (at the forehead) | Light, subtle | Easy | All hair types |
| Surfer + curls | Medium to long | Intense, curly | Easy–medium | Curly hair |
How to get surfer hair – step by step
Now for the main part – how to get beach hair yourself. Below is a full tutorial you can follow at home. Remember, though, that the foundation of a good surfer look is the right haircut with texturising – something worth leaving to an experienced hairdresser.
Step 1: The right length – how long to grow it?
Surfer hair does not work on very short hair. You need at least a few centimetres at the front for the effect to show. For classic surfer hair, 8–12 cm on top is ideal; for curtains, at least 12–15 cm at the front.
If you are only starting to grow your hair, be patient! The in-between phase – too short for surfer hair, too long for a classic short cut – is the so-called awkward stage. Get through it and it will be worth it.
Step 2: The cut – texturising is the basis
Surfer hair needs properly cut ends that create a natural, irregular texture. The hairdresser should use texturising scissors or the point-cutting technique so the ends are light and feathery rather than blunt and heavy.
You can try it yourself with scissors at home, but to be honest, texturising done by an experienced hairdresser looks incomparably better – surfer hair lives in the details. Check the men’s haircut prices and walk into any Haircut Express salon without an appointment.
Step 3: Sea salt spray – the heart of the surfer look
Sea salt spray is an absolute must for surfer hair. It imitates the effect of salty sea water – it adds texture, separates strands and creates natural waves.
How to apply it:
- Towel-dry your hair (it should be damp, not wet).
- Apply the spray along the whole length, starting at the roots.
- Scrunch the hair lightly with your hands to form waves.
- Do not comb it! Combing destroys the effect.
Step 4: Air-drying vs a hairdryer
Air-drying is the preferred method for surfer hair – it gives more organic, irregular waves. Let your hair dry on its own and run your fingers through it from time to time. The result looks authentic and keeps natural movement.
A hairdryer with a diffuser is a good alternative when you are short of time. Use a low temperature and the diffuser attachment, holding it against your head for a few seconds in one place before moving on. Do not use a hairdryer without a diffuser – it will smooth the texture and spoil the effect.
Step 5: The finish – the messy look
Once your hair is dry, it is time to finish. You can use:
- Texturising paste – apply a small amount to the ends and work it in with your fingers
- Matte pomade – for more control over the shape without shine
- Light wax – if you want the shape to last longer
Key rule: less is more. Too much product will make your hair look greasy rather than beachy.
Products for surfer hair – what to choose?
A good surfer look rests on three types of product: sea salt spray, texturising paste and matte pomade. Here is what each of them does.
Sea salt spray
Salt spray is the foundation of surfer styling. It creates natural texture and waves without heat. Sprays with nourishing ingredients (for example argan oil or aloe) work best, so they do not dry hair out with daily use.
What to look for: sea salt plus moisturising ingredients, no heavy drying alcohols, and suitability for both damp and dry hair.
Texturising paste
Texturising paste adds volume and grip – it makes hair look thicker and fuller. It is ideal for the ends and mid-lengths. Apply it to dry hair, working it in with your fingers rather than a comb.
Matte pomade
Matte pomade is the finishing product for the surfer look – it holds the shape, adds no shine and avoids an overly neat look. A good matte pomade keeps a natural appearance all day. You will find more on choosing styling products in our guide to pomade, wax, clay and cream.
Surfer hair and your hair type
Surfer hair is more accessible than it might seem – it works on many hair types, although each needs a slightly different approach.
Straight hair – how to add texture?
On straight hair, waves will not appear by themselves – you need to create them. Sea salt spray applied to damp hair and air-drying without touching will give you surprisingly good waves. If that is not enough, gently twist the strands while drying with a diffuser.
Wavy and curly hair – the natural surfer
Do you have naturally wavy or loosely curled hair? Congratulations – surfer hair was made for you. A good salt spray and air-drying or a diffuser are enough to make your hair look like after a day at the beach. The key here is the right cut – too much weight at the ends pulls the waves down. The hairdresser should lighten the ends while keeping natural movement.
Fine hair – is surfer hair an option?
Absolutely! Fine hair and surfer hair can work together, with a few caveats. Heavier products, especially some pomades, can weigh fine strands down, so choose a light spray and a minimal amount of paste. A cut with texturising will make the hair look thicker and give it more movement.
Surfer hair and a salon haircut – why it matters
Salt spray and good intentions are not enough if the hair is not cut properly. Surfer hair needs precise texturising, the right shape and – if you want curtains – a correct middle parting. A hairdresser who understands this style can make even hard-to-style hair cooperate.
At Haircut Express you can walk in without an appointment, choose a salon near you and talk to a hairdresser who will help you pick the right version of surfer hair for your hair type, face shape and lifestyle. Find your nearest Haircut Express salon.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about surfer hair
How do I get surfer hair?
Start with the right cut with texturising, apply sea salt spray to damp hair and let it air-dry or use a diffuser. You also need enough length – at least a few centimetres on top. The effect is strongest on wavy and curly hair, but it is achievable on straight hair too.
How long does my hair need to be for surfer hair?
For classic surfer hair you need about 8–12 cm on top. Surfer curtains need at least 12–15 cm at the front so the strands fall to the sides of the face. A short surfer look works from about 5–7 cm on top.
Which product is best for surfer hair?
The basic product is sea salt spray – it imitates salty sea water and adds natural texture. For the finish, use a matte texturising paste or a matte pomade. Avoid strong-hold gels and shiny products – they ruin the beach effect.
Does surfer hair suit everyone?
It works on most hair types (straight, wavy, curly, fine) and many face shapes. It looks best on oval, rectangular and heart-shaped faces. With a round face, keep a little more volume on top and avoid very fluffy sides.
How do I look after surfer hair every day?
Wash your hair 2–3 times a week rather than daily, apply sea salt spray after washing and air-dry or diffuse. Use a moisturising mask from time to time, because salt spray can dry hair out, and get a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the shape and light ends.
What is the difference between surfer hair and surfer curtains?
Surfer hair is the general name for the whole style of tousled beach hair. Surfer curtains is a specific variant in which longer hair is parted in the middle and falls on both sides of the face, like curtains. It needs more length and a bit more care with the parting.
Summary – surfer hair in a few steps
Surfer hair combines freedom with good looks. It is not about perfection – it is about naturalness, movement and that summer-by-the-ocean feeling. Start with a good haircut, use a good sea salt spray and let your hair breathe.
If you want to get this look with the help of a professional – without an appointment, in 38 salons across Poland – check the men’s haircut prices and find your nearest Haircut Express salon. Come in, show a photo and say “surfer hair” – the rest is in good hands.
Read also
- Pomade, wax, clay, cream – which styling product is right for you?
- A ponytail isn’t everything – hairstyles for long men’s hair
- How to cut curly hair? Which hairstyles do we recommend for curls?
- Washing hair in cold or warm water – what does science say?
- How often should you get a haircut? Facts and myths
