The iconic surfer hairstyle is a casually cool, carefree and stylish look that effortlessly captures the beachy aesthetic and the sport’s adventurous spirit. The most popular surfer-inspired haircuts generally feature luscious and loose medium-to-long hair with bleached blonde highlights or natural sun streaks for a healthy, textured finish.
Versatile and irresistible, some of our favorite looks include flowy wavy styles, messy short cuts, long beachy curls, shaggy hair and tousled side-swept locks. While easy to create, natural elements like the sun, wind and salty sea water add character to create ruggedly handsome beach hair.
Whether you’re hitting the beach or riding the waves, these classic and charming haircut styles symbolize the heart of surfer culture.
In this article, we’ll explore the most quintessential surfer hairstyles for men that will keep you looking attractive and fresh throughout the year.
Popular Surfer Haircuts
Long Surfer Curls
Long surfer curls give you an effortlessly bohemian look that you can maintain with some salt water. The textured curls can range from loose waves to tight coils and tend to look unstructured. Add sun-kissed highlights for more dimension and muss up your curls with sea salt spray.
Messy Man Bun with Full Beard
A messy man bun with a full beard is a practical style that lets you ride serious waves while keeping your locks in place. The messy, pulled-back style offers a relaxed aesthetic but improves your visibility by minimizing distracting flyaways. Pair your hipster updo with a rugged full beard for an extra dose of masculinity.
Side Part with High Taper
A classy side part with a cool high taper is a timeless surfer haircut that lets you shamelessly channel your inner Baywatch Bro for a functional, polished look. The textured part gives this cut structure, and the tapered sides keep the style breezy and comfortable. You can vary the hair length on top and keep your style in place with a strong-hold pomade or clay.
Textured Long Straight Hair
Long and textured straight hair is easier to work with than a mop of curls, giving you a refreshing, beach-ready look with minimal styling. If you have straight hair, increase the wind resistance of your locks and add enviable texture with a spritz of sea salt spray. For overnight styling, sleep in damp braids.
Messy Style with Beard
As the signature short surfer hairstyle, classic shaggy waves with a beard offers laid-back beach bums a casual and carefree vibe. Tousled locks are more wind-resistant and, if you’ve already styled your strands, you won’t need to worry about your hair getting out of place. Work in subtle layers to give your tousled style more dimension and balance your look with a full beard and mustache.
Masculine Buzz Cut
A buzz cut is an excellent choice for surfers who refuse to be held back by their hair. The uniform, short length around the head leaves little hair to catch in the wind. For regular surfer dudes, this style also eliminates the chance of tangles or large knots from regular saltwater exposure. During the summer months, capture the hearts of Bondi Babes by bleaching your buzz for a striking look.
Brushed Forward Waves
Brushed forward waves offer a natural, beachy look that requires minimal styling between beach and land. Brushing the hair forward to create a makeshift fringe looks casual and sexy with naturally textured locks. Scissor-cut the sides or ask for a subtle taper to pull focus to your messy mop.
Messy Short Top with Low Skin Fade
A messy short top is a flattering cut for thick hair that gets impressive dimension from a low skin fade. The short hair dries quickly, and you can lock your style in place with a water-resistant pomade for all-day hold. Throwing faded sides into the mix lets you transition from the board to the bar with a trendy and modern touch.
Classic Locs
Classic dreadlocks are a relaxed and durable style for surfers who want minimal upkeep and hair that can be easily washed after a day at the beach. Weighted and low-maintenance, your dreads will stay put in windy conditions, making it the perfect choice for battling ocean breezes. Embracing your natural texture is also in keeping with the carefree vibe of the surfing world. While historically a protective hairstyle for black men, any guy can appreciate this awesome bohemian vibe.
Thick, Medium Curly Hair
Thicker medium-length curly hair is usually more resistant to extreme conditions and lets you embrace your natural texture with style. The loose and unkempt locks will make you look like you just stepped off a board, and you can create a grungy texture with sea salt spray. For a more defined style with minimal flyaways, use a curl-enhancing cream.
Brushed Up Fringe with Short Sides
A brushed-up fringe with short sides makes a bold statement and can be spiked up for extra drama. Brushing the hair directly upward with a matte product creates a structured and fierce look with a retro edge. Get your sides closely cropped and throw in a connected beard for a masculine finish. To turn heads on the beach, dye your hair platinum blonde.
Classic Comb Over with Tapered Sides
A classic comb over is a versatile and elegant approach that complements an active lifestyle, making it perfect for surfer enthusiasts with careers. The sleek, locked-in look fights against windy conditions and the tapered sides dry quickly for those post-surf drinks.
Long Kinky Curls
Long, kinky curls are a natural style that embodies the awesome and casual vibe of the average surfer. When you hit the water, keep your hair pulled back with a slim hairband and tame frizz with a lightweight curling cream. Remember to keep your curls well-moisturized with conditioner to avoid damage from the drying salt water.
Cool Blonde Curtains Style
A trendy blonde curtains style is characterized by a middle parting and hair that sweeps to either side of the face. The simplicity of this style gives it natural movement, making it look unstructured but sexy. Match the Aussie surfer aesthetic by adding sun-kissed highlights to this longer, laid-back style.
Crew Cut Fade
A crew cut fade is a wearable style with a longer top and faded sides. The shorter length makes this cut perfect for warmer weather, and the buzzed sides offer sharp definition that can easily withstand the wind. Add a shaved line that cuts through to the brow for a badass finish.
Blonde Flowy Hair
Blonde, flowy hair beautifully reflects the relaxed vibe of living on the coast. Leave the hair lightly layered around the face and adjust the part to flatter your face shape. Blonde locks will also work well with the fierce natural tan you get from increased sun exposure.
Textured Quiff with Part and Tapered Sides
A textured quiff can be brushed upward and paired with a sharp part and tapered sides for a voluminous look with gorgeous contrast. You can use wax, pomade, wave spray or gel to hold your hair in place while battling the waves. To get the classic surfer look, lightly muss the hair and slick it back slightly to keep stray strands in place.
Heavy Textured Fringe with Cropped Sides
A heavy, textured fringe with cropped sides is a stylish choice for surfers who want a casual style that oozes youthful energy. Get this striking look by growing the hair out and creating a makeshift fringe with pomade at the front of the head. The final look will be grungy, but your locks can be pulled to the side if you need to neaten up for the beach bar.
Short Shaggy Hair All Over
Short, shaggy hair all over requires virtually zero styling or grooming and is the perfect pick for a windswept look. Leave the hair natural for a casual approach or gently tousle it with sea salt spray to create light waves. Pair it with a rugged beard for a look that screams “I Woke Up Like This”.
Short Curly Hair Fade
A short, curly hair fade removes hair from your face while bringing volume, texture and contrast to the table. Gradual tapering around the temples and ears creates a seamless transition from the bulk of curls on top. Try a high or bald fade and a smattering of stubble across the cheeks and chin for a more masculine look with flair.
Long Side Swept Waves
Long, side-swept waves create a dynamic, free-spirited style with movement and flow. The long strands are left to hang freely around the face, but you can easily throw your locks into a ponytail or bun to tackle the waves. To boost natural texture, use a curl cream on damp hair or leave your hair in braids before hitting the beach.
Buzz Cut with Mid Fade
A buzz cut with a mid fade is a low-maintenance, clean-cut style that proves you mean business. The faded back and sides bring dimension, while the minimal length on top dries almost instantly after leaving the water. To balance a rounder face, consider adding a connected beard.
Shaved Head
Ask your barber for a shaved head if you’re all about performance and minimizing grooming time. You’ll remove the need for drying entirely and get a streamlined look that cuts through brutal waves. Remember to slather on sunscreen to protect your scalp from ultraviolet rays.
Top Knot with Mid Skin Fade and Thick Facial Hair
A hipster top knot with a smooth mid skin fade and thick facial hair provides a fashionable look with striking contrast and impressive length. The height of the bun keeps hair out of your face while surfing, while the sides add breathtaking visual interest. Let your hair down if you need to smarten up or showcase your carefree nature.
Flowing Beachy Waves
If you’re blessed with bouncy locks, flowing beach waves can be a great way to showcase your natural good looks. Growing the hair out will take time, but a simple scrunch of sea salt spray is all you’ll need for an effortless, beachy aesthetic.
Textured Wavy Retro Shag
A textured wavy retro shag is a throwback style reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. With medium-length loose, wavy layers and thick sideburns, the cut is casual, youthful, and carefree. Wear the style with oversized shades for a complete look at the beach.
Wavy Beach Style
A thick, full, wavy beach hairstyle is perfect for energetic guys who want to look their best with minimal effort. Long layers in the natural waves and curls give the cut volume, while the sexy side part adds structure. Just slick the hair back into a low ponytail for more formal events.
Awesome Long Dreadlocks
Awesome long dreadlocks are intriguing and appealing, and there are several ways to create them. Three-strand and finger-twist dreads are the fastest approaches, and when done correctly, they can serve as protective styles. They’re perfect for professionals, beachgoers and everyone in between.
Slick Back
There’s nothing quite like the sultry allure of the classic slick back, especially for guys who want their facial features to stand out. This style is easy to achieve with any hair type, texture, or length. Apply some styling gel or pomade, then brush or comb the hair back and away from the face. Add a side part for office meetings, or let the hair fall naturally for a more relaxed look.
Messy Short Hair with Beard
Messy short hair with a beard is ideal for easygoing men who are comfortable in their skin. The cut looks best with thick, slightly textured hair. A long fringe and a few cowlick-like swirls give the style a playful character, but the versatile cut is also a solid foundation for various formal styles.
Trendy Middle Part
A trendy middle part offers the ultimate beach boy vibe, especially when worn with medium-length wavy or curly layers. Mousse or curl cream is essential for defining the texture, and a few light-colored highlights pack a big punch. Leave the hair just long enough to pull back into a ponytail for added flexibility and comfort.
Awesome Kinky Afro
An awesome kinky afro is a trendy hairstyle for black surfers wanting an effortless look that accepts their texture. The spotlight will be on your natural afro-textured style and massive face-framing volume, accentuated by a full beard.
Modern Layered Surfer Cut
A modern layered surfer cut combines the salt-soaked effects of feathery layers and sunkissed highlights into a cohesive, rugged look. The slight side part allows for a hint of fringe that blends seamlessly into the layers behind it. Wear this cut with a stubbly beard for a masculine look, or try a clean-shaven face for a youthful effect.
90s Surfer Dude Style
A 90s surfer dude style is a bit shorter than most other beachy cuts, and the shape makes it an excellent choice for guys with fine or thin hair. Swooped fringe, bleach-blonde highlights, and curls that tumble over the ears give this cut playful charisma ideal for surfing and soaking up the sun.
Modern Faux Hawk Fade
A modern faux hawk fade combines the burly, militant look of a crew cut with the contemporary appeal of a faux hawk to create an easygoing style. The brushed-up fringe in front gives the cut personality, while a skin fade offers balance and creates the illusion of volume. Add a short beard with clean edges for a hint of sex appeal.
Classic Bro Flow
The classic bro flow takes its name from how it “flows” backward from the front of the head. The cut features longer hair at the top of the head and shorter head toward the sides, back, and nape. Apply some texturizing pomade with the fingertips and create a loose side part for a handsome result.
Loose Beachy Waves
Guys who prefer longer locks will love loose, beachy waves. The cut features hair that flows well past the shoulders and a few long layers for volume. It works best with thick natural waves but suits virtually all hair types. For an authentic surfer look, create bright blonde face-framing streaks and style with a deep side part.
Messy Short Blonde Hair with Thick Beard
A messy, short blonde hairstyle with a thick beard can elevate your look and suit any guy. A volumizing mousse with a firm hold can aid in creating a wet look, and the streaked fringe adds glam to the style. A thick, full, well-trimmed beard balances the cut with masculinity.
Very Long Curls
A very long curly men’s hairstyle embraces your natural curls and highlights your beautiful locks for a chill vibe. Healthy hair and frequent trims are vital to achieving this length. Use curl-enhancing cream and then allow the hair to air dry to create seductive and striking definition.
Stylish Bro Flow
A stylish bro flow is excellent for men who are active and young at heart. The medium-length hair features a loose side part, fringe falling over the forehead, and bright blonde highlights to give the hair its shine. Go for a relaxed look with thick sideburns and stubble, or slick the hair back from a defined side part for a formal gathering.
Textured Waves with Full Beard
Thick textured waves with a full beard are a comfortable and versatile style that can be worn in countless ways. Apply some curl cream and leave the hair down for an easygoing look, or pull it up into a clean bun for a professional or formal event. A few curly tendrils left to hang freely soften the aesthetic, and a full beard imparts a little extra masculinity.
Messy Curls
Windblown messy curls consist of thick hair that falls forward from the crown and over the eyes to about jaw length. Use a styling gel or mousse that offers extreme hold and shine to achieve the wet look, and don’t be shy about adding shape-defining highlights.
Wet Angular Fringe with Short Sides
The wet angular fringe and short sides look great in high winds and surf, making it a phenomenal beach cut. The messy hair on top sweeps over from a deep side part then falls gracefully over one eye. Quality styling gel creates a glossy effect, and the short, neatly trimmed sides balance the look while drawing attention to the masculine jawline.
Loose Blonde Dreads
Loose blonde dreads epitomize the beach lifestyle and make a strong statement. Unlike locs with a more structured shape, these dreads are softer and more flexible, allowing them to move in the slightest breeze. The hair falls naturally from the center of the head, and the volume results from the layered dreads stacking on top of one another.
Messy Short Curls
Messy short curls are soft, sexy, and trendy. The boyish curls are thicker and longer at the front of the head, falling over the forehead to create a delicate fringe. Shorter hair at the sides and back balances the volume up top, and a structured beard pulls the look together.
Short Side-Swept Style
A short side-swept style with a modern wet look is youthful, playful, and seductive. The cut features hair that is longer at the top center of the head and shorter around the back and sides. To recreate the look, apply styling gel to soaking wet hair, use fingers to bring the hair forward and over the forehead, then sweep the hair gently to one side.
Tousled Straight Medium Hair
A cut featuring tousled straight medium hair can embody the beach vibe just as well as curls and waves, but layers are vital for creating the flow that is so popular in many of these styles. The hair’s flip creates its signature volume, and platinum blonde streaks define it.
Thick Man Bun with Beard
Although a thick man bun with a beard may call visions of hipsters to mind, it’s also quite popular among surfers and beachgoers thanks to its versatility and comfort. Pull long hair back into a loose bun between the crown and nape. To achieve the coastal effect, add some blonde streaks and highlights.
Tousled Top with Short Sides
A tousled top paired with short sides is an on-trend surfer gentleman’s haircut. This look goes with the flow and allows the hair to fall naturally. The classic tapered sides can be buzzed with clippers and a long guard, while some mousse or gel applied to damp hair will achieve an attractive finish.
Short Shaggy Style
A charming short and shaggy men’s hairstyle is aesthetically appealing and easy to achieve. Styling gel applied to damp hair results in a slightly wet finished look, or a texturizing pomade can lead to a softer, spikier result. This fun, versatile cut can be worn in countless ways, making it a favorite among surfers and beachgoers.
How To Get Surfer Hair
Getting surfer hair takes time, patience and a concerted effort, making this stylish and chill choice perfect for true enthusiasts.
- Grow your hair out. You’ll need longer hair to pull off the perfect surfer look, so grow out your locks to about 6 inches, at minimum.
- Stop shampooing as often, but keep conditioning regularly. The most popular surfer styles are naturally textured. Avoid stripping away your hair’s natural oils with harsh chemicals and use a dry shampoo product to keep your locks clean and nourished.
- Use a sea salt spray to create texture, volume and definition.
- Get some sun and develop some natural highlights. Sun streaks are a cool result of UV rays, but apply sunscreen frequently to prevent skin damage. Too much heat and sun can also be detrimental to your hair.
- Embrace attractive surfer hairstyles with waves or curls. Tying up your hair and saltwater exposure will create loose waves and give you the iconic surfer vibe. Letting your hair air dry after a shower, applying a sea salt spray product and scrunching up your locks afterward can help achieve this charming look at home.
