15 Men’s Surfer Hairstyles with Beach Vibes

The call of the ocean is more than a feeling; it’s a style. Men’s surfer hairstyles embody a unique blend of effortless cool, laid-back texture, and sun-kissed vitality that transcends the beach. This isn’t about high-maintenance salon looks; it’s about capturing that just-caught-a-wave energy, whether you’re actually riding swells or just navigating the urban jungle. From messy, wind-swept curls to sun-bleached, textured crops, these looks are versatile, rugged, and inherently stylish. They speak to a life of adventure and freedom, offering a low-fuss aesthetic that prioritizes natural movement and character. Get ready to find a look that channels those perpetual beach vibes, no wetsuit required.

1. The Textured Beach Shag

The textured beach shag is the ultimate embodiment of carefree, surf-ready style. This look is all about layered, choppy ends that create incredible movement and volume, mimicking hair that’s been tousled by ocean winds and dried naturally in the sun. It’s a deliberately messy masterpiece that avoids looking unkempt, instead offering a rugged, artistic flair. Perfect for those with thick hair, the shag provides a shape that frames the face while allowing for endless styling versatility. The key is in its undone finish, which requires minimal effort for maximum impact, making it a go-to for anyone wanting to project a vibe of adventurous, effortless cool.

Achieving this style starts with a skilled barber who can add strategic layers to build texture from within. Maintenance is surprisingly simple: work a dollop of texturizing cream or sea salt spray through damp hair, then scrunch and air-dry or use a diffuser to enhance your natural wave pattern. The goal is piece-y, separated ends and a lived-in feel that gets better as the day goes on. This hairstyle thrives on a little bit of “beach grit,” so don’t overwash it; instead, embrace dry shampoo to maintain volume and that perfectly imperfect texture between washes. It’s a look that truly improves with a little weathering.

2. The Laid-Back Long Surfer Hair

Long surfer hair is an iconic symbol of a life lived in harmony with the sea. This style is characterized by sun-bleached, sun-kissed strands that flow freely, often with a mix of loose waves and natural curls formed by saltwater and wind. It’s a look that speaks of patience and a free-spirited attitude, rejecting rigid structure in favor of organic, flowing movement. Whether tied back in a low bun for practicality while paddling out or left down to cascade over the shoulders, long surfer hair makes a bold, romantic statement. It’s for the man who sees his hair as a part of his adventurous identity.

Caring for long surfer hair is crucial to prevent it from becoming dry or damaged. While the aesthetic embraces a certain wildness, health is key. Regular conditioning and deep treatments are essential to combat the effects of sun, salt, and wind. To style, apply a leave-in conditioner or a hydrating hair oil to damp hair to define waves and control frizz. For that authentic texture, a spritz of sea salt spray can recreate the ocean’s touch. This style is a commitment, but it rewards you with a look that is both majestic and effortlessly cool, capturing the untamed spirit of the coast.

3. The Messy Textured Crop

The messy textured crop offers a modern, low-maintenance take on classic surfer style, perfectly suited for shorter hair. This cut maintains length on top with choppy, irregular layers and is often paired with faded or tight sides to create a sharp contrast. The crown is the star, featuring plenty of piece-y texture and movement that can be styled in various directions. It’s an incredibly versatile look that bridges the gap between a polished gentleman’s cut and a rugged, beach-ready mane. You get all the easy-going texture of a surfer hairstyle with the clean, contemporary lines that define modern male grooming.

Styling the messy crop is a quick and simple process. Start with damp hair and rub a matte texturizing paste or a light-hold cream between your palms. Work the product evenly through the hair on top, using your fingers to lift and separate the strands, creating that coveted “lived-in” messiness. The aim is not for a helmet-like hold, but for a pliable, natural-looking texture that has body and definition. A quick tousle throughout the day is all that’s needed to maintain its shape. This cut is perfect for the active man who needs a style that looks great without demanding a lot of time in front of the mirror.

4. The Sun-Kissed Curly Fringe

The sun-kissed curly fringe is a dynamic and youthful style that showcases the natural beauty of curls with a distinct beach influence. This look allows curls to spring to life with volume and definition, often accentuated by the natural lightening effect of the sun. The fringe, or the hair on the forehead, can be worn as a loose, cascading curl formation or a more structured set of ringlets, framing the face with softness and movement. It’s a style that radiates joy and energy, capturing the playful, vibrant side of surf culture. This look is ideal for those with natural curl patterns who want to enhance their texture.

Managing this style is all about hydration and definition. Avoid heavy gels that can create a crunchy cast; instead, opt for curl-defining creams or mousses that enhance shape while maintaining bounce and softness. Apply your chosen product to soaking wet hair, scrunching upwards to encourage your natural curl pattern, and then allow it to air dry or use a diffuser. The sun-kissed effect can be naturally achieved or subtly enhanced with temporary lightening sprays. The result is a head full of healthy, defined curls that look effortlessly cool, as if you’ve just spent the day in the ocean spray.

5. The Slicked-Back Wet Look

The slicked-back wet look takes inspiration from the moment a surfer emerges from the water, pushing his hair back from his face. This style is polished yet inherently relaxed, offering a sophisticated take on the surf aesthetic. It creates a sleek, glossy silhouette that emphasizes strong facial features and conveys a sense of confident control. Unlike the messy, textured styles, the wet look is about seamless, shiny refinement, but it still carries that essential connection to the water. It’s a versatile hairstyle that can easily transition from a day at the beach to an evening out, proving that surfer vibes can be both gritty and glamorous.

Achieving this style requires a high-hold, high-shine product like a strong-hold gel or a sleek pomade. Start with towel-dried hair, applying the product evenly from roots to tips, ensuring every strand is coated. Use a comb to smoothly guide your hair back, away from your hairline, and secure it in place. For a more natural, less severe version, you can use your hands to push your hair back, allowing for a few artful strands to fall loose. The finish should be glossy and controlled, mimicking the look of damp hair. It’s a powerful style that commands attention while staying true to its aquatic roots.

6. The Laid-Back Man Bun

The laid-back man bun is the quintessential functional style for surfers with longer hair, keeping strands out of the face while paddling without sacrificing an ounce of style. This isn’t a tight, perfect topknot; it’s a casually gathered bun that allows pieces to fall loose, creating a frame around the face and neck. The texture is key—think wavy, slightly tangled, and full of body from saltwater and sun. It’s a look that balances a rugged, practical sensibility with a touch of bohemian flair, perfect for the man who is equally at home on a surfboard as he is at a beach bonfire.

Mastering the man bun is all about embracing imperfection. Simply gather your hair as if you’re making a ponytail at the crown of your head, but on the last loop of the hair tie, only pull the hair halfway through to form a loose, effortless bun. Allow shorter layers and baby hairs to escape naturally; this is what gives the style its characteristic relaxed vibe. Before tying it up, scrunch in a texturizing spray to add grit and hold, ensuring your bun has volume and doesn’t look too polished. It’s the perfect solution for a bad hair day that still looks incredibly intentional and cool.

7. The Windswept Fringe

The windswept fringe captures the very essence of a breezy day on the coastline. This style features a textured, often longer fringe that is artfully directed to one side, as if pushed by a constant ocean gust. It creates a sense of dynamic movement and casual sophistication, offering a more structured alternative to a completely messy look. The layers are cut to flow seamlessly, allowing the hair to fall across the forehead in a way that is both stylish and slightly disheveled. It’s a romantic and approachable style that adds a touch of youthful energy and character to any man’s appearance.

To create the windswept effect, you’ll need a light- to medium-hold product with a pliable finish, like a wax or a texturizing paste. Apply it to dry or towel-dried hair, focusing on the front sections. Using your fingers or a comb, sweep your fringe to one side, lifting the roots slightly for volume as you go. The trick is to create defined direction without making it look stiff or helmet-like; you want to see separation and texture in the strands. A quick spritz of sea salt spray can enhance the piece-y, matte finish, perfectly mimicking that natural, wind-tousled feeling.

8. The Textured Pompadour with a Twist

The textured pompadour with a twist merges the bold volume of a classic rockabilly style with the relaxed, beachy texture of surf culture. This cut maintains significant height and volume at the front, but instead of a slick, polished finish, it’s styled with a piece-y, separated texture. The sides are typically kept tighter to accentuate the height on top, creating a powerful silhouette. It’s a confident, statement-making hairstyle that shows you understand grooming trends but aren’t afraid to inject them with your own laid-back, coastal sensibility. This look is all about high impact with an effortless soul.

Building this style requires a strong-hold, matte product like a clay or a thick pomade. After blow-drying your hair upward to create maximum volume, work the product through the hair on top, focusing on the roots for lift. Use your fingertips to twist and pull small sections of hair upward and back, creating definition and separation rather than a solid, smooth wave. The goal is a “lived-in” pompadour that has body and movement, not a rigid, retro look. This approach keeps the style modern, wearable, and perfectly aligned with the textured, sun-drenched aesthetic of surf fashion.

9. The Laid-Back Side Part

The laid-back side part is a timeless gentleman’s cut infused with a dose of casual, beach-ready texture. It offers more structure than a completely messy style but avoids the formality of a slick, classic side part. The defining line is soft and often created with the fingers rather than a sharp comb, lending an air of nonchalance. The hair on top is left with enough length and layers to be textured and tousled, providing a modern update to a traditional look. It’s the perfect hybrid for the man who needs to look professional but whose heart belongs to the relaxed, easy-going surf lifestyle.

Executing this look is straightforward. After towel-drying your hair, apply a medium-hold cream or paste throughout. Using your fingers, create a loose part on your preferred side and comb or brush the hair over, but then immediately use your fingertips to break up the uniformity, introducing piece-y texture and a slightly undone finish. The hold should be firm enough to keep the style in place but soft enough to allow for natural movement. This hairstyle is incredibly versatile, looking equally appropriate with a linen shirt on the coast as it does with a blazer in the city.

10. The Bleached-Blonde Buzz Cut

The bleached-blonde buzz cut is a bold, no-nonsense style that screams sun, sand, and saltwater. This ultra-short cut is practically maintenance-free, making it ideal for the serious surfer who prioritizes function. The bleached-out color is a direct nod to the way the sun naturally lightens hair after countless hours in the water, embracing a sun-bleached, almost platinum tone. It’s a rugged, confident look that puts your facial features front and center, requiring zero styling time. This cut embodies a pure, unadulterated connection to the elements and a minimalist approach to personal style.

While the cut itself is simple, the statement it makes is powerful. The bleached color enhances the texture of your scalp and hair, creating a cool, tonal effect that catches the light. Maintaining this look involves frequent trims to keep the length uniform and occasional touch-ups on the color to combat dark roots. It’s a look that embraces a certain rawness and is perfect for those with a strong sense of self. Pair it with a tan and a beard for an undeniably tough, coastal vibe that is as practical for dawn patrol as it is stylish for a night out.

11. The Curly Top with Faded Sides

The curly top with faded sides is a masterclass in contrast, celebrating voluminous, textured curls while maintaining a clean, sharp outline. This popular style lets your natural curls run wild on top, creating a lush, dynamic crown that is full of life and personality. The sharply faded or tapered sides and back provide a clean canvas that makes the curly top pop, ensuring the style looks intentional and fresh. It’s a fantastic way to manage thicker, curlier hair in a hot climate, as it removes bulk from the sides while showcasing your best asset—your natural texture.

Styling this cut is all about enhancing and defining your curls without weighing them down. After washing, apply a curl-enhancing cream or a light gel to damp hair, scrunching upwards to encourage your natural pattern. Allow it to air dry for the most natural bounce or use a diffuser. The beauty of this cut is that once the curls are defined, they require very little daily maintenance. The sharp contrast between the messy top and clean sides creates a modern, fashion-forward silhouette that is deeply rooted in the confident, individualistic spirit of surf culture.

12. The Messy Quiff

The messy quiff takes the foundational structure of a classic quiff—volume at the front and a swept-back direction—and infuses it with the textured, carefree energy of the beach. Instead of a solid, glossy wave, this version is all about separation, piece-y ends, and a matte, lived-in finish. It’s a style that combines height with a nonchalant attitude, offering a bold silhouette without the high-maintenance feel. Perfect for medium to thick hair types, the messy quiff is a go-to for making a statement while still looking like you just rolled out of bed (in the best way possible).

To achieve this look, you’ll need a pre-styling product like a volumizing mousse and a strong-hold, matte finishing product like a clay or paste. Blow-dry your hair upward and back to build a base of volume. Then, take your finishing product and work it through your hair, focusing on the roots for lift. Use your fingers to twist and pull the front section up and back, deliberately breaking it apart to create texture and separation. The final result should be a quiff that has height and shape but is full of gaps and movement, not a single solid form.

13. The Shoulder-Length Wavy Layers

Shoulder-length wavy layers are the epitome of the classic, free-flowing surfer look immortalized by surfing legends. This length is perfect for showcasing natural waves and creating that iconic silhouette against the horizon. The layers are cut to remove weight and encourage movement, allowing the hair to swing and bounce with every step. Whether it’s pulled back under a cap or flowing freely, this style is deeply connected to a nomadic, ocean-centric lifestyle. It’s a bold commitment to a romantic and adventurous image, perfect for the man who views his personal style as an extension of his passions.

Maintaining healthy hair at this length is paramount. Regular trims are necessary to prevent split ends, and deep conditioning treatments are essential to combat the drying effects of sun and saltwater. To style, use a leave-in conditioner to detangle and add moisture, then scrunch in a curl-enhancing cream or sea salt spray to define your waves. The goal is to enhance your hair’s natural pattern, not to force it into something it’s not. This style is about embracing your hair’s inherent texture and letting it live its best, most untamed life, full of body and sun-kissed character.

14. The Textured Fringe with Undercut

The textured fringe with an undercut is a sharp, modern interpretation of surf style that plays with extreme contrast. This look features a disconnected undercut—where the long top is completely separated from the shaved or tightly faded sides—with a heavy, textured fringe that falls forward over the forehead. The fringe is choppy and piece-y, full of intentional separation and movement, creating a dynamic and edgy look. It’s a high-fashion take on beachy hair, offering a dramatic and artistic silhouette that is sure to turn heads both in and out of the water.

Styling this cut is all about emphasizing the disconnect. After applying a texturizing paste or a dry wax to dry hair, focus on the long top section. Use your fingers to tousle the fringe forward, creating a “curtain” of texture that drapes over the forehead. You can style it straight down or sweep it slightly to one side for a bit of asymmetry. The sharp line where the long top meets the short sides is a key feature of this look. It’s a bold, statement-making hairstyle that proves surfer vibes can be both relaxed and razor-sharp.

15. The Tousled Mop Top

The tousled mop top is the definition of boyish, beach-ready charm. This style is all about an overall sense of controlled chaos, with medium-length hair that is uniformly textured and tousled in every direction. It lacks a defined part or specific direction, instead embracing a 360-degree, bed-head aesthetic that is effortlessly cool. The cut is often layered throughout to remove weight and encourage natural wave and curl, resulting in a full, voluminous shape. It’s a playful, energetic look that requires minimal styling and exudes a youthful, optimistic vibe, perfect for capturing that endless summer feeling.

Creating the perfect mop top is deceptively simple. Start with clean, towel-dried hair and work a texturizing cream or a light-hold sea salt spray through from roots to ends. Then, just use your hands to tousle and scrunch your hair as it air-dries, encouraging its natural movement. The key is to avoid using a brush or comb, which would break up the desired messy texture. You can even flip your head upside down during drying to add extra volume at the roots. This is the ultimate “wash-and-go” surfer hairstyle, looking best when it appears you haven’t tried at all.