Best Men's Surfer Hairstyles 2025 | Cool Beach Haircuts

The best men’s surfer hairstyles are all about movement, texture, and effortless cool — even if the closest you’ve been to the ocean is your shower.

These cuts channel beach vibes, messy energy, and low-maintenance freedom that still turns heads.

Whether your hair’s short, wavy, curly, or long enough to catch the breeze, we’ve got the top beach haircuts for 2025 — plus tips to style, maintain, and rock them like a coastal pro.

Short Men's Surfer Hairstyles: Clean Cuts, Chill Vibes

Want that beach haircut look without the length?

These short men's surfer hairstyles keep it effortless and low-maintenance — while still delivering major laid-back energy.

Buzz Cut

Low effort. High cool factor.

The buzz cut gives you a no-fuss look that still fits the surfer vibe — simple, rugged, and ready to go.

• Perfect for hot days and salty air

• No styling products needed — just wash and roll

• Ideal for guys who want beach vibes without the upkeep

• Great for athletic or active lifestyles

• One of the simplest men's surfer hairstyles 

This cut proves you don’t need long hair to look like you live on the coast.

Short Messy Hair

Like bedhead, but better.

This is that “just got back from a beach bonfire” kind of look — wild, textured, and totally unbothered.

• Tousled and undone with natural volume

• Use sea salt spray for that windswept finish

• Easy to maintain and perfect for daily wear

• Works great with straight or wavy hair

Mess it up, shake it out, and let your surfer side shine.

Crew Cut

Clean cut with a splash of saltwater swagger.

The crew cut blends sharp lines with surfer chill — a fresh, flexible look that rides the line between structured and beach-ready.

• Short on the sides, slightly longer on top

• Add texture with matte clay or sea salt spray

• Great for guys who want a style that works everywhere

• Ideal for straight and wavy hair types

• A neat and practical option among men’s surfer hairstyles with subtle beach energy

It’s the military classic — with a beach-town upgrade.

Short Curly Hair

Let your curls catch the wind.

Curly Quiff

Volume up top, chill underneath.

The curly quiff takes the classic shape and adds texture, giving you a bold, modern twist on surfer cool.

• Works best with defined curls or loose coils

• Keep the sides short, leave some length up top

• Style with curl cream or sea salt spray for hold

• Perfect balance between styled and messy

This is how you turn curls into a statement — beach-style.

Wavy Quiff

Structure meets sea breeze.

The wavy quiff is for guys who want just enough polish without losing the relaxed, surfer vibe.

• Best with natural waves and medium density

• Use a texturizing cream to hold shape without stiffness

• Looks sharp but still easygoing

• Great for beach days and nights out alike

• A polished yet relaxed twist on traditional beach haircuts with natural wave

It’s polished enough to impress — but chill enough to hit the sand.

Whether you're catching waves or just catching stares, these short men's surfer hairstyles deliver maximum beach vibes with minimum effort.

Medium-Length Men's Surfer Hairstyles: Laid-Back Flow with Style

Not too short, not too long — just the right amount of beachy movement.

These medium length men's surfer hairstyles give you that carefree surfer energy with enough length to play around and let the wind do its thing.

Messy Curls

Volume, texture, and zero rules.

Messy curls are built for beach life — wild, wind-tousled, and full of personality.

• Great for naturally curly or wavy hair

• Use curl cream or sea salt spray for soft definition

• Let it air dry for that windswept texture

• Requires minimal upkeep to stay stylish

The messier, the better — this cut was made for chaos.

Medium-Length Wavy Hair

Flowing texture, effortless style.

This is your classic surfer look — relaxed, sun-soaked waves with movement and flow.

• Perfect for natural waves or light curl patterns

• Style with salt spray and finger-combing

• Looks great parted in the middle or pushed back

• Ideal for that "beach all day, bonfire all night" vibe

• One of the most iconic men's surfer hairstyles that delivers effortless surfer vibes

You don’t need a surfboard — just these waves.

Medium-Length Straight Hair

Sleek, chill, and easy to style.

For guys with naturally straight hair, this look keeps things simple while still delivering that laid-back beach feel.

• Best for fine-to-medium straight hair

• Add texture with light styling cream or clay

• Let it flow naturally or sweep it to one side

• Great for an effortlessly clean surfer aesthetic

Smooth doesn’t mean boring — just beachy with less bounce.

Messy Fringe

Untamed bangs, full beach energy.

The messy fringe adds texture and movement to the front, giving you a relaxed, edgy look that stands out.

• Ideal for guys with waves, curls, or thicker hair

• Layers around the front create a loose, windblown finish

• Pair with sea salt spray or texturizing paste

• Great for framing the face while keeping things chill

It’s surfer meets indie rocker — and it works.

Surfer Curtains

Retro cut. Modern attitude.

The curtain cut is back with a breezy twist — middle-parted, textured bangs that bring all the coastal cool.

• Works best on straight or wavy hair

• Medium length with long front layers

• Part down the middle and style with your fingers

• Brings serious '90s energy with a beach-town upgrade

• A retro-inspired favorite among men’s surfer hairstyles making a strong comeback

Ride the nostalgia wave — and look damn good doing it.

Shag

Rough layers, relaxed attitude.

The shag cut is messy in all the right ways — full of movement, layers, and rebellious surfer edge.

• Best for medium to thick hair

• Choppy layers create built-in texture

• Style with a little salt spray and zero precision

• Great for guys who want “just woke up and crushed it” vibes

The shag doesn’t follow rules — and neither should you.

If you want that perfect balance of movement, texture, and laid-back style, medium-length surfer hair is where the beach magic happens.

Long Men's Surfer Hairstyles: Flow Hard or Go Home 

Long hair, don’t care — surfer style is all about letting it ride.

These beach-ready styles bring the ultimate mix of freedom, texture, and untamed cool. If you’re growing it out, this is how to do it right.

Messy Man Bun

Tied up. Still chill.

The messy man bun is peak surfer energy — low effort, high style, and ready for whatever the ocean (or the day) throws at you.

• Great for long, wavy, or curly hair

• Pull it up loose — the messier, the better

• No tools, no rules — just twist, tie, and vibe

• Ideal for post-surf hangouts or everyday cool

• A chill, tied-back staple in long men’s surfer hairstyles for ultimate freedom

It says “I surf,” even if you’re just grabbing coffee barefoot.

Long Curly Hair

Let the curls fly. Let the ocean style it.

Natural curls shine in surfer styles — especially when they’re left long, wild, and full of movement.

• Perfect for guys with long curly hair

• Embrace frizz and texture — don’t tame it

• Keep it healthy with curl cream and deep conditioning

• Best worn loose for maximum flow

It’s not just hair — it’s personality in motion.

Long Wavy Hair

Beach waves that never stop.

This is the ultimate surfer cut — flowing, tousled, and sun-kissed. It’s the look every shampoo commercial wishes it had.

• Best for natural waves or light curls

• Use sea salt spray and scrunch for extra movement

• Air-dry for that true beach texture

• Part it, push it back, or let it fall — anything goes

• A defining look in classic men’s surfer hairstyles, full of bounce and flow

This is the long hair that made surfer style legendary.

Side-Swept Surfer Style

Effortlessly cool with a hint of polish.

Sweep it to one side and let the waves do the rest — this look adds just enough structure to keep things intentional.

• Ideal for straight or wavy long hair

• Use a touch of styling cream to control the sweep

• Works great for casual nights out or daytime chill

• Great for softening strong facial features

It’s surfer style with a side of smooth.

Half Up, Half Down

Loose where it counts, tied where it matters.

This hybrid cut gives you practicality without killing the vibe — great for keeping your hair out of your face while still showing off those long locks.

• Works best on shoulder-length or longer hair

• Tie up the top section loosely for that windswept look

• Ideal for active beach days or casual hangouts

• Adds instant character with minimal effort

Half tied, full style — this look does it all.

Top Knot with Undercut

Bold on the sides. Beach bum on top.

This modern take adds edge to surfer style, combining sharp lines with flowing top length.

• Clean undercut keeps sides fresh and low-maintenance

• Let the top grow long and knot it when needed

• Great for wavy or straight hair

• Perfect mix of sharp and chill

For guys who want their surfer style with a twist of modern attitude.

If you’re ready to let loose and fully embrace the beach lifestyle, long men's surfer hairstyles are the ultimate way to wear your wild side with pride.

Not-So-Surfer Hairstyles: Leave These on the Shore

Not every cut rides the wave.

Some styles are just too polished, too precise, or too stiff to pass the surfer vibe check.

Slicked-Back Hair

Too clean. Too corporate. Not enough coastline.

• Great for suits, not surfboards

• Requires too much product and precision

• Doesn’t vibe with sea breeze or saltwater

• More Wall Street than wave rider

Cool look — just not the one you want at the beach.

Overly Straightened Hair

Flat iron = flat vibe.

Surfer hair is all about natural movement. Pin-straight, super-sleek hair kills the texture that makes the style work.

• Lacks volume and flow

• Looks overly styled, not sun-kissed

• No room for sea salt spray magic

• Often appears artificial or stiff

Leave the straightener behind — surfer style doesn’t try this hard.

Perfect Pompadour

Too styled. Not surf-approved.

The pompadour is a sharp look, but it’s more Elvis than endless summer.

• Requires high-hold product and daily maintenance

• Can’t survive a gust of wind, let alone a wave

• Too structured to pass the laid-back test

It’s cool — just not beach cool.

Geometric or Sharp-Edged Haircuts

Rulers and beaches don’t mix.

If your haircut looks like it was done with a protractor, it’s not giving “just got out of the ocean.”

• Harsh angles don’t fit surfer flow

• Requires constant shaping and upkeep

• Lacks the effortless, windswept vibe

Keep it soft, loose, and chill — sharp lines belong in blueprints, not beach hair.

If it takes a ruler, pomade, or power tools to style — it’s not surfer hair. Keep it loose, keep it textured, and let the waves set the tone.

Surfer Hair Maintenance Tips: Keep It Low-Key, Not Lazy

men's surfer hairstyles may look effortless, but keeping them healthy and dialed-in takes the right routine.

Here’s how to keep your beach haircut textured, strong, and styled without overdoing it.

Use the Right Products — Then Keep It Simple

Surfer hair is all about natural movement and lived-in texture. You don’t need a shelf full of styling products — just a few key players.

• Sea salt spray adds grit and that windswept, just-off-the-beach texture.

• Texturizing cream defines waves and curls without stiffness.

• Light wax or clay gives structure for quiffs, fringes, or man buns — without looking polished.

Start light. Build if you need. The goal is control, not crunch.

Stay Low-Maintenance — But Consistent

You’re not chasing perfection here — just keeping your hair healthy and in rhythm.

• Wash 2–3 times per week with sulfate-free shampoo to avoid drying it out.

• Skip the blow dryer. Air-dry and let the wind do its thing.

• Trim every 6–8 weeks to control shape and knock out split ends.

The more natural your routine, the better your surfer hair will look.

Protect It From the Elements

Sun and saltwater are part of the look — but they can wreck your hair if you don’t stay ahead of it.

• Use a UV protectant spray when you're out in the sun.

• Rinse with fresh water after swimming to remove salt buildup.

• Deep condition once a week to keep your hair soft, strong, and hydrated.

You can’t rock the surfer look if your hair’s fried. Protect it, condition it, and keep it moving.

Keep your routine simple, your products light, and your hair healthy — because real surfer style starts with hair that’s built to handle the elements.

Men's Surfer Hairstyles FAQs

Got questions about surfer hair? Here’s everything you need to keep it chill, textured, and beach-ready — no matter where you live.

What is Surfer Hair?

Surfer hair is that effortlessly messy, textured look that feels sun-drenched and salt-soaked — even if you’ve never touched a surfboard. It’s about natural movement, laid-back volume, and hair that doesn’t try too hard.

• Built on waves, curls, or tousled straight hair

• No sharp edges, no stiff styling

• The goal: relaxed, windblown, and full of character

If it looks like the ocean styled it, you’re doing it right.

How Do I Get Surfer Hair Without Living Near the Beach?

Easy — the look is more about technique than geography.

• Grow your hair out — length gives the flow

• Use sea salt spray to fake that ocean texture

• Wash less to preserve natural oils

• Scrunch or finger-style for a natural finish

You don’t need waves to get waves — just the right products and attitude.

How Do I Style Surfer Hair?

Keep it light, loose, and textured. Whether your hair is short, medium, or long, the key is minimal effort with maximum flow.

• Short hair: Go messy or textured with wax or matte cream

• Medium hair: Spray, scrunch, and let it air-dry

• Long hair: Let it hang loose, tie it up, or go half-up — anything goes

Ditch the comb, skip the heat tools, and let your fingers do the work.

Men’s surfer hairstyles aren’t just about the beach — they’re about texture, movement, and low-maintenance freedom that makes beach haircuts work wherever you are.

Conclusion

Men’s surfer hairstyles are more than just a trend — they’re a laid-back lifestyle built around texture, freedom, and easy movement.

Whether you’re rocking a buzz cut, messy fringe, or long flowing locks, the right beach haircuts let your natural style take the lead. 

With a little sea salt spray, a solid care routine, and the right cut for your vibe, you don’t need to live near the ocean to look like you just stepped off the sand.

Keep it effortless. Keep it textured. And let your hair ride the wave — wherever you are.