21 Medium Long Hairstyles For Guys With Surfer Texture

The surfer look isn’t just for the coast anymore. It represents a relaxed, rugged masculinity that values natural movement and effortless volume.

Medium long hair provides the perfect canvas for this aesthetic. It balances the freedom of length with the structure of a deliberate haircut.

Achieving this texture requires the right cut and a minimal styling routine. Whether you are at the office or the beach, these styles command attention.

1. The Classic Beach Wave

The classic beach wave is the gold standard for guys wanting that salt-and-sun aesthetic. This style typically sits just below the chin, allowing the natural weight of the hair to create soft, undulating waves. It is ideal for men with natural movement who want a look that feels lived-in and authentic.

This cut works exceptionally well for men with oval or heart-shaped faces. By keeping the ends slightly blunt but the interior layered, you avoid the hair looking too feminine or overly “done.” It is a masculine staple that transitions perfectly from a morning surf to a casual dinner.

To maintain this look, use a high-quality sea salt spray on damp hair. Scrunch the hair upward with your hands and let it air dry. This enhances the “crunchy” but soft texture that defines the traditional surfer vibe without requiring heat tools.

2. The Salt-Sprayed Side Part

The salt-sprayed side part takes the chaos of surfer hair and adds a touch of intentional structure. By creating a loose, off-center part, you frame the face while maintaining the volume that medium-long hair provides. It is a sophisticated way to wear a rugged texture.

This style is perfect for guys with thicker hair who struggle with bulk. The side part allows the hair to lay flatter on one side while the other side showcases the wavy texture. It provides a more polished silhouette that fits well in professional environments while keeping the “outdoor” spirit.

Styling involves using a matte clay or paste to define the part line. Focus the product on the roots to provide lift. Let the ends remain wild and textured to ensure the look doesn’t become too stiff or formal for the beach aesthetic.

3. The Sun-Kissed Shag

The sun-kissed shag is all about heavy layering and choppy ends. This style utilizes varying lengths throughout the head to create a sense of depth and movement. It mimics the way hair grows out naturally after a summer spent in the elements.

Men with square or angular jawlines benefit most from this cut. The soft, messy layers around the ears and neck soften the features while emphasizing a masculine, “rebel” energy. It is a high-volume look that works best for those with medium to fine hair density.

To highlight the “sun-kissed” aspect, many men opt for very subtle balayage or highlights. This mimics the natural bleaching effect of the sun. Use a light grooming cream to piece out the layers and prevent the hair from looking like a single, solid mass.

4. Chin-Length Tapered Flow

The chin-length tapered flow is a cleaner take on the surfer aesthetic. The hair is kept long on top and through the sides but is tapered slightly toward the nape of the neck. This prevents the “mullet” effect while allowing for maximum flow.

This is a versatile choice for men who want the length but need to keep their hair under control. It tucks easily behind the ears for a focused look. When let down, the hair naturally falls into a textured, wavy pattern that frames the jawline effectively.

Maintain this style with a lightweight leave-in conditioner. Surfer texture can often lean toward dryness, so moisture is key to keeping the “flow” looking healthy rather than frizzy. A quick finger-comb in the morning is usually all the styling required.

5. Relaxed Man Bun with Tendrils

When you need your hair out of your face but want to keep the vibe, the relaxed man bun is the answer. The key to the surfer version is keeping the bun loose and positioned at the mid-crown. It should never look tight or severely slicked back.

Leaving “tendrils” or loose strands around the temples and ears is essential for this look. These pieces showcase the wavy texture and prevent the style from looking too severe. It is a practical, masculine way to manage length during physical activities or hot weather.

Avoid using harsh gel for this style. Instead, pull the hair back while it is still 80% dry. This allows the natural waves to create “bumps” and texture along the scalp, which adds to the effortless, coastal charm of the overall look.

6. The Wind-Swept Quiff

The wind-swept quiff combines the height of a traditional pompadour with the messy texture of a surfer. The hair on the forehead is styled upward and slightly back, but without the precision of a comb. It looks as though you’ve just run your hands through your hair after a breeze.

This style adds height to the face, making it a great choice for men with rounder face shapes. It creates a focal point at the top of the head while the medium-length sides provide a balanced frame. It is a high-energy look that feels youthful and adventurous.

Use a blow dryer on a cool setting to direct the hair upward at the roots. Apply a matte sea salt paste to the tips to keep the “shredded” look. The goal is maximum volume with a dry, non-greasy finish that looks natural.

7. Layered Surf-Mop

The surf-mop is a denser, more voluminous style that embraces “big hair.” It features heavy internal layering to remove weight while keeping the outer silhouette large and textured. It is the ultimate “I don’t care” hairstyle for the modern man.

This style works exceptionally well for men with curly or very wavy hair. By embracing the volume rather than fighting it, you create a look that is both bold and approachable. It requires confidence to pull off but offers a distinct, artistic vibe that stands out.

Because this look relies on volume, avoid heavy oils that might weigh the hair down. A volumizing mousse applied to damp hair provides the necessary “grit” to keep the mop from falling flat. It’s a low-maintenance cut that looks better the messier it gets.

8. Textured Bro Flow

The “Bro Flow” has become a staple for men with medium-length hair. The surfer version emphasizes texture and movement over slickness. The hair is swept back from the face, following the natural curve of the head, and falls gracefully toward the shoulders.

This is a very “approachable” hairstyle that fits well in athletic and professional settings. It showcases a healthy head of hair and a relaxed personality. It is particularly flattering for men with thick, wavy hair that has a lot of natural “bounce.”

To style the textured flow, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while the hair is damp. Apply a bit of sea salt spray and sweep everything back. As it dries, the hair will naturally part itself and create the iconic “flow” silhouette.

9. Messy Middle Part

The middle part has made a major comeback, and the surfer texture gives it a rugged update. Unlike the flat, “curtains” of the 90s, the surfer middle part is full of volume and wavy separation. It creates a symmetrical frame that highlights the eyes and cheekbones.

This style is ideal for men with symmetrical facial features. The texture prevents the middle part from looking too “pretty” or dated. It’s a great way to manage medium-long hair while keeping it out of the direct line of sight by pushing the two sections slightly back.

Use a light-hold matte cream to keep the hair from falling directly into your eyes. You want the part to look natural, not like a straight line drawn with a ruler. Shake your head after styling to let the strands fall into their most organic positions.

10. Slicked-Back Wet Look

The slicked-back wet look mimics the appearance of hair immediately after emerging from the ocean. It is a high-fashion, high-impact style that works surprisingly well for formal events. It keeps the hair controlled while emphasizing the “ocean-dweller” aesthetic.

For this look, you want a product with a slight sheen but no “crunch.” A water-based pomade or a grooming cream with a bit of shine works best. The hair is combed back away from the face, but the natural waves are allowed to create ripples in the hair’s surface.

This is a great option for men who want to look “cleaned up” without cutting their hair. It keeps the length tucked away and looks intentional. It’s a powerful, masculine look that pairs as well with a linen suit as it does with a wetsuit.

11. Tucked Behind the Ears

Sometimes the simplest style is the most effective. The “tucked” look involves keeping the hair long enough to secure behind the ears while letting the back flow freely. It creates a sleeker profile from the front while maintaining the surfer length in the back.

This style is perfect for men who find their hair distracting during work or sports. By tucking the sides, you open up the face and emphasize the jawline. The back remains textured and wavy, providing that signature coastal silhouette from the side and rear.

To ensure the hair stays tucked, you can use a small amount of clay behind the ears for grip. This style works best on hair that is at least chin-length. It is a classic “low-effort, high-reward” look for the busy man.

12. The Coastal Curtain

The coastal curtain is a longer, more textured version of the classic curtain cut. Instead of hanging flat, the “curtains” have a beachy wave that adds volume and life. It’s a very youthful style that has a relaxed, artistic edge.

This cut is particularly good for men with high foreheads, as the fringe pieces break up the space. The length should hit around the cheekbones or slightly lower. The back and sides are kept at a similar length to ensure the hair moves as one cohesive unit.

Use a texturizing powder at the roots to keep the “curtains” from falling flat against the forehead. This ensures the hair has a “lifted” appearance that feels fresh and airy. It is the ultimate “weekend” look for the modern guy.

13. Undercut Flow

The undercut flow is for the man who wants the surfer texture on top but prefers a cleaner look around the ears and neck. The sides are buzzed or tapered short, while the top is left long (usually 5-7 inches) to “flow” over the sides.

This style provides a sharp contrast between the rugged, wavy top and the groomed sides. it is an excellent choice for men with very thick hair who want to reduce the “poofiness” on the sides. It keeps the head cooler and the style more manageable.

Styling the undercut flow requires a bit of sea salt spray on the long top section. Let it fall naturally to one side or the other. The short sides act as a frame, making the textured waves on top the undisputed star of the show.

14. The Rogue Waves Shag

The rogue waves shag is an intentionally asymmetrical and messy cut. It features uneven layers that encourage the hair to “clump” into distinct, ropey waves. It’s a highly textured look that feels very organic and raw.

This style is perfect for men who don’t want to spend more than thirty seconds on their hair. The more the hair is “messed with” during the day, the better it looks. It is a great choice for men with active lifestyles who are often outdoors.

To achieve this look, ask your barber for “point cutting” or “razor cutting.” This creates the jagged ends necessary for the “rogue” texture. A matte paste used on the very ends of the hair will help define the individual waves and prevent frizz.

15. Natural Sun-Bleached Layers

This style focuses on the color and health of the hair as much as the cut. Long, flowing layers are used to showcase the natural highlights that occur in the sun. It is a high-dimension look that looks incredibly healthy and vibrant.

For men with darker hair, this might mean getting very subtle “babylights” to mimic the sun’s effect. The layers ensure that the light hits different parts of the hair, creating a sense of movement. It is a sophisticated, “jet-setter” version of the surfer look.

Keep the hair hydrated with a weekly deep-conditioning treatment. Sun-bleached hair (whether natural or salon-created) can become brittle. Healthy, shiny waves are the key to making this style look premium rather than neglected.

16. Thick Texture with Tapered Sides

This is a hybrid style that bridges the gap between a standard “men’s cut” and a surfer length. The hair is long enough to show off its wavy texture on top and through the back, but the sides are tapered close to the head to maintain a masculine “V” shape.

It’s an excellent choice for men who have a lot of hair density. The tapering removes the weight from the sides, which can often make a head look too round. It emphasizes the height and texture on top, creating a strong, athletic profile.

Style this by using a blow dryer and your fingers to push the hair up and back. A light-hold hairspray can help keep the volume in place without making the hair feel stiff. It’s a great “office-to-beach” transition style.

17. The Surfer Mullet Hybrid

The modern mullet has been reclaimed by the surfer community. This version features a medium-length “tail” in the back with textured, wavy layers. The top and sides are kept slightly shorter but still long enough to maintain the messy surfer feel.

This is a bold, high-fashion choice for men who want to make a statement. It feels nostalgic yet modern, especially when the texture is kept “salty” and dry. It’s a look that screams personality and confidence.

Avoid making the transition from front to back too severe. A “seamless” mullet uses blending layers to ensure the look feels like one hairstyle rather than two. Use a sea salt spray to keep the back “tail” looking wavy and intentional.

18. Voluminous Sea-Salt Pompadour

This is a “dressed up” version of the surfer look. It takes the height of a pompadour and applies it to medium-long, wavy hair. Instead of a slick, greaser look, the pompadour is airy, textured, and full of sea-salt “grit.”

It works best for men with straight to wavy hair who want to add an element of “cool” to a formal outfit. It provides a significant amount of height, which can help elongate the face. It’s a powerful look for the modern, style-conscious man.

To style, use a volumizing spray at the roots and blow dry while brushing the hair back and up. Once you have the height, finish with a sea salt spray to break up the “perfection” and add that coastal texture.

19. Shoulder-Grazing Bohemian Flow

As the hair approaches the shoulders, the “bohemian” element of the surfer look takes over. This style is all about length and natural fall. The hair should look heavy, healthy, and full of deep, rolling waves.

This style is best suited for men with very thick, healthy hair. It requires patience to grow out, but the result is a majestic, masculine look that is hard to ignore. It is often paired with a well-groomed beard to balance the length of the hair.

To keep the hair from looking like a “mane,” use a light styling oil on the ends. This adds weight and prevents the bottom from flaring out too much. It keeps the waves defined and the overall silhouette “downward” and sleek.

20. The “Day at the Beach” Bedhead

This style is designed to look like you just woke up after a long day in the surf. It is intentionally chaotic, with hair going in different directions. The key is that the “mess” looks healthy and voluminous, not greasy or flat.

This is a great look for younger men or those in creative fields. It suggests an active, carefree lifestyle. It works best on medium-long hair that has been cut with lots of internal texture to encourage strands to “clump” together.

To style, apply sea salt spray to dry hair and literally “muss” it up with your hands. Don’t use a comb or brush. If certain sections are sticking out too much, use a tiny bit of matte clay to tuck them back into the main mass of hair.

21. Defined Curls with Matte Finish

For guys with tighter curls, the surfer look is all about definition without shine. Traditional curl products often make hair look “wet” or “crunchy.” The surfer version uses matte products to make the curls look dry, salty, and natural.

This style highlights the natural pattern of the hair while keeping it at a medium-long length that allows the curls to “drop” and flow. It is a high-texture, high-impact look that is uniquely suited for men with curly hair.

Use a matte-finish curl cream or a sea salt mousse. Apply it to very wet hair, then “plop” the hair with a cotton t-shirt to remove moisture without causing frizz. Let it air dry completely for the most authentic, coastal finish.

How do I get surfer texture if my hair is naturally straight?

To get surfer texture with straight hair, you will need to rely on “grit-building” products. Use a sea salt spray on damp hair and consider a “salt-infused” shampoo. You can also ask your barber for a “disconnected” cut with lots of internal layers to encourage movement where there is none naturally.

What are the best products for medium long surfer hair?

The most important product is a high-quality sea salt spray, which provides volume and a matte texture. A lightweight leave-in conditioner is also essential to prevent the salt from drying out your hair too much. Finally, a matte styling clay is useful for defining the ends and keeping the hair out of your face.

How often should a man wash surfer-textured hair?

For the best surfer texture, avoid washing your hair every day. Natural oils help provide the weight and “clumping” necessary for waves. Aim to wash 2-3 times a week with a sulfate-free shampoo. On “off” days, simply rinse with water and apply a little bit of sea salt spray to refresh the look.

Is the surfer hairstyle appropriate for a professional office?

Yes, the surfer look can be professional if it is “tamed.” For the office, consider the “Tucked Behind the Ears” or the “Textured Bro Flow” styles. These keep the length controlled and the face clear, projecting a look of relaxed confidence rather than unkempt messiness.

How do I stop my medium long hair from looking frizzy?

Frizz is usually a sign of dehydration. To maintain surfer texture without the frizz, use a moisturizing hair mask once a week. When styling, avoid rubbing your hair with a towel; instead, pat it dry gently. Using a grooming cream while the hair is still damp can also lock in moisture and define waves.

How often do I need a trim to maintain this length?

Even when growing your hair out, you should visit a barber every 8-12 weeks. A “dusting” or a light trim removes split ends and prevents the hair from looking “triangular.” Your barber can also thin out the internal sections of the hair to ensure it maintains its “flow” and doesn’t become too bulky.

1. The Classic Beach Wave

2. The Salt-Sprayed Side Part

3. The Sun-Kissed Shag

More Amazing Ideas

4. Chin-Length Tapered Flow

5. Relaxed Man Bun with Tendrils

6. The Wind-Swept Quiff

7. Layered Surf-Mop

More Amazing Ideas

8. Textured Bro Flow

9. Messy Middle Part

10. Slicked-Back Wet Look

More Amazing Ideas

11. Tucked Behind the Ears

12. The Coastal Curtain

13. Undercut Flow

More Amazing Ideas

14. The Rogue Waves Shag

15. Natural Sun-Bleached Layers

16. Thick Texture with Tapered Sides

17. The Surfer Mullet Hybrid

More Amazing Ideas

18. Voluminous Sea-Salt Pompadour

19. Shoulder-Grazing Bohemian Flow

20. The “Day at the Beach” Bedhead

21. Defined Curls with Matte Finish

More Amazing Ideas

How do I get surfer texture if my hair is naturally straight?

What are the best products for medium long surfer hair?

How often should a man wash surfer-textured hair?

Is the surfer hairstyle appropriate for a professional office?

How do I stop my medium long hair from looking frizzy?

How often do I need a trim to maintain this length?