Hairstyle comparison
Compare the Long Waves and Faux Hawk by length, shape, finish, maintenance, salon wording, and how each changes your overall outline.
Published 19 September 2026
The short version
The Long Waves is defined by long length shaped by loose, continuous bends, while the Faux Hawk uses a raised central ridge supported by shorter blended sides.
The Long Waves is rated medium maintenance here, compared with high for the Faux Hawk.
| Feature | Long Waves | Faux Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | long length shaped by loose, continuous bends | a raised central ridge supported by shorter blended sides |
| Length | long | mixed |
| Shape | flowing and elongated | central and lifted |
| Finish | wavy | textured |
| Maintenance | medium | high |
Long Waves
You prefer a flowing and elongated outline with a wavy finish and the defining feature of long length shaped by loose, continuous bends.
Salon wording: Ask to preserve the overall length while adding enough long layering to stop the waves from forming one heavy block.
Faux Hawk
You prefer a central and lifted outline with a textured finish and the defining feature of a raised central ridge supported by shorter blended sides.
Salon wording: Ask to retain a longer centre strip with gradually shorter sides, keeping enough blending that the shape can also be worn less dramatically.
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