Ah, the elusive beach wave – that effortlessly tousled, perfectly imperfect hairstyle that makes you look like you just stepped off the set of a summer blockbuster. For those of us not blessed with naturally wavy locks, achieving that coveted beachy look can feel like an uphill battle. But fear not, my friends! With the right techniques and a little bit of practice, you too can master the art of creating flawless beach waves every single time.
10 Tips to Make Perfect Beach Waves
In this post, we are sharing top 10 tips to help you get that sun-kissed, windswept style – no ocean breeze required. Whether you have short, long, thick, or fine hair, these foolproof methods will have you looking like a bonafide surfer girl (or guy) in no time. Let’s dive in!
Start with the right hair type.
While it’s totally possible to create beach waves on a variety of hair textures, certain hair types will take to the look more easily. If you have naturally straight, fine, or thin hair, you’ll probably find that beach waves hold much better and look more natural. Thicker, coarser, or curlier hair textures may require a bit more effort to get that perfectly imperfect look. But don’t worry – with the right products and techniques, anyone can achieve gorgeous beach waves!
Use the right tools.
When it comes to creating beach waves, the right tools can make all the difference. Curling irons, wands, and even flat irons can all be used to get the job done, but we personally prefer to use a large barrel curling iron (think 1-inch to 1.5-inch barrel size). The larger barrel helps create those loose, flowing waves rather than tight, defined curls. You can also try using a wave-enhancing flat iron or even no heat at all and opt for heatless wave methods like rag rolls or headbands.
Prep your hair.
Before you even pick up your styling tools, it’s important to make sure your hair is properly prepped. Start by washing with a volumizing or texturizing shampoo and conditioner to add grit and hold. Then, apply a heat protectant product from mid-lengths to ends to shield your strands from damage. Finally, let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to maintain as much natural movement and wave as possible.
Work in small sections.
When it comes to creating beach waves, it’s all about the technique. Rather than trying to curl your entire head of hair in one fell swoop, work in small, 1-inch to 2-inch sections for the best results. This allows you to really control the shape and placement of each wave, ensuring an effortless, natural-looking finish.
Curl away from your face.
Another key technique for achieving perfect beach waves is to always curl the hair away from your face. This helps frame your features and create a more flattering, face-lifting effect. Simply wrap each section of hair around the barrel of your curling iron, rotating the iron away from your face as you go.
Alternate curl direction.
To keep your beach waves from looking too uniform and “done,” try alternating the direction of your curls. Curl certain parts toward the direction of your face and others out of it. This creates a more natural, haphazard look that mimics the way hair falls when you let it air dry.
Let your curls cool completely.
Patience is a virtue when it comes to creating perfect beach waves. Once you’ve curled each section, be sure to let the curls cool completely before running your fingers through them or shaking them out. This helps set the waves and ensures they’ll last all day (or night!).
Scrunch, don’t brush.
After your curls have cooled, resist the urge to brush them out. Instead, gently scrunch your hair with your hands to break up the curls and create that effortless, tousled look. You can also try using your fingers to gently separate and piece out the waves.
Finish with salt spray.
No beach wave look is complete without a generous spritz of salt spray. These lightweight, texturizing sprays help add grit, volume, and that signature “just-off-the-beach” feel to your waves. Apply the salt spray from mid-lengths to ends, scrunching as you go, to create perfectly imperfect, wind-swept waves.
Touch up as needed.
Even with the best techniques, your beach waves may start to fall a bit throughout the day. No problem! Keep a small curling iron or wand on hand and quickly re-curl any pieces that need a little refresh. Focus on the top and face-framing sections, and remember to let the curls cool completely before shaking them out.
Conclusion
And that’s it! With these 10 simple tips, you’ll be creating salon-worthy beach waves in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are heading to the actual beach or just want to look like you are, these techniques will have you looking effortlessly chic in no time.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your curling iron and get to waving! Your perfect beach hair awaits.
