Beachy waves are the ultimate hairstyle for that effortless, sun-kissed look. Whether you’re lounging by the ocean or running errands around town, gorgeous beachy wave can instantly elevate your style and make you feel like you just stepped out of a summer fashion magazine.
The best part? Achieving this coveted look doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With the right techniques and products, you can create stunning beachy waves in just a few simple steps.
15 Ways to Achieve Stunning Beachy Waves
In this blog post, I’m sharing 15 of the easiest ways to get beautiful beachy waves every single time. From no-heat methods to clever styling tricks, these tips will have you looking like you just spent the day surfing in no time. Let’s dive in!
Embrace Your Natural Texture
The key to effortless beachy waves starts with your natural hair texture. Consider yourself lucky if your hair is naturally curly or wavy! Embrace those beautiful, natural bends and enhance them with a few styling tricks.
Even if you have straight hair, you can still achieve gorgeous beachy wave. The trick is to work with your hair’s natural movement and texture rather than fighting against it. Use volumizing products and techniques that bring out your hair’s natural wave pattern.
Sleep on Damp Hair
One of the easiest no-heat methods for waves hair is to sleep on damp hair. Simply wash your hair, apply a wave-enhancing product like a salt spray or mousse, then braid or twist your hair before bed.
In the morning, undo the braids or twists and you’ll be left with beautiful, tousled waves. The longer you sleep with your hair in the style, the more defined the waves will be.
Air Dry Your Hair
Another simple no-heat technique is to air dry your hair. After washing, apply a wave-enhancing product and let your hair dry naturally. As your hair dries, the natural movement and texture will form beautiful, undone waves.
For extra volume and definition, you can use hair clips or claws to clip sections of your hair up or scrunch your hair as it dries. Just be sure not to over-manipulate your hair, as that can disrupt the natural wave pattern.
Use Heatless Curlers
Heatless curlers are a game-changer for creating loose curls without any hot tools. These clever little tools use flexible rods or foam pieces that you wrap your hair around, then let sit for a few hours (or overnight) to set the waves.
When you take the curlers out, you’ll be left with gorgeous, natural-looking waves. Heatless curlers are gentle on your hair and allow you to achieve waves with minimal effort.
Braid Your Hair
Braiding your hair is another simple way to create beachy wave without heat. After washing, braid your hair into one or more loose braids, then let it air dry. The waves will form as your hair dries in the braid pattern.
You can experiment with different braid styles – try a classic three-strand braid, a fishtail braid, or even a headband braid. The tighter you braid your hair, the more defined the waves will be.
Use a Wave Enhancing Spray
Wave enhancing sprays are a quick and easy way to add natural-looking texture and movement to your hair. These salt or sea salt-based sprays work by adding grit and volume to each strand, helping to accentuate your hair’s natural wave pattern.
Simply spritz the product onto damp or dry hair, scrunch, and let your hair air dry. The waves will gradually form as your hair dries. Wave sprays are a great option for those with straight or fine hair who want to add some beachy bounce.
Try a Diffuser Attachment
If you do want to use heat to style your hair, a diffuser attachment for your blow dryer can be a game-changer for creating long wavy hair. The diffuser helps to gently dry your hair while maintaining its natural volume and movement.
After washing, apply a volumizing product and use the diffuser on a low, cool setting. Gently scrunch and lift sections of your hair as you dry for beautiful, flowing waves. Just be sure not to over-dry your hair, as that can lead to frizz.
Wrap Your Hair
Wrapping your hair around large, flexible rods or foam rollers is a classic technique for achieving beachy wave. After washing, apply a wave-enhancing product and wrap 1-2 inch sections of your hair around the rollers. Let it sit for at least a few hours, then gently remove the rollers.
You can also try wrapping your hair around a headband or bandana to get that effortless, wrapped-around-the-head look. Just be sure to wrap your hair loosely for natural-looking waves.
Use a Waving Iron
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to style your hair with heat, a waving iron can be a game-changer. These specialized irons have curved, wave-shaped plates that allow you to quickly create beautiful, natural-looking waves.
Simply clamp the iron down on a section of your hair and gently pull it through. The curved plates will form soft, flowing waves in just a few seconds. Work in small sections and be sure to use a heat protectant product for the healthiest results.
Braid, Then Curl
For those who prefer to use a curling iron, try braiding your hair first before curling. This technique helps to create more natural-looking, beachy waves.
After washing and applying a wave product, braid your hair into one or more loose braids. Then, use a large-barrel curling iron to gently curl each braid. When you unravel the braids, you’ll be left with gorgeous, tousled waves.
The braiding helps to add texture and movement to your hair, while the curling iron creates the perfect amount of wave and bend.
Use a Wave-Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner
If you want to add beachy waves to your hair without any extra styling, try using a wave-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. These products are formulated with ingredients like sea salt, minerals, and volumizing agents to help boost your hair’s natural wave pattern.
Simply wash your hair with the wave-enhancing products, then let it air dry or use a diffuser. The waves will gradually form as your hair dries, giving you natural-looking, beachy texture.
Sleep in a Bun
Another easy overnight technique for beachy wave is to sleep in a bun. After washing your hair, apply a wave-enhancing product and gather your hair into a loose, messy bun at the top or back of your head.
In the morning, simply take down the bun and you’ll be left with beautiful, undone waves. The tighter you make the bun, the more defined the waves will be.
Use a Wave Wand
Wave wands are a versatile heat styling tool that can help you create gorgeous beachy waves in just a few minutes. These wands have a curved, tapered barrel that allows you to quickly curl and wave sections of your hair.
Start with damp or dry hair, and use the wand to gently wrap 1-2 inch sections around the barrel. Hold for a few seconds, then release for beautiful, natural-looking waves. Work in small sections and use a heat protectant for the healthiest results.
Embrace the Scrunch
Scrunching your hair is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your natural wave pattern. After washing, apply a wave-enhancing product like a salt spray or mousse. Then, use your hands to gently scrunch and squeeze your hair from the ends up towards the roots.
This simple technique helps to activate your hair’s natural movement and texture, resulting in gorgeous, tousled waves. You can scrunch your hair while it’s damp and let it air dry, or scrunch damp hair and use a diffuser to set the waves.
Experiment with Accessories
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with hair accessories to help enhance your beachy waves. Headbands, scrunchies, and hair clips can all be used to add volume, texture, and movement to your waves.
Try clipping back sections of your hair with claw clips, or wrap a scarf or bandana around your head for a stylish, boho-inspired look. The options are endless when it comes to using accessories to elevate your beachy waves.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the key to gorgeous beachy waves is to work with your natural hair texture and embrace a low-maintenance, effortless vibe. With the right techniques and products, you can achieve those beautiful, sun-kissed waves anytime, no matter the season. Happy styling! And be sure to check out our 10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Short Haircut for Women for more hair inspiration.
