Picture this: lying on the beach with a good book, a cold beverage and your hair effortlessly wavy from the ocean breeze. Nothing says summer quite like it. But even if you're miles from the sand and sun, you can still achieve wavy beach hair.
Here, find our tips for how to create beach waves naturally overnight or with your trusted styling tools.
What Are Beach Wave Curls?
Beach wave curls are a sun-kissed hairstyle that mimics the naturally tousled look you get after a day spent by the coast. There are several ways to achieve these loose, textured waves that exude a relaxed vibe.
Heat or No Heat?
One of the most popular ways to create wavy beach hair is with a curling iron or hair straightener. However, if you want to avoid heat damage, you can braid your damp hair in pigtails and air-dry.
How to Make Beach Waves Without Heat
For a low-maintenance, low-heat hair routine, apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair. Then, section your hair into parts and make four loose braids. Let them dry for natural-looking beach waves.
You can achieve a similar look by placing damp hair in two knotted buns at the nape of your neck. Secure them with pins and let them dry. Once you unknot, you’ll reveal loose beach waves.
How to Get Wavy Curls with a Straightener Or Flat Iron
If you’re too short on time to air dry, then you can repeat the above steps with dry hair. Start by misting a heat protectant all over dry hair and brushing it through. Then make four loose braids and gently clamp your flat iron down on each. After letting them cool, unbraid your hair and shake it out.
To create beach waves without braiding, use a flat iron on dry, straight hair. Be sure your flat iron faces downward rather than horizontally.
For added gloss, finger-comb a nourishing hair oil through your strands as a final step.
How to Do Beach Waves with a Curling Wand
A curling wand is the easiest tool for creating perfectly imperfect beach waves. Unlike a curling iron, a wand helps ends to keep their natural texture.
Start by misting a heat protectant all over dry hair and brushing it through. Then, using a one-inch barrel curling wand, wrap vertical sections of hair around your wand. The key is to leave out two inches at the end to prevent an over-styled look.
How to Create Beach Waves for Your Hair Length
No matter your hair length, achieving tousled, beach wave curls is easier than you think.
For Long Hair
Take a two to three-inch section and clamp hair halfway down the length of a curling iron. Turn the barrel up toward the root. Hold for a few seconds, then release the clamp. Be sure to keep the barrel straight and remember to leave about two inches at the end.
For Medium-Length Hair
If you have medium-length hair, section it and use a curling iron to add a bend at the middle of the hair's length. Hold for a few seconds, then pull through for a perfectly tousled, undone wave.
Short Hair
Start from your bottom-most layer and begin curling in vertical sections. Leave bit of your ends out of the barrel so it remains straight. To prevent over-styling, try alternating the direction of each curl.
For all hair lengths, we recommend a drop of nourishing hair oil on your ends for added shine, frizz protection for up to 72 hours, and deep moisture.
How to Do Beach Wavy Hair Overnight
For beautiful beach waves with minimal effort, try braiding damp hair into two loose pigtails after washing and conditioning. If your hair is prone to damage, then this no-heat method is perfect for you.
When you wake up, undo the braids and air dry remaining damp sections or use a blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment.
Another way to achieve effortless beach waves is using a fabric belt (like a bathrobe belt) and four hair ties. Divide your hair into two sections. Wrap each section around the belt, securing the ends with hair ties. Then twist the entire section into a bun and secure it with a second hair tie. Repeat on the other side.
In the morning, unwind your hair and enjoy your perfect beach waves.
Pro tip: Sleep on a satin pillowcase to further protect hair from damage and frizz.
How to Make Beachy Waves Last Longer
Now that you know how to get wavy beach curls, we’ll let you in some final secrets––one of the best ways to make your waves last longer is to gently run a wide tooth comb through your ends.
As for the finishing touch, spritz on Cheirosa 87 Perfume Mist for a beachy, nostalgic hair fragrance that perfectly matches your vibe.
