Beach waves on long hair are the epitome of a relaxed, summery look that gives an effortless and stylish appearance. Achieving this look doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and techniques, you can create beautiful beach waves at home.
Tools You’ll Need
Curling Iron or Wand:
For long hair, a curling iron or wand with a larger barrel (around 1.25 – 2 inches in diameter) is ideal. A larger barrel creates looser waves that mimic the natural look of beach – tousled hair. You can choose between a traditional curling iron with a clamp or a wand for a more tousled effect.
Heat Protectant Spray:
This is a must – have as heat can damage your long hair. Spray it evenly on dry hair before using the curling tool. It forms a protective layer that reduces the risk of dryness, split ends, and breakage.
Comb and Brush:
A wide – toothed comb is great for detangling your long hair gently. A paddle brush can be used to smooth your hair before starting the curling process.
Hairspray:
A light – hold or medium – hold hairspray helps to set the waves and keep them in place throughout the day.
Sea Salt Spray (Optional):
This product can enhance the beachy look by adding texture and a slightly gritty feel to your hair, similar to how seawater affects hair at the beach.
Preparing Your Hair
Wash and Condition:
Start with clean, dry hair. Use a shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. If your hair is dry or damaged, you may want to use a moisturizing conditioner. Rinse thoroughly to remove any product buildup.
Dry Your Hair:
You can either let your hair air – dry or use a blow – dryer. If using a blow – dryer, set it to a medium – low heat setting to avoid over – drying your hair. Use the paddle brush to smooth your hair as you dry it.
Apply Heat Protectant:
Spray the heat protectant evenly throughout your hair. Make sure to cover all strands from roots to tips. This step is crucial to protect your long hair from the heat of the curling tool.
Sectioning Your Long Hair
Top Section:
Use a hair clip to separate the top layer of your hair. This usually starts from the crown of your head. This section will be curled last as it will rest on top of the other waves, creating more volume.
Middle Sections:
Divide the hair below the top section into two or three middle sections, depending on the thickness of your hair. Clip these sections separately.
Bottom Section:
The bottom layer of your hair is the first to be curled. This forms the base of your beach waves. Make sure to clip the other sections out of the way while working on this part.
Curling Technique
Bottom Section
Take a Strand: Start by taking a small to medium – sized strand of hair from the bottom section. The width of the strand depends on how defined you want your waves to be. For a more natural look, take slightly thicker strands.
Position the Curling Iron: Place the curling iron or wand close to the middle of the strand (not too close to the root). For a more tousled look, you can twist the strand slightly before wrapping it around the curling tool.
Curl the Strand: Wrap the strand around the curling iron in a loose, random direction. You don’t have to be too precise. For example, curl some strands away from your face and some towards your face. Hold the hair in the curling iron for about 8 – 12 seconds, depending on your hair type and the heat setting. If your hair is fine, a shorter time may be sufficient.
Release the Curl: Gently release the curl from the curling iron. Let it cool in your hand for a few seconds before letting it fall. This helps set the wave.
Middle Sections
Repeat the Process: Follow the same steps as for the bottom section. However, when curling the middle sections, you may want to make the waves a bit looser than the bottom ones. This creates a more graduated look. You can also vary the starting point of the curl on the strand to add more randomness.
Blend the Waves: Pay attention to how the waves blend with the bottom layer. Use your fingers to gently separate and blend the waves as you go.
Top Section
Looser Curls: For the top section, create the loosest waves. This gives the illusion of more volume at the crown. Use a larger barrel curling iron if you have one or wrap the hair more loosely around the curling iron.
Frame Your Face: When curling the strands near your face in the top section, make sure to curl them in a way that flatters your face shape. For example, if you have a round face, you may want to curl the strands away from your face to elongate your features.
Finishing Touches
Separate the Waves: Once you have curled all the sections, use your fingers to gently separate the waves. This breaks up any clumps and gives a more natural, tousled look. Avoid using a comb as it can make the waves look too uniform.
Apply Hairspray: Lightly spray the hairspray over your waves. Hold the can about 10 – 12 inches away from your head and spray in a light mist. This helps hold the waves in place.
Optional Sea Salt Spray: If you want to enhance the beachy texture, spray a small amount of sea salt spray on your hair. Gently scrunch your hair with your hands to distribute the product evenly.
Tips for Maintaining Beach Waves
Sleeping with Waves:
If you want to preserve your beach waves overnight, you can either loosely tie your hair up in a silk or satin scrunchie or use a silk pillowcase. Avoid sleeping on cotton pillowcases as they can cause friction and frizz.
Refresh Waves:
The next day, if your waves have lost some of their shape, you can use a small amount of curl – enhancing product. Gently scrunch your hair to revive the waves. You can also use a curling iron on just a few key strands to bring back the wave definition.
Protect from Humidity:
Humidity can cause waves to frizz. If you live in a humid environment, you can use an anti – humidity hair product before going out. This will help keep your waves looking smooth and defined.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating beach waves on long hair is a fun and easy way to change up your look. With the right tools, proper technique, and a little practice, you can achieve the perfect beachy waves that will make you look like you just stepped off the sand. Experiment with different curling methods and products to find the look that suits you best.