Easy beach waves are the go-to summer hairstyle every year, even if most of us are more likely to be sweating in an office than relaxing by a pool in Cancun.
For many, natural, loose curls are a dream. If you don’t have naturally wavy hair, follow these tips to achieve the effortless “I woke up like this” look.
Creating Beach Waves Overnight
If you want to avoid heat styling, beach waves are perfect. After washing your hair, apply a product like Bumble & Bumble’s “Don’t Blow It” to enhance your air-dried hair.
Next, divide your hair into three sections and braid each one. Secure the braids with hair ties. Before bed, gather each braid into a bun on top of your head using a scrunchie.
In the morning, remove the scrunchie, quickly blow-dry the braids, and then undo them. It’s that simple.
Best Products for Beach Waves
The key to great beach waves starts in the shower. Choose a shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type.
For fine hair, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Serioxyl Advanced Purifier and Bondifier Shampoo is ideal. It detoxifies hair while reducing product and oil build-up, enhancing hair density.
For thicker hair, try Aromatherapy Associates’ Nourishing Shampoo, which reduces frizz and flyaways without stripping natural texture.
After washing, dry your hair with the hairdryer nozzle pointing downwards to smooth the cuticles. No special techniques or tools are needed; a quick rough-dry will suffice.
Beach Waves on Short Hair
Once your hair is dry, section off the top two-thirds and tie it into a bun. Spray heat protectant on the lower section and use a curling tool, like the GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand, to curl large chunks of hair from mid-length down. Run your fingers through the curls for a natural look. Repeat with the top sections and finish with salt spray for texture.
Using a Curling Iron
With dry hair, use section clips to divide your hair. Wrap each section around a barrel wand, starting at mid-length (around the ear) and leaving an inch at the end for a natural effect.
Using a Straightener
To create beach waves with a straightener, twist it away from your face at the root and gently pull it down the length of your hair. Separate the waves with your fingers, not a brush.
Achieving Fine Beachy Waves
Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian’s hairstylist, recommends using Color Wow Money Mist Leave-in Conditioner and Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair for a glossy, frizz-free look. Dry your hair with the Shark FlexStyle® Sparkle Air Styling & Drying System using high heat and low air settings. Add volume with Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray and smooth your bangs with the Oval Brush attachment on the Shark FlexStyle®. Finish with the 2-1.25” Auto-Wrap Curlers attachment and a small barrel curling iron for added dimension. Seal the style with Color Wow Cult Favourite hairspray.
Making Your Wavy Hair Last
To keep your beach waves lasting all day, use the right finishing products. Drybar Seashore Spritzer Salt-Free Wave Spray works well on fine to mid-weight hair. Spritz from mid-lengths to ends and scrunch to refresh waves throughout the day.
For thicker hair, Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Infusion is perfect. This updated version of the original Surf Spray hydrates while holding your waves in place with nourishing tropical oils.
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