creating beach waves is a simple as spritzing a bit of sea salt spray onto your strands and going along on your merry way, right?
well, not quite.
while it’s not the most complicated hair style to master, there is an art to creating the perfect beach waves at home.
here’s how to get beach waves that are so effortless, you’ll look like you just stepped off the sand in saint tropez.
how to create beach waves
we’ve got good news for your mane… turns out, it is possible to create beach waves with minimal heat. here's a tutorial on how to get beach waves using juuuust a touch of heat.
step one: divide hair into four sections and twirl into buns, leaving a few centimetres out at the ends. secure each bun with an elastic hair tie.
step two: spritz salty dog salt spray all over the hair.
step three: use a hairdryer to give your locks a quick blast for a minute or two.
step four: unravel your buns to reveal a fresh mane of beach waves.
step five: scrunch a touch of head mistress cuticle sealer into your mid-lengths and ends to add softness and shine.
what products do i need to create beach waves?
ready to get salty? you're going to need a few care and styling products up your sleeve.
1. shampoo + conditioner
great beach waves start with clean strands so shampoo and conditioner are a must.
your usual shampoo and conditioner should do the trick. if you’re unsure, read our guide to building a simple hair care routine, where you’ll find the low-down on the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
that said, our strands are often under added stress during the warmer months, thanks to harsh uv rays and the drying effects of salty sea water. sound familiar? consider ritual salvation shampoo and conditioner (for added nourishment) or the therapist shampoo and conditioner (for extra hydration).
2. sea salt spray
introducing today’s hair hero: salty dog salt spray. this salt spray gives touchable beachy texture and volume with a natural matte finish. it's the secret to creating natural body and separation.
wondering how to use sea salt spray? more on that in a moment... but long story short, simply spritz into damp hair, twist or scrunch, and you’re ready to go.
3. texture paste
sometimes, beach waves need a little extra oomph – and that’s where the shag beach paste comes in. this texture paste creates beachy texture and volume in all hair types.
4. treatment
if you’re opting for a more polished beach wave look, created using hot tools, you’ll need to add a leave-in treatment to your routine, to moisturise, strengthen and repair damaged hair. opt for happy campers wearable treatment: the over-achieving, do-it-all daily styling formula.
the round-up: best hair products for beach waves
tips and tricks to nail it every time
you asked, we answered. here's everything you need to know on how to get wavy hair.
heat vs no heat
to use hot tools, or to not use hot tools, that is the question. ultimately, it comes down to two things: the condition of your hair and your desired styling outcome.
styling with heat tools (think: curling wand or hair straightener) gives you more opportunity to control the shape of your curls and smooth-out any frizz. in the video above, a hairdryer speeds up the drying process and gives the style more hold.
on the other hand, going heatless is a great option for anyone who wants to improve the condition of their hair and give it a break from hot tools. however, without heat, you’ll have to embrace and enhance your hair’s natural texture, rather than creating new curls.
overnight
is it possible to get waves overnight? aaaabsolutely. simply split your hair into sections and plait or braid your strands before bed. wake up to easy breezy beach waves.
long hair
wondering how to get wavy long hair? the world is your oyster. create beach waves in long hair using the heat or heatless methods outlined above… or opt for the overnight option to style your hair while you snooze.
short and medium hair
got short or medium length hair? no matter. you should still be able to pull off heat or heatless styles with the right tools and the products outlined above.
tip: the shorter the hair, the smaller the curling barrel size. if your hair is short, opt for a smaller curling wand to create the beachy texture and definition your heart desires.
the bottom line
you don’t need to set aside five hours to style your hair into beach waves. grab yourself a bottle o' salty dog salt spray and the rest will follow.
common faqs about beach waves
can i get beach waves without using heat?
absolutely! while hot tools are a quick and easy way to style beach waves, there are plenty of other ways to achieve this breezy, effortless look. you can use products like sea salt spray and texture paste to bring out the natural bounce in your hair or braid your hair before bed to wake up with perfect overnight waves.
what products do i need for beach waves?
the products you’ll need to create your perfect beach waves will depend on your hair’s type, condition and the type of waves you want. for example, styling products like sprays and pastes can give you that effortless, surfer-chic look quickly and without any heat. on the other hand, hot tools can give you bouncy, flawless waves but can be damaging to your hair, so you’ll probably want to protect your strands with a treatment.
what’s the best tool for creating beach waves?
thankfully, there are lots of tools you can use to get salon-perfect beach waves at home. these include curling irons, flat irons, hair wavers and air stylers. if you don’t have any of those handy, you can easily achieve this trendy look with a hairdryer, too!
how do i make my beach waves last longer?
wondering how to get beach waves to last longer? you can extend the life of your style by using products that help your hair hold its shape. these include blowout spray, heat protectant and styling clay. you might also find styling with hot tools like hairdryers or curling irons will help your waves hold longer.
will beach waves work on short hair?
beach waves are a stunning style choice for shorter hair, giving you texture, volume and bounce. if you don’t have much length to work with, you might find it better to use different tools. for instance, curling irons, wavers and heatless curlers with a smaller barrel can help you create tighter waves.
will beach waves work on long hair?
beach waves look incredible in long hair, creating movement, volume and an effortless look. to get a natural effect, avoid curling the top of your hair near the scalp and begin introducing waves from the mid-lengths on.
can i get beach waves with straight hair?
straight hair sometimes struggles to hold styles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve perfect beachy waves in your hair. using hot tools like curling irons, air stylers or wavers is a good start, as heat can help set the style in your hair. you could also consider using a holding product like gel, spray or mousse for a longer-lasting doo.
how do i get beach waves with a flat iron?
thankfully, it’s easy to get gorgeous beachy waves with your flat iron or straightener. for a defined curl, take a small section of hair and clamp it in your flat iron just above the midway point. then, twist the tool to twirl your hair around it before slowly pulling it down toward the ends. if you want a softer, more natural wave, you can also hold your strands in an ‘s’ shape while pressing them gently with your iron.
what’s the difference between beach waves and curls?
when we talk about curls, we’re actually talking about a huge range of styles and textures, ranging from tight ringlets to loose waves. beach waves are a type of curl known for being loose, flowing and natural, adding a relaxed texture to your hair.
can i sleep in braids to get beach waves?
wondering how to make beach waves without heat? simply section slightly damp hair, loosely braid each section and secure at the bottom before you head to bed. in the morning, gently undo each braid to reveal your gorgeous new heatless waves.
