How to Get Natural-Looking Beach Waves Effortlessly

While fashion trends may ebb and flow, certain iconic styles like the smoky eye or beach waves endure as timeless classics. They hold their allure because they’re versatile and universally flattering. Among these, the loose and tousled beachy waves stand out as one of the most adaptable and charming hairstyles. They effortlessly complement a range of occasions, whether you seek inspiration for a first date, a day-to-night transformation, or even a relaxed wedding look. Beach waves are a go-to choice for all three scenarios, offering a versatile and elegant option that suits every need.

Summer evokes images of sun-kissed skin, sandy toes, and windswept hair. And when it comes to hair, nothing screams ‘summer’ louder than natural-looking beach waves. With their effortless allure, beach waves are not just reserved for a day at the shore. They encapsulate an easygoing elegance that’s versatile and evergreen. So, if you’re pining for that beachy hair vibe without the ocean-side visit, here’s a comprehensive guide to achieving those breezy locks.

Easy Ways to Get Natural-Looking Beach Waves

Beach waves mirror the appearance of voluminous, relaxed curls or gentle waves. The approach you choose to create them depends on your unique hair type and texture. Here, we outline our preferred and simplest methods for achieving those perfect beachy waves.

Start with Damp Hair

The foundation of authentic beach waves lies in the natural texture that water provides. It’s crucial to begin with damp hair, which serves as a blank canvas. After a shower, instead of rigorously drying your hair, press it gently with a towel to retain its dampness. If you’re working with dry hair, a spray bottle with water will do the trick. Your hair should be moist enough to shape but not dripping wet, ensuring the products you apply next are absorbed effectively.

Apply a Sea Salt Spray or Texturizing Spray

Channel the ocean’s touch with a sea salt spray. These sprays emulate the salinity of the sea, which gives hair that characteristic gritty texture. Alternatively, texturizing sprays can also create that sought-after volume and hold. Whichever you choose, ensure an even application from the mid-lengths to the ends. This layer of product is the secret weapon for holding those waves in place.

Scrunch Your Hair

As the name suggests, the art of ‘scrunching’ is to crumple or squeeze the hair to encourage wave formation. Cup sections of your hair from the ends and push upward, repeating this action across your head. As you scrunch, you’re manually setting the foundation for those gorgeous waves.

Quick Link: 10 Best Hair Care Tips For Swimmers To Combat Chlorine Damage

Braid or Twist Sections of Hair

To intensify and define those waves, turn to the age-old technique of braiding or twisting. By sectioning your hair and forming loose braids or twists, you’re carving out distinct wave patterns. The thicker the braid, the looser the wave, and vice versa. Secure these with hairbands or clips, and patiently wait for the magic to happen.

Overnight Buns

For those with long hair, overnight buns are a fantastic method for achieving heatless beachy waves. Similar in appearance to space buns, this technique allows you to wake up to beautifully textured waves without any heat styling. To get started, it’s important to work with hair that is approximately 75 percent dry so that it can fully dry overnight.

Depending on your hair’s thickness and the desired tightness of your beach waves, divide your hair into four to six evenly sized sections. Twist each section away from your face and carefully roll it into a bun, securing it with hair ties to ensure it stays in place throughout the night.

When morning comes, simply release the buns and gently run your fingers through your hair to reveal quick and heatless spiral waves, making it a convenient and effortless way to style your hair.

Use a Diffuser or Air-Dry

The drying process plays a pivotal role in the final look of your beach waves. If you’re pressed for time, a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer can expedite the drying while preserving the integrity of the waves. Hold the diffuser close to your head and move it in an upward motion to enhance those waves. However, if time is on your side, letting nature do its course by air-drying offers the most authentic beach wave appearance.

With a Flat Iron

If you have short hair that falls above your shoulders and desires those beautiful beach waves, a flat iron can be your best friend in achieving this style. Given the limited length, wrapping your hair around a curling wand might not be feasible, but a flat iron provides the solution by allowing you to add texture and bends.

However, before applying heat, it’s crucial to use a heat protectant. This product safeguards your hair from the high temperatures of your hot styling tools. To start, take a one-inch section of hair while positioning your straightener towards the roots. After clamping the straightener down, twist it backward so that it’s at a vertical angle, effectively wrapping your hair around it.

Continue the twisting motion as you move down the hair section, releasing it at the ends. Do this again with all of your hair. Once you’re done, gently run your fingers through the waves to create a tousled and effortless look.

With a Perm

For those who adore beachy waves to the extent of seeking a long-term commitment, a beach wave perm is an appealing option. Unlike traditional perms, which result in tight curls, this treatment leaves you with beautiful beach wave curls that can last for around three months.

While we won’t delve into a step-by-step guide for a beach wave perm, it’s important to note that this is a procedure best performed by a professional stylist. So, if you’re passionate about beachy waves and want to enjoy them without daily styling, a beach wave perm is an option worth considering.

Finish with a Lightweight Hairspray

Now, to seal the deal. Your beach waves, though appearing effortless, need protection against the elements. A lightweight hairspray will provide that invisible shield, ensuring longevity without compromising movement. This final step ensures your waves remain intact, bouncing with life, and looking as fresh as a summer morning.

Best Hair Product to Get Beach Waves

Here are three essential products to keep at your disposal for your beach wave hair routine.

1. Hair Curl Spray

Selecting the right curl-enhancing spray is a pivotal step in perfecting your beach waves. This product not only refines and defines the waves you’ve artfully crafted but also plays a crucial role in their longevity. A quality curl spray aids in setting your waves, ensuring that they remain in place and retain their alluring shape throughout the day. It adds texture and dimension to your hair, creating that effortlessly tousled look. Whether you’re heading to the beach or preparing for a night out, the right curl spray is your trusted ally in achieving and preserving those stunning beach waves.

Our recommendation: Pacifica Beauty, Pineapple Curls Refresher Mist, Refresher Spray

2. Sea Salt Spray

Sea salt spray is a fantastic tool for imparting your hair with that desirable, lived-in texture reminiscent of a day spent at the beach. It replicates the natural feel of your hair after you’ve soaked up the ocean’s salty air and waves. If you find yourself without sea salt spray, an excellent alternative is a hair pomade with a matte finish. This product can effectively mimic the gritty and textured appearance that’s characteristic of hair after a refreshing ocean swim.

Both sea salt spray and matte-finish pomades add a touch of that windswept allure to your hair, helping you achieve those effortless beach waves. Whether you’re at the coast or far from the shore, these styling aids are your go-to options for crafting the perfect beachy look that exudes a carefree and relaxed vibe.

Our recommendation: Kick Sea Salt Spray

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3. Leave-In Conditioner

If you’re looking for a heat-free way to achieve those coveted beachy waves, consider incorporating a curl-enhancing product, such as a leave-in conditioner, into your hair care routine. This versatile product serves as an excellent choice for creating effortless waves that capture the essence of the beach.

To use it effectively, apply the leave-in conditioner through the length of your hair, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. Once applied, gently scrunch your hair to activate your natural waves. This technique brings out the inherent texture of your hair, transforming it into those relaxed and carefree beachy waves. This heat-free method is not only simple but also preserves the health and integrity of your hair, making it a go-to option for achieving a beach-ready look.

Our recommendation: Sulfate and Paraben Free with UV Protection by Stream2Sea

Bottom Line

In pursuit of natural-looking beach waves, simplicity is key. With a few easy techniques and the right products, you can effortlessly achieve those relaxed, tousled waves that are perfect for any occasion. Embrace the beauty of minimalism and make waves a part of your daily or special-occasion style.

FAQs:

Can I make beach waves with any kind of hair?

Beach waves are versatile and can be achieved on most hair types. Adjust your technique and products to suit your specific needs, whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair.

What products are essential for creating beach waves?

You’ll need a texturizing spray, a heat protectant, and a curling iron or flat iron. These products help create the texture and shape of beach waves.

How long do beach waves typically last?

Beach waves can last anywhere from a day to a few days, depending on your hair type and the products used. Using a high-quality hairspray can help extend their longevity.

Are there any alternative methods for achieving beach waves without heat-styling tools?

Yes, there are heatless methods like braiding or using hair rollers. These techniques can create beach waves without exposing your hair to heat.