Beachy waves are a go-to celebrity style (we see you Blake Lively, Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, Beyoncé and basically every other girl crush we have). The reason so many celebrities opt for this look is because this effortless hairstyle flatters all face shapes, hair types, and ages.
Want to know the secret behind the trending “I woke up like this” beachy waves? Well, we’ve got them and we’re here to share them with you.
Whether your tool of choice is a curling iron, flat iron or simply a headband, you can easily achieve that cool, undone style that’ll make you look like you still have sand in your shoes, even if you really just spent all day at your desk.
Flat Iron Beachy Waves
Yes, you can create natural-looking beach waves using a flat iron. Just be sure to apply a heat protectant to the hair before you blow-dry. Next, wrap your hair around the iron, pull it through the plates, clamp, and slide.
Having trouble gliding your hair through the iron? Leave a little space between the plates. Once you’re done, break up the waves with your fingers and add a little texturing spray to complete the look.
Heatless Beachy Waves
Achieve mermaid hair and give your strands a break from heat styling with this simple how-to, which starts with braiding damp hair.
Simply spritz with a salt spray (find the best salt spray for your hair) and part your hair in the middle, creating two braids on each side. Secure in Princess Leia-style buns until dry.
This is a great way to style your hair overnight. Just make sure your hair is completely dry before you take the braids out.
Curling Iron Beachy Waves
The most traditional way to get beachy waves is, drum roll please… with a curling iron! We’re just as shocked as you are.
When it comes to creating beachy waves with a curling iron, opt for a barrel that’s approximately one-inch in diameter. Don’t forget to apply a heat protectant to your hair before styling! Simply shake out your hair and you’re ready to go!
S-Shaped Beachy Waves
In just a few simple steps, you can create beautiful, s-shaped beachy bends with a flat iron and of course, a heat protectant.
If you have curly hair, start by straightening your strands (trust us). Then, use the straightener again to create effortless-looking bends by simply rotating the iron back and forth as you glide it down each section of your hair.
Headband Beachy Waves
Looking for another genius beauty hack for beach waves that doesn’t require heat styling? We have your answer. Using a cotton headband, twist and wrap your hair around the base of the band to achieve that undone, straight-off-the-sand look.
The Beachwaver
Still can’t get the hang of a curling iron? It might be time to try The Beachwaver, an auto-rotating curling iron that does half the work for you. Uhm, yes please!
This user-friendly tool makes styling your hair easier than ever before, thanks to varying temperatures and speed settings. All you need to do is press a button on the ceramic rotating iron to achieve that effortless, undone look each and every time you curl your hair.
Beachy Waves for Short Hair
Although it might take some practice, creating textured waves on even the shortest of hairstyles can be done. All it requires is one-inch curling iron and a flick of the wrist.
Pro tip: After you finish curling your entire head, be sure to generously spritz it with a flexible-hold hair spray before you begin to brush out the curls to ensure they stay so you can slay the day.
Beachy Waves in Five Minutes
Beachy waves don’t typically start at the root, so it makes total sense to start curling from your ponytail. This hair hack can also help if you have problems sectioning off your hair or reaching the back pieces. Plus, it’s an ah-mazing time saver!
The key to making great waves is using the right products and tools, application tips and styling tricks from our Urban Vanity styling pros.
If you think the idea of mastering those perfectly loose curls sounds more than a little daunting, just try one of the above styling tricks to make it oh-so-simple to pull off the popular summer look all year long, no beach trip required!
