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Want beachy wavy hair for summer? Here's how it's done
When it comes to the summer hairstyles, easy beach waves steal the crown every year – even if we’re more likely to be sweating in an office with broken air conditioning than reclining poolside in Cancun.
But, sure. For most of us, purely natural tumbles of Cali girl chic loose curls are the stuff of daydreams. So, if you aren't blessed with Kate Hudson-style tresses, scroll on for advice on how to craft the look – which will let you give off a distinctly 'I woke up like this' vibe.
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The no-faff guide to creating beach waves
How to get beach waves overnight
Hoping to sashay away from heat styling? Then beach waves are the one for you. After washing your hair, smooth through a little product to help your air dried hair look swish, like Bumble & Bumble's cult Don't Blow It.
Next, divvy your hair up into three sections and plait each one, securing with a hair tie. To go to sleep, use a scrunchie to pull each plait into a big bun that can perch on top of your head.
When you wave up, take your scrunchie out, give your plaits a super speedy blast with the hairdryer and then un-do. Simples.
The best products for creating beachy waves
Creating the best beach waves begins in the shower. Tailoring your shampoo and conditioner to your hair type will provide the perfect foundation and take all the hard work out of creating your style.
On fine hair, L'Oréal Professionnel's Serioxyl Advanced Purifier and Bondifier Shampoo is ideal. It contains magnesium salt to detoxify hair from root to tip while minimising product and oil build-up, visibly boosting hair’s density.
Thicker hair types will benefit from a more heavy-duty shampoo and conditioner. We love Aromatherapy Associates' new Nourishing Shampoo which reduces frizz and flyaways without wiping out your natural texture.
Once your hair is damp, (not drenched) blast it with the nozzle of your hairdryer pointing downwards, as this will help smooth the cuticles.
There’s no expert techniques or round-brush wizardry required here - a quick rough-dry will do.
How to create beach waves on short hair
Once your hair is dry, take the top two thirds of your hair and tie it all up, into a tight bun. Now, spray the underneath with heat protectant and grab large chunks from mid way down and wrap around a curling tool (WH rates the GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand.)
Hold, then run your fingers loosely through, to create a more natural vibe. Do the same with the other two sections, and finish with a little salt spray, for that surf-y texture.
How to make beach waves with a curling iron
With your hair fully dry, you can go in with the styling. A set of section clips will make the process so much easier (and make you feel like a pro.)
Clip the hair into rough sections (they don’t need to be exactly the same size) then grab a barrel wand.
Wind each section around the wand and hold for a couple of seconds. For a natural result, start at the mid-lengths (around the ear is ideal) and leave an inch or so at the end.
How to do beach waves with a straightener
No curler? No problem – you can create the same beach waves with a straightener. Simply twist the straightener away from your face at the root of the hair. Gently pull the straightener down the length of the hair, et voila!
Finally, rake your fingers through your hair to separate - don’t brush! - and you’re done.
How to make your wavy hair last
If your hairstyle always seems to fall flat by lunchtime, no matter how much hairspray you soaked it in before leaving the house, you’re probably using the wrong products for your hair type.
To get perfect beach waves that last all day it’s important to seal your style with the correct finishing product.
Drybar Seashore Spritzer Salt-Free Wave Spray is a sugar-based styling spray that promises to hold your hair in place all day long. It’s ideal on fine to mid-weight hair – simply spritz from the mid-lengths to the ends and scrunch to boost your waves throughout the day.
On thicker hair, Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Infusion is ideal. A newer take on the iconic original Surf Spray, it’s formulated with a blend of nourishing tropical oils, so hydrates as well as it holds.
Now you’ve mastered the style of the season, keep your hair in peak condition with the best natural shampoos for dry, damaged hair.
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