hairstyle trends 8 Different Ways to Get Perfect Beach Waves

Loose, tousled beachy waves are easily one of the most flattering and versatile hairstyles you can rock. When you’re in need of inspiration for first date hair — beach waves. Looking for a hairstyle that can take you from day to night — beach waves. The perfect wedding hair to complement your low-maintenance vibe — also beach waves. 

Beachy waves, also known as mermaid waves, are flawless and loved by many because short strands and long hair alike can rock them. The best part is that there are so many ways to achieve beach waves, so whether you’re loyal to your curling iron or prefer heatless hairstyles, there’s a method (or a few) for everyone. Keep reading to see our list of eight different ways to create the perfect beach waves. 

How to Get Beach Waves With a Curl Enhancer 

Curl-enhancing products are a great, heat-free option for obtaining effortless beachy waves. Start with towel-dried hair and grab a curl enhancer like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner. 

Apply a nickel-sized amount of product and add more as needed to enhance your hair’s natural texture and scrunch your strands to shape your waves. Let your hair dry and enjoy your natural beach waves with very minimal effort. 

How to Get Beach Waves With a Curling Iron 

For a more defined look where you can control the wave pattern, opt to create your beach waves with a curling iron. Start by applying a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray Leave-In. Use a large-barrel curling iron (ideally one-and-a-half inches in diameter) to curl large sections of your hair, creating loose waves. 

Do you spend time creating beach waves only to have them not last? Since you’re using a larger barrel to create the waves, finish off the look with hair spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented, to provide a shiny finish with a humidity-resistant formula that will keep your beach waves intact.

How to Get Beach Waves With a Flat Iron 

If you have short strands that hit above your shoulders and want to create beach waves, using a flat iron is a great way to do it. While you might not have enough length to wrap your hair around a curling wand, a flat iron can grab the hair at the roots and make it possible to create beach waves. 

Before applying heat, use a heat protectant with frizz control to prep your strands like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In. Start by grabbing a section of hair while pointing your straightener towards the roots. After clamping the straightener down, twist it so that it’s at a vertical angle and your hair is wrapped around it. 

Continue to twist the straightener as you move down the section of hair and release it at the ends. Repeat this motion with the rest of your strands and finger comb the hair to give it a tousled look. 

Editor’s tip: If you’re in need of more detailed instructions, check out our article on How to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron.

How to Get Beach Waves With Overnight Braids 

Overnight beach waves are totally possible with overnight braids. This method is beginner-friendly, super low maintenance and great for styling damaged or bleached strands sans heat. To achieve heatless beach waves of any size, section your hair in half and create your braids — it’s best to do this when your hair is 75 percent dry so the waves form but you don’t wake up with wet or matted strands. Leave your braids overnight and wake up to gorgeous, loose beach waves in less than five minutes

How to Get Beach Waves With Overnight Buns 

Chances are you may have been sleeping on this heatless beach wave hairstyle (though not in the way you should be). Overnight buns resemble space buns and are great for achieving heatless beachy waves when you have long hair. 

Like the overnight braids, you want to start with hair that is about 75 percent dry so it can fully dry by the time you wake up. Depending on the thickness of your hair and how tight you want your beach waves to be, split your hair into four or six equally-sized sections. 

Twist each section away from your face and wrap it into a bun — securing it with hair ties to keep your buns in place all night long. In the morning, take out your buns and finger comb your hair to unveil your quick and heatless beach waves. 

How to Get Beach Waves With Sea Salt Spray 

A sea salt spray is one of the most popular ways to get impromptu beach waves sans the beach as it quite literally mimics what the salt water does to your hair. To enhance the natural wave in your hair, simply spritz your sea salt spray throughout your mane and scrunch to amp up the texture and say hello to gorgeous beach waves. 

If you have straight hair or prefer a more obvious wave, you can create your beach waves with any of the other methods and finish with sea salt spray to give your strands that covetable, post-salt water texture.

How to Get Beach Waves With a Twist Out 

If you have natural hair, you can totally achieve beachy waves with a classic twist out. While most natural hair curl techniques leave you with tight and defined curls, this method is all about giving you stretched-out waves. If beach waves are your desired style and you have medium or long hair, a twist out will make it happen. 

Editor’s tip: Keep in mind, this method will only work for certain curl patterns. If you find that you’re having trouble retaining your wave, you may need to use a heat method to achieve  beachy waves.

How to Get Beach Waves With a Perm 

If you love beachy waves so much that you’re ready for long-term commitment — consider a beach wave perm. Instead of tight curls like a traditional perm, this hair treatment leaves you with perfect beach wave curls. 

We won’t get into a step-by-step breakdown of how to do a beach wave perm since it’s something you’ll want to visit a professional for, but know it’s an option to consider if beachy waves are your go-to.

Next: How To Create A Messy Bun In 3 Just Steps

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: IG/@hairbykatelin_