How to Achieve Perfect Beach Waves Every Time

Few hairstyles are as effortlessly chic and universally flattering as beach waves. Whether you’re heading to brunch, the beach, or a night out, this go-to look brings a laid-back, sun-kissed charm to any outfit. The best part? You don’t have to live by the ocean to rock the style.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get perfect beach waves—every single time—with and without heat. Let’s get wavy!

Why Beach Waves Are So Popular

Beach waves are soft, undone curls that mimic the look of hair dried naturally by salty sea air. They’re flattering on all hair lengths and textures and can be styled for casual or more polished looks. Plus, they’re quick, versatile, and don’t require a salon visit to master.

Option 1: Heat Styling for Beach Waves

If you have a curling iron, wand, or flat iron, you can achieve beach waves in minutes.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Curling wand (1 to 1.5 inches)

• Heat protectant spray

• Sea salt spray or texturizing mist

• Wide-tooth comb or fingers

• Light-hold hairspray

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Your Hair: Start with dry hair. Apply a heat protectant to shield strands from damage.

2. Section It Off: Divide your hair into 2–4 horizontal layers for easier styling.

3. Wrap, Don’t Clamp: Use a curling wand or iron. Wrap sections away from your face, holding for 5–8 seconds. Alternate directions for a more natural look.

4. Leave the Ends Out: Don’t curl the last inch of hair—this creates that signature beachy, undone texture.

5. Tousle & Finish: Let curls cool, then rake through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Mist with sea salt spray or texturizer. Set with hairspray.

Option 2: Heatless Beach Waves (Overnight Method)

No heat? No problem. Try this overnight method for natural, healthy waves.

What You’ll Need:

• Damp, towel-dried hair

• Leave-in conditioner or curl cream

• Hair ties or scrunchies

• Optional: Silk scarf or bonnet

Steps to Follow:

1. Start Damp: After showering, gently towel-dry your hair.

2. Apply Product: Work in a leave-in conditioner or a wave-enhancing product.

3. Braid It Out: Do one or two loose braids or twist buns depending on the texture you want.

4. Sleep On It: Let your hair set overnight.

5. Unravel & Fluff: In the morning, gently undo braids. Shake out the waves with your fingers. Add dry shampoo or sea salt spray for more volume and grip.

Option 3: Flat Iron Waves

Believe it or not, you can also create beach waves with your flat iron.

How-To:

• Clamp a 1-inch section of hair at the root.

• Twist your wrist back and forth as you glide the iron down the strand.

• Alternate the direction of each section to keep it beachy—not uniform.

Best Products for Perfect Beach Waves

Here are some essentials to have on hand:

• Sea Salt Spray: Adds grit and enhances texture.

• Texturizing Spray: Gives hold and bounce without stiffness.

• Dry Shampoo: Boosts volume at the roots and refreshes second-day waves.

• Finishing Cream or Serum: Smooths frizz and defines waves.

Hair Type Tips

• Straight Hair: Use a wave-enhancing mousse before styling.

• Wavy Hair: Air-dry with a curl cream and scrunch while damp.

• Curly Hair: Loosely define your curls with a diffuser and break them into soft waves with fingers.

Quick Fixes for Common Beach Wave Mistakes

Too tight curls? Gently brush through with a boar-bristle brush to loosen them.
Flat waves? Tease the roots or use a volumizing spray.
Frizzy finish? Use a lightweight oil or finishing serum to smooth it out.

Final Thoughts

Achieving the perfect beach waves is all about preparation, the right tools, and a bit of practice. Whether you’re heat styling for a night out or going heatless for a healthy, natural look, these waves are always in style.