Do you want to get beach wave hair? Beach waves are one of the most popular minimalist hairstyles, known for their soft, loose, and slightly wavy look—less messy than typical curls. When it comes to effortless style, many people choose beach wave hair for its elegant and laid-back appearance. The best part? Even if you don’t have natural beach waves, you can achieve them easily with the right tools and techniques. Keep reading to learn how to get perfect beach waves step by step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieve Perfect Beach Waves Hair
Beach waves are the only hairstyle that suits everyone. It perfectly matches almost every face shape. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting perfect beach waves:
1. Start with Clean, Dry Hair
The first step to getting beach wave hair is to get your hair clean and dry. On freshly washed hair, you can get a sleek and professional look of beach waves. Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair. Gently dry your hair with some cloth or air-dry it for some time to prevent frizz.
2. Apply a Heat Protectant and Texture Spray
Before starting the procedure for getting beach wave hair, Like in keratin treatment aftercare, applying a heat protectant before styling is essential to avoid damage and retain shine.. A heat protectant serum or spray will prevent damage from styling tools and exposure to heat. It will also maintain the grip of your hair so you can get an improved texture.
3. Section Your Hair
To get smooth beach waves, section your hair using clips. It’s better to divide your hair into four parts. Start with the bottom layer and go to the upper layer. It will ensure that every strand is curled properly.
4. Get your Tools Ready
Get your tools ready. Beach wave hair is formed with the help of a curling iron. The size of the curling iron varies between 1 and 1.25”. This size is perfect to create natural-looking beach waves hair. Set the temperature according to your hair type. For the thicker hair, you can set the temperature up to 400°F. Whereas for thin hairs, a temperature around 300°F is preferred. Turn on the curling iron and let it reach the maximum heat.
5. Curl Strategically
Once your tools are ready, start curling small sections of hair. You just need to coil your hair strands around the curling plate. Hold it for around 8 to 10 seconds, and then release it gently. Repeat the procedure until all your hair is done, leaving a perfect impression of beach wave hair.
6. Shake It Out
After curling the hairs, let them cool completely. Gently shake out all the waves using your fingertips. This gives a smooth look to your overall hair. It will break the structured formation of coils and will transform your hair into gentle, soft waves. You can also use a tooth comb to detangle your hair.
7. Lock It in Place
Once you’re completely done, lock your beach wave hair into a perfect look. You can use any hair-holding spray or a textured mist to lock your hair structure. This will also cause stiffness, which makes your hair look shiny and sleek.
The Right Tools for Beach Waves Hair
Understanding the right tools for getting perfect beach wave hair is necessary. You must have the following tools for getting beach waves:
● Flat iron.
● Rollers
● Setting spray
● White tooth comb
● Heat protectant
Choosing the Right Curling Iron
Whether you're using a curling wand or a smoothing hair treatment, choosing the right tools makes a noticeable difference. You must consider the size and width of the curling iron to achieve the perfect and natural look. A narrow rod will lead to tight curls. Therefore, using a flat iron curler is better to attain a natural look.
Beach Waves Hair Tips Based on Hair Type
Before starting the process of producing waves in your hair, you must understand the hair type and its requirements.
1. For Fine Hair
For fine and silky hair, it is necessary to use our dry shampoo. It will help in minimizing the sleek texture. A little rough, texture well for the help in maintaining the texture and increasing the hair lift.
2. For Thick Hair
Individuals with thick hair must work in smaller sections. Also, using a high-heated curling iron is preferred. You can also increase the holding time and lock the hairstyle using a strong spray.
3. For Curly or Wavy Hair
For curly or wavy hair, you just need to clean the hair strands. You can also start the process by straightening your hair and then producing the curls through a curling iron. Avoid too many hairstyling products or sprays for maintaining natural texture.
No-Heat Methods for Beach Waves Hair
There are several ways to achieve beautiful beach waves, and the two main categories are heat-based and no-heat methods. While curling irons and wands fall under the heat styling category, no-heat techniques are an excellent option for creating waves without damaging your hair.
One of the most popular and effective no-heat methods is the braiding technique.
Braiding Method
Braiding is one of the best ways to get soft and natural waves. After taking a shower, just make two or more braids in your damp hair. You can also slightly dampen your hair and make braids. Leave them overnight and release the braids in the morning. Use a wide-tooth comb to brush your hair in the morning.
Common Mistakes When Creating Beach Waves
Even though beach waves look effortlessly chic, a few common missteps can leave your hair looking less than flawless:
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Using too much product: While sea salt sprays and texturizers are key, going overboard can weigh down your hair or make it feel sticky.
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Curling in the wrong direction: Always curl away from your face to get that natural, wind-swept effect. Curling inward can make waves look too structured or outdated.
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Skipping heat protection: If you're using hot tools, never forget a heat protectant spray to prevent damage and dryness.
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Not brushing out curls: After curling, always finger-comb or lightly brush your waves to break them up and soften the texture—otherwise, you'll end up with tight curls, not waves.
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Using the wrong barrel size: A smaller barrel creates tighter curls. For relaxed beach waves, opt for a 1- to 1.25-inch barrel.
Conclusion
Beach wave hair remains one of the most popular and versatile hairstyles. It offers a soft, polished look that works well for all hair types—whether your hair is long, short, straight, or wavy. To achieve the perfect beach waves, start by prepping your hair with a heat protectant. Allow your curling iron to reach the ideal temperature, create clean curls, let them cool, and then gently tousle your hair for a natural finish. With the right steps, beach waves can easily become your go-to everyday or special occasion style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get beach waves without using heat?
Yes! Braiding damp hair before bed, using twist buns, or applying a sea salt spray to air-dried hair can give you heatless waves.
Q2: How long do beach waves last?
Depending on your hair type and the products used, they can last from one day up to three. Using a light hairspray or wave spray can help extend the look.
Q3: Is sea salt spray bad for your hair?
Overuse can be drying due to the salt content, but occasional use is fine. Choose formulas that include hydrating ingredients like coconut water or glycerin.
Q4: What size curling iron is best for beach waves?
A 1- to 1.25-inch curling wand or iron is ideal for creating soft, tousled beach waves.
Q5: Can I do beach waves on short hair?
Absolutely! Use a smaller barrel curling wand or flat iron technique. Just remember to style smaller sections and avoid heavy products that might weigh short hair down.