19 Jun A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Perfect Beachy Waves
Achieving flawless waves that look effortlessly chic may seem like an art reserved for beachside Instagram influencers, but creating that perfect wave look is much easier than you think. With the right tools, products, and technique, you can master the art of beachy waves in no time.
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
The foundation of perfect waves starts before you even touch a curling iron. Begin by washing your hair with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. This ensures your hair is soft and manageable for styling. Once you’ve washed and conditioned your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant to safeguard your strands from potential damage caused by heat styling. If you’re aiming for added volume and texture, a sea salt spray can also give your waves that tousled, beachy texture.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
To make the process easier, divide your hair into sections. Start by separating the top section of your hair from the bottom using clips. Working in smaller sections allows you to have more control over your curls and ensures that every strand gets the attention it needs for even waves.
Step 3: Start Curling
For beachy waves, you don’t want tight curls. Instead, opt for loose, relaxed waves. To achieve this, use a curling iron with a barrel size of about 1 to 1.5 inches. Take a section of hair (about 1-2 inches wide) and wrap it around the barrel, but don’t wind it all the way to the root. Leave the ends out to prevent the wave from becoming too tight. Hold the hair for about 5-10 seconds before releasing it. Repeat this step throughout your entire head.
Step 4: Alternate the Direction
For a more natural, tousled look, alternate the direction in which you curl each section. Curl some sections away from your face and others toward your face. This creates a more effortless, lived-in wave rather than uniform curls that can look too styled. If you want more texture, don’t be afraid to change the size of the sections you’re curling; mixing smaller and larger sections will result in more dimension.
Step 5: Finish with a Texturizing Spray
Once you’ve curled all your hair, allow it to cool down for a minute or two. Then, gently run your fingers through your hair to break up the curls and create a more relaxed, tousled look. To add texture and hold, finish with a light mist of texturizing spray or a flexible-hold hairspray. This will give your waves that natural, beachy finish while ensuring they last all day without feeling stiff or crunchy.
Step 6: Tame the Frizz
To keep your waves looking smooth and frizz-free, finish off with a small amount of anti-frizz serum or lightweight hair oil. Focus on the ends of your hair to prevent flyaways from ruining the look. Be sure not to apply too much product — a little goes a long way to achieve a shiny, polished wave.
And there you have it! With these easy steps, you can create beautiful, beachy waves that look effortlessly chic without spending hours in front of the mirror. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a brunch date, or a night out, perfect waves are an essential styling tool to have in your repertoire.
