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For the last week, I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time watching YouTube tutorials, talking to my hair stylist, visiting my local beauty store, and practicing how to get beach waves for summer.
I tried this look around this time last year, but no matter how much time I spent curling and scrunching and spraying my hair, I just couldn’t get it right, so I completely gave up.
But I refused to admit defeat this summer, and I finally figured it out!
And guess what?!
I took detailed notes about what does and doesn’t work, and today I’m sharing 14 of the best tricks I’ve learned to help teach YOU how to get beach waves.
Because we all want to look sexy and beautiful this summer, right?
1. GET THE RIGHT HAIR CUT
I’ve already told you thick, blunt, and/or split ends won’t hold a curl, but did you know the kind of cut you have makes a difference, too? I didn’t. I always figured the more layers, the better. But after reading this helpful article on Daily Makeover, I have a better understanding of why my hair hasn’t held a curl without tons of products all these years, and now I make sure to ask my stylist to strategically cut long layers around my face, and only add subtle layers to the back of my hair for volume.
2. SKIP THE SHAMPOO
It’s no secret that dirty hair is easier to style, but making your hair look fresh after skipping a hair wash takes skill. That’s why I recently shared 7 awesome tricks to help you prolong a hair wash and still look amazing, which I urge you to read. Make sure not to skip tip # 4. It has been a lifesaver for me!
3. ADD SOME TEXTURE
One of the most helpful tricks I’ve learned about getting my hair to hold a style is to give it some volume, which is a lot easier to do than I originally thought.
If I’m working with unwashed hair, I simply spray some dry shampoo and – BAM! – I’ve given it a little ooompf, while also removing any excess grease from my roots. I’m currently crushing on Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
, but I recently bought Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo from our local drug store, and I find it also works well.
And on those days when I simply CANNOT skip the shampoo, I like to use Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse before I blow-dry my hair, but I’ve had a lot of luck with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse as well, which is much easier on my wallet!
4. DO NOT BLOW-DRY YOUR HAIR UPSIDE DOWN
I feel like every single tutorial I’ve ever watched or read has told me to blow-dry my hair upside down to give it added body, but I always find that no matter how much time I spend styling (and how many products I use), my hair always looks brittle and unhealthy for the rest of the day. But it wasn’t until I read the article, Big Hair: Six Tips from the Expert on Schwarzkopf that I realized drying your hair upside down is not a good strategy. Instead, it’s better to tilt your head to the side and roughly blow-dry it with a paddle brush. I love my Spornette Ion Fusion Paddle Brush – it works like a charm!
5. GET OUT THE LARGE, ROUND BRUSH
Once my hair is about 80% dry, I like to section it off into 3 layers and finish drying it with a large, round brush. I don’t spend a great deal of time on this part of the styling process as my goal isn’t to straighten my hair. All I want to do is give it a smooth look and make sure it is completely dry before I get out my curling iron. If you’re looking for a good round brush, I’ve heard great things about the Denman Thermal Hair Brush but haven’t tried it yet.
6. PICK YOUR WEAPON
Now it’s time to decide what tool you want to use to get your beach waves. I’ve listed a few options below:
- Flat Iron: I’ve heard lots of people love using a flat iron to create loose waves, but I haven’t experimented with this method yet.
- Curling Wand: This is what I’ve been using lately, and I love it! It’s easy to use and creates the kind of loose, beachy curls I want.
- Curling Iron: This traditional tool works well, but I find it takes longer than the wand to get the right look.
- Heatless Methods: Braids, twists, or using foam rollers overnight can also create waves without heat damage.
7. USE A HEAT PROTECTANT
Before you start curling, always spray your hair with a good heat protectant to minimize damage. I recommend Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer.
8. CURL AWAY FROM YOUR FACE
When curling your hair, wrap the sections away from your face for a more natural look.
9. LEAVE THE ENDS OUT
Don’t curl your hair all the way to the ends; leave about an inch or two out to keep your waves looking beachy and natural.
10. LET YOUR CURLS COOL
After curling a section, pin it up with a clip to cool before releasing. This helps your curls set better.
11. USE YOUR FINGERS
Once all curls are done and cooled, use your fingers to gently separate and loosen them for soft waves.
12. APPLY A TEXTURIZING SPRAY
Spray a texturizing or sea salt spray to add grit and hold to your waves.
13. AVOID BRUSHING
Resist the urge to brush your waves, which can make them look frizzy or lose their shape.
14. FINISH WITH HAIRSPRAY
Lightly mist your hair with a flexible hold hairspray to keep your waves lasting all day.
For a video tutorial, check out this helpful YouTube video:
Happy beach wavy hair days ahead!
Shop all my favorite beach wave products here.
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