How To Get Effortless Beach Waves Hair At Home

The quintessential summer hairstyle, signalling sun-soaked days, dips in the pool, and sea-salty skin, it is, of course, beach waves hair. It’s a look that suits just about everyone, whether you’ve got a sleek bob or tumbling mermaid lengths, and we’re here to tell you you don’t need a salty sea breeze or a stylist on speed dial to make it happen.

With the right techniques (and a little insider know-how), you can create soft, tousled waves from the comfort of your own home. In this guide, you’ll find easy step-by-steps, expert tips for short and long hair, and the tools that actually make a difference in achieving that effortless texture.

What Is Beach Waves Hair

Beach waves hair is a textured look that feels relaxed yet intentional, a slightly undone, tousled look with bends and movement, rather than uniform curls. It’s the antithesis of overly polished styling, giving your hair that windswept, just-back-from-the-coast finish without looking messy.

Another reason it’s so loved is that it works for a range of hair types and lengths. Fine hair gains body, thick hair gets more shape, and layered cuts look instantly more dimensional.

How To Create Beach Waves At Home

The secret to nailing beach waves at home is in the prep and technique. Start with freshly washed hair and a lightweight heat protectant to shield strands from styling damage. If your hair tends to fall flat, apply a texturising mousse or spray to damp hair before drying.

Once your hair is prepped, choose your styling method. For heat styling, section the hair and use your tool of choice – a flat iron for bendy waves, a curling wand for looser movement, or a triple barrel waver for a more defined ripple. Always work in alternating directions so your waves look natural rather than uniform.

If you prefer a heat-free option, try braiding slightly damp hair before bed, then releasing it in the morning for soft bends. A spritz of sea salt spray on dry hair can also help add that piecey, lived-in feel. Whichever method you choose, finish with a lightweight texture spray or soft-hold hairspray to keep things in place without stiffness.

Beach Waves Short Hair

Short hair can absolutely carry off beach waves; in fact, the contrast between a sleek bob or lob and that soft, tousled movement can be incredibly chic. The trick is to keep the waves loose and not overly curled, so the style stays modern rather than retro.

Work with smaller sections to suit your shorter length and avoid waving too close to the roots, as this can make hair look overly voluminous at the crown. For textured bobs, a quick bend with straighteners or a slim wand is often all you need, whilst lobs can take a slightly more defined wave, especially towards the mid-lengths.

Tools to try:

Beach Waves Long Hair

Long hair offers more room to play with different types of waves, from loose and flowy to more structured ripples. The key is avoiding overly heavy products that can weigh down your lengths, causing waves to drop prematurely.

Sectioning is your friend here; work in medium sections to keep the style cohesive but still natural-looking. Alternate wave directions as you go to stop the style from looking too “done.” If your hair is thick, focus the wave on the mid-lengths and ends to keep the top smooth and polished.

Tools to try:

Choosing The Right Beach Waves Hair Tool

The styling tool you use will directly impact the wave’s size, shape, and staying power. Triple barrel wavers give you that defined, uniform ripple that looks like you’ve just stepped off the sand. Curling wands create more relaxed bends, especially when used on alternating sections. A flat iron can give you that effortless S-wave by bending hair back and forth as you glide down the section.

Your choice will depend on your hair length, texture, and how much time you want to spend styling. Shorter hair tends to benefit from slimmer wands or narrow straighteners, while longer hair might require a larger barrel for a looser effect. If you want speed, a triple barrel waver can style an entire head in minutes, whereas a wand or straightener allows for more customisable, less uniform waves.

FAQs About Beach Waves Hair

Q: Can I get beach waves without heat?
A: Yes, try braiding slightly damp hair and sleeping in it, then release and add sea salt spray for texture. Twisting sections and letting them air-dry can also create a similar effect.

Q: What’s the best beach waves hair tool for beginners?
A: A triple barrel waver is the easiest starting point, it’s straightforward to use and gives consistent results with minimal technique needed.

Q: How do I stop waves from dropping too quickly?
A: Avoid heavy products, prep with a texturising spray, and always let each wave cool before brushing or touching. A light mist of hairspray can also help hold the style in place all day.

For more summer hair inspiration, check out our guide on Mermaid Waves And How To Get Them.