Beach waves are the trend that never really went away — and it's pretty easy to see why. Hair fads come and go, but for some reason, we always seem to come back to this effortless and carefree style. Everyone wants to feel like they just stepped off the beach, with their hair flowing down their backs in loose spirals, but achieving this look isn't really as easy as it looks. However, there are some standby methods that make it a little bit more simple to get these envy-inducing waves, and some of them take minimal effort. And that's what all of us like to hear, right? Not many people have hours, let alone 20 minutes to spend on styling their hair.
But that's where we come in. For those who don't have time to a.) go to the beach and get the waves au natural, or b.) spend half an hour on doing hair, we have some tricks and tips. Some require a little bit more time than others, but some work their magic overnight so there isn't that much time put in at all.
But, no matter how the waves are created, we promise they'll look they were formed by the salty waves themselves. Without further ado, we present 20 ways to create the most beautiful beach waves. Even without sand and salt water, these loose curls are possible — trust us.
Sea Salt Spray
A quality sea salt spray is the beach away from the beach. Not all of us have the luxury of packing up and hitting the sand every weekend in order to get our hair to wave, so the next best thing is dousing the hair in some salt spray.
French Braids
This tried and true method will always be a go-to when trying to create effortless beach waves. While the hair is still damp, simply section it off into two parts and french braid each one. Go to bed, wake up, and enjoy the beachy style.
The Flat Iron Twist
This one will save a lot of time. Part the hair into two sections, and twist one of them and hold in place. Take a flat iron and slowly move down the twisted section of the hair. Repeat for the other side, and voila! Waves!
Twisted Buns
Another overnight wave fix would be to twist the hair into four small buns, two on top of the head (yes, like Miley Cyrus) and two on the bottom. Secure with bobby pins or hair ties and let the hair air dry overnight.
Always Add Texture
The key to any beach wave look is achieving that perfect beach texture. In addition to a sea salt spray, double up with a texturizing spray to give the locks a little extra oomf and volume.
Don't Be Too Uniform
When using hot tools to get beach waves, be sure to make every curl a different width. Part of the appeal of beach hair is the messiness, so add a little variety when styling the hair.
Spiral Rollers
Proceed with caution on this one. It's a slippery slope between loose beach waves and very kinky ringlets. While the hair is damp, use wide spiral rollers and wrap the hair around them, alternating the section size each time. The bigger the section taken, the looser the curl will be, so for the complete beach look, take wider pieces of hair. Leave the rollers in overnight or while getting ready, and the style is done!
Teardrop Shaped Curler
Rather than a typical round curler, try an oval or teardrop shaped curling iron. These will produce much looser curls and with the help of our trusty sea salt spray, we'll be on our way to beachy waves.
For The Already Curly-Haired Ladies
Getting beach waves a curly texture to hair can be extremely tricky. But according to Vogue, it's all about stretching the curls, rather than scrunching them up — which is usually our first reaction when we think waves. Spray sea salt spray from roots to ends and rake fingers through the hair until the natural curls have softened a bit.
Let air dry and enjoy the faux-beach waves!
Rope Braid
Similar to the french braid, the rope braid will result in magical beach waves overnight. Section the hair into either two or four parts (four parts will create tighter curls), and braid each section in a rope braid. Twist each braided part into a bun and secure with bobby pins. Wake up, undo the buns and braids and run fingers through the hair to help separate the waves.
Scrunching
This method is best for those with really fine hair — and it seems simple, right? Well, because it's very, very simple. Take some texturizing lotion (not too much because otherwise it'll weigh down the hair) and apply it to the mid-section of the hair while scrunching.
Never Scrimp on the Moisture
Especially for those who have frizzy or coarse hair, be sure to give the hair enough moisture to hold the waves. Sea salt sprays and heat products can be very drying for the locks, so prevent any damage by using serums or oils.
Large Curling Iron
It hot tools can't be avoided, opt for a big, two-inch barrel curling iron that will product loose waves, rather than ringlets.
Just Use a T-Shirt
Put those old concert tees to good use. This method is super easy, and the result is absolutely beautiful.
Start in the Shower
Some people just have the hardest time holding any sort of curl in their hair — but that doesn't mean they should give up. All it takes is a little shampoo swap. Opt for a purifying shampoo that will lay the foundation for when it's time to go back in with a sea salt spay.
Brush Them Out
A good way to get tighter curls to loosen up a little bit is to simple brush them out. But be careful, too much brushing and it could end up as a frizzy mess. Opt for a wide-tooth comb rather than a large brush.
For Short Hair
For those with shorter hair, hot tools might have to be broken in order to achieve the perfect wave look. Use a one inch no-barrel curler to create the waves and enjoy the lived-in locks.
Have the Right Cut
Hairstylist Kristin Ess told Allure that it's impossible to achieve the perfect beach wave look without layers. "It's a common mistake for people to think they can get beachy waves without layers," she added "You can't. In order to get those perfectly natural-looking swirls and flicks, you have to have some layers. Tell your stylist you want to start wearing your hair naturally wavy,"
Try a Sugar Spray
Not into the crunchiness of salt sprays? Try sugar sprays. They pretty much do the same job as a sea salt spray but without the stiffness. Sounds pretty good to us.
Beach Wave Perm
Now, this one might be a little extreme, but Julianna Hough seemed to dig it. She recently permed her hair in permanent beach waves using Olaplex Bond Multiplier No.1, which is typically used during color treatments.
