There’s nothing quite like the effortless beauty of beachy waves — soft, tousled, and full of texture, this iconic hairstyle screams summer vibes and relaxed confidence. The good news? You don’t actually need a trip to the beach (or even salt water) to achieve the perfect beachy waves.
Whether you’re heading to brunch, a festival, or just want to add some easy glam to your everyday look, beachy waves are a timeless hairstyle that suits everyone. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create perfect beachy waves at home — no sand required!
Tools & Products You’ll Need
Before we get into the how-to, here’s a quick list of tools and products to have on hand:
✅ Sea salt spray or texturizing spray
✅ Heat protectant spray
✅ Curling wand or flat iron
✅ Wide-tooth comb or fingers for tousling
✅ Hairspray or light-hold finishing spray
If you prefer a heat-free method, you’ll just need sea salt spray, a few hair ties or clips, and a little patience.
Method 1: Heat-Styled Beachy Waves
This is the quickest and most reliable way to achieve defined, yet natural-looking waves.
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start with dry hair. Spray a heat protectant all over to prevent damage, and then lightly mist sea salt spray or texturizing spray for grip.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into 2–3 sections, depending on thickness. Clip away the top layers and start working from the bottom.
Step 3: Curl Away From the Face
Take 1–2 inch sections of hair and wrap them loosely around a curling wand, leaving the ends out for that undone look. Alternate the direction of the curls (one section curled toward your face, the next away) for a more natural, beachy texture.
Step 4: Tousle & Finish
Once all sections are curled, let your hair cool for a few minutes. Then, run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through the curls to break them up. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the style in place.
Method 2: Heat-Free Beachy Waves
If you’d rather skip the heat, here’s a simple overnight method.
Step 1: Start With Damp Hair
Wash your hair in the evening and let it air dry until it’s about 70% dry. Spritz a sea salt spray or texturizing spray all over.
Step 2: Braid or Twist
Split your hair into 2–4 sections, depending on how tight you want your waves. Loosely braid each section or twist it into buns and secure with hair ties or clips.
Step 3: Sleep On It
Leave your hair in braids or twists overnight.
Step 4: Unravel & Style
In the morning, gently unravel your braids or buns. Use your fingers to separate and fluff the waves. Add a bit more sea salt spray if needed, and finish with hairspray
Pro Tips for Beachy Wave Perfection
🌴 Don’t overthink it — the key to beachy waves is a little imperfection.
🌴 Use a lightweight dry shampoo to add texture and volume at the roots.
🌴 If you have fine hair, avoid heavy conditioners before styling — they can weigh your waves down.
🌴 For a more polished look, smooth flyaways with a tiny bit of serum on the ends.
Beachy Waves All Year Round
Who says beach hair is just for summer? Beachy waves look just as gorgeous in the colder months — pair them with cozy sweaters and bold makeup for a winter-ready vibe. They’re perfect for adding texture to second- or third-day hair when you don’t feel like washing it.
Final Thoughts
Perfect beachy waves are just a few simple steps away — no ocean required! With the right products, a little practice, and a relaxed attitude, you can master this timeless hairstyle and make it your own.
So go ahead: spritz, twist, tousle, and embrace that “beach hair, don’t care” attitude.