How to Get Beach Waves With & Without Heat
Want to know how to get beach waves? We all want big, bouncy beach waves in the summer. Those effortless, tousled curls that make you look like you’ve just spent the day lounging by the ocean are a coveted look for many. Luckily, there are several methods to achieve beautiful beachy waves.
Whether you want to avoid heat altogether or prefer using your favorite styling tools, here’s how to do beach waves at home.
How to Get Beach Waves Without Heat
Heat does our hair no favors. The good news is, you can easily get beach waves without exposing your hair to heat. Here are some easy methods for no-heat beach waves.
#1: Braids
One of the easiest ways to get beach waves without heat is by braiding your hair. Here’s how to get beach waves with braids.
• Start with Damp Hair: After washing your hair, let it air dry until it’s about 70% dry. If your hair is already dry, you can lightly mist it with water to achieve the same effect.
• Divide Your Hair into Sections: Depending on how loose or tight you want your waves, divide your hair into two or several sections. For looser waves, two braids will suffice. For tighter waves, consider four to seven smaller braids.
• Braid Each Section: Create simple three-strand braids with each section, securing the ends with small elastics.
• Sleep on It: For best results, leave your braids in overnight. Sleeping on them helps to set the waves so you can wake up to summery beach waves.
• Unbraid and Style: In the morning, gently unbraid your hair and use your fingers to separate the waves. Spritz your hair with sea salt spray or texturizing spray to enhance the beachy look.
To wake up with frizz-free beach waves, invest in a satin pillowcase. Satin pillowcases prevent moisture loss and friction, resulting in healthier, shinier, smoother strands. Shop Truly’s Satin Sleep Set for better sleep and better hair.
#2: Twist & Pin
Another popular no-heat method for beach waves involves twisting your hair. This technique works best for those with naturally wavy or curly hair. Here’s how to get beach waves with twists.
• Divide and Twist: Starting with slightly damp hair, divide your hair into sections and twist each section away from your face. To create tighter, more defined waves, you’ll want to create more twists.
• Secure the Twists: Pin the twists to your head using bobby pins or secure them in small buns.
• Leave to Dry: Allow your hair to dry completely. You can wear them overnight or over a few hours during the day.
• Release and Fluff: Once dry, release the twists and use your fingers to fluff and separate the waves to reveal gorgeous, summery beach waves.
#3: Use Hair Rollers
Hair rollers are another great way to get beach waves without heat. They come in various sizes, so choose the one that suits the wave size you’re aiming for. If you want big, bouncy waves, use larger hair rollers. For smaller, tighter waves, stick to smaller rollers. Here’s how to get beach waves with hair rollers.
• Prep Your Hair: Starting with damp hair, spritz on a little texturizing spray or add some mousse to your roots for extra volume.
• Roll Sections of Hair: Take small sections of your hair and wrap them around the rollers, securing each roller at the base.
• Let It Set: Allow your hair to air dry completely before removing the rollers. You can also use a hair dryer to set the waves. For even better results, sleep with the rollers in and release them in the morning.
• Remove and Set: Once dry, remove the rollers and gently separate the waves with your fingers. Then finish with a very light misting of hairspray to lock your waves in place.
How to Get Beach Waves with a Curling Iron
Using a curling iron is a classic method to get beach waves, and it can be done quickly if you have some practice.
Start off by applying a heat protectant spray to dry hair to prevent damage from the heat. Then divide your hair into small sections. This makes it easier to curl each part evenly. Once you’re done, you can move onto mastering your curling technique.
• Wrap Around the Barrel: Take a section of hair and wrap it around the barrel of the curling iron, leaving the ends out for a more natural, beachy look. Hold for about 5-10 seconds then release.
• Alternate Directions: For natural beach waves, alternate the direction in which you wrap each section. Curl one section towards your face and the next one away from your face.
• Use Different Barrel Sizes: Use different sizes to create varied wave patterns, enhancing the natural beach wave look.
Once all sections are curled, gently tousle your hair with your fingers to break up the curls and create a more relaxed wave. Finish with a light misting of sea salt spray or texturizing spray to add volume and hold while giving your hair that natural beachy texture.
How to Get Beach Waves with a Flat Iron
Getting beach waves with a flat iron is probably the most challenging method of them all. However, with the right technique, you can create beautiful beach waves. Here’s how.
• Prep Your Hair: Always apply a heat protectant before exposing your hair to heat to prevent damage. Then divide your hair into sections for easier styling.
• Clamp and Twist: Take a section of hair and clamp the flat iron near the roots. Twist the iron away from your face while sliding it down the hair shaft. This creates a wave as you move the iron. For a natural look, alternate the direction of the twist for each section.
• Create an S-Shape: Take a section of hair and create an S-shape with it. Clamp the flat iron over the bend, then move down the section, alternating the direction of the S-bend. Continue this process throughout all sections of your hair.
• Complete the Look: Use your fingers to lightly tousle and separate the waves. Then apply a sea salt spray or texturizing spray to give your waves that extra beachy look and feel.
Upgrade Your Beach Waves with Summery Shimmer
Once you’ve mastered how to create beach waves at home, why not take it a step further and add some shimmer to your hairstyle to really make your mane pop?
Truly’s new shimmery oils are the perfect product to give your waves a radiant, sun-kissed glow. These oils are infused with shimmering particles that catch the light beautifully, making your beach waves look even more glamorous. Plus, they contain nourishing ingredients that help keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
#1: Choose Your Shimmer
For a rosy shimmer, try Truly’s Birthday Sex Luxury Oil. To add a touch of silvery sparkle to your strands, go for Truly’s Vanilla Baby Luxury Oil. And for golden goddess glimmer, get Truly’s Golden Glaze Luxury Oil.
Golden tones work great for blondes and lighter hair, while silver and rose gold hues sparkle brighter on brunettes and redheads.
#2: Apply to Waves
Rich and luxurious, a little goes a long way with these shimmering oils. Begin with 1-2 drops and add more if needed. Pour the drops into your palms and gently run your hands through your beach waves, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends of your hair. Avoid the roots to prevent any greasy appearance.
For extra shimmer, take a few strands of hair and apply a bit more oil to them individually. This will create natural highlights and add dimension to your waves.
#3: Set Your Style
Once your beach waves are shimmering, lightly mist your hair with a flexible hold hairspray to set the style and keep the waves in place all day. Now you’re ready to hit the beach, babe!
Top Tips for Perfect Beach Waves
Now you know how to get beach waves easily and quickly at home, here are some quick tips to ensure you get the best results every time.
• Don't Overdo it with the Products: Using too many styling products can weigh your hair down and reduce the natural movement of the waves. Stick to lightweight products that add texture and volume.
• Practice: It might take a few tries to master these beach wave techniques. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfectly. Just keep on practicing until you’re happy with the results.
• Consider Your Hair Type: If you have fine hair, you might need less product and a gentler touch. For thicker hair, you may need to use more product and take smaller sections to ensure the waves hold.
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