Waves for Days: 15 Beach-Inspired Hairstyles
There’s something undeniably captivating about the effortless, tousled look of beach waves. Whether you’re spending a day by the ocean or simply want to bring a bit of that carefree, sun-kissed vibe into your everyday style, beach waves are a go-to hairstyle for many. They embody a perfect blend of casual elegance and laid-back charm, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. From classic beach waves to more intricate styles incorporating braids and highlights, there’s a beach wave hairstyle for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore 15 stunning beach wave hairstyles that will help you capture that breezy, beachy feel no matter where you are. Get ready to transform your look and embrace the waves!
Beach Wave Hairstyles
Classic Beach Waves
The classic beach waves are timeless and effortless. To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron or a wand. Wrap sections of your hair around the iron, holding for a few seconds before releasing. Once your hair is curled, gently tousle the curls with your fingers and apply a sea salt spray to give it that beachy texture. This style works well for all hair lengths and is perfect for a casual day out or a beach party.
Textured Lob Waves
For those with a lob (long bob), textured waves add a chic and modern twist. Begin by curling your hair in alternating directions to create a natural, undone look. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the waves and give them a more lived-in feel. This hairstyle is great for adding volume and movement to your lob, making it look fuller and more dynamic.
Mermaid Waves
Mermaid waves are characterized by their soft, flowing appearance. To create this enchanting style, use a triple-barrel waver to crimp large sections of your hair. Finish with a shine spray to give your waves a glossy, mermaid-like sheen. This look is perfect for those with long hair and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Beach Waves with Braids
Combine beach waves with small braids for a bohemian, festival-ready look. Start by creating loose waves using a curling iron or wand. Then, braid small sections of your hair randomly and secure them with clear elastics. The braids add a playful and unique element to the waves, making this style perfect for summer events.
Side-Swept Beach Waves
For a glamorous take on beach waves, try a side-swept style. Curl your hair as usual, then sweep it all to one side and secure with bobby pins if needed. This look is ideal for showing off your collarbone and shoulders, making it perfect for formal occasions or a night out.
Messy Beach Waves
Messy beach waves are all about embracing a carefree, tousled look. Use a texturizing spray on damp hair, then scrunch your hair with your hands as it dries to enhance its natural wave pattern. For added volume, flip your hair upside down and spray the roots with a volumizing spray. This style is perfect for a casual day at the beach or a relaxed weekend outing.
Beach Waves with Bangs
If you have bangs, incorporating them into your beach wave style can create a trendy and cohesive look. Curl your hair as you normally would, but leave your bangs straight or slightly wavy. This contrast between the waves and bangs adds an interesting dimension to your hairstyle and works well for both short and long hair.
Loose Beach Waves
Loose beach waves offer a more relaxed and natural look. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, soft waves. Brush through the curls with a wide-tooth comb to loosen them even more. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the waves without making them stiff. This style is ideal for everyday wear and gives a breezy, effortless vibe.
Beach Waves with a Deep Part
Creating a deep side part with your beach waves can give your hairstyle a dramatic and sophisticated edge. After curling your hair, use a comb to create a deep side part and let the waves fall naturally. This look adds volume and frames your face beautifully, making it a great choice for both casual and formal settings.
Wet-Look Beach Waves
For a sleek and modern twist on beach waves, try the wet-look style. Apply a generous amount of styling gel or mousse to damp hair and comb it through. Use a diffuser to dry your hair while scrunching it with your hands to enhance the waves. This style gives the appearance of wet hair and is perfect for a high-fashion look.
Defined Beach Waves
If you prefer more defined and structured waves, use a small-barrel curling iron to create tighter curls. Once your hair is curled, use a fine-tooth comb to define each wave and set them with a strong-hold hairspray. This look is perfect for occasions where you want your waves to stay intact all day or night.
Beach Waves with Ombre Hair
Ombre hair and beach waves are a match made in heaven. The gradual color transition of ombre hair is highlighted beautifully by the waves. To achieve this look, curl your hair as usual and apply a shine spray to enhance the color gradient. This style is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your beach waves.
Layered Beach Waves
Layered haircuts can enhance the appearance of beach waves by adding dimension and movement. Curl your hair in sections, focusing on the layers to create volume and texture. Use a lightweight hairspray to keep the waves in place without weighing them down. This style is great for showcasing the layers in your hair and giving it a fuller look.
Vintage-Inspired Beach Waves
For a retro twist on beach waves, try a vintage-inspired look. Use a medium-barrel curling iron to create soft waves, then brush through them to create a smooth, wavy texture. Pin back one side of your hair with a decorative hairpin or clip for a touch of vintage glamour. This style is perfect for themed parties or when you want to add a classic vibe to your look.
Beach Waves with Highlights
Highlights can add depth and dimension to your beach waves. The lighter strands catch the light and make your waves stand out even more. Curl your hair as usual, then apply a shine spray to enhance the highlights. This look is perfect for summer and adds a sun-kissed effect to your hairstyle.
