5 Game-Changing Tips, Tools & Hair Products For Perfect Beach Waves

Quick… when you think of summer, what is the single most iconic hairstyle that comes to mind?

I’d be willing to bet you said beach waves… mainly because you already know what this article is about. But also because they really are the best summer hairstyle around.

Here’s the thing… summer is associated with being at the beach and swimming in the ocean. With all that fun in the sun, your hair will naturally bounce up into the most perfect beach waves you’ve ever seen.

But what happens if you can’t be at the beach all the time? (And if you are, I’m officially jealous…) In that case, you need to learn how to get beach waves on the fly.

I’m prepared to share with you some amazing tips, tools and hair products to get absolutely perfect beach waves without being seaside 24-7. You can thank me later.

💡TIP: Pin this article on your Hairstyles board so you can always come back to it later!

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Tip #1. Don’t Forget To Mousse Up

Let’s kick off this journey to amazing hair with one of the best hair products around… mousse.

Mousse helps define any natural curls you do have and adds extra body to straighter hair textures. This is all non-negotiable if you want beautiful beach waves.

But that’s not all it does… it tames frizz and keeps the hairstyle in place without the crunchiness of hairspray. Most newer mousse formulations even fight humidity, provide protection and add texture and shine without weighing down the hair.

It’s pretty much amazing and easily one of the most underrated hair products out there.

The absolute best mousse for beach waves would have to be the Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse. It adds the right amount of texture, protects your hair from the evil UV rays and doesn’t dry it out or make it crunchy.

To use this product, dispense a golf-ball-sized dollop into your hands and rub them together. Then, use your fingers to run it through your towel-dried (but still damp) hair.

Tip #2: Diffuse That Ish

Blow drying your hair with a hair diffuser is a brilliant way to define natural curls and tame down frizz. You really should add it to your beauty routine if you have natural curls or wave in your hair.

If you don’t know what a diffuser is, it’s an attachment for the hair dryer to protect hair from direct heat. It also adds volume and boosts curls that would otherwise be pulled down by gravity and length.

If you have curly hair, a diffuser is your new best friend.

If you have a straighter hair texture, you can still use a diffuser to encourage natural waves. The extra texture will give you a nice canvas to make your perfect beach waves on.

💡TIP: The curly girls prefer the Xtava Black Orchid or Devafuser.

If you’re new to diffusing, here is a fabulous tutorial by real life+curly girl that shows you how to do it like a pro.

Tip #3: Get Salty

What better way to get beautiful waves than to add a little bit of beach to your hair?

The salt in the sea salt spray adds tons of texture and volume, and will literally create the perfect beachy look.

I do have to mention though, that the downside to using this type of product is that it can dry your hair. The good news is that many companies use Epsom salt, which is far less drying.

My favorite is the Surf Spray by Bumble and bumble.

It will definitely give you the “fresh off the beach look,” while adding incredible texture and volume. Last, but not least, it’s formulated without all those nasty parabens, mineral oils or formaldehyde and is cruelty-free.

To use this product, spray on damp or dry hair, twist and twirl your hair to add texture and let it dry (or diffuse).

Tip #4: Use a Magic Curling Wand

The curling wand may be newer to the hair scene, but don’t underestimate its power; this is your best friend when it comes to beach waves.

Curling wands create more of a soft, loose wave than a wound-up curl. They add the perfect amount of texture without the unsightly creases that you’d get from a traditional curling iron clamp.

Make sure take small sections of hair, and alternate curl directions to add extra movement and make it look more natural.

I love this tutorial by Corinne Montanaro that shows you how easy it is to achieve the perfect beachy look.

Now I’m gonna take it one step further and tell you about the “Beachwaver Pro,” which is an automatic rotating curling iron that delivers perfect beach waves every time.

It’s easier for me to show you how great it is than to try to explain it.

The Beachwaver makes it really easy for you, but if you don’t have a high hot tool budget, any ‘ol curling wand (or curling iron) will do.

Just remember that the bigger the barrel, the looser your waves will be.

Tip #5: Finish Off With Dry Texturizing Spray

To set your beautiful beach waves, you’ll want to use some dry texturizing spray.

Although this product is not a substitute for dry shampoo, it’s similar to dry shampoo mixed with hairspray. It adds even more texture to your finished product, and really finishes off the look.

It also adds some hold to your style, but with a more natural finish than hairspray.

I recommend Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray… it’s one of the best dry texturizers on the market right now.

It works by absorbing oil at the roots without leaving a powder residue (which can help preserve your style for next-day wear). It also adds a perfect amount of texture to your waves, without weighing them down.

To use it, spray the product on to your hair and work through with your fingers.

Final Thoughts

Beach waves are a timeless hairstyle that represents all the good things about summer… and you can get beautifully wavy hair at home, without the damaging elements of the ocean.

With the right tools and products… and a bit of practice, you’ll be rockin’ perfect beach waves in no time. Slay girl, slay.

Until next time,

Your Turn:  What are your favorite products and tools for perfect beach waves? Are there any other tips you’d like to add to this list? Drop them in the comments section below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

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