While it’d be wonderful if every day started with a dip in the ocean and perfectly sun-dried beach waves, for most of us reality gets in the way. And if you have to settle for styling the perfect beach waves the old-fashioned way: at home- don't fret. Creating perfectly textured beach waves is easy with the help of a few Redken styling products!
So how did beach waves become one of the most wanted hairstyles out there? The beach waves trend has evolved over the years, from more formal curls and waves to the latest, more textured look. “The more formal trend was actually a result of the balayage hair color trend,” says Redken Artist Julie Lahr, referring to the popular haircolor technique where hair color is applied as if being hand painted on the hair. “When hair is styled with beach waves, the color and dimension of the balayage really pops. For this reason, this look quickly flooded Facebook and Instagram. It was a rare time when a hair color trend dictated a finished style trend.”
When people come to Julie wanting beach waves for their hair, though, she hears the same thing over and over again: “My hair doesn’t hold a curl.” But no matter how limp or fine your hair is, remember that you can still create the perfect beach waves and reach your desired end result. You just have to know the right styling products to use. Here’s how to make it happen for your hair type.
BLOW DRY AND STYLING TIPS FOR THE PERFECT BEACH WAVES
To Get Beach Waves On Fine Hair:
Before blow drying, start with a primer to protect your hair from the heat. Redken's Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer is a great choice that protects hair up to 450 degrees.
Next, distribute a volumizing spray mousse like Guts 10 when your hair is damp, blow-drying the product through your hair to add more body and lift.
Follow with a soft blow out. With fine hair, you'll want to be careful not to stretch your hair too much when blow-drying as this can make it difficult for the hair to retain curls and waves later on when heat styling. When blow-drying fine hair, simply rough dry the hair with your fingers or gently using a paddle brush.
Next use a flatiron or wand to add waves throughout the hair.
To Get Beach Waves On Straight, Thicker Hair and Curly, Thicker Hair:
Use a primer and mousse here, too, and when blow drying, it's best to spend time smoothing the hair so that you don’t end up with a lot of fuzziness and frizz. It's important to relax the curl slightly when blow-drying. Next, as with fine hair, use a flatiron or wand to add waves and texture throughout the hair.
To Get Beach Waves On Coiled Curly Hair:
Follow the same steps as above, while spending a lot of time on your blow dry. With coiled hair, you'll want to make sure the hair is as smooth as possible. Then, when it’s time to add your beach waves, use a curling iron instead of a flatiron or wand. The tighter the natural curl, the bigger the iron you'll want to use.
FINISHING TIPS FOR THE PERFECT BEACH WAVES
Putting the finishing touches on your beach waves is the same no matter what type of hair you have. The first step is to let the hair cool down. Styling and finishing beach waves is a bit like letting a cake settle. The hair firms up as it cools down and it’s less pliable if you let it cool down, which helps ensure a long-lasting, beautiful hairstyle.
The final (and very important step) is using a fabulous dry texturizing spray to set your look and add a touch of beachy texture to your waves. Redken's Triple Dry 15 is a super lightweight dry texturizing spray that will seriously change the game. A little goes a long way and it gives the hair that salty look that natural beach waves really have. Use your fingers to break the curls apart while you’re applying Triple Dry- this final finishing touch gives your beach waves a looser, more natural look.
GET THE LOOK
Check out the video below for a step by step tutorial on styling beach waves!