How to Get Beach Waves in Long Hair

Beach waves are one of those hair styles that work for so many occasions. They can be casual or dressy but they are always sexy! The messy beachy waves work so well with weekend and casual looks. But I also really love the juxtaposition of casual beach waves with dressy or even cocktail attire. It adds a cool vibe to your whole outfit.

Beach waves are add texture and movement to hair. They work on so many hair types and lengths too. The loose waves can really add not only volume but movement to your hair as well. It has taken me a bit of trial and error but I’ve figure out the best way how to get beach waves in long hair and these loose waves are my current favorite hairstyle.

How To Get Beach Waves In Long Hair

I think I especially love beachy waves because it is meant to be imperfect and lived in and if you know me I do not have the patience to make anything perfect! This technique works on so many hair types and textures, it may just have to be tweaked a bit. This style is so popular know and celebrity hairstylists are doing loose waves on celebrities all the time.

I use a 1″ curling iron to create beachy waves. For short hair, use a smaller curling iron. Once you know the technique you could also try it with a flat iron too! Loose waves can be achieved with a curling wand but this technique won’t work with one. While it is an investment, the T3 convertible curling system is totally worth it in my opinion. It curls my hair better than any other curling iron I have used and has 5 temperature options. You can buy a set with several attachments and then buy more as you need them. I’ve had mine for almost 5 years and it works just as well as the day I bought it.

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

For anyone whose hair doesn’t hold curl, this is a really important step! If I’m starting with wet hair I use a product that gives my hair hold, mousse works great! Then I blow dry my hair. I have straight hair so I can get away with a pretty rough dry. Anyone with curly hair will need to focus on straightening their hair as they blow dry. For a really beachy look, sea salt spray will add lots of texture to your hair. It can be added before or after you blow dry your hair.

When starting with dry hair, it is typically day (or two) old hair so I apply some dry shampoo. This one is my absolute favorite! I also apply a texture spray. It gives your hair some hold and grit but also helps with the pieciness I like when I create beach waves.

Step 2: Divide Hair in Layers and Spray in Heat Protectant

I divide my hair into layers. My hair is pretty thick so I divide into three horizontal sections of hair. Depending on your hair you may only need 2 sections. I clip up the top two so only my bottom layer is free and then spray with a heat protectant spray. These clips are great for holding up your sections, they can hold al ot of hair and don’t put any marks or dents in my hair.

Heat protectants are so important and will benefit every hair type. Even if you don’t use other products on your hair, always use a heat protectant. It prevents damage on your hair and you’ll be so thankful you did when you don’t have breakage from heat!

Step 3: Take a Section and Curl

Starting with the hair closest to my ear, I take a one inch section. For really loose waves take bigger sections but if you want more definition, take smaller pieces. Using a 1″ curling iron (I love this one), I clamp the section half way down the length and then curl up to the root. I always curl away from my face for any curls or waves. I think it is more flattering and my hair lays better.

After a couple of seconds, I release the curling iron clamp. As I slide down my section of hair to the end, I twirl the iron so the top section of hot hair that is being released is twirled into a tighter curl as it comes off of the curling iron. I then repeat this process on the bottom half of the section: Curl it away from my face, after a few seconds twirl your hair into a tighter curl as you release it off of the iron.

This twirling of your hair is how to create beach waves. Instead of big round barrel curls, you’ll get more of the loose waves look. This may sound a bit complicated but after you do it a few times, I promise it gets easy! I sometimes play around with the size of the sections I use. The larger the sections, the softer and less defined the loose waves will be.

For shorter hair, try smaller sections at first. This way you’ll make sure you get some waves. Too big of sections on short hair won’t allow you to get much of a loose wave look. It will be too subtle.

Step 4: Repeat

Using the same technique, I finish curling the first side. As I move to the other side I make sure to keep curling away from my face. I don’t touch, comb or do anything to the curl. Once I am done with the whole layer, I let the next layer down and spray with heat protectant. I then start curling! Finally I move on to the last layer.

I don’t use hair spray on my curls but if your hair doesn’t hold curl well, spray each layer of curls with hair spray before moving on to the next.

Step 5: Let hair cool

As I curl each piece, I don’t touch them once I am done. This is a crucial step in getting any type of curls to stay. Don’t touch or do anything with them until they are completely cool to the touch. This allows to curl to really set and is important for long or short hair. Even if you just want loose waves you still need the curt to set. Otherwise your curls won’t last during the day. Do not skip this step!

Step 6: Separate the Curls & Finish the Style

Using either a wide tooth comb or my fingers, I softly break up the curls. I look to work one section of hair at a time. I am looking to loosen up the curl pattern and create movement to my hair to create beach waves.

Depending on the look I want, I’ll be gentler or harder on brushing the curls out. When I use my hands I’ll make sure to finger thru at the roots to create volume. Take into consideration your hair type when you comb out your hair. Be gentler on hair that has a harder time holding a curl. If the curls are too tight after brushing them out, keep brushing until you have loose waves.

If I need more texture to my hair I will spray a little more texture spray. To finish, I apply oil (love this one) to the ends by warming a few drops in my hand and then applying to the ends.

Tips for Hair that Doesn’t curl well

• When hair is wet make sure to use a light styling product
• Use texture spray before curling
• Spray each layer of hair with hair spray after curling
• Make each section small
• Allow to cool completely

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