Get the Perfect Beach Waves: Products and Techniques

Oh honey, summer’s here, and I don’t know about you, but I’m dreaming of basking in the sun with that ‘I just emerged from the ocean’ mermaid hair. Forget the mythical creatures; we are the true sirens when we nail the beach wave look! 🧜‍♀️

However, let’s get real for a second. If you're like me, every attempt at mimicking beach waves without proper guidance feels like I’m auditioning for a 90s rock band gone wrong. The struggle is as real as choosing between two gorgeous lip shades!

But worry not, lovely readers. After extensive research and trying out methods that made me resemble a poodle more than once, I’ve got your back (and hair). Here’s your ultimate guide to achieving those beachy waves. Let's ride the wave!

1. Choose Your Weapon!
Now, I'm not talking about that spatula you used to fend off your roommate from your leftover pizza. For beach waves, your weapon of choice is either a flat iron, a curling wand, or our trusty old friend, braids. For those blessed souls with naturally wavy hair, a good product might just do the trick (you lucky unicorns!).

2. Prepping Your Tresses
Before we unleash our inner surfer chick, let’s prep that mane. Start with a heat protectant. We want beach waves, not beach-fry. I'm a big fan of the Sea Siren Protectant Spray (a fictional product - just roll with it). It’s like sunscreen for your hair. For a comprehensive guide on these hair protectants, check out Allure’s top list of hair products. Trust me; you’ll thank me later.

3. The Technique:

Flat Iron: The tool most of us already own. Grab a section of your hair, twist it, and glide the flat iron down. Make sure you alternate the direction of the twist for a more natural look.
Curling Wand: Wrap small sections around the wand but leave the ends out. This gives it that relaxed beachy look and saves your tips from unnecessary heat.
Braids: No heat? No problem! Dampen your hair, divide it into multiple braids and leave them overnight. Unravel in the morning, and voila!

4. Post-Curling Rituals
We’re almost there. Now it's time to break up those curls for an effortlessly tousled look. Go ahead; tousle it like you mean it! For this, use a texturizing spray. Not only will this give you volume, but it will also make those waves last longer. Vogue Beauty’s recommendations on texturizing sprays might be your next best read.

5. The Secret Sauce: Products
Salt sprays are a given. But did you know that adding a drop of serum can make a world of difference? It gives that glossy finish without letting the waves go flat. The Surf’s Up Glossy Wave Serum (another fictional beauty) is the talk of the town right now.

And for our curly-haired friends trying to tone down into waves, a light defining cream can make your dream come true. Just apply, scrunch, and let it air dry.

6. Maintaining the Wave
One does not simply walk into a salon every day. So, how do we keep the waves going? A loose bun or ponytail when you sleep will help maintain the shape. And if all else fails, remember, dry shampoo is the Bat-Signal for hair rescues.

7. Embrace The Imperfections
Last but not least, remember that the beach wave look is about carefree imperfections. Some days it might look more ‘wind-swept on a stormy day’ than ‘Sunkissed summer goddesses, and that's okay! Rock it with confidence. Own it!

To wrap it up, my lovely sea nymphs, the journey to the perfect beach wave might have its high tides and low tides, but isn’t the journey half the fun? Dive deep into the world of hair and come out shining. And when someone asks about your stunning hair, just wink and say, “It’s mermaid magic.”

Before you dash off to practice these waves, dive into the ocean of knowledge that is Elle Beauty. Until next time, ride the wave, love yourself, and stay fabulous! 🌊💁‍♀️✨