Hey there, hair enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite hairstyles: beach waves. There’s just something about those tousled, effortless-looking waves that screams “I woke up like this” (even if we totally didn’t). Whether you’re actually hitting the beach or just want to look like you did, I’ve got 20 amazing beach wave ideas that’ll have you feeling like a sun-kissed goddess in no time. So grab your salt spray, and let’s ride this wave together!
1. Classic Mermaid Waves
Let’s start with the OG of beach waves, shall we? The classic mermaid wave is all about long, loose waves that look like you’ve just emerged from the sea (minus the seaweed, of course).
Here’s how to get the look:
- Start with damp hair and apply a sea salt spray from roots to ends
- Braid your hair into 4-6 loose braids
- Let it air dry or use a diffuser on low heat
- Once dry, undo the braids and run your fingers through your hair
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray
Pro tip: Sleep on a silk pillowcase to keep those waves looking fresh for days!
2. Short and Sweet Bob Waves
Who says you need long locks to rock beach waves? Short-haired babes, this one’s for you!
For a beachy bob:
- Apply a texturizing mousse to damp hair
- Use a flat iron to create ‘S’ shaped waves (alternating directions for each section)
- Once cool, gently tousle with your fingers
- Finish with a dry texture spray for that perfectly undone look
Trust me, this look is giving major “French girl who doesn’t try too hard” vibes. So chic!
3. The Messy Bun with Wavy Tendrils
Sometimes, you want your hair up but still want that beachy feel. Enter: the messy bun with wavy tendrils.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Start with day-old wavy hair (or create waves with a curling wand)
- Gather your hair into a loose, high bun
- Secure with bobby pins, leaving out face-framing pieces
- Use a small curling iron to touch up the tendrils
- Finish by gently pulling some pieces out of the bun for that “oops, I forgot a bit” look
This style is perfect for those “I have to look put together but I also overslept” days. We’ve all been there!
4. The Half-Up, Half-Down Wave
Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down? Why not both? The half-up, half-down wave is like the best of both worlds.
Get the look:
- Create beach waves using your preferred method (salt spray, curling iron, etc.)
- Take the top section of your hair (from temples back) and secure it in a small bun or ponytail
- Gently pull some pieces out around your face for a softer look
- Mist with a lightweight hairspray to hold
This style is giving me major festival vibes. Just add some glitter and you’re ready for Coachella!
5. The Braided Beach Wave
Want to add a little extra somethin’ somethin’ to your beach waves? Try incorporating a braid!
Here’s how:
- Create your beach waves as usual
- Take a small section of hair near your temple
- Create a tight, thin braid
- Secure the end with a clear elastic
- Repeat on the other side if desired
- Gently pull on the edges of the braid to loosen it slightly
This look is perfect for adding a boho touch to your waves. Plus, it keeps those annoying face-framing pieces out of your eyes. Win-win!
6. The Slicked-Back Wet Look Wave
Okay, this one’s for all you bold babes out there. The slicked-back wet look wave is high fashion meets beach bum, and I am here for it.
To achieve this edgy look:
- Start with damp hair and apply a generous amount of styling gel
- Comb the gel through from roots to ends
- Use your fingers to scrunch and create waves
- Let air dry or use a diffuser on low heat
- Once dry, add a shine serum for that “just stepped out of the ocean” look
This style is perfect for those nights when you want to turn heads. Pair it with a bold lip and you’re ready to slay!
7. The Wavy Ponytail
Who says ponytails have to be boring? Add some beach waves and suddenly your go-to gym style is red carpet ready.
Here’s the how-to:
- Create beach waves in your hair
- Gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height
- Secure with an elastic
- Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it
- Gently pull some pieces out around your face
- Finish with a texturizing spray for added volume
This style is perfect for those second (or third… no judgment) day waves when you need your hair off your face but still want to look fab.
8. The Side-Swept Wave
Channel your inner old Hollywood starlet with this glamorous take on beach waves.
Get the look:
- Part your hair deeply to one side
- Create beach waves using your preferred method
- Sweep all your hair over to the side opposite your part
- Secure with bobby pins if needed
- Finish with a medium-hold hairspray
This style is perfect for fancy events when you want to look elegant but not too “done.” Plus, it’s a great way to show off some statement earrings!
9. The Wavy Pixie
Short-haired beauties, I haven’t forgotten about you! Even pixie cuts can get in on the beach wave action.
For wavy pixie perfection:
- Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair
- Use your fingers to scrunch and create texture
- Let air dry or use a diffuser
- Once dry, use a small flat iron to create subtle bends in longer sections
- Finish with a piece-y styling paste for definition
This look is all about embracing your natural texture and adding just a hint of beachy vibes. It’s effortlessly cool, just like you!
10. The Crimped Wave
Okay, hear me out. I know crimping might bring back some, uh, interesting 90s memories, but trust me, this modern take on crimped waves is super cool.
Here’s how to crimp without the cringe:
- Section your hair into 1-inch pieces
- Braid each section and secure with a small elastic
- Run a flat iron over each braid
- Let cool completely before undoing the braids
- Gently finger-comb to blend the waves
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray
The result is a unique, textured wave that’s somewhere between beachy and mermaid-y. It’s unexpected and totally gorgeous!
11. The Wavy Faux Hawk
For my edgy babes who still want a touch of beach, try this wavy faux hawk.
Get the look:
- Create beach waves all over
- Take the top section of your hair and tease it at the roots
- Smooth the top layer over the teased section
- Secure with bobby pins on either side, creating a mohawk-like shape
- Leave the back loose and wavy
- Finish with a strong-hold hairspray
This style is perfect for concerts or nights out when you want to feel like a total rockstar (with beachy vibes, of course).
12. The Twisted Crown Wave
Want to feel like a beach princess? This twisted crown wave has got you covered.
Here’s the royal treatment:
- Create beach waves all over
- Take a 2-inch section of hair from behind one ear
- Twist it away from your face and pin it at the back of your head
- Repeat on the other side, creating a crown effect
- Gently pull on the twisted sections to loosen them
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray
This style is perfect for outdoor weddings or anytime you want to feel a little extra special.
13. The Wavy Topknot
For those days when you want your hair up but still want some texture, try the wavy topknot.
Here’s how:
- Start with beach wavy hair
- Gather your hair into a high ponytail
- Twist the ponytail around itself to create a bun
- Secure with bobby pins
- Gently pull on the bun to create a messier look
- Pull out some face-framing pieces
- Finish with a texturizing spray
This style is perfect for hot days when you want your hair off your neck but still want to look stylish.
14. The Wavy Pigtails
Who says pigtails are just for kids? Add some beach waves and suddenly they’re all grown up.
Get this playful look:
- Part your hair down the middle
- Create beach waves all over
- Gather each side into a low pigtail
- Secure with clear elastics
- Gently pull on the pigtails to loosen them
- Finish by wrapping a small section of hair around each elastic
This style is perfect for music festivals or any time you want to channel your inner Britney circa “…Baby One More Time” (but make it beachy).
15. The Scarf Accessorized Wave
Sometimes, your waves need a little extra somethin’. Enter: the scarf accessory.
Here’s how to rock it:
- Create your beach waves as usual
- Take a thin scarf and fold it into a narrow band
- Place the center of the scarf at the nape of your neck
- Bring the ends up and tie them in a bow at the top of your head
- Adjust the scarf and waves as needed
This look is giving major retro vibes and is perfect for adding a pop of color to your wavy ‘do.
16. The Wavy Shag
The shag haircut is having a major moment, and when you add beach waves? Chef’s kiss
For the perfect wavy shag:
- Ask your stylist for a shaggy cut with lots of layers
- Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair
- Scrunch and let air dry (or use a diffuser if you’re in a hurry)
- Once dry, use a small curling iron to touch up any straight pieces
- Finish with a dry texture spray for added volume
This cut is perfect for embracing your natural texture and getting that “I woke up like this” look every day.
17. The Wavy Bob with Bangs
Bangs and beach waves? It’s a match made in hair heaven.
Here’s how to rock it:
- Start with a bob haircut and some cute bangs (curtain bangs work great!)
- Apply a wave-enhancing cream to damp hair
- Use a flat iron to create ‘S’ shaped waves throughout
- Use your fingers to piece out the bangs
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray
This style is perfect for adding some edge to your waves and framing your face beautifully.
18. The Wavy Bubble Ponytail
Want to take your ponytail game up a notch? Try this wavy bubble ponytail.
Get the look:
- Create beach waves all over
- Gather your hair into a high ponytail
- Secure with an elastic
- Every 2 inches down the ponytail, add another elastic
- Gently pull on the hair between each elastic to create “bubbles”
- Finish by pulling out some face-framing pieces
This style is perfect for adding some fun and whimsy to your waves. Plus, it keeps your hair out of your face on hot days!
19. The Wavy Fishtail Braid
Combine two of the best hair trends – beach waves and fishtail braids – for a seriously gorgeous look.
Here’s how:
- Start with beach wavy hair
- Gather your hair to one side
- Create a loose fishtail braid
- Once you reach the end, secure with a clear elastic
- Gently pull on the braid to loosen it
- Pull out some face-framing pieces
This style is perfect for showing off your waves while keeping your hair under control. It’s boho chic at its finest!
20. The Wavy Space Buns
Last but not least, let’s end with a fun one – wavy space buns!
Get this playful look:
- Part your hair down the middle
- Create beach waves all over
- Gather each side into a high ponytail
- Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with bobby pins
- Gently pull on the buns to loosen them
- Pull out some face-framing pieces
- Finish with a glitter hairspray for some extra fun
This style is perfect for festivals, parties, or any time you want to feel like a space princess (which should be always, in my opinion).
And there you have it, folks! Twenty fabulous ways to rock those beach waves. Remember, the key to great beach waves is embracing the imperfection. They’re supposed to look effortless and undone, so don’t stress if they’re not perfectly uniform.
The best part about beach waves? They work for all hair types and lengths. So whether you’re rocking a pixie cut or mermaid-length locks, you can find a beach wave style that works for you.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to douse my hair in sea salt spray and pretend I’m on a tropical vacation. Happy styling, my wavy-haired beauties!
