As we gear up for another sun-drenched summer by the sea, are you contemplating giving your locks a beachy flair? Whether you’re planning a beach wedding, a casual day out, or just want to infuse some summer vibes into your daily look, beach waves are a timeless choice that exudes an effortless charm.
This guide will walk you through various beach wave styles perfect for any hair length, from short to long, and provide expert tips on achieving and maintaining these looks.
Effortless Chic: Soft Waves and Bold Highlights
This style captures a classic beach waves hairstyle perfect for medium-length hair. This tousled look not only frames the face beautifully but also adds a playful, youthful vibe to your overall appearance. It’s achieved through a combination of light curling and texturizing spray, which gives those soft, luscious waves that move freely with the breeze.
This hairstyle is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for women with naturally wavy or straight hair looking for a relaxed, yet stylish look. It’s particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the waves add volume and soften the facial features.
To ensure these waves stay fresh and lively, apply Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray after styling. It not only holds the waves in place but also absorbs excess oil, keeping your hair looking and feeling clean.
Modern Sleek: Shimmering Balayage on a Short Cut
This look beautifully showcases a bob cut styled with beach waves, demonstrating a perfect blend of ease and style. The soft waves add texture and volume to the hair, making it look both sophisticated and effortlessly casual.
Ideal for medium to long hair, this style suits almost anyone but is particularly enchanting on square or round face shapes, as it elongates the face and highlights the cheekbones.
Use Davines MINU Shampoo and Conditioner to protect color and enhance shine, perfect for maintaining the vibrancy of highlighted hair. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray can provide the right amount of lift and hold without weighing down short hair.
Sophisticated Waves: Classic Black with a Twist
Here, the beach waves are styled for short hair, demonstrating that you don’t need long tresses to rock this beachy trend. This variation brings a chic and edgy twist to the traditional wave, using more defined curls that add volume and body to the hair.
This style works great for those with shorter haircuts who desire a dynamic, textured look. It’s especially flattering for angular face shapes, as it softens the jawline and adds a touch of femininity.
To manage and protect your waves, consider using the Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer. It fights frizz and boosts shine, ensuring your waves look defined and vibrant throughout any event.
Perfectly Tousled Waves
This look is a luxurious, flowing beach waves hairstyle on long hair, embodying the ultimate summer hair inspo. The waves are soft and voluminous, cascading down in a seamless flow that’s reminiscent of the summer breeze.
This style is universally flattering and particularly bewitching on longer hair lengths. It complements all face shapes by adding movement and softness that enhance the hair’s natural grace.
For upkeep, invest in a good quality curl-enhancing cream and a nourishing oil to keep the ends moisturized. Regular use of a deep conditioning mask, such as the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, will also ensure your locks remain healthy, shiny, and manageable throughout the season.
Long, Flowing Waves
This look captures the quintessential beach waves with long, flowing locks that cascade down in perfect rhythm. The subtle balayage enhances the depth, giving the hair a sun-kissed glow that’s both dynamic and enchanting. It’s a perfect demonstration of how color can amplify the natural flow of beach waves.
Ideal for those with medium to long hair, this style works wonderfully on naturally wavy or straight textures. It might pose a challenge for very short hair, but extensions could be a fun workaround if you’re dreaming of long waves.
Maintaining this look requires hydration and protection. Opt for a salt spray for texture and a lightweight oil, like the MoroccanOil Treatment, to keep those ends supple and shiny. Remember, the key to gorgeous beach waves is keeping them loose and natural.
Soft Tousled Waves
Here, the soft tousled waves bring a touch of elegance, making it an ideal choice for a casual wedding or a special event. The waves are defined yet soft, creating a look that’s effortlessly chic and incredibly wearable.
This style is great for women with short to medium hair lengths. Its versatility makes it suitable for almost all face shapes and hair textures.
To achieve this look, use a medium-barrel curling iron and a good heat protectant spray like TRESemmé Thermal Creations. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the waves without stiffening them, ensuring they can move freely and beautifully throughout the day.
Highlighted Half-Up, Half-Down
This playful take on the beach waves features a half-up, half-down style that accentuates the face while letting the waves flow freely down the back. The highlights add dimension and illuminate the face, perfect for a summer outing or a beach wedding.
Fantastic for those with long hair, especially if you’re looking to keep hair out of your face but still showcase a voluminous style.
For staying power, especially on a windy beach day, secure the top half with a stylish clip or pin. Use a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray to add volume and grip to the waves.
Radiant and Voluminous Waves
The rich, voluminous waves seen here are nothing short of mesmerizing. Styled to perfection, these waves boast a remarkable depth of color, thanks to the varied tones of brown and blonde. It’s a perfect example of how beach waves can be styled for a polished, yet natural look.
This look is particularly flattering for women with long hair who desire a dramatic, yet manageable hairstyle. It’s versatile enough to suit various face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped faces.
To achieve and maintain these waves, use a curl-enhancing mousse like Oribe’s Curl Shaping Mousse before drying. A flexible hairspray, such as L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin, can help hold the waves without sacrificing the hair’s natural bounce.
Subtle and Chic Waves
This hairstyle demonstrates a subtler take on beach waves, ideal for those preferring a more understated look. The gentle waves coupled with a slight blonde ombre give off a fresh, youthful vibe that’s easy to wear on any occasion.
Great for medium length hair, this style is a go-to for anyone looking to enhance their natural texture without too much fuss. It’s particularly suitable for straight or slightly wavy hair types.
For soft waves like these, use a large barrel curling iron and a light touch of texturizing spray, such as the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. To keep hair looking shiny and healthy, incorporate a weekly deep-conditioning treatment.
Deep, Textured Waves
Here, the beach waves are deeply textured and defined, creating a luxurious and full-bodied look. The rich brunette color adds an extra layer of sophistication, making this style suitable for both casual and formal settings.
This hairstyle is best for those with long and thick hair. It provides ample volume and texture, making it ideal for those looking to make a bold statement.
To manage and enhance the texture of these waves, use a sea salt spray for added body and a serum to minimize frizz, such as John Frieda Frizz Ease. Regular trims will also help keep the waves looking sharp and prevent split ends.
Bright and Breezy Blonde Waves
Here, the beach waves take on a light, breezy form with platinum blonde tones that scream summer fun. The waves are loose and full of body, creating a vibrant and youthful energy ideal for beach days or festival seasons.
This look is fantastic for younger women or those young at heart, looking to make a bold, fun statement with their hair. It’s particularly flattering on those with fair to medium skin tones, where the blonde shades can brighten the complexion.
To keep these bright waves looking their best, use products designed for color-treated hair, like the Paul Mitchell Blonde Shampoo. A light mousse or sea salt spray will help maintain the waves without weighing them down.
Luxurious Deep Waves
This look exemplifies the perfect blend of sophistication and ease with its luxurious deep waves and rich brunette tones. The smoothness and sheen of the hair make it a standout choice for any glamorous occasion.
This hairstyle is ideal for women with long hair looking for a refined and polished beach wave look. It suits those with naturally thick hair, giving a voluminous and elegant appeal.
Keep these waves looking luscious with a smoothing serum and a hydrating hair mask once a week. A quality curl cream, like MoroccanOil Intense Curl Cream, will help define these waves while maintaining a soft texture.
Silver Blonde Beach Curls
This striking look captures the essence of beach waves with a trendy silver blonde shade. The loose curls are perfectly tousled, offering a fresh and edgy vibe that’s hard to miss.
Best suited for medium to long hair, this style is perfect for those looking to make a bold statement with their hair. It works well with lighter hair colors and can complement cooler skin tones beautifully.
To maintain the vibrant silver tone, use a purple shampoo regularly. Incorporate a leave-in conditioner, like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, to keep the curls hydrated and protected from environmental stressors.
Romantic Soft Curls
These romantic soft curls offer a dreamy and delicate look, perfect for a wedding or any special event where you want to feel fairy-tale-esque. The subtle highlights enhance the texture and depth of the waves.
This hairstyle is a charming choice for those with medium to long hair. It’s particularly flattering for round and square face shapes as it helps elongate the face and soften the jawline.
Use a gentle wave spray, like Ouai Wave Spray, to achieve these soft curls. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the hair. A light hold hairspray will ensure the curls stay bouncy and beautiful throughout the day.
Casual Soft Brown Waves
Here, the beach waves are less defined, creating a more casual and effortless look. The soft brown color is universal and easy to wear, making it a perfect everyday style that adds a bit of zest to your natural hair.
This style is excellent for those with fine to medium hair as it adds texture without needing too much product or styling. It’s especially flattering for those with heart or oval-shaped faces, as the loose waves can add softness around the edges.
For maintaining these casual waves, use a texturizing spray like the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. It provides the right amount of texture and hold without the need for frequent touch-ups. Regular trims will also help keep the ends looking healthy and prevent split ends from spoiling your waves.
Bold Platinum Curls
Bold and beautiful, these platinum curls are a stunning rendition of beach waves. The hair is textured with varying shades of platinum and ash, giving it a multidimensional and modern look.
This daring style is great for those who love to stand out. It suits medium and long hair best, offering a striking look that’s sure to turn heads.
Platinum hair requires intensive care to maintain its health and color. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment regularly. Products like Olaplex No.3 will help to strengthen and repair the hair from the inside out.
Care Tips for Luxurious Silver Blonde Waves
Featuring soft, sun-kissed waves that gently cascade around the shoulders, this style evokes a sense of simplicity and natural elegance. The subtle blend of ash and golden tones gives it a vibrant, yet understated look, perfect for sunny days.
This hairstyle is particularly flattering for those with medium length hair. It works well with fine to medium hair textures, adding volume and movement without overpowering.
For conditioning, opt for the Sachajuan Silver Conditioner, which also helps in enhancing the luminosity of silver tones and adds volume to your waves. For daily styling and to enhance the definition of your waves, use the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream. This product provides intense moisture and frizz control, helping to keep your waves bouncy and well-defined throughout the day.
Honey Blonde Curls
This honey blonde style shows off beautifully defined curls that offer both depth and dimension. The darker roots transitioning into lighter ends create a stunning visual contrast that enhances the natural flow of the waves.
Ideal for those with long hair seeking a dynamic, eye-catching look. This style can adapt well to both thick and fine hair, given the right styling products to maintain volume and definition.
Maintain these gorgeous waves with a light mousse or sea salt spray to enhance texture. Regular use of a hydrating mask, such as the Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask, will keep your hair soft and manageable.
Luxurious Ponytail with Beach Wave Curls
This exquisite hairstyle showcases a voluminous ponytail swept up at the back, featuring lush curls styled in the effortless beach waves manner. Accentuated by a delicate, leafy hairpiece that winds through the ponytail, this look is both romantic and elegant, ideal for special occasions or a stunning bridal ensemble.
Perfect for long hair, this style helps manage volume while showcasing length. It’s particularly suited to those with thicker hair, as the half-up style can help control and distribute the hair’s natural weight.
To keep these stunning red waves in perfect shape throughout your special day, use the Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer on damp hair. It enhances your curls and calms frizz. For long-lasting hold, especially important for wedding events, secure the style with TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Massive Shine Hairspray. This product provides serious hold and shine without making your hair stiff.
Bohemian Blonde Braids
This look combines loose, beachy waves with bohemian braids, creating a playful and youthful vibe. The platinum blonde shade enhances the texture and style, making it a standout choice for both casual and festive occasions.
This hairstyle is versatile but works best on medium to long hair. It’s a fantastic choice for those who like to experiment with different textures and styles, offering a fresh take on traditional beach waves.
To ensure your braided beach waves retain their bounce and definition, consider applying a curl-defining cream such as Bumble and Bumble’s Curl Defining Cream. After styling, use a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain the look throughout the day. To protect and nourish your hair, especially if it’s color-treated, I recommend using Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector once a week. This will help strengthen your hair and enhance the longevity of the waves and color.
Platinum Elegance with Braids
This stunning hairstyle combines voluminous beach waves with elegant braids, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed look. The platinum blonde tone adds an extra touch of glamour, making it ideal for both casual outings and more formal events.
Perfect for those with long hair looking for a versatile style that combines texture with classic beauty. This style works particularly well for thicker hair types, providing enough length and volume to showcase the intricate braiding.
Maintain the brilliance of the platinum color with regular use of a purple shampoo, such as Kevin Murphy Blonde.Angel.Wash. Keep the waves nourished and hydrated with a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a curl-enhancing cream to ensure the braids and waves stay defined and frizz-free.
Silver Streaks with Pearl Accents
This hairstyle shows off luscious beach waves enriched with striking silver streaks, complemented by elegant pearl accessories. It’s a modern twist on classic waves, providing a chic and sophisticated look perfect for evening events.
This look is best suited for medium to long hair. The added accessories make it a great choice for special occasions, especially weddings or gala events where a bit of extra sparkle is desired.
Silver or grey tones can be tricky to maintain, but the right products can prevent color fading and add luster. Use the Redken Color Extend Graydiant Shampoo and Conditioner to tone and strengthen silver hair. For styling, the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray will keep your waves intact and add a light sheen, complementing the pearlescent accents of your headband.
Soft Ash Blonde Waves
This hairstyle features soft ash blonde waves that give off a natural and effortless vibe. The subtle dark roots create a beautiful contrast, enhancing the depth and dimension of the waves.
Great for medium to long hair, this style is particularly flattering for those with lighter hair colors. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a natural, easy-to-maintain look that still looks polished and refined.
To nurture and enhance your blonde balayage waves, incorporate Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector into your routine, using it weekly to repair and strengthen hair bonds. For daily styling, apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray to keep your waves defined and smooth. This spray is particularly effective for managing and revitalizing wavy and curly textures.
Conclusion
Whether your hair is short or long, thick or fine, there’s a beach waves style waiting to bring a touch of the ocean’s spirit into your look. Why not dive into these styles and find the one that lets you sail through the summer with confidence and style? Remember, the key to perfect beach waves is as much in the care as it is in the styling. Ready to ride the wave?
Share your thoughts and experiences with beach waves in the comments below!
