Beach waves are the epitome of effortless beauty. They give off a relaxed, sun-kissed vibe that suits various occasions, from casual days out to more formal events. In this guide, we’ll explore 55 different beach wave hairstyles, detailing who they suit best and how to achieve them. Let’s dive in!
Classic Loose Waves
Classic loose waves are timeless and versatile. This hairstyle features gentle, flowing waves that create a natural, carefree look. It’s perfect for women with long or medium hair, adding volume and movement. Whether you’re attending a wedding or enjoying a day at the beach, this style fits any occasion.
To achieve classic loose waves, use a large-barrel curling iron. Wrap sections of hair around the barrel, holding for a few seconds before releasing. For a more relaxed look, run your fingers through the curls. Products like Ouai Wave Spray can help enhance the waves and add texture.
Textured Beach Waves with Braids
Textured beach waves with braids combine the charm of wavy hair with the elegance of braids. This hairstyle is ideal for those looking for a cute and creative twist on traditional beach waves. Suitable for medium to long hair, it adds a boho-chic vibe, making it perfect for music festivals or casual gatherings.
Start by creating loose beach waves using a curling wand. Then, take small sections of hair and braid them, securing with clear elastics. Spritz with a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for added texture and hold.
Messy Beach Waves with Highlights
Messy beach waves with highlights are perfect for a sun-kissed, tousled look. This style works well on medium shoulder length to long hair, adding dimension and brightness. The messy waves give an effortless, laid-back feel, ideal for summer outings or casual evenings.
To create messy beach waves, use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. Scrunch your hair while it’s damp and let it air dry. Add highlights using a balayage technique for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
Short Hair
Beach waves for short hair are chic and stylish, offering a fresh take on the classic look. This style is perfect for those with short to medium hair, adding texture and volume without overwhelming the face. It’s great for both everyday wear and more polished occasions like prom.
Use a small curling iron to create tight waves, then gently tousle them with your fingers. Finish with a light-hold hairspray like Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff.
Voluminous Long Hair
Voluminous beach waves for long hair create a dramatic, glamorous look. This style is ideal for those with thick hair who want to add even more volume and movement. It’s perfect for formal events or any occasion where you want to make a statement.
To achieve voluminous waves, use a volumizing mousse like TRESemmé Volume Thickening Spray before blow-drying your hair. Use a large curling iron to create big, bouncy waves, then finish with a volume-boosting hairspray.
Curtain Bangs
Beach waves with curtain bangs combine the trendy look of waves with the retro vibe of curtain bangs. This hairstyle is perfect for medium shoulder length to long hair and suits various face shapes. The curtain bangs frame the face beautifully, adding a touch of elegance and softness to the overall look.
To achieve this style, start by curling your hair with a medium-sized curling iron to create loose waves. Then, blow-dry the curtain bangs using a round brush to give them a soft, parted look. Use a lightweight texturizing spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray to enhance the waves and add volume.
Sleek and Subtle Beach Waves
Sleek and subtle beach waves offer a more polished and refined take on the traditional beachy look. This hairstyle is ideal for women with short to medium hair who prefer a more sophisticated appearance. It’s perfect for professional settings or elegant events where a more understated style is appropriate.
To create sleek and subtle waves, use a flat iron to gently wave sections of your hair, focusing on creating smooth, even waves. Apply a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to tame any frizz and add shine. Finish with a light mist of flexible hold hairspray.
Beach Waves with an Ombre Effect
Beach waves with an ombre effect add a dynamic and colorful twist to the classic beach waves. This style is great for those with long hair who want to experiment with color while maintaining a natural, beachy look. The ombre effect creates a beautiful gradient, adding depth and dimension to the waves.
To achieve this look, start by creating beach waves using a large-barrel curling iron. For the ombre effect, consider visiting a professional colorist to ensure a seamless transition from your natural color to the lighter ends. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner like Redken Color Extend to maintain the vibrancy of the ombre.
Beach Waves with a Side Part
Beach waves with a side part add a touch of sophistication and volume to the traditional wavy look. This hairstyle suits medium to long hair and is ideal for those looking to add some asymmetry and style to their waves. The side part can create a more dynamic and voluminous appearance, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
To achieve this look, create loose waves with a curling wand, then part your hair deeply to one side. Use a volumizing spray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast at the roots to enhance the lift and volume on the parted side. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place.
Tousled Beach Waves with Layers
Tousled beach waves with layers provide a textured, voluminous look that’s full of movement and life. This hairstyle is ideal for medium to long hair and works especially well for those with naturally wavy or curly hair. The layers add depth and dimension, making the waves appear fuller and more dynamic.
To create tousled beach waves, use a texturizing mousse like Ouai Air Dry Foam on damp hair, then let it air dry or use a diffuser. The layers will naturally enhance the waves, giving a tousled, carefree appearance. Finish with a sea salt spray to define the texture and add hold.
Beach Waves for Fine Hair
Beach waves for fine hair can add much-needed volume and texture, transforming limp locks into bouncy, lively waves. This style is ideal for those with fine hair who want to achieve a fuller look without weighing down their hair. It’s perfect for everyday wear or special occasions where you want to make an impression.
To achieve beach waves on fine hair, use a lightweight mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 before blow-drying to add body. Use a small-barrel curling iron to create loose waves, and finish with a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to enhance the waves and add lift.
Beach Waves for Thick Hair
Beach waves for thick hair can be a stunning way to manage and showcase your voluminous locks. This style works well for those with naturally thick hair, as the waves can help control and shape the hair, making it more manageable and stylish. It’s great for both casual and formal events.
To achieve beach waves on thick hair, start by applying a smoothing cream like John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Fixation to damp hair. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, defined waves, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin to keep the waves in place all day.
Beach Waves with a Middle Part
Beach waves with a middle part offer a balanced and symmetrical look that is both trendy and timeless. This style is suitable for medium to long hair and works well with various face shapes, providing a sleek and polished appearance. It’s ideal for both casual outings and more formal occasions.
To create beach waves with a middle part, start by parting your hair down the center. Use a curling wand to create loose waves, then apply a shine serum like Biosilk Silk Therapy to add gloss and reduce frizz. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff.
Beach Waves with a Bohemian Headband
Beach waves with a bohemian headband add a free-spirited and stylish touch to the classic wavy look. This hairstyle is perfect for medium to long hair and is great for festivals, casual outings, or any event where you want to channel a boho-chic vibe. The headband adds an extra element of style and flair.
To achieve this look, create loose beach waves using a curling iron. Place a bohemian headband over your head, letting some waves fall naturally around it. Use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to enhance the waves and keep them in place.
Beach Waves with a Half-Up Bun
Beach waves with a half-up bun combine the casual elegance of waves with the playful style of a half-updo. This hairstyle is ideal for medium to long hair and suits various occasions, from casual days out to more polished events. The half-up bun adds a cute and trendy element to the waves.
To create this look, start by curling your hair into loose waves. Gather the top half of your hair and twist it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins or an elastic. Use a light-hold hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist for a natural finish that keeps the waves and bun in place.
Beach Waves with Face-Framing Layers
Beach waves with face-framing layers are perfect for adding dimension and enhancing your facial features. This hairstyle suits medium shoulder length to long hair, creating a soft and flattering look. The face-framing layers blend seamlessly with the waves, adding movement and volume.
To achieve this style, use a curling iron to create loose waves. Then, focus on adding more definition to the layers around your face. Use a texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray to enhance the waves and add a natural, tousled finish. The layers will naturally frame your face, giving you a fresh and youthful appearance.
Beach Waves with Soft Curls
Beach waves with soft curls offer a gentle and romantic take on the classic wavy look. This hairstyle is ideal for long hair and is perfect for special occasions like weddings or prom. The soft curls add an elegant touch, making the waves look more polished and refined.
To create this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to form loose, soft curls. Brush through the curls gently to blend them into waves, and finish with a shine spray like Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine to add a touch of brilliance. This style is both sophisticated and effortlessly beautiful.
Beach Waves with a Deep Side Sweep
Beach waves with a deep side sweep create a dramatic and glamorous look. This style is suitable for medium to long hair and is ideal for formal events or a night out. The deep side sweep adds volume and asymmetry, making the waves appear more voluminous and dynamic.
To achieve this look, part your hair deeply to one side and create loose waves using a curling wand. Sweep the hair over to one side, securing it with bobby pins if necessary. Use a volumizing spray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast to enhance the lift and hold the style in place.
Wet-Look Beach Waves
Wet-look beach waves are a bold and edgy take on the traditional beachy style. This hairstyle is perfect for those with short to medium hair who want to make a statement. The wet look gives a sleek, high-fashion finish that’s perfect for runway shows, photo shoots, or a stylish night out.
To achieve this style, apply a generous amount of gel like Redken Hardwear 16 Super-Strong Sculpting Gel to damp hair. Use a comb to create defined waves, then let your hair air dry or use a diffuser. The gel will keep the waves in place and give them a glossy, wet appearance.
Beach Waves with a Textured Bob
Beach waves with a textured bob offer a modern and stylish twist on the classic bob haircut. This hairstyle is ideal for those with short hair, adding volume and movement. The textured waves give the bob a playful and edgy look, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
To create this style, use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray on damp hair. Scrunch your hair and let it air dry or use a diffuser to enhance the natural waves. The texture will add depth and volume, giving your bob a chic, beachy finish.
Beach Waves with a Shaggy Cut
Beach waves with a shaggy cut offer a relaxed and effortlessly cool look. This hairstyle is perfect for those with medium shoulder length to long hair, combining the carefree vibe of waves with the textured, layered appearance of a shaggy cut. It’s great for adding volume and movement to your hair.
To achieve this style, use a curling wand to create loose waves, then run your fingers through them to break them up and add texture. A texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray can help enhance the natural, tousled look. The layers in a shaggy cut will naturally add depth and dimension to the waves.
Beach Waves with a Pixie Cut
Beach waves with a pixie cut bring a playful and modern twist to short hair. This style is ideal for those with short hair who want to add a bit of texture and wave to their look. It’s a great way to make a pixie cut look fresh and dynamic, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
To create beach waves in a pixie cut, use a small curling iron to add waves to sections of your hair. Apply a texturizing product like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to enhance the waves and add volume. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff.
Beach Waves with a Lob (Long Bob)
Beach waves with a lob (long bob) offer a chic and versatile look that suits various face shapes and hair types. This hairstyle is perfect for medium hair, providing a balanced length that’s easy to manage while still offering plenty of styling options. The waves add a relaxed, beachy vibe to the polished lob cut.
To achieve this look, use a medium-sized curling iron to create loose waves. Apply a volumizing mousse like TRESemmé Volume Thickening Spray before curling to add body and hold. Finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the waves and add a bit of grit for a more natural look.
Beach Waves with a Balayage
Beach waves with a balayage add a stunning depth and dimension to your hair. This style is ideal for long hair, allowing the color gradient to blend seamlessly into the waves. The balayage technique creates a natural, sun-kissed look that enhances the beachy vibe of the waves, making it perfect for any occasion.
To create this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to form loose waves. The balayage should be done by a professional colorist to ensure a seamless blend of colors. Maintain the vibrancy of the balayage with a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like Redken Color Extend.
Beach Waves with Hair Accessories
Beach waves with hair accessories can elevate your look, adding a touch of glamour and personality. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and is ideal for occasions where you want to stand out, such as prom or weddings. Accessories like clips, headbands, or floral crowns can complement the waves beautifully.
To achieve this look, create loose beach waves using a curling iron. Choose accessories that match your outfit or the theme of the event. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place and ensure the accessories stay secure.
Beach waves are a versatile and timeless hairstyle that suits a variety of occasions and hair lengths. Whether you prefer the classic loose waves or a more textured look with braids, there is a beach wave style for everyone. Experiment with different techniques and products to find the perfect waves for you. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your favorite beach wave hairstyle!
