How To Nail Beach Waves This Summer
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1 day ago
As the undisputed hair trend of the summer, it's only right we give them the spotlight they deserve
The hairstyle we’ll all be wearing this summer? It has to be beach waves. Whether styled or air-dried, these low-maintenance waves are perfect for navigating the warmer weather this year.
What Are Beach Waves?
‘Beach waves are a relaxed, tousled wave pattern that looks as though you’ve just spent the day by the ocean, letting the salty sea air create a soft, effortless texture in your hair,’ explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Studio23. ‘They are characterised by their loose, slightly messy shape, offering movement and body without looking too polished or structured. It’s all about achieving that perfect balance between natural and styled, where the hair has shape but still feels incredibly easy and undone.’
And with summer just around the corner, haircare is going back to its roots: think natural texture, relaxed routines and effortless style. ‘People are moving away from overly styled, rigid hair looks and gravitating towards softer, more wearable styles that feel chic but easy,’ adds Jason. This makes beach waves, one of the more hands-off hair trends of the season, all the more appealing. ‘Beach waves give that little bit of polish while still maintaining an airy, youthful spirit, which really fits the mood of fashion and beauty right now.
‘What really sets them apart is that they can be completely tailored to the individual, it’s not a one-size-fits-all look,’ he continues. ‘Depending on the client’s natural texture and the tools or techniques we use, beach waves can look slightly tousled and casual or slightly more defined and glamorous.’
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Does It Work For All Hair Lengths?
As Jason mentioned, beach waves are known for their versatility: ‘They work beautifully on almost all hair lengths,’ he confirms. ‘Whether you have a bob, mid-length hair or long layers, beach waves can be adjusted to suit the cut.’
The stylist adds that, on shorter hair, beach waves ‘add incredible movement and volume’, while for longer hair, they ‘can create that sweeping, romantic texture that is so sought after.’
Who Suits This Hairstyle?
‘When thinking about hair type, texture and face shape, beach waves are incredibly inclusive,’ says Jason. ‘For finer hair, they add much-needed body and the illusion of thickness. For naturally curly or wavy hair types, it’s a way of enhancing and refining what’s already there.
‘As for face shape, because beach waves are so soft and adaptable, they tend to suit everyone,’ he continues. ‘They frame the face beautifully, soften strong features, and add width to narrower face shapes when needed. It’s all about how you style and place the waves to flatter your individual features.’
How To Ask For Beach Waves In The Salon
When asking for beach waves in the salon, Jason tell us its best to have an idea of what kind of finish you want. ‘ Some people want a more undone, matte-textured look, while others want a slightly shinier, more “glamorous” version,’ he says. ‘Mention whether you prefer a tighter wave or a looser, barely-there texture, and be open to discussing your natural hair type with your stylist so they can choose the best technique for you, whether that’s tonging, waving with straighteners, or working with your natural wave pattern.’
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How To Style Beach Waves
If you need a little help to create beach waves, then you’ll need to use heat styling. ‘I always recommend using a light heat protectant spray first, followed by a flexible-hold styling spray or mousse to give your hair some grip,’ guides Jason. ‘You can use a large-barrel curling wand or straighteners to create S-shaped bends in the hair rather than full curls. It’s really important to alternate the direction of the waves as you move around the head and to leave the ends a little straighter to keep the look modern and effortless. Finishing with a texturising spray will help to break up the waves and give that beautiful, airy feel.’
What Next?
‘I see beach waves continuing to evolve with an even more natural, lived-in feel,’ forecasts Jason. ‘There will be more focus on enhancing each person’s natural texture rather than creating a uniform look with hot tools.
‘I also think we’ll see continue to see an increase in heatless styling methods,’ he adds. ‘Like braiding damp hair overnight or using flexible rods, to achieve beach waves without relying as much on heated styling – reflecting the wider movement towards healthier, more sustainable haircare habits.’
Hair Inspiration
Classic Beach Waves
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Beachy Bob
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XL Waves
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Waves & Braids
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Loose Waves
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Beachy Lob
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Sunset Waves
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Beach Curls
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Bronde Beach Waves
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Beach Blonde
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