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Summer Vibes: Beachy Waves for Every Hair Length

Writer: AlessandraAlessandra

Updated: Mar 13





The sun is shining, the beach is calling, and you’re ready to rock that effortless, beachy wave look. Whether you're lounging poolside, heading to a summer festival, or just soaking up the sunshine, beachy waves are the perfect go-to style for the season.

But here’s the thing: Beachy waves aren’t just for long-haired beauties. They can be customized to work with any hair length, and we’ve got the tips and tricks to help you achieve those laid-back, tousled waves, no matter if your hair is pixie-short or down to your waist. Ready to get those summer vibes going? Let’s dive in!



1. Beachy Waves for Short Hair: Effortlessly Chic

The Struggle: Short hair can sometimes feel like it limits your styling options. But don’t worry — beachy waves are perfect for shorter cuts too! They add texture and volume, making your short hair look full of life and movement.

How to Do It:

  • Apply a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse to damp hair. This will help create that beachy, tousled texture.

  • Use a flat iron or curling wand to create loose waves by wrapping sections of your hair around the barrel. Hold each section for 5-7 seconds before releasing for soft, relaxed curls.

  • For added volume and lift, flip your head upside down after curling, then gently tousle your waves with your fingers.

  • Finish with a light hairspray to hold the waves in place without making them stiff.

Pro Tip: Short hair loves texturizing sprays! They give that “I just got out of the ocean” texture, making waves look natural and effortless.

Best For: Pixie cuts, bobs, or lob cuts. The key is to keep the waves loose and soft — you don’t want them to look too tight or “done.”



2. Beachy Waves for Medium Hair: Full of Volume and Movement

The Struggle: If your hair is around shoulder length, you’ve got a lot of options! Medium-length hair is ideal for beachy waves because it’s long enough to create volume but short enough to still feel fresh and bouncy.

How to Do It:

  • Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or a salt spray for texture and hold.

  • Using a 1-inch curling iron or wand, curl sections of your hair away from your face. For more natural-looking waves, alternate the direction of the curls.

  • After curling, gently brush through the waves with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to loosen them up. This will help you avoid a “too-perfect” curl and keep it relaxed.

  • To finish, apply a light texturizing spray to add volume and texture. If you want a little extra shine, lightly mist with a shine spray.

Pro Tip: If your hair tends to fall flat, flip your head upside down and lightly apply a dry shampoo to the roots for an instant volume boost!

Best For: Shoulder-length cuts or collarbone-length hair. It’s the sweet spot for bouncy, effortless waves that last all day.



3. Beachy Waves for Long Hair: Natural, Effortless Vibes

The Struggle: Long hair is perfect for beachy waves, but sometimes it can get a little too heavy or flat if not styled correctly. The key is to create volume, texture, and definition without it looking too “done.”

How to Do It:

  • Start by applying a lightweight texturizing spray or mousse to damp hair. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends for extra volume.

  • Take large sections of hair and wrap them loosely around a 1.5-inch curling wand or flat iron. Hold each section for around 7-10 seconds, depending on your hair’s texture.

  • After curling, use your fingers to shake out the waves and loosen them up. For a more lived-in, beachy look, you can run a wide-tooth comb through your hair to separate the curls.

  • Finish with a salt spray or light-hold hairspray to keep your waves looking natural and beachy all day.

Pro Tip: For a more textured look, skip the curling iron completely! Try braiding your damp hair into loose braids overnight, and wake up to effortless, natural beach waves.

Best For: Medium to long hair, especially if you want soft, beachy texture without all the effort. This works particularly well on layers!



4. Beachy Waves for Curly Hair: Embrace the Texture

The Struggle: Curly hair can sometimes feel like it’s difficult to control, but curly locks actually have the perfect texture for beachy waves! The key is to enhance your natural curl and keep it frizz-free.

How to Do It:

  • Start with damp hair and apply a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to define and hydrate your curls.

  • To create beachy waves, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer or let your hair air dry to enhance natural texture. For a more defined wave, you can twist sections of your hair around your fingers while drying.

  • For extra volume, flip your hair upside down and scrunch it gently.

  • After it dries, apply a light texturizing spray or a curl defining gel to give the waves more definition without weighing them down.

Pro Tip: Avoid using too much product! Curly hair loves moisture, but too many products can cause it to feel heavy or greasy. Keep it simple with a good leave-in conditioner and texturizer.

Best For: Curly or wavy hair types. This look enhances your natural texture, making it perfect for those who want to embrace their curls while adding beachy volume and shine.



5. Beachy Waves with a Twist: Add Braids for Extra Texture

The Struggle: Want to take your beachy waves to the next level? Add braids for extra texture and volume. Braids add a boho touch and keep those waves looking even more relaxed and natural.

How to Do It:

  • Start by applying a salt spray to damp hair and braid sections of your hair (two to three braids work best). Make sure not to braid too tightly for a relaxed, beachy look.

  • Let the braids dry for a few hours (or overnight for best results).

  • Once dry, undo the braids and use your fingers to loosen up the waves. You can add more volume by gently teasing the roots.

  • Finish with a texturizing spray or light-hold hairspray to add definition and hold.

Pro Tip: Try French braids for a more defined wave, or fishtail braids for a slightly more intricate, bohemian vibe.

Best For: Any hair type or length, especially if you’re looking for that extra volume and texture. The braid technique works best on medium to long hair.



Conclusion: Get Your Summer Beachy Waves On!

No matter your hair length or texture, beachy waves are the perfect way to achieve that effortless, laid-back look that screams summer vibes. Whether you’re styling with heat tools, embracing your natural texture, or adding a braid for extra oomph, these waves can be tailored to suit every hair type.

At Coast Hair, we’re here to help you master your beachy waves and keep your hair healthy and shiny all summer long. Book an appointment with us today to get personalized styling tips and discover the best products for your beachy waves!




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