Please note that we do not create all the designs featured in this article. Our primary focus is to curate and collect a diverse range of design collections and products to inspire and share with our audience. While we do not claim ownership or take full credit for the original designs and images, we occasionally make minor adjustments, particularly in home decor and fashion items, to present them more effectively. Additionally, we may produce and edit images to enhance their quality and composition before sharing them on our Pinterest page or website. For the design work we do on these creative designs, we also include our logo on the images shared on Pinterest and our website. This helps our audience recognize that these designs have been published on insiderlyfe.com!
There’s just something about beach waves that never goes out of style. They’re soft, carefree, and give your hair that effortless, sun-kissed glow—like you just stepped off the shore, even if you’re miles from the ocean.
Beach waves strike the perfect balance between casual and polished. They’re relaxed enough for a walk on the sand but can be dressed up for formal events or a night out. That’s the beauty of this timeless look—it fits any occasion and flatters every face, hair length, and texture.
Whether your hair is short, long, thick, fine, straight, or curly, beach waves are easy to make your own. Want loose, barely-there waves? You got it. Prefer tighter, defined curls with a beachy bounce? That works too. There’s a wave style out there for everyone.
And the best part? You don’t need hours in front of the mirror to nail the look. With the right tools—think a curling wand, flat iron, or even a simple braid—and a little help from texturizing spray or sea salt mist, you can create beautiful beach waves in minutes.
So if you’re ready to add that breezy, sunkissed vibe to your hair, now’s the time to dive into this timeless, versatile style. Beach waves are effortless, chic, and always in season.
1. Traditional Loose Beach Waves
Traditional waves offer a carefree, natural appearance due to their flowing and easy waves. After applying any kind of heating tool to your hair or braiding it without heat, your hair will produce this appearance in a short amount of time. Parents should create loose waves through their strands by carefully rolling them around styling tools because tight curls do not work.
Sea salt spray application provides depth and texture to loose beach waves. This easy styling approach can be worn to any social event, from beach casual occasions to upscale evening gatherings.
2. Textured Bob for a Playful Look
Short hair can also pull off beach waves! A textured bob with soft waves provides volume, movement, and an effortlessly cool touch to your look. It is ideal for anyone wanting to add dimension without too much styling.
A curling wand or flat iron will get the waves, and a texturising spray provides them with a natural, lived-in finish. The brilliance of this style is that you can leave it sleek for work or messy for a carefree, effortless feel. It’s a chic, low-fuss means of loving waves.
3. Layered for Dimension
Layers are key if you prefer your waves to be more dynamic and voluminous-looking. Layered beach waves add movement, making hair look thicker and more textured. This cut is best suited to medium to long hair, as the layers create a cascading effect that gives it body and flow.
To style, curl with a curling wand or rollers to define the waves, then gently tousle them with your fingers for a natural finish. Applying a volumising spray at the roots lifts the hair so each wave falls effortlessly for a stunning layered effect.
4. Balayage Beach for a Sun-Kissed Glow
Balayage color treatment combined with beach waves creates a sun-kissed, radiant look that is ideal for any time of the year. The method requires hand-painted highlights to blend perfectly into your foundation color, replicating the sun’s natural lighting effect.
The beach waves add a soft, wavy texture, which adds depth to the balayage and makes the color transition look even more natural. Whether you opt for warm caramel colors or cool blonde hues, this pairing makes for an effortlessly chic, lived-in look. Pair it with a shine-grabbing serum to keep your tresses glossy and vibrant.
5. Side-swept for a Touch of Glamour
You can achieve an elegant beach-wave appearance by picking up your hair to one side. This freehearted and attractive appearance works exceptionally well for black-tie occasions, date functions, and red carpet appearances. You can create this style by waving your hair without tension, then side-brushing it to one section while holding it with bobby pins when needed.
A deep side part adds visual interest, while light-hold hairspray keeps the waves in place. The result? An elegant design creates an immediately stylish hairstyle without affecting its breezy aesthetics.
6. Bangs and Waves – A Trendy Combo
Combining bangs with beach waves produces a clean and fresh look that suits many face shapes. Curtain bangs, blunt bangs, or wispy fringe—whichever you choose—inject personality and depth into your hair.
Curtain bangs mix perfectly with waves, skimming the face and adding a relaxed, effortless appearance. Use a round brush to style your bangs and allow your waves to flow naturally. A texturizing spray keeps everything light and airy, ensuring your waves and bangs cooperate for a stylish, relaxed finish.
7. Ombre for a Gradient Effect
Ombre hair, where the roots are darker and the ends lighten gradually, looks excellent with beach waves. This color transition provides additional dimension and depth, giving waves the look of being more defined and voluminous. Whether you opt for a subtle brunette-to-caramel ombre or a dramatic platinum blonde fade, the waves add depth to the color transition, producing a soft, ethereal look.
To style, use a large-barrel curling iron for loose waves and finger-comb them for a relaxed appearance. A smoothing serum keeps shine in check and frizz at bay, keeping the gradient color bright and fresh.
8. Beachy Messy Bun
A messy bun with beach waves is the way for a chic and fast updo. This style is laid-back and calm, perfect for everyday wear and semi-formal events. Begin by curling or texturizing your hair to achieve soft waves.
Take the top section of your hair and create a loose bun at the crown or nape of your neck, leaving some wavy strands loose to frame your face. Secure it with a hair tie or pins, and gently tug at sections for added volume. This effortless style balances elegance with a relaxed, carefree touch.
9. Half-Up, Half-Down for a Versatile Look
You may find choosing between hair in updos or flowing down challenging. A half-up, half-down hairstyle has a dual function: it reveals beachy waves and vertical and horizontal hair arrangements. Rustic hairstyles allow any style event, from brunch days to marriage ceremonies.
Secure the upper part of your hair using a ponytail or bun, and then allow your beach waves to stream naturally from the bottom. Wearing only the upper section of hair up will enable you to stay presentable yet expose lower sections to display your waves’ natural texture. Using hairspray to spritz the hair will maintain volume and secure the style.
10. Boho Braids with Beach Waves
Small braids that enhance beach waves produce an effortless bohemian appearance when added to your hairstyle. Braids with a relaxed appearance lend texture to wavy hair, which suits both festives and beach or casual settings.
Three braid techniques exist for hairstyles: single braid to the side, braid every small section of hair, and automatic fishtail braids for emphasis. Secure your loosely curled hair into small braids using tiny elastics or bobby pins to mold this particular hairstyle. Finishing it with a spray of sea salt gives it a natural appearance that is slightly textured and effortless.
11. Bountiful for Maximum Impact
Bountiful waves are the style to achieve if you adore vivacious, full-bodied hair. To get this look, apply a mousse that adds volume before you style your hair and use a large-barrel curling iron to form bouncy waves. Backcomb the roots lightly for added height, and seal with a lightweight texturizing spray to keep movement without weighing down your hair.
This type is ideal for making a statement for a one-time special occasion or even an everyday look. Big beach waves work well with every hair length and add glamour and sophistication to your appearance.
12. Wet-Look Beach for Glossy Finish
Wet-look waves are an updated, high-fashion version of traditional beach waves, leaving your hair looking smooth but textured. To get this shiny finish, use a lot of styling gel or shine serum on damp or dry hair and then curl with a curling iron or scrunch to achieve soft waves. This style is ideal for summer evenings, pool parties, or a stylish red carpet-event.
The trick is to balance the shine with definition so that your waves don’t look greasy but polished and elegant.
13. Shoulder-Length for a Chic, Low-Maintenance Style
Shoulder-length hair represents the best possible blend because it allows for styling flexibility and remains manageable enough to style without complications. This hair length creates carefree waves requiringminimal effort and heat application for a stunning result.
Using a curling tool or braiding techniques, you can make smooth, easy waves without heat.
A small amount of sea salt spray will create textured waves that mimic the appearance of sun-drenched beach hair.
The shoulder-length hairstyle strikes an excellent balance between sophisticated appearance and carefree style, making it suitable for everyday wear.
14. Blunt Cut with for a Current Edge
Blunt cuts have a reputation for looking sharp and structured, but waves soften the appearance without sacrificing the current edge. This style is perfect for those who adore a cool, modern look without compromising movement.
Flat iron or use a curling wand to get loose waves, emphasizing mid-lengths and the ends to prevent volume at roots. Add a light texturizing spray to define. This interplay of precision and relaxed waves is fabulous for thick, straight hair and gives a highly stylish contrast.
15. Pixie for Short-Haired Beauties
You don’t have to have long hair to get beach waves. Even a pixie cut can be waved for extra texture and depth. Use a minor curling or flat iron to make gentle bends or scrunch in a texturizing cream for a less-done look.
This style gives short hair movement, making it look fuller and more lively. Whether you sport a traditional or more extended, layered pixie, tousled waves can add a fun, effortlessly cool vibe to your short do with minimal upkeep.
16. Accessorized for an Extra Flair
Take your beach waves to the next level with fashionable hair accessories like pearl clips, bright scarves, or fashionable headbands. These little touches can quickly turn your waves into something special, ideal for a special occasion or to put some personality into your everyday style.
Hairpins are also perfect for tucking the side for a clean finish, while flower clips add an extra romantic feel. Scrunchies or ribbon may also be added to half-up styles to make them youthful and fun. Regardless of minimalistic or flashy touches, accessorized waves are a simple way to add that special touch to your hairstyle.
17. Tousled for That ‘I Woke Up Like This’ Look
Tousled waves are the ultimate effortless glamour, creating your just-rolled-out-of-bed look with a hint of glamour. It is all about allowing natural movement and texture. Spray damp hair with sea salt spray and scrunch with your fingers to maximize waves.
Twist hair parts around a curling wand for extra definition and shake them out for an undone finish. The aim is to have a carefree, slightly undone look that looks naturally gorgeous—ideal for everyday wear, holidays, or days when you desire stylishly low-maintenance locks.
18. Sleek for a Polished Yet Relaxed Vibe
If you desire a sophisticated yet relaxed appearance, sleek waves are an excellent choice. This look maintains the root’s sleekness while introducing soft waves throughout the mid-lengths and ends. Begin with a heat protectant and straighten your roots for an elegant base. Next, create soft waves using a flat iron or curling wand.
Finish with a light serum for shine and a flexible-hold hairspray to keep the style in place. Sleek waves are ideal for work, date nights, or any occasion when you desire a more refined interpretation of beach waves.
19. Asymmetrical for an Edgy Look
For a twist on beach waves, go for an asymmetrical style—where one side is looser waves and the other is more defined. This surprising contrast brings interest and edginess to your hairstyle. Begin by deeply parting your hair to one side.
Use a curling iron to create defined waves on the fuller side, leaving the other side relaxed or tucking it behind the ear. This juxtaposition brings together an effortlessly trendy, fashion-forward look. Perfect for someone who enjoys experimenting with various aesthetics, asymmetrical waves add a creative, edgy touch to your style.
20. Beach with Sunlit Highlights
Nothing enhances beach waves more than subtle, sun-kissed highlights. Be it soft, subtle baby lights or dramatic balayage, incorporating lighter shades to your waves adds a dimensional, lit-from-within effect. The highlights look gorgeous in the sunlight, creating a natural sun-kissed appearance. Use a curling iron to amplify the waves and shine spray to enhance the highlights.
The look is particularly complimentary in the summer months but can be used all year to add brightness to your locks. It’s a simple solution that makes your waves look bright and luminous with little work.
21. Retro for a Retro Vibe
Tap into old Hollywood glamour with polished, structured, and effortlessly glamorous retro waves. This look is ideal for dressy events or when you’re looking to spice up your style with a dash of sophistication. Work with a medium-barrel curling iron to achieve even waves, then softly brush them out for a silky, flowing texture.
Hold with a strong-hold hairspray for long-lasting glamour. Pair with a deep side part for extra drama. Retro waves never go out of style, whether you’re going for a classic or modern vintage vibe.
22. Curly Beach for Added Texture
This style works incredibly well for naturally curly or wavy hair, enhancing texture with minimal effort.
Use a curling wand to create defined curls, then relax them with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to achieve a more relaxed, beachy look. A light mousse or wave-enhancing spray sets the style while keeping frizz away. Use this one for a fun, bold look for any casual or dressed-up event.
23. Undercut with for a Bold Statement
An undercut with waves provides a dramatic contrast that’s as edgy as it is chic. This style suits those who adore trendy hairstyles that blend softness with an adventurous spirit. The undercut takes the bulk off one side or the back, making it easy to let the waves at the top take center stage.
Apply a texturizing spray to give definition and movement, achieving a balanced blend of structure and flow. Whether you opt for a subtle undercut or a dramatic shaved look, the combination of the soft waves and sharp lines creates a head-turning look.
24. Natural Beach – Effortless and Carefree
If your hair naturally has a wave pattern, celebrate it with minimal styling for a relaxed, sun-tanned look. Apply a sea salt spray to dampened hair and scrunch in your hands to add texture. Air-drying will provide the best beachy look, but a diffuser will also work if you want extra volume.
The low-fuss style is excellent for those who like an easy, no-frills way to style their hair. Whether going to the beach or seeking that carefree summer look, natural waves best flaunt your hair’s texture.
Related Post
