Achieving beach curls involves techniques that create loose, natural-looking waves, mimicking the effect of spending a day at the beach. Here's a breakdown of how to achieve this style using different methods:
Curling Iron Method
This is a quick and effective way to get beach curls.
- Prep Your Hair: Start with dry hair. Use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into top and bottom sections for easier management. Then, separate each section into left and right sides.
- Curling Technique:
- Hold the curling iron (ideally a 1-inch barrel) upright with the clamp facing forward.
- Take a 1-2 inch section of hair.
- Clamp the hair, leaving about 1-2 inches of the ends out. This ensures a more relaxed, beachy wave.
- Twist the iron away from your face. Hold for a few seconds (5-10 seconds, depending on your hair's thickness and how well it holds a curl).
- Release the curl and gently pull down on the end while it's still warm to loosen the curl further.
- Alternate Directions: Alternate the direction of the curls (away from your face, then towards your face) for a more natural, less uniform look.
- Finish and Set: Once all sections are curled, gently tousle your hair with your fingers. You can use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to enhance the beachy effect and provide hold. Avoid using a brush, as it will straighten the curls.
Heatless Methods
These methods are gentler on your hair.
Braiding
- Dampen Hair: Start with slightly damp hair.
- Braid Your Hair: Braid your hair into multiple braids (4-6 braids, depending on the desired wave size). For looser waves, do larger braids. For tighter waves, do smaller braids.
- Sleep On It: Leave the braids in overnight or for at least a few hours until your hair is completely dry.
- Undo and Style: Carefully undo the braids and gently shake out your hair. Use your fingers to separate the waves. Add sea salt spray for texture.
Bunning
- Dampen Hair: Start with slightly damp hair.
- Create Buns: Divide hair into sections (2-4 sections). Twist each section and create a small bun, securing it with a hair tie or bobby pins.
- Sleep On It: Leave the buns in overnight or until hair is completely dry.
- Undo and Style: Release the buns and tousle hair with fingers to create a beachy wave look.
Products to Enhance Beach Curls
- Sea Salt Spray: Adds texture and grit for a beachy feel.
- Texturizing Spray: Provides hold and definition to the waves.
- Heat Protectant Spray: Essential when using heat styling tools.
- Light Hold Hairspray: Helps maintain the curls without making them stiff.
