Beach waves are quintessentially the summer hairstyle to have. There’s a reason why this the salt-stricken style comes back year after year with a fresh twist. A beachy wave evokes the carefree spirit of 1960s LA, blending the effortless glamour of Brigitte Bardot with the bohemian vibes of Stevie Nicks.
Today's iteration, modelled by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Sophia Richie, and Laura Harrier, is easier than ever to achieve thanks to advanced styling tools. Take, a Dyson Airwrap, for example, which can create soft curls and - once smoothed with a large paddle brush - leave you with the most graceful waves.
If a beach getaway isn't on the cards, a generous application of salt spray can help you emulate that seaside feeling.
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What are beach waves?
For this season’s iteration of the perennially cool hairstyle, the memo is nonchalance. 'Think, looser, half-done, and less “styled,”' says Nataliia Bumford, stylist at Hershesons Belgravia. Unlike the crispy coils of the 2000s, 'today’s version is softer and shiner—more polished, less matte—focusing on natural shape and healthy texture rather than grit and stiffness.'
That said, Noughties beach waves were a major moment, and for good reason. Gisele Bündchen and the Olsen twins led the surge. Think Valley girl meets VS Angel. The trusty 'twist and pull' with a flat iron marked the distinct beachy blowout of the day.
Alexa Chung (circa 2010) gave beach waves the indie sleaze treatment. Alternating curl direction and left-as-is ends gave Kristen Stewart and co that random cool-girl kink to their coils.
Despite the decade, blasé beach waves have stood the test of time.
How to achieve beach waves
To create enviably beachy waves, listen closely. 'Start with damp hair, apply a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream, then mist on the new Hershesons Air Dry Spray,' advises Bumford. 'It defines the wave, adds hold, smooths frizz, and offers UV protection—while leaving a soft, touchable finish that’s never matte or crunchy.'
For that lived-in-look let it air-dry, 'or braid/twist for extra shape,' adds Bumford. Don’t shirk on touching up the ends of your hair with a smidge of oil for added shine and softness.
- For straight hair: If your hair dries straight, build out texture with mousse, then plate overnight or use a waving iron. Edge it out with some salt or texturising spray.
- For wavy hair: For those with natural waves, beach-ify them with some curl cream and a diffuser. As it dries, twist a few sections and fluff it up with your fingers.
- For curly hair: Curly girls, a leave-in curl cream is a must. Brush out a few coils once dry for that Turks and Caicos-type texture.
- For afro hair: Twist-outs with a styling butter or curl gel just work for afro hair. Fluff it up with an afro comb and you’re ready to roll. If you're keen on a protective style, goddess braids are built in beach waves.
Tools and tips for achieving beach waves
Whether you're embracing your natural texture or reaching for next-gen tools, the beauty of beach waves lies in their flexibility, and finish. Here's how to master the look, with a little help from some industry icons.
Go heatless
For soft, undone waves without the damage, overnight braids remain a tried-and-true technique. Satin-covered rollers or a DIY robe tie wrap offer a gentle, bougie workaround for heat styling. Wake up, shake out, and finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for an airy, editorial finish.
If you're using hot tools
Alternate your curl direction for that effortless, unstructured wave. The Dyson Airwrap i.d remains the gold standard for damage-minimising curling, while the GHD Creative Curl Wand creates seamless, beachy bends with a single twist. For a nod to early-2000s texture, a Mermade PRO Waver delivers that sculpted mermaid effect without veering crunchy.
Brushes and diffusers
Once styled, smooth waves with a Mason Pearson paddle brush for polish, or finger-comb with a touch of Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil through the ends for shine and separation. If air-drying is more your speed, scrunch in R+Co Cool Wind pH Perfect Air Dry Crème and diffuse with the Curlsmith diffuser for shape and volume, especially on textured or curly hair.
Set the finish
Finally, lock it in without losing softness. Hershesons Air Dry Spray is an editor favourite for hold, definition and UV protection, no crunch, just movement. Or reach for Rahua Enchanted Island Salt Spray, a chic, botanically charged mist that mimics that just-off-the-beach texture, even if you’re nowhere near a coastline.
ELLE Edit: Beach Wave Essentials
Should you ride the wave?
Bumford cites Margot Robbie, Sydney Sweeney and Emily Ratajkowski as devout beachy wave-ers. Why not road-test the look for yourself?
And, if you’re in a rush, the look can be perfected (well, un-perfected, but that’s what’s so great about it) in a flash. 'For fast waves, use a Mermaid wave maker (the Hershesons Multi-Tasker) on dry hair to create soft, sculpted bends,' explains Bumford. 'Alternatively, with a curling wand, curl random sections while pulling the hair downward to keep the shape relaxed. Finish either way with Hershesons Air Dry Spray for hold, texture and definition.'
Beach waves summer inspiration
Bella Hadid
Hadid’s salted mane is, and always will be, right in the centre of the summer mood board.
Simone Ashley
Rich, dark chocolate ruffles will never not be chic.
Lily-Rose Depp
Depp gives the beach-ready do a bit of French zhuzh.
Adela Jergova
Party girl pink will add some edge to your waves, whether sunning on the coast or dancing in the club.
Ashley Graham
Shift the tide with a swanky side-part draped over your shoulder.
Rosé
Rosé’s rinsed lengths are oh-so old Hollywood and look effortlessly chic come peak-summer.
Emily Ratajkowski
We’re on the same wavelength as ELLE cover star EmRata. Her face-framing bangs are just the crowning glory.
Tyla
Beach waves serve just as hard with protective hairstyles. Tyla’s goddess braids are a perfect example.
Laura Harrier
Harrier’s beach waves work perfectly with the natural curl pattern and texture of her hair.
Miley Cyrus
Ever the arbiter of an edgy hairstyle, Cyrus brings some grit to summer beach waves.
Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain's long, flowing lengths are the perfect embodiment of beach waves, and prime summer inspo if you're a natural redhead.
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![jodie turner smith new bob met gala new york, new york may 05: jodie turner smith attends the 2025 met gala celebrating superfine: tailoring black style at metropolitan museum of art on may 05, 2025 in new york city. (photo by dimitrios kambouris/getty images for the met museum/vogue)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-2213610212-688772f19e73e.jpg?crop=0.500xw:0.750xh;0.257xw,0.0204xh&resize=360:* "Jodie Turner-Smith new bob The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" - Arrivals")
