How to Make Beach Waves on Pin-Straight Hair

Step 1: Prepare Your Canvas.

One expert tip to keep your hair from falling flat the minute you walk out the door is to add volume from the start. This begins with washing away oils and residue on your mane. Opt for formulas that can break down stubborn impurities, like TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Shampoo. Infused with ginger and green tea, this paraben-free shampoo deeply cleanses your scalp and helps replenish lost nutrients for healthier-looking hair. Another plus is it allows your styling products to cling to your strands.

Clean hair provides a better foundation for styling and helps the waves maintain their shape for longer.

Step 2: Prep And Let Your Hair Air Dry.

It may be quicker to blast hot air on your tresses and call it a day. But did you know that most styling products work better when applied on damp hair? The water helps evenly distribute the products and ensures they get absorbed into the hair shaft more effectively.

After your shower, gently squeeze out the excess water from your locks. The goal is to reach a point where your hair is about 50% dry before styling. Then, layer styling products – heat protectant, mousse, hair primer, and texturizing (in this order) – to add grip and texture. Wait for your hair to dry completely, which should only take a few minutes, thanks to the alcohol content in the hair mousse.

Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair without causing frizz.

Step 3: Preheat Your Curling Iron.

For straight hair that doesn’t curl easily, using a curling iron offers longer-lasting results than a flat iron. Besides, it’s easier to handle once you get the hang of it.

It’s also crucial to select the right barrel size for your curling iron. Typically, barrels between 1 to 1.5 inches are ideal for achieving lived-in beach waves. If you want tighter curls, go ahead and pick smaller barrels.

Now that you have your tool ready, set the temperature. Stick to around 130 degrees Celsius if you have fine or chemically treated hair. For thick or coarse strands, the sweet spot is between 170-200 degrees. Just don’t go over 200 degrees, no matter what.

Set the temperature of your curling wand according to your hair thickness.

Step 4: Create the Beach Waves.

There’s no rule when it comes to achieving soft, beachy hair, except to aim for imperfections. The shapes don’t have to be uniformed, so wield your curling wand fearlessly.

First, part your hair into top and bottom, as well as left and right. Holding your curling wand upright, wrap a small section of your hair around the barrel and twist it away from your face. Hold for three seconds, then slowly pull the wand down to release. Repeat this step throughout the rest of your mane, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural finish.

Move your curling iron carefully to prevent burning your scalp of ear.

Step 5: Make It Messy.

Your hair is probably looking a bit Victorian, but it won’t be for long. Once your waves have cooled down, tousle them with your fingers. You can also flip your head upside down and shake ‘em like no one’s watching.

To keep your beach waves from unraveling, do another round of texturizing spray. If your hair lacks some luster, apply a smidge of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum. The keratin and marula oil blend helps fight frizz, boost shine, tame flyaways, and detangle knots. Just like that, you have summer-ready hair – no seaside vacation required.

Shake your hair out to break up the curls, then finish with texturizing spray.