The Resurgence of Beach Waves: A Timeless Trend
Beach waves are making a notable comeback in the hair styling scene, reminiscent of carefree summers by the ocean. This stylish look embodies both elegance and a laid-back California vibe, continuously capturing the hearts of many.
The Trend Revival
Renowned hair stylist Travis Ogletree emphasizes that textured styles like beach waves are always in vogue, though their popularity ebbs and flows over time. “Trends shift, but beach waves always maintain their appeal,” he notes, referencing iconic styles such as Jennifer Aniston’s waves from a 2010 fragrance advertisement, which showcased a natural, air-dried look.
Ogletree highlights the influence of both West Coast and East Coast styles, describing them as modern tastemakers for their unrefined, effortless aesthetic.
Stars Embracing Beach Waves
Beach waves have been seen on many prominent figures recently. For instance, Amy Lowood’s portrayal of Chelsea in White Lotus features sun-kissed rockstar waves that have inspired fans. Likewise, Katie Holmes exhibited long mermaid waves at Paris Fashion Week, while Sydney Sweeney opted for a textured style during a recent event.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have seen a surge of users imitating the iconic beach wave looks of celebrities, illustrating the trend’s widespread appeal.
Achieving the Beach Wave Look
With the right techniques and products, anyone can achieve beach waves, regardless of their hair type. For those with finer hair, implementing a suitable hair care routine to enhance volume is crucial. According to Oribe Hair Care Global Artist Adam Livermore, classic beach waves work best for hair lengths above the shoulders and can easily be styled using a curling iron on straight hair.
However, a key consideration is the quality of products used. Many traditional styling products designed to enhance beach waves can often leave hair feeling dry and tangled. Ogletree points out that while classic DIY salt sprays are popular, the resulting texture can sometimes be less than desirable. He advocates for a modern approach that minimizes heat usage and encourages air drying.
Modern Styling Techniques
To create beautiful beach waves, professionals recommend hydrating hair with smoothing oils or creams to enhance shine and maintain a more natural texture. Ogletree’s go-to products include brands like Oribe for their dry texturizing sprays and wooly effect ratings.
Styling With a Curling Iron
If you’re using a curling iron to style beach waves, follow these tips:
- Divide hair into three sections: below the ears, from the ears to the eyebrows, and from the crown.
- Curl the sections alternately in different directions to prevent uniformity, creating a more natural effect.
- Opt for a curling iron with a barrel size of 1.25 to 1.5 inches for long hair.
Ogletree recommends using a thermal protectant spray to safeguard hair from heat damage and finishing with a texturizing spray for added texture.
Cutting for Movement
Successfully styling beach waves also largely depends on the haircut. As Tigi Creative Director Thomas Osborn explains, the right cut can promote movement and prevent hair from becoming too heavy, which is essential for achieving those desirable waves.
Point cutting the layers is one technique used to remove weight and encourage bounciness in curls. Additionally, styling hair while wet by twisting strands or loosely securing them in a top knot can further define wave patterns.
Conclusion
Beach waves represent a chic and effortless hairstyle that remains eternally trendy. With the right techniques and products, anyone can enjoy this captivating style that mirrors the relaxed vibes of summer by the beach.