Beach hair: That wavy, texturized look we’ve all heard of and coveted. There are plenty of products out there that claim they can help you achieve the perfect, beachy ‘do–but which ones should you go for, and how should you update your haircare routine to match them? Here’s a comprehensive guide.
Step 1: Start with hydrated hair
Hydration is the key to rocking any hairstyle: By keeping your locks moisturized, you can prevent flyaways, frizz, and split ends. Moisturized hair is also more elastic, which means it’ll hold styles better and be more resilient against harsh heat and products.
One of the best ways to keep your hair moisturized is to stop shampooing every day. This can be a scary step, as the thought of oily, stringy hair makes most of us cringe. Shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils, causing your scalp to overproduce them; when you quit shampooing every day, you can suffer from excessively oily hair. However, the more you allow your hair to get used to the change, the more it’s natural oil balance will be restored. Try reducing your shampoo use little by little. Switch from every day to four times a week, then to every other day.
If reducing shampoo use isn’t the right option for you, make sure you’re using a high-quality conditioner that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals such as sulfates and parabens. (2chic by Giovanni’s Avocado and Olive Oil conditioner is a great option for dry hair!) You might also find it helpful to boost your hair-care regimen with a leave-in conditioner.
Step 2: Try a texurizing spray to get that tumbled look
Texturizing sprays help to boost your style by giving your hair volume, supporting waves, and adding a touch of that gritty, windswept, beach look. There are tons of texturizing sprays out there, but how do you choose just one?
If you want the tried-and-true option, try Bumble Surf Spray for $27. This is the original salt spray by Bumble and Bumble, which started the beach hair craze. If you want an option that hydrates your hair as it texturizes, try Herbivore’s Coconut + Sea Salt Beach Wave Mist for $26. This concoction contains aloe water and coconut to keep your hair hydrated and healthy, so you don’t have to compromise between hair health and style. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, try Verb Sea Texture Spray for $16, which will boost your hair’s volume in addition to adding texture.
Step 3: Experiment with styling options
Once you’ve incorporated your salt spray, there are many ways to add waves to your hair. If you want extra-defined waves, and you’re ok with using heated styling implements on your hair, try using a styling wand to create glamorous curls. Just wait for the styling wand to heat up, then wrap a segment of hair around it and hold for up to twenty seconds (even less if you want a more relaxed look).
If you want a more natural look, and/or heated styling implements aren’t for you, try twisting instead. While your hair is still dry, apply a salt spray, and then separate a segment of hair. Twist the lock around tightly and coil it up to your scalp–then repeat with another lock. Use large locks of hair for looser waves and smaller bunches for tighter waves. For an even more low-maintenance look, just scrunch up your hair after applying your salt spray.
Step 4: Enhance your highlights with a gold-flecked spray
If you want to go the extra mile, try bringing out a golden glow in your locks with Captain Blankenship Golden Waves Sea Salt Shimmer Spray for $28. This spray doesn’t color your hair or douse it in tacky sparkles: Instead, it enhances your hair’s highlights and gently boosts its shine.
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