The Secret to Getting Good Beach Waves: A Guide for Every Hair Texture

With city dwellers across the country spiriting away to the beach this weekend, we’re predicting a rise in carefree surf-tousled hair. Rivaling the most coveted beauty benefits of a day at the shore (including Vitamin D and calorie-torching activity), the bombshell appeal of ocean-infused waves is so celebrated that almost every beauty brand has made an attempt to bottle it. And it seems they have. According to editorial hair gurus Harry Josh and Renato Campora, a seaside jaunt isn’t necessary for authentic-looking salt-sprayed strands. “Texture is the key,” says Josh, who explains that the best way to re-create it is to first consider your own hair type, then invest in the right products.

In fact, for those blessed with naturally wavy hair, a texturizing mist, like John Frieda Sea Waves Salt Spray will do all the work in “amping up your hair to greatness,” says Josh. “It smells like the beach and will help activate the wave” à la Gisele or Daria.  Meanwhile, tight curls can rely on thick, heavier wax to relax their natural coils into looser waves. Very straight hair will need the gritty assistance of Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray, and fine strands can find body and movement with the help of a light cream. For example, on towel-dried hair, Campora creates a “weightless” foundation for grip with Number 4 Texture Styling Crème. “It gives you a little bit of control.” Then, to encourage a loose curl, “Toss your head over and scrunch it every five or ten minutes until it dries,” says Josh. Though a quicker route to a finished product can be found with a blow-dryer (on low power and high heat) and a diffuser.

No matter your hair, Campora recommends topping off the look with a blast of Orlando Pita dry shampoo at the roots, for a volumizing effect that speaks of the ocean, not of layers of product. “You don’t want your hair to get heavy, so you can keep this in your bag to give yourself volume whenever you need it, without feeling like [there’s anything in it.]” Meaning the look will last as long as your shampoo cycle—or your next great coastal getaway.

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