5 beach hair products to unlock your best waves

Ride the waves to effortless hair styling

There's something undeniably enchanting about beachy waves, whispering tales of ocean breezes, salty swims, and carefree days under the sun. With its effortless charm and laid-back vibes, this coveted hairstyle has become a year-round favorite for many. It has a casual, cool-girl aesthetic and a nod to those who love to carry a piece of the beach with them wherever they go.

But let's be real—not everyone can hit the surf every day to get those natural, tousled waves. Luckily, the magic of beach hair products can help out sans saltwater (bonus: no sand in your tresses). Infusing your locks with that 'just-back-from-the-beach' boho look is as easy as finding the right products. 

We're spilling the secrets of five must-have products that promise to bring the beach to your hair, no vacation required. We’ll cover salt-infused sprays that mimic the ocean's touch and texturizing mousses that add body and movement, oils that keep your hair healthy, and more. There are a ton of fun beach hair products that will have you looking like a sun goddess any day of the week.

What makes beach waves so desirable?

There's just something about beachy waves that screams "effortlessly cool." It's a perfect blend of relaxed and chic, as though you've just strolled off a sun-drenched beach without a care in the world. It's casual enough for a day out with friends, but with the right accessories, you can dial it up for an evening look.

The true beauty of beach waves is how versatile they are. They don't discriminate based on hair type, so anyone can rock this look with the right products. Yes, even if you have pin-straight locks or start off with naturally tighter curls but wish for softer waves.

Celebrities like Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid, and Margot Robbie are often spotted flaunting this iconic style, which has rocketed the beachy waves look to a timeless go-to. These babes prove that beach waves can take a look from everyday to show-stopping and help create a personal and instantly recognizable style. 

A touch of wave and texture can elevate any look, not just red carpet ready perfection. With a little help from the right beach hair products, you can get a slice of ocean-side glamor in your everyday life.

Salt sprays

Salt sprays bring the beach to you, like bottled ocean magic for your hair, no matter where you are. They're infused with sea salt, which works wonders for adding texture and volume, mimicking the results of a day spent swimming in the sea. 

When applied, salt sprays coat each hair strand, creating a grittier texture and enhancing natural waves. It's this likeness to seawater that makes salt sprays a go-to for achieving those coveted beachy waves in a natural, effortless way. Here’s how to use them.

• Start with damp hair. For the best results, your hair should be slightly damp so that the salt spray can work its magic and distribute the product evenly.

• Shake and spray. Give your salt spray a good shake to mix up all the ingredients. Then, holding the bottle a few inches away from your hair, spritz it liberally. Focus on the mid-lengths to the ends, where you want to see the most texture.

• Scrunch and twist. After applying the spray, gently scrunch your hair with your hands to enhance your natural waves and encourage those beachy curls to form. For more defined waves, twist sections of your hair around your fingers.

• Air dry or diffuse. For a true beach effect, letting your hair air dry is ideal because it allows your waves to set naturally and avoids any heat damage or frizziness from overdrying. If you're in a hurry, though, using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer can speed up the process without too disrupting the wave pattern. Try using the cool setting on a low power setting to really lock in waves without frizz.

• Tousle and go. Once your hair is dry, give it a gentle tousle with your fingers, or flip your head upside down and give it a shake. This step adds that final touch of volume and carefree texture.

Texturizing mousses

If salt sprays are the everyday surfers of the beach wave world, texturizing mousses are the skilled surfboard shapers. Mousse gives structure and definition to your waves without weighing them down and provides a protective layer against humidity. 

This means your waves stay looking fresh, with a lightweight body and bounce. It also gives your hair the extra oomph to turn flat waves into voluminous, defined, soft curls without the stickiness or greasiness of other styling products. What separates a mediocre texturizing mousse from a good one is that it adds volume without that dreaded crunchiness. Here are some tips on how to use mousse to create that beachy look.

• Start with clean, damp hair. Texturizing mousse works best on freshly washed hair that's still a bit damp. This allows the product to distribute evenly and work its magic as your hair dries.

• Dispense the right amount. Shake the mousse can well, then dispense a golf ball-sized amount into your palm. If you have longer or thicker hair, you might need a bit more, but it's always best to start with less and add more if needed.

• Work it through your hair. Using your fingers, work the mousse through your hair from roots to ends. Focus on the areas where you want the most volume and texture.

• Scrunch for definition. Once you've evenly distributed the mousse, gently scrunch your hair to encourage the natural wave pattern and add definition.

• Dry and style. For the best results, let your hair air dry. If you're short on time, a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer can dry your hair without disturbing the waves. Once dry, you can touch up any areas with a curling iron for more defined waves.

Curl enhancers

If you are blessed with natural curls or waves—think Lorde, Chrissy Teigan, and Zendaya—and want to dial up the beachy vibe, curl enhancers are your best bet for shape, frizz-free beachy waves. Specially formulated to breathe life into your natural texture, curl enhancers amplify each curl and wave for that quintessential beachy look. 

Dry shampoo is your quick fix for keeping beach waves looking fresh and full of life, even when a traditional wash isn't on the agenda. It boosts moisture and definition, helping to reduce frizz and add that irresistible bounce while keeping hair soft and touchable. Here’s what to do.

Dry shampoos

Dry shampoos are a godsend for anyone with flat hair or greasy roots looking for texture and amped-up beach waves. They zap excess oil at the roots and add a gritty texture perfect for reviving second-day waves, too—like a volume and texture booster shot. Here’s how to revive beachy waves with dry shampoo.

• Spray and wait. Hold the dry shampoo a few inches from your roots and spray lightly. Focus on areas that tend to get oily. Wait a minute or two for the dry shampoo to absorb the oil and work its magic.

• Massage into roots. Use your fingers to gently massage the dry shampoo into your scalp and roots to distribute the product and add instant lift.

• Shake it out. Gently shake or tousle your hair with your hands to restore volume and texture, revitalizing your beach waves.

Hair oils and serums 

Amidst all the texturizing and volumizing, remember the importance of keeping your waves nourished and shiny. Hair oils and serums are glorious for infusing moisture into those locks, especially crucial when using various styling products. The key is finding lightweight formulas that hydrate and add shine without deflating your beautiful waves. Here’s how to use them for silky waves.

• Choose wisely. Choose a lightweight oil or serum known for its moisturizing properties without the heaviness. Argan, jojoba, and coconut oils are great picks.

• Start with a drop. Dispense a small amount, usually a drop or two, into your palms and rub your hands together to warm it up.

• Work it in. Gently work the oil or serum through the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots to keep your volume intact. Use your fingers to comb through and distribute the product evenly, giving your waves a soft, glossy finish.

Catching the perfect wave

So there you have it—your quintessential toolkit for nailing those dreamy beach waves. Try salt sprays for that fresh-from-the-ocean texture, texturizing mousses for volume without the crunch, curl enhancers to define and boost, dry shampoos for a quick refresh, and lightweight oils and serums to keep those waves glossy and hydrated. Beachside glamor is right at your fingertips—you just need to experiment and find your perfect combination to unlock those effortless, sun-kissed waves.