If you have a beach day planned or a holiday on the horizon then you're probably already thinking about what outfits you'll wear, what beauty essentials you'll be packing, and what hairstyles will work for the occasion. The first two are easy to figure out—a bikini, sandals, and SPF. But when it comes to choosing a beach-appropriate hairstyle, you'll be up against the elements. So regardless of your hair type, colour, or length, it's important to choose a hairstyle that will stand up against wind, sea, and heat—that will last all day, is easy to achieve, and that won't result in knots and tangles.
But fear not, from easy up-dos to soft waves, messy buns, and loose braids, we've got you covered if you're looking for beach hairstyle inspiration this summer.
While loose, messy waves are always on trend for summer, according to Syd Hayes, session stylist and BaByliss Pro ambassador, this year's take on beach hair is about a slightly more lived in and effortless looking classic flat, beachy wave—what Hayes terms 'the lazy girl luxe wave'. "It’s looser and feels almost wispier and grown out but with a glossy finish," he explains. "It’s the perfect second day, summer hair look—fresh from the beach but still looking healthy and glistening in the sun."
What's more, this classic beach hairstyle is super easy to achieve. "For this look it’s really important to start with a good base, adding volume to the hair so it still feels full, thick and not too flat," says Hayes. "Create volume in the hair using a mousse or foam at the roots—I like the Sam McKnight Cool Girl Volume Foam—focusing on the root area so hair appears more three dimensional," he adds. "Once bone dry, add kinks and waves to the hair using the BaByliss 9000 Cordless Waving Wand it’s important to not create curls as this will create a very different look." And the key to giving this hairstyle an unintentional and 'lived in ' vibe? "Alternate the direction of the wave and keep the ends out for a fresher take on the classic beach wave," Hayes recommends. "And once done, brush out the waves so they're more wavy and less curly."
Scroll on to see the best beach hairstyles.
The Best Beach Hairstyles:
"A great haircut is key for this look," says Hayes. "Shattered ends are going to help the wave feel undone yet polished. It’s not severe of drastic which is makes it so wearable too.
Practical and chic, a headscarf is the ultimate beach hair accessory.
Perfect for hot weather when keeping your hair both out of your face and off your neck is essential—twist your lengths into two micro-buns.
If classic beachy waves really aren't for you, try a slicked back low bun instead.
Switch up your parting to add volume to the roots for a truly tousled beachy style.
Not to be overlooked, if you have long hair then a loose, messy bun may be just the ticket.
Beachy braids and statement earrings? What's not to love.
This 'lived in' wavy style is perfect for accentuating and enhancing lighter strands of hair or balayage.
A loose plait will both keep hair out of your face and leave you with loose waves once undone.
A loose, low bun is easy to achieve and chic enough to take you from beach day to beach party.
The humble claw clip really does come into its own for a quick and easy beac-appropriate up-do.
The best beachy hairstyles add the effect of both volume and movement to hair.
A choppy bob is summer's most on-trend hairstyle—add loose waves and you're set for a beach day.
A half-up-half-down style is a great compromise if you want to wear hair down but also keep it from blowing in your face.
To mix things up for second day beachy waves, style your hair in a high ponytail instead of wearing them loose.
A mini clip is a great way to keep hair back while also showing off a wavy style.
Face-framing strands are majorly on trend for 2023—plait them into thin braids to complement a low-key slicked back style.
Blonde hair and beachy waves is a pairing that will never go out of style.
Knot-proof and tangle-proof—this protective style is perfect for the beach.
Alongside SPF, a claw clip really is a beach bag essential for summer 2023.
Sure, a baseball cap might be a more obvious beach-side accessory, but a wide elasticated headband will better help to keep hair out of your face, and will still protect your scalp from sun damage in the process.
The Best Products for Beachy Hair:
When you're fresh out of the sea but still want your hair to look sleek and smooth for your dinner reservation, this is the product to keep in your beach bag.
"I always recommend using a sea salt spray rather than a texturising spray," says Hayes. "Sea sprays are wetter and less drying in texture." This one is formulated to help to accentuate natural movement and add just the amount of grit to encourage the right amount of flyaways—a crucial element to making a beach hairstyle look effortless. "The end result is natural, relaxed, sexy, and most importantly, easy to manage whether on the beach or creating a hair style that transports you to one," he adds.
If your hair is naturally straight, Hayes recommends this waving wand for creating undone beachy waves.
Scrunch this foam through wet hair to enhance your natural waves without the need for heat.
By gently exfoliating your scalp and removing buildup, this scrub will help to add lift and movement to your root.
Use this lightweight styling foam to kickstart any hairstyle and it will make hair look fuller and thicker.
A one-stop product for tousled waves—this spray never leaves hair feeling stiff or sticky.
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