There's something undeniably timeless about a beachy, wavy look; an effortless, voluminous style that many of us long to achieve. The allure of transforming your hair into soft, carefree waves, reminiscent of a day by the sea, is universal.
For those with fine, straight, or short hair, achieving this look might require a bit more effort. But with the right steps and a bit of patience, you can bring your hair to life with volume and texture.
Keep reading to discover the best tips for creating beachy waves tailored to your unique hair type, so you can feel confident and fabulous all day long.
Index
How to Add Waves to Straight Hair
Straight hair can sometimes struggle to hold curls, as its smooth, less porous texture doesn’t naturally grip styles. But with the right tools, you can easily add volume and movement to your locks.
- Start by prepping your hair with a heat protectant, like Goldie Locks® Blow Dry Spray, to shield against damage and help your waves last longer.
- Use a curling iron or wand, wrapping small sections of hair around the barrel and leaving the ends out for a more natural finish.
- Once you’ve curled each section, hold for a few seconds, release, and alternate curl directions for a softer look.
- Lightly mist with Goldie Locks® Flexible Hold Hairspray and gently tousle with your fingers to break up the curls into soft waves.
Pro Tip: always leave 1-2 inches of hair out at the ends while curling. And avoid touching your curls until they are fully cooled, handling them while still warm can cause them to lose shape and fall flat.
How to Add Waves to Short Hair
Achieving beachy waves on short hair can be a bit more challenging than with longer locks, but it’s certainly doable.
- Start with a small (1-inch) curling iron on a low heat setting, working in vertical sections from the front.
- As you move toward the undersides, alternate the curl direction to keep the style looking natural, not overly structured.
- Finish by lightly misting your waves with Goldie Locks® Flexible Hold Hairspray to set your style and keep frizz at bay throughout the day.
How to Add Waves to Hair Without Heat
If you prefer to skip the heat, air-drying your hair to create waves is a simple, effective alternative.
- Start by twisting your damp hair into two knots at the base of your neck and securing them with pins.
- Let your hair dry completely.
- For enhanced waves, apply a curl-enhancing product before twisting the buns, which will add shape and volume as your hair dries.
This method is a fantastic, low-maintenance option, perfect for frequent styling without the risk of heat damage.
How Do I Naturally Wave My Hair?
If you're craving beachy waves but want to skip the heat, there are several simple DIY tricks that can help you achieve the look:
- Try braiding your damp hair into four loose braids, then let it air dry. For a quicker alternative, braid dry hair and lightly pass a flat iron over the braids to set the waves.
- Another easy method is to apply sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch it as it dries for a natural, textured finish.
- For overnight waves, all you need is a few hair ties, a fabric belt, or a specially designed headband. Section your hair, twist each section around the belt, and secure with a hair tie. In the morning, simply unravel and finish with Goldie Locks® Volumizing Texture Spray for added volume and hold.
What is the Easiest Tool for Beach Waves?
The ideal tool for creating beautiful waves is a curling iron. The key lies in both how you use it and the size of the barrel, the smaller the barrel, the tighter the wave. Curling wands, on the other hand, are beginner-friendly and quickly deliver salon-quality waves with ease.
Best Products for Perfect Beach Waves:

Goldie Locks® Blow Dry Spray
A must-have for hair prep before any heat styling, it protects your strands and helps achieve long-lasting results.

Goldie Locks® Smoothing Cream
Ideal for all hair types, this cream smooths and controls frizz for a sleek, polished finish.

Goldie Locks® Volumizing Texture Spray
Adds instant body and a matte finish, giving your hair volume, thickness, and touchable texture.

Goldie Locks® Flexible Hold Hairspray
This hairspray holds your waves in place while resisting humidity, controlling frizz, and boosting shine, all without leaving your hair stiff.

Goldie Locks® Flyaway Fix Pomade Stick
Perfect for taming flyaways and enhancing texture for a polished, defined look.

Goldie Locks® Signature Hair Serum
A versatile product that works as both a pre-styling treatment and finishing touch. It delivers incredible shine, frizz reduction, and a smooth, healthy finish without weighing down your hair.
How to Get Loose Waves in Fine Hair
Begin by applying a volumizing mousse or cream to damp hair to add texture and lift at the roots. Next, blow-dry your hair upside down or use a round brush to create volume, laying the perfect foundation for your waves.
Using a curling iron or wand, work in small sections and alternate curl directions for a natural, defined look. Allow each curl to cool in place to help it maintain its shape longer.
Finish by misting with Goldie Locks® Volumizing Texture Spray to enhance the waves. For added lift and fullness, gently tease the roots at the crown, ensuring your loose waves stay bouncy and voluminous all day.
Final Thoughts
Beachy waves bring a refreshing versatility to your everyday look, transforming your styling routine with ease. The best part? Achieving a professional finish at home is entirely possible with minimal effort and accessible tools.
With the right prep, tools, and a few simple techniques, you can effortlessly create soft, natural-looking beach waves that give you a summery vibe all year long.