Beachy waves are a timeless and effortlessly chic hairstyle that can transform your look from ordinary to extraordinary. While many people associate this style with long, flowing locks, short hair can also rock beachy waves with the right techniques. Whether you have a pixie cut, a bob, or a lob, this guide will walk you through the steps to achieve that perfect tousled, sun-kissed look that’s perfect for any occasion.
Understanding Beachy Waves for Short Hair
Beachy waves are characterized by their loose, tousled texture that mimics the natural waves you’d get after a day at the beach. The key to achieving this look with short hair is to create volume, texture, and movement without making the hair look too stiff or overly styled. Short hair can be a bit more challenging to work with when it comes to creating waves, but with the right tools and products, you can achieve a stunning result.
Prepping Your Hair
Before you start styling your short hair into beachy waves, it’s essential to prep your hair properly. This will ensure that your waves last longer and look more natural.
Wash and Condition
Start by washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Volumizing products will add body to your hair, making it easier to create waves. Avoid using heavy or greasy products, as they can weigh your hair down and make it difficult to style.
Towel-Dry Gently
After washing your hair, gently towel-dry it to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with the towel, as this can cause breakage and damage. Instead, squeeze the water out of your hair gently and blot it with the towel.
Apply a Heat Protectant
If you plan to use heat styling tools to create your beachy waves, it’s crucial to apply a heat protectant spray to your hair. This will protect your hair from heat damage and keep it looking healthy and shiny. Spray the heat protectant evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends, which are the most prone to damage.
Choosing the Right Tools
The tools you use to create your beachy waves will play a significant role in the final result. Here are some of the best tools for styling short hair into beachy waves:
Curling Iron or Wand
A curling iron or wand is a popular choice for creating beachy waves. Look for a tool with a small barrel size, as this will be easier to use on short hair. A 1-inch or 1.25-inch barrel is ideal for creating loose, tousled waves.
Flat Iron
A flat iron can also be used to create beachy waves. Simply twist the flat iron as you run it through your hair to create a wavy texture. This method is great for adding subtle waves to short hair.
Texturizing Spray
A texturizing spray is a must-have product for creating beachy waves. It adds volume, texture, and hold to your hair, making it easier to style and keeping your waves in place. Look for a texturizing spray that provides a matte finish, as this will give your hair a more natural, beachy look.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray is another essential product for creating beachy waves. It mimics the natural texture of sea-tossed hair and adds volume and texture to your locks. Spray sea salt spray evenly throughout your damp hair before styling to give your waves that perfect beachy finish.
Styling Techniques for Short Hair
Now that you’ve prepped your hair and chosen the right tools, it’s time to start styling your short hair into beachy waves. Here are some different techniques you can try:
Method 1: Curling Iron or Wand
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up. This will make it easier to curl your hair and ensure that every strand gets styled.
Curl Your Hair: Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the barrel of your curling iron or wand, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Hold the hair in place for a few seconds, then release it. Repeat this process with the rest of your hair, alternating the direction of the curls to create a more natural, tousled look.
Brush Out the Curls: Once you’ve curled all of your hair, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently brush out the curls. This will soften the waves and give them a more beachy, tousled appearance.
Apply Texturizing Spray: Spray a texturizing spray evenly throughout your hair to add volume, texture, and hold. Use your fingers to tousle your hair and break up any sections that look too uniform.
Method 2: Flat Iron
Section Your Hair: Just like with the curling iron method, divide your hair into small sections.
Twist and Glide: Take a small section of hair and place it between the plates of your flat iron. Twist the flat iron slightly as you glide it down the length of your hair. This will create a wavy texture. Repeat this process with the rest of your hair, alternating the direction of the twists to create a more natural look.
Apply Texturizing Spray: Once you’ve styled your hair with the flat iron, apply a texturizing spray to add volume and hold. Use your fingers to tousle your hair and blend the waves together.
Method 3: Braiding
Dampen Your Hair: If your hair is dry, spritz it with a bit of water to make it slightly damp. This will help the braids hold their shape better.
Create Braids: Divide your hair into small sections and create small braids throughout your head. You can create French braids, Dutch braids, or simple three-strand braids. The more braids you create, the more texture your hair will have once you take them out.
Let Your Hair Dry: Leave the braids in your hair until they are completely dry. You can either let them air dry or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to speed up the process.
Take Out the Braids: Once your hair is dry, carefully take out the braids. Use your fingers to gently tousle your hair and separate the waves.
Apply Texturizing Spray: Finish off the look by applying a texturizing spray to add volume and hold.
Adding Personal Touches
While the techniques above will help you create beautiful beachy waves with short hair, don’t be afraid to add your own personal touches to make the style unique to you. Here are some ideas:
Accessorize
Add some hair accessories to your beachy waves to take your look to the next level. You can wear a headband, a hair clip, or a scarf to add a pop of color or a touch of glamour.
Play with Color
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some highlights or lowlights to your hair. This will add dimension and depth to your beachy waves and make them stand out even more.
Experiment with Different Textures
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures in your hair. You can create some tighter curls with your curling iron and some looser waves with your flat iron to create a more dynamic and interesting look.
Maintaining Your Beachy Waves
Once you’ve achieved the perfect beachy waves with your short hair, you’ll want to make sure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining your style:
Avoid Touching Your Hair Too Much
Touching your hair too much can cause your waves to fall out and lose their shape. Try to resist the urge to run your fingers through your hair constantly and let your waves do their thing.
Use a Dry Shampoo
If your hair starts to look a bit greasy or flat, use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and add volume. Spray the dry shampoo evenly throughout your roots and massage it in with your fingers.
Refresh Your Waves
If your waves start to lose their shape during the day, you can refresh them by spraying a bit of sea salt spray or texturizing spray onto your hair and using your fingers to tousle it.
Conclusion
Creating beachy waves with short hair is easier than you might think. With the right tools, products, and techniques, you can achieve a stunning, tousled look that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a party, or just running errands, beachy waves will give you that effortlessly chic vibe that everyone will love. So, grab your curling iron, flat iron, or braids and get ready to rock those beachy waves!
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