Beach waves are a timeless hairstyle that exudes effortless chic. While traditionally associated with long hair, short hair can rock beach waves just as well, offering a playful, fresh, and youthful look. This guide will walk you through how to achieve those perfect beach waves on short hair, ensuring you look like you just stepped off the beach, no matter the season.
Why Choose Beach Waves for Short Hair?
Beach waves are versatile and flattering on all hair types. They add texture, volume, and a laid-back vibe to short hair. Whether you have a bob, lob, or pixie cut, beach waves can enhance your hairstyle, making it look fuller and more dynamic.
Benefits of Beach Waves on Short Hair
- Adds Volume: Short hair can sometimes appear flat. Beach waves add much-needed volume and bounce.
- Low Maintenance: Once styled, beach waves are relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal touch-ups.
- Versatile: Beach waves can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
- Youthful Appearance: The soft, tousled look of beach waves adds a youthful and carefree vibe to your style.
Preparing Your Hair
Before diving into the styling process, it’s essential to prepare your hair properly. Proper preparation ensures your beach waves last longer and look their best.
Step 1: Start with Clean Hair
Begin with freshly washed hair. Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner to avoid weighing your hair down. Products designed for volume or texture are ideal.
Step 2: Towel Dry Gently
After washing, gently towel dry your hair. Avoid rough towel drying, as this can cause frizz and damage. Instead, blot your hair gently with a soft towel.
Step 3: Apply a Heat Protectant
Heat styling is a significant part of achieving beach waves, so applying a heat protectant is crucial. A heat protectant spray or serum will shield your hair from heat damage while also helping to lock in moisture.
Step 4: Use a Volumizing Mousse or Texturizing Spray
To create the ideal base for beach waves, apply a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray to your damp hair. This will add grip and texture, helping the waves hold better and last longer.
Methods for Creating Beach Waves on Short Hair
There are several methods to achieve beach waves on short hair. Depending on your preferred styling tools and time constraints, you can choose the method that suits you best.
Method 1: Using a Flat Iron
A flat iron is one of the most popular tools for creating beach waves. It’s versatile and can create both tight and loose waves, depending on your technique.
Step 1: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into sections. For short hair, 2-4 sections are usually sufficient. Clip the top sections out of the way and start with the bottom layers.
Step 2: Twist and Glide
Take a small section of hair, about 1 inch wide, and clamp the flat iron near the roots. Twist the flat iron away from your face while slowly gliding it down the hair shaft. For a more natural look, alternate the direction of your twists.
Step 3: Repeat Across All Sections
Continue twisting and gliding the flat iron through all sections of your hair. Remember to alternate directions for a more tousled, natural look.
Step 4: Tousle with Fingers
Once all sections are curled, use your fingers to tousle the waves gently. This will break them up and give that relaxed, beachy feel.
Method 2: Using a Curling Iron
A curling iron is another effective tool for creating beach waves. A curling iron with a 1-inch barrel works best for short hair.
Step 1: Section Your Hair
As with the flat iron method, section your hair into manageable parts. Start with the lower layers.
Step 2: Wrap Hair Around the Barrel
Take a 1-inch section of hair and wrap it around the curling iron barrel, starting from the middle of the strand. Leave the ends out for a more natural, undone look. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then release.
Step 3: Alternate Curl Directions
To create a more natural wave pattern, alternate the direction of the curls. Curl some sections toward your face and others away from it.
Step 4: Break Up the Curls
Once all your hair is curled, gently run your fingers through it to break up the curls into softer waves.
Method 3: Overnight Braids or Twists
If you prefer a heat-free method, overnight braids or twists can create beautiful beach waves without the need for any hot tools.
Step 1: Start with Damp Hair
Begin with slightly damp hair. You can either wash your hair beforehand or lightly mist it with water.
Step 2: Braid or Twist Your Hair
Divide your hair into sections and braid or twist each section tightly. For loose waves, opt for two larger braids or twists. For tighter waves, create several smaller braids or twists.
Step 3: Sleep on It
Secure the ends with a small elastic band and sleep on your braids or twists. The longer you leave them in, the more defined the waves will be.
Step 4: Undo and Tousle
In the morning, carefully undo the braids or twists. Use your fingers to tousle the waves gently, and add a texturizing spray for extra hold.
See Also: How To Style Short Hair Asian
Method 4: Using a Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray is a popular product for creating beach waves, especially if you want to avoid using heat.
Step 1: Apply Sea Salt Spray to Damp Hair
Spray your damp hair generously with sea salt spray. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to create texture and volume.
Step 2: Scrunch Your Hair
Use your hands to scrunch your hair upward toward your scalp. This helps to create natural waves and volume.
Step 3: Let Your Hair Air Dry
Allow your hair to air dry naturally. You can also use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to speed up the process while maintaining the natural wave pattern.
Step 4: Add a Finishing Spray
Once your hair is dry, add a light-hold hairspray or a bit more sea salt spray to set the waves.
Finishing Touches
After styling your beach waves, there are a few final steps to ensure they stay looking great all day.
Step 1: Add a Lightweight Serum or Oil
For extra shine and to tame any frizz, apply a small amount of lightweight serum or oil to the ends of your hair. Be careful not to use too much, as this can weigh down your waves.
Step 2: Use a Flexible Hold Hairspray
To keep your waves intact without making them stiff, use a flexible hold hairspray. This will provide hold while allowing your waves to move naturally.
Step 3: Touch Up as Needed
Beach waves are meant to be imperfect and tousled, but if you notice any sections that have lost their shape, you can quickly touch them up with your flat iron or curling iron.
Tips for Maintaining Beach Waves on Short Hair
Beach waves can last for several days with the right care. Here are some tips to help maintain your waves:
Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases reduce friction, helping to maintain your waves and prevent frizz.
Refresh with Sea Salt Spray
The next day, refresh your waves with a spritz of sea salt spray and a quick scrunch.
Avoid Overwashing
Beach waves often look better the day after washing. Avoid washing your hair too frequently to maintain the texture.
Conclusion
Beach waves on short hair are a versatile, stylish look that can be easily achieved with the right techniques and tools. Whether you prefer using a flat iron, curling iron, braids, or sea salt spray, there’s a method to suit every hair type and lifestyle. With the tips and methods provided, you’ll be able to create beautiful, effortless beach waves that last all day, giving you that relaxed, sun-kissed look wherever you go. So grab your styling tools and get ready to rock those waves!