Creating Beach Waves For Your Wedding Hair

Beach wedding hairstyles are all about looking effortlessly chic. Whether you're the bride, bridesmaid, guest, mother of the bride or groom, or a flower girl, there are plenty of ways to achieve that relaxed, beachy look.

If you're going for a beachy wave, you can use a wand or curling iron, or simply spritz your hair with sea salt spray. For short hair, a bold colour or a statement headband can elevate your look. For long hair, a half-up ponytail or a low chignon are great options.

For a tropical twist, add some beach-inspired accessories, such as pearls, shells, or starfish. Flowers and flower crowns are also a popular choice for a romantic, bohemian look.

Whatever style you choose, remember that beach weddings can be windy, so opt for styles that keep your hair out of your face, and use hairspray to keep your look in place.

Using curling irons or wands

To create beach waves in your hair for a wedding using a curling iron or wand, follow these steps:

Prepare your hair:

Start with dry hair. Any leftover moisture from blow-drying may cause damage to your hair when using a curling iron or wand. You can blow-dry your hair straight to prevent the ends from flipping out too much by using a paddle brush.

Section off your hair:

Begin with small sections, working from the bottom layers up. If you have thick hair, you may need to create more sections.

Curling technique:

Take a 1-inch section of hair, leaving 1-2 inches of hair at the ends out of the clamp/wand for a more natural-looking wave. Hold the curling iron/wand upright and vertical, with the clamp facing forward. Place the section of hair into the clamp and twist the iron away from your face.

For beach waves, you want the curl pattern to move away from your face, so your curls cascade backward. Continue twisting your hair around the wand/iron until you get to the last 1-2 inches of the ends, and then pull the curling tool down and release.

Alternate the direction of the curls with each section of hair. For example, twist the iron away from you for the first curl, then toward you for the next, and so on. This will help prevent each curl from wrapping around the others.

Final steps:

After curling all your hair, use your fingers to gently break up and loosen the curls. You can also use a wide-tooth comb or brush to create a more defined wave pattern.

To finish, apply a light hold hairspray or a flexible hold hairspray to keep your beach waves in place. You can also use a texturizing spray or a sea salt spray to enhance the beachy effect.

Additional tips:

• Before curling, apply a heat protectant spray to your hair to prevent damage.
• Avoid touching your curls until they have completely cooled down. Touching warm hair can loosen the curl and make it fall flat.
• If you have cowlicks, use a round brush and hairdryer to tame them before curling.
• For extra volume, flip your head over and blow-dry your hair upside down.
• For a more natural, tousled look, alternate the direction of the curls (away from and toward your face) as you work through each section.
• To enhance the beachy effect, use a waxy product or styling oil/serum at the ends of your hair to create a piecey look.

Sea salt spray for long-lasting waves

Sea salt spray is a great way to achieve beachy waves for your wedding day. It's versatile, easy to use, and can be made at home. Here are some tips and tricks for using sea salt spray to create long-lasting waves.

Choosing the Right Sea Salt Spray

When selecting a sea salt spray, opt for a high-quality product that is free of parabens and sulfates to avoid drying out your hair. You can also make your own sea salt spray at home by mixing warm water with sea salt or Epsom salt and adding a type of oil like olive, coconut, argan, or jojoba. This will help add moisture to your hair and prevent it from becoming too dry.

Preparing Your Hair

Before applying sea salt spray, start with damp hair that has been washed and combed through to remove any knots and tangles. You can also add a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to provide extra moisture and protect your hair.

Applying the Sea Salt Spray

When applying the sea salt spray, focus on the roots, mid-length, and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp to prevent stickiness. Use your fingers to twist small sections of hair in different directions to create beachy waves. The more sections you twist, the more waves you'll achieve.

Drying and Styling

Allow your hair to air dry, or use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to enhance volume and texture. If you prefer a more defined look, you can also use a curling wand or iron to create loose waves. Finish off by scrunching and twisting your hair with your hands to enhance the beachy effect.

Maintaining Your Waves

To prolong the life of your beach waves, sleep with your hair in a loose braid or use a silk scarf to wrap it up. This will help maintain the waves and reduce frizz. Additionally, avoid using heat styling tools too frequently, and always use a heat protectant spray when necessary.

Customizing Your Sea Salt Spray

You can customize your sea salt spray by adding essential oils like lavender, rosemary, or cedarwood. These oils not only add a pleasant fragrance but can also promote hair growth and improve thickness. You can also include Epsom salt for extra texture without drying out your hair.

Hair accessories to keep hair tidy

Beach wedding hairstyles should look effortless, classy, chic, and relaxed. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't plan the details. After all, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event.

When it comes to hair accessories, you'll want something that looks good and helps to keep your hair tidy. Here are some ideas for hair accessories that will help keep your hair in place:

Pinned Side Blooms with Stems

Flowers are a classic choice for a wedding, and for good reason. They're beautiful and romantic. But instead of a traditional flower crown, consider pinning side blooms with stems attached to your hair. This will help to keep them in place and add a bit of interest to your hairstyle.

Seashell Strands

If you're having a beach wedding, why not embrace the theme and incorporate some seashells into your hair accessories? Strands of seashells strung around your hair can add a touch of whimsy and keep your hair from blowing in the breeze.

Garland of Baby's Breath

Baby's breath is a delicate flower that can be used to create a garland. This can be wrapped around your head like a crown or woven into your hairstyle to help keep your hair in place.

Boho Lace Headbands

A boho lace headband can add a touch of elegance to your hairstyle while also keeping your hair tidy. It's a good option if you want something more subtle than a flower crown or garland.

Bright Tropical Flowers

If you're having a tropical wedding, bright flowers can add a pop of color to your hairstyle. You can use them to create a crown or weave them into your hair for a more subtle effect.

Beaded Forehead Bands

For something a little different, consider a beaded forehead band. This can add a touch of glamour to your look while also keeping your hair in place.

Rhinestone Pins

A few strategically placed rhinestone pins can help to keep your hair in place while also adding a bit of sparkle. They can be used to secure loose strands or add interest to an updo.

Feather Accessories

Feather accessories can add a touch of whimsy to your hairstyle. They can be used as hair clips, combs, or barrettes to help keep your hair in place.

Combs and Barrettes

Combs and barrettes are a more subtle way to keep your hair tidy, and they can be embellished with pearls, crystals, or other decorations to add a bit of sparkle.

Choosing hairstyles based on hair type

Beach wedding hairstyles should look effortless, classy, chic, and relaxed. When choosing a hairstyle, it's important to consider your hair type, as well as the weather conditions and your dress. Here are some ideas for choosing a hairstyle based on your hair type:

Long Hair

For those with long hair, you can embrace your natural texture and let your curls flow free. You can also add a headband, tiara, or hairpins to accessorize. If you're looking for something more structured, try a low chignon with a deep center part, or a half ponytail finished with a trendy bow, scarf, or floral buds.

Medium-Length Hair

For medium-length hair, a neo-romantic updo with a curly side ponytail is a great option. You can also tie the ponytail with a butterfly-style ribbon for a playful look. If you want something more whimsical, go for voluminous curls that mimic turbulent ocean waves, and finish the look with a headband that combines flowers and sea stars.

Short Hair

For short hair, a curly updo with a sea star hair clasp or a delicate headband can be a great choice. You can also add colorful pebbles or beads to your hair for a playful touch. If you want to add some length, consider loose waves or a wavy bob, which can be easily achieved with a curling iron or wand.

Curly or Textured Hair

If you have curly or textured hair, you can create beachy waves by using a combination of techniques and tools. Start by prepping your hair with a curl-sculpting cream, then use a waving wand, curling iron, or deep waver to create curls and waves. Add some smaller braids around the hairline to replicate the tighter waves that usually occur around the neck and temples.

Straight Hair

If you have straight hair, you can create beach waves using a flat iron and a bending technique. Start with dry hair and drop down sections of hair, about 1-inch at a time. Beginning at the root, bend the hair in one direction and then the other, flipping your wrist and moving down the hair shaft. Finish by shaking out the waves with your fingers and applying a dry texturizer.

Fine Hair

If you have fine hair, beachy waves are a great way to add volume and texture. After shampooing and conditioning, apply a soft wave spray to breathe life into limp hair. Form the waves with your hands and a wide-tooth comb, and use a diffuser to help dry the hair quicker.

Thick Hair

For those with thick hair, a half-up, half-down style can be a great option. Pull half of your waves up into a high ponytail, and add some slicked-back baby hairs for a fun and playful look. You can also use a curling iron to add some extra waves throughout your hair.

No matter your hair type, there are plenty of ways to achieve beautiful beach waves for your wedding.

How to get beach waves with straight hair

Beach waves are a great hairstyle for a wedding, especially if you're going for a relaxed, effortless look. Here's how to get beach waves with straight hair:

Preparation

Before you begin curling, make sure your hair is almost completely dry. You can let it air-dry overnight or use a blow dryer. If you choose to blow-dry, flip your head over and start drying from the roots, brushing through your hair from roots to ends. Then, dry the roots at the middle of your head and finish by drying the roots around your face.

Next, protect your hair from heat damage by applying a heat protectant. Look for a product that also adds shine, like a coconut and argan oil heat protectant blend.

Curling

Section off a small piece of hair (about two inches) and clamp a one-inch curling iron in the middle of the hair shaft. Wind the iron away from your face all the way to the scalp and hold for five seconds. Then, wind a few more inches of hair into the iron (leaving the ends free) and hold for a few seconds before releasing and unwinding. Repeat this process around your entire head.

Once you've finished curling the bottom layer of hair, move on to the top layer. Take tiny (one-inch or less) pieces of hair from the top layer and add more waves. This will create wispy volume that helps lock in the style.

Finishing Touches

Spray your hair with a light hairspray to help hold the curl. Let it cool, then brush out your hair for rough waves that will get better as they're mussed throughout the day. If you want even more volume, flip your head over and spray the roots with hairspray one more time.

Extra Tips

For a healthy foundation, use clean, nourishing products to wash and condition your hair before drying. You can also try using a straightening iron to press out any cowlicks or bangs you want to keep out of your face.

Frequently asked questions