22 Beach Wave Summer Hair Ideas
Beach waves are the ultimate summer texture: soft, tousled, and a little bit undone. This guide walks you through 22 beach wave summer hair looks, from classic sea-salt sprays and air-dried lobs to ponytails, buns, braids, and clip styles that all show off movement. You’ll find options for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair, plus ideas that work on short bobs all the way to long mermaid lengths. Most rely on simple products like salt spray, leave-in conditioner, or mousse, with optional low heat if you want extra bend. The goal is easy, wearable texture—not perfectly identical curls.
Quick List
- Classic Sea-Salt Beach Waves
- Air-Dried Beachy Lob
- Overnight Braided Beach Waves
- Beach Waves Half-Up Tie-Back
- Deep Side-Part Beach Waves
- Tousled Beach Wave Low Pony
- Claw-Clip Beach Wave Twist
- Beach Waves with Curtain Bangs
- Beach Waves with Braided Headband
- Half-Up Beachy Space Buns
- Beach Wave High Pony with Scarf
- Beach Waves with Wet-Look Roots
- Low Beach Wave Bun with Tendrils
- Short Shaggy Beach Wave Cut
- Long Mermaid Beach Waves
- Soft Beach Waves on Curls and Coils
- Beach Waves with Tiny Face Braids
- Beachy Waves from Pigtail Braids
- Beach Waves with Bucket Hat
- Flippy Beach Wave Bob
- Beach Waves with Stacked Clips
- Polished Soft Glam Beach Waves
Classic Sea Salt Beach Waves
Classic sea-salt beach waves are the go-to look you can do in under ten minutes. Start with damp or second-day hair and mist a sea-salt or texture spray through the mid-lengths and ends. Scrunch sections upward with your hands to encourage movement, then let your hair air-dry or diffuse on low. The result is soft, piece-y texture that looks like you’ve spent the day by the ocean. It works on straight and wavy hair and gives curly hair a more relaxed pattern. Style tip: twist a few random sections away from your face while they’re drying so they set into easy, flattering waves.
How To Style
- Mist damp hair with sea-salt or texture spray from mid-lengths down.
- Scrunch upward and twist a few face-framing pieces.
- Let air-dry or diffuse on low heat without over-touching.
- Shake out with fingers; don’t brush once dry.
Best For
Best for: straight to wavy hair; medium to long lengths.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: everyday summer wear, beach days, and casual dinners.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: sea-salt spray, wide-tooth comb, microfiber towel or T-shirt, diffuser (optional).
Air Dried Beachy Lob
An air-dried beachy lob gives you that cool, effortless look with almost no styling. The lob length—around chin to collarbone—has enough weight to create natural bends but still feels light for summer. After washing, apply lightweight mousse or cream to damp hair, then scrunch and let it air-dry freely. If your hair is very straight, twist a few random sections while damp and let them dry that way to encourage gentle waves. It’s a great style for anyone who doesn’t want to spend time with a blow-dryer. Style tip: flip your part slightly off-center once dry to add instant volume.
How To Style
- Apply a golf-ball-sized amount of mousse or some cream to damp hair.
- Scrunch and loosely twist a few sections.
- Let hair air-dry; avoid tucking behind ears until almost dry.
- Flip your part and scrunch in a drop of light oil at the ends.
Best For
Best for: short to medium hair; fine to medium texture.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: office days, errands, and summer nights.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: lightweight mousse or styling cream, wide-tooth comb, light oil, clips (optional).
Overnight Braided Beach Waves
Overnight braided beach waves are perfect if you want to wake up ready to go. On slightly damp hair, apply a bit of leave-in conditioner or mousse and braid your hair into one, two, or four loose braids depending on how defined you want the waves. Sleep on them, then undo in the morning and gently separate with your fingers. The more braids you do, the tighter the waves; one or two braids give looser, beachier texture. This method works especially well on straight hair that doesn’t hold a curl easily. Style tip: avoid brushing after you undo the braids—just shake and go.
How To Style
- On damp hair, apply leave-in or mousse.
- Braid into 1–4 loose braids and secure with soft elastics.
- Sleep, then undo and gently separate waves with your fingers.
- Finish with a light mist of texture spray.
Best For
Best for: straight to wavy hair; medium to long lengths.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: busy mornings, travel days, and low-heat routines.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: leave-in conditioner, mousse, soft elastics, texture spray.
Beach Waves Half Up Tie Back
A beach waves half-up tie-back showcases your texture while keeping hair out of your face. Start with natural or created beach waves—air-dried, braided, or wand-made. Take two small sections from the front, twist or loosely pull them back, and tie or clip them at the back of your head. Leave the rest of your hair down to fall over your shoulders. This style is flattering on most face shapes and works with bangs or without. It’s great when you want a bit of polish without losing the relaxed vibe. Style tip: keep the top slightly loose and pull on the crown for soft volume.
How To Style
- Create or refresh beach waves first.
- Take two front sections and twist them backward.
- Secure with a small elastic, barrette, or clip at the back.
- Tug gently at the top for volume and loosen a few strands around your face.
Best For
Best for: all hair types; short to long lengths that reach past the jaw.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: dates, brunch, and casual evenings out.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: small elastic or clip, texture spray, light hairspray (optional).
Deep Side Part Beach Waves
Deep side-part beach waves give instant drama and volume with almost no extra effort. Create a deep side part, then add or enhance waves using braids, a wand, or sea-salt spray, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Flip the heavier side over so it falls across your forehead and down the cheek for a glamorous yet still casual feel. This style works on most textures and lengths, and it’s especially flattering if you like one side of your face more than the other. Style tip: tuck the lighter side behind your ear to show off earrings and keep the look balanced.
How To Style
- Create a deep side part on damp or dry hair.
- Add texture with salt spray, braids, or a few wand curls.
- Flip the heavier side over and let it settle naturally.
- Tuck the lighter side behind your ear and mist with flexible spray.
Best For
Best for: straight, wavy, and curly hair; medium to long lengths.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: nights out, parties, and photos.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: comb, texture spray or wand, flexible hold hairspray, clips.
Tousled Beach Wave Low Pony
A tousled beach wave low pony is soft, practical, and still very pretty. Start with beachy texture—natural or created—then gather your hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Let some volume remain at the crown instead of slicking it tight. Pull a few face-framing strands out and scrunch the ends with your fingers. You can wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic for a more polished finish. This style is perfect when your waves are on day two or three and you want a quick refresh. Style tip: spray a little dry shampoo at the roots for lift.
How To Style
- Refresh waves with texture spray if needed.
- Gather hair into a low pony and secure loosely.
- Tug gently at the crown for soft lift.
- Pull out strands around the face and scrunch the ponytail.
Best For
Best for: all textures; medium to long hair.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: errands, travel, and casual dinners.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: hair elastic, dry shampoo, texture spray, bobby pins.
Claw Clip Beach Wave Twist
The claw-clip beach wave twist is the ultimate “throw it up but still cute” style. With beachy texture in your hair, gather it at the back as if making a low pony, twist the length upward, and secure with a claw clip. Let the ends spill out over the top of the clip for a soft, undone look. Face-framing pieces and a few loose strands at the nape keep it relaxed. This style works on medium to long hair and on straight, wavy, or curly textures. Style tip: slightly tease or dry-shampoo the roots first if your hair is very silky so the clip stays in place.
How To Style
- Add texture spray or dry shampoo to roots and lengths.
- Gather hair at the back, twist upward, and press against your head.
- Clamp a claw clip over the twist, leaving ends free.
- Pull out small pieces around your face.
Best For
Best for: medium to long hair; second- or third-day hair.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: coffee runs, beach-town evenings, and lazy days.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: medium or large claw clip, dry shampoo, texture spray, comb.
Beach Waves with Curtain Bangs
Beach waves with curtain bangs give you that modern, lived-in look without much extra styling. Curtain bangs frame your face and blend into the rest of your hair, making waves feel intentional even when they’re a bit messy. Style the bangs by blow-drying or air-drying them forward then sweeping them back, and keep the rest of your hair in loose, beachy texture. This combo flatters many face shapes and works for short and long cuts. Style tip: use a tiny amount of lightweight cream on the bangs to tame frizz while keeping their swing and movement.
How To Style
- Create waves with salt spray, braids, or a wand.
- Style curtain bangs forward, then brush them back and apart.
- Scrunch the rest of your hair to blend everything together.
- Finish with a light mist of flexible spray.
Best For
Best for: straight to wavy hair; lobs and longer cuts with bangs.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: everyday wear, dates, and weekend plans.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: sea-salt spray, round brush (optional), lightweight styling cream, hairspray.
Beach Waves with Braided Headband
Beach waves with a braided headband add a hint of boho detail while keeping your hair mostly down. With wavy texture in place, take a small section from behind one ear, braid it, and bring it over the top of your head like a headband. Pin it behind the opposite ear and lightly fluff the braid. The rest of your waves stay loose and relaxed. This style works well on medium to long hair and on straight, wavy, and curly textures. Style tip: spray the braid with a bit of texture spray and gently pull at the edges so it looks fuller.
How To Style
- Start with beachy waves throughout your hair.
- Take a small section behind one ear and braid it to the ends.
- Stretch the braid slightly and bring it over your head.
- Pin behind the opposite ear and adjust your waves around it.
Best For
Best for: medium to long hair; festival and picnic vibes.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: outdoor events, garden parties, and holiday evenings.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: small elastics, bobby pins, texture spray, tail comb.
Half Up Beachy Space Buns
Half-up beachy space buns are playful and great for hot days when you still want some hair down. With beach waves as your base, section off the top half of your hair and split it into two parts. Twist or loosely wrap each section into a small bun on either side of your head near the crown. Secure with elastics or small scrunchies and leave the rest of your hair flowing. This style works on straight, wavy, and curly hair and adds instant personality. Style tip: keep the buns a bit messy and pull out face-framing strands to avoid looking too severe.
How To Style
- Create beach waves first.
- Section off the top half of your hair and divide it into two.
- Twist each section into a small bun and secure.
- Fluff the buns and loosen a few strands around your face.
Best For
Best for: short to long hair; casual, fun summer looks.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: festivals, beach days, and casual hangouts.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: small elastics or scrunchies, texture spray, bobby pins.
Beach Wave High Pony with Scarf
A beach wave high pony with a scarf feels sporty, flirty, and perfect for hot weather. Gather your beachy hair into a high pony at the crown of your head, leaving some lift at the front. Secure with an elastic, then wrap a lightweight scarf around the base and let the tails hang down through the pony. Your waves in the ponytail keep the look soft and bouncy. This style works on medium to long hair and is great on straight, wavy, and curly textures. Style tip: pick a scarf that complements your outfit colors to make the whole look feel intentional.
How To Style
- Create or refresh beach waves.
- Brush hair into a high pony and secure with an elastic.
- Fold a scarf into a long strip and tie it around the base.
- Fluff the ponytail and pull out a few front pieces.
Best For
Best for: medium to long hair; active days and vacations.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: sightseeing, beach towns, and summer parties.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: hair elastic, lightweight scarf, brush or comb, texture spray.
Beach Waves with Wet Look Roots
Beach waves with wet-look roots give you a cool contrast between sleek and textured. Apply gel or strong styling cream to the top section of damp or dry hair, smoothing it back or into a deep side part, while leaving the mid-lengths and ends in beachy waves. The roots look shiny and “wet,” but the bottom stays soft and touchable. This style works especially well on medium to long hair and can be done on straight, wavy, or curly textures. Style tip: focus the product only from the roots to upper mid-lengths so your ends don’t look heavy or greasy.
How To Style
- Create beach waves first or enhance your natural texture.
- Apply gel or cream to roots and upper lengths, combing back.
- Leave mid-lengths and ends relatively product-free.
- Secure with clips while it sets, then remove and lightly fluff ends.
Best For
Best for: all textures; medium to long lengths.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: evenings out, rooftop events, and summer nights.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: styling gel or cream, comb, clips, texture spray.
Low Beach Wave Bun with Tendrils
A low beach wave bun with tendrils is romantic and ideal for warm evenings. Start with beachy texture, then gather your hair into a loose low pony at the nape of your neck. Twist it into a soft bun and secure with pins, letting some pieces stay a bit messy. Pull a few thin strands around your face and curl or twist them so they have gentle waves. This look works on medium to long hair and almost every hair texture. Style tip: don’t over-smooth the bun—flyaways and softness keep it beachy rather than formal.
How To Style
- Create waves and add a touch of texture spray.
- Gather hair into a low pony, twist into a bun, and pin.
- Pull out a few face-framing tendrils and scrunch or curl them.
- Lightly mist everything with flexible hairspray.
Best For
Best for: medium to long hair; dates and events.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: summer weddings, dinners, and parties.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: elastics, bobby pins, texture spray, curling wand (optional), hairspray.
Short Shaggy Beach Wave Cut
A short shaggy beach wave cut makes summer hair easy if you like shorter lengths. The layered cut helps create movement and texture with minimal styling. On damp hair, apply mousse or texture spray, scrunch, and let it air-dry or diffuse briefly. The layers fall in different directions so even slight bends look intentional. This style works well on straight to wavy hair and can give fine hair more body. Style tip: once dry, pinch random pieces with a tiny amount of matte paste to emphasize the shaggy, lived-in vibe.
How To Style
- Apply mousse or texture spray to damp hair.
- Rough-dry with your hands or air-dry.
- Scrunch as it dries to encourage texture.
- Finish by defining a few pieces with matte cream or paste.
Best For
Best for: short hair; fine to medium textures.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: everyday summer, city trips, and beach weekends.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: texturizing mousse, sea-salt or texture spray, matte paste, blow-dryer (optional).
Long Mermaid Beach Waves
Long mermaid beach waves are all about length and movement. If your hair is long, you can embrace big, loose waves that fall down your back. Work a leave-in conditioner through damp hair, then braid it in two or more sections, or use a large-barrel wand to create a few random bends. Once the hair is dry or cooled, undo or finger-comb the waves so they blend into each other. The look is romantic and dramatic without needing perfect curls. Style tip: trim regularly and use oil on your ends so the length looks healthy, not frayed.
How To Style
- On damp hair, apply leave-in conditioner and a little mousse.
- Braid into 2–4 sections or curl random pieces with a wand.
- Let dry or cool, then undo and gently separate with fingers.
- Finish with a light shine spray on mid-lengths and ends.
Best For
Best for: long hair; straight, wavy, or loose curls.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: vacations, photo days, and special evenings.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: leave-in conditioner, mousse, large-barrel wand (optional), oil or shine spray.
Soft Beach Waves on Curls and Coils
Soft beach waves on curls and coils means embracing your texture and loosening it slightly rather than forcing a new pattern. After washing, use curl cream and gel as usual, then let your hair air-dry or diffuse. Once dry, gently separate curls with oiled fingers and fluff the roots, allowing some halo frizz and softer definition. The result feels relaxed and beachy while still honoring your coil pattern. You can also do chunky twists or braids on damp hair, then unravel for a wave-like effect. Style tip: avoid heavy re-wetting; use a mist bottle with leave-in to revive instead.
How To Style
- Apply curl cream and gel on wet hair using your usual method.
- Air-dry or diffuse until fully dry.
- Scrunch out any cast with a few drops of oil.
- Separate curls and fluff roots for softer, beachy volume.
Best For
Best for: curly and coily hair; short to long lengths.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: daily wear, beach days, and warm nights.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: curl cream, gel, lightweight oil, diffuser, mist bottle.
Beach Waves with Tiny Face Braids
Beach waves with tiny face braids add a subtle boho twist without changing your whole head. Style your hair into beachy waves first, then take two thin sections near your temples and braid them straight down, securing with tiny elastics. The rest of your hair stays loose and textured, while the little braids frame your face. This look works on most lengths that reach past the jaw and on straight, wavy, or curly textures. Style tip: keep the braids very slim so they feel like delicate detail rather than chunky pieces.
How To Style
- Create beach waves using your preferred method.
- Take two small sections near your temples.
- Braid each section straight down and secure with small elastics.
- Mist lightly with texture spray for grip and hold.
Best For
Best for: short to long hair; festival and casual styles.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: concerts, beach hangs, and summer days out.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: small elastics, texture spray, comb, salt spray or mousse.
Beachy Waves from Pigtail Braids
Beachy waves from pigtail braids are fun and easy, especially if you like a center part. Part your damp hair down the middle and create two loose braids, one on each side. Wear them while you sleep, relax, or get ready, then undo and finger-comb the waves. You can leave a bit of braid at the end for a lived-in look or undo all the way. This method works well on straight and wavy hair and gives symmetrical, soft waves. Style tip: keep the braids a little looser near the roots so the top stays relaxed and not crimped.
How To Style
- On damp hair, apply leave-in or light mousse.
- Part in the middle and create two loose braids.
- Wear for several hours or overnight.
- Undo, shake out with fingers, and add texture spray.
Best For
Best for: straight to wavy hair; medium to long lengths.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: pool days, travel, and low-effort styling.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: leave-in conditioner, mousse, elastics, texture spray.
Beach Waves with Bucket Hat
Beach waves with a bucket hat are both cute and practical when you’re out in the sun. Style your hair into loose waves—heatless or with a wand—then place the hat so it sits comfortably without flattening everything. Let waves fall out from under the brim around your face and neck. This looks especially good on bob to mid-length hair but works on longer lengths too. The hat protects your scalp and adds a bit of personality. Style tip: avoid super heavy products at the roots so your hair doesn’t go limp under the hat.
How To Style
- Create beach waves and let them fully set.
- Gently place a bucket hat over your head; don’t push it too low.
- Tug a few strands forward for softness.
- Refresh ends with a bit of salt spray if needed.
Best For
Best for: all textures; short to long hair.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: beach walks, festivals, and sightseeing.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: bucket hat, sea-salt spray, light styling cream, wide-tooth comb.
Flippy Beach Wave Bob
A flippy beach wave bob feels fresh and playful for summer. With a bob hitting between your jaw and shoulders, you can create loose bends that flip out slightly at the ends. Apply mousse or spray to damp hair, then blow-dry or air-dry until almost dry. Use your fingers or a wand to bend sections away from your face, leaving the last inch or so straight or slightly flicked. The result is a mix of beachy waves and retro flip. Style tip: keep your part slightly off-center and avoid curling every section so it stays effortless, not overdone.
How To Style
- Apply mousse or texture spray to damp hair.
- Dry until about 80% and then add a few bends with your fingers or a wand.
- Flick the ends slightly outward on some pieces.
- Scrunch in a touch of salt spray for extra texture.
Best For
Best for: short to medium bobs; straight and wavy hair.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: everyday summer, brunch, and nights out.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: mousse, sea-salt spray, curling wand (optional), blow-dryer (optional).
Beach Waves with Stacked Clips
Beach waves with stacked clips show off your texture while keeping hair away from your face. After creating waves, part your hair as you like and add two or three clips stacked above each other on one side, just above the ear. This pulls the hair back on that side and leaves the other side loose, which looks modern and balanced. The clips add shine or color without a lot of effort. This style works on almost every length that reaches past the cheekbones. Style tip: choose clips that contrast with your hair color so they actually show up.
How To Style
- Create beach waves and let them set.
- Part hair and smooth one side back slightly.
- Stack two or three clips above the ear on that side.
- Fluff the waves on the opposite side for volume.
Best For
Best for: all hair types; short to long lengths.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: dinners, parties, and casual outings.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: decorative clips, texture spray, comb, hairspray (optional).
Polished Soft Glam Beach Waves
Polished soft glam beach waves are a slightly more refined version of the classic look, great for events. Use a large-barrel curling iron or wand on dry hair, curling random sections away from your face and leaving the ends a bit straighter. Once everything cools, brush through lightly to soften and blend the waves so they look fluffy, not piece-y. Finish with a light shine spray rather than heavy hairspray to keep movement. This style works on medium to long hair and gives that “I tried, but not too hard” finish. Style tip: focus the most definition around your face and upper lengths.
How To Style
- Prep dry hair with heat protectant.
- Curl random sections with a large barrel, leaving ends slightly out.
- Let cool, then gently brush through to soften.
- Finish with light shine spray and a touch of flexible hold.
Best For
Best for: straight and wavy hair; medium to long lengths.
Occasion & Season
Perfect for: weddings, parties, and special summer nights.
Key Pieces
Key pieces: heat protectant, large-barrel curling iron, paddle or wide brush, shine spray.
Conclusion
Beach wave hair is one of those summer styles that works on almost everyone, as long as you tweak the method to match your texture and length. Whether you prefer heatless braids, quick salt-spray scrunching, or a few wand curls, you don’t need perfection for these looks to work. Focus on healthy ends, light products, and shapes that feel comfortable in real life—walking, sweating, swimming, and dancing included. Over time you’ll find a couple of go-to techniques that give you easy waves with minimal effort, and you can dress them up or down with clips, scarves, and simple part changes.
CTA
Choose one of these beach wave summer hair ideas to try this week, then save this guide so you can come back whenever you want fresh, easy, sun-ready hair inspiration.
FAQs
1. Do I need naturally wavy hair to get beach waves?
No. Straight hair can get beach waves with braids, twists, or a curling wand used lightly on random sections. Wavy and curly hair can lean into their natural pattern with the right products and a bit of scrunching instead of heavy brushing.
2. Are beach waves always heatless?
They don’t have to be. Many looks here can be done heatless with braids, buns, and air-drying, but you can also use a wand on low heat to add a few bends. Try to mix heatless methods with occasional heat so your hair stays healthier.
3. What products do I need for beach waves?
You don’t need a lot: a sea-salt or texture spray, a lightweight mousse or curl cream, and maybe a light oil for the ends. These products add grit, hold, and shine without making your hair stiff or crunchy.
4. How do I stop my beach waves from falling flat?
Start with product on damp hair, focus on mid-lengths and ends, and let your hair fully dry before touching it. Avoid heavy conditioners at the roots, and use dry shampoo or texture spray on the crown to keep volume and grip.
5. Can curly and coily hair still do “beach waves”?
Absolutely. On curls and coils, “beachy” usually means softer, more separated texture with some frizz allowed. Use curl cream, gel, and diffusing or air-drying, then fluff and separate curls so they look relaxed rather than super defined.
