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There’s something effortlessly stunning about beach waves for long hair—a tousled, carefree look that screams sun, sand, and sea. Whether you’re strolling down the boardwalk or heading out for a casual brunch, beach waves for long hair add that perfect mix of volume and texture. I still remember the first time I tried to get that salon-style, wavy perfection at home—let’s just say a curling iron and salt spray became my best friends. The secret? It’s all about finding the right technique, whether you prefer heat styling or heatless methods for achieving beach waves for long hair.
From soft, loose curls to deep, defined waves, there are endless ways to style beach waves for long hair without spending hours in front of the mirror. Some swear by braiding damp hair overnight, while others reach for a flat iron or a curling wand for quick results. No matter your hair type, achieving natural-looking beach waves for long hair is easier than you think. A spritz of texturizing spray and a little finger tousling are all it takes to lock in those waves, making your long locks look effortlessly chic all day long.
Beach Waves for Long Hair
1. Classic Tousled Waves
The timeless look that never fails—classic tousled waves have a relaxed, natural finish that suits any occasion. This style works with all hair types and adds effortless volume without looking overdone. The key is to create soft bends rather than tight curls, giving the hair a laid-back feel. A sea salt spray can enhance the texture, making the waves appear even more beachy. Whether styled for a casual outing or an elegant dinner, this look stays effortlessly chic.
- Works well with all hair types
- Soft, touchable waves without stiffness
- Can be air-dried or lightly curled for extra definition
2. Sun-Kissed Balayage Waves
Balayage highlights add dimension to beach waves, mimicking the way the sun naturally lightens the hair. The effect creates a lived-in, effortless color blend that enhances the movement of the waves. Whether subtle caramel or bold platinum, balayage makes the waves pop. The best part? It grows out gracefully without harsh lines.
- Enhances natural movement in waves
- Requires minimal upkeep
- Soft, blended color transition
3. Wet-Look Beach Waves
For a bold, fresh-out-of-the-ocean vibe, wet-look beach waves are a perfect choice. This style uses lightweight oils or gels to create a sleek, damp finish while maintaining soft movement. Ideal for summer nights or high-fashion moments, this look exudes confidence.
- Creates a fresh, “just-surfed” aesthetic
- Requires minimal heat styling
- Best achieved with lightweight styling products
4. Soft Mermaid Waves
Long, flowing mermaid waves bring a dreamy, ethereal quality to beachy styles. This version features larger, more defined waves that cascade down effortlessly. The style pairs beautifully with long layers to add movement and keep the waves from feeling heavy.
- Best suited for long hair with layers
- Creates a romantic, flowing effect
- Works well with pastel or ombré color blends
5. Half-Up Beach Waves
A half-up style offers the perfect balance of polished and carefree. By securing a small section of hair at the crown, you add a lifted effect while keeping the waves loose and natural. It’s a great way to add variety to traditional beach waves.
- Keeps hair out of the face while maintaining volume
- Works for casual and formal settings
- Can be styled with twists, braids, or hair accessories
6. Face-Framing Beach Waves
Soft, face-framing layers add a flattering touch to beach waves, creating movement around the cheekbones and jawline. This style works especially well with curtain bangs or long layers, as it naturally enhances facial features. The waves are looser towards the ends, giving a relaxed yet structured look.
- Highlights natural facial contours
- Works well with long layers or bangs
- Ideal for both casual and polished looks
7. Deep Side Part Waves
Switching up your part can completely change your hairstyle’s appearance. A deep side part with beach waves adds instant volume and a bit of old Hollywood glamour to the classic wavy look. This style suits all hair textures and is easy to achieve with a bit of styling mousse for extra lift at the roots.
- Creates volume and lift
- Works well for both everyday and evening styles
- Complements oval and heart-shaped faces
8. Loose Boho Waves
Bohemian-style beach waves have a more relaxed, undone feel with a mix of smaller and larger waves for a natural effect. This effortless look is often paired with subtle braids, hair rings, or floral accessories to enhance its free-spirited vibe.
- Soft, natural-looking texture
- Can be paired with accessories for a boho aesthetic
- Works well for festival and vacation styles
9. Voluminous Beach Waves
For those who love a full-bodied look, voluminous beach waves are the way to go. This style involves larger sections of hair to create a bouncy, thick-waved effect. Using a texturizing spray helps maintain the volume without weighing the hair down.
- Adds extra body and dimension
- Works best with thick or layered hair
- Great for formal events or bold everyday looks
10. S-Waves for a Sleek Finish
Unlike traditional tousled beach waves, S-waves have a more structured, uniform shape, resembling the letter “S.” The result is a polished yet laid-back look, often seen on runway models. Achieved with a flat iron, this technique gives a modern twist to beachy styles.
- Sleek, modern take on classic waves
- Works well on straight or slightly wavy hair
- Can be finished with shine spray for a glossy effect
11. Braided Overnight Waves
No heat, no problem! Braided overnight waves offer an effortless way to achieve a beachy texture while you sleep. Simply braid damp hair before bed and wake up to naturally tousled waves. The result is a soft, airy texture without any styling damage.
- Heat-free styling method
- Works best on damp hair with a light leave-in conditioner
- Can be adjusted with different braid styles for varied wave patterns
12. Textured Beach Waves with Layers
Layers enhance the natural movement of beach waves, giving them extra bounce and definition. This style is particularly flattering for long hair, as the shorter layers create dimension without making the hair look heavy. It’s ideal for those who want an effortlessly full-bodied look.
- Enhances movement and volume
- Works best for thick or medium-density hair
- Creates a natural, airy effect
13. Caramel-Toned Balayage Waves
Warm caramel and honey-blonde tones add depth to beach waves, making them look sun-kissed and radiant. This balayage technique blends highlights seamlessly, creating a natural-looking gradient. The waves catch the light beautifully, adding extra dimension to the color.
- Subtle, natural-looking highlight effect
- Adds warmth and dimension to waves
- Works well with all skin tones
14. Effortless Beach Waves with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs paired with beach waves create a chic, low-maintenance look that frames the face beautifully. The soft waves blend seamlessly with the bangs, making the overall style feel fresh and stylish. This look works well with longer fringe or softer, wispy layers around the face.
- Frames the face effortlessly
- Works well with layered cuts
- Gives a relaxed, stylish appearance
15. Glossy Beach Waves
For a sleek, high-shine finish, glossy beach waves add a polished touch to the natural wave pattern. Using a lightweight hair oil or shine spray enhances the texture while keeping the waves frizz-free. This look is perfect for special occasions or elegant settings.
- Enhances natural shine and movement
- Works best with smooth, healthy hair
- Achieved with lightweight styling products
16. Subtle Ombré Beach Waves
Ombré coloring enhances the beauty of beach waves by creating a gradual lightening effect from roots to ends. This style mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun, adding an effortlessly blended touch of brightness.
- Soft, natural color transition
- Adds depth and dimension to waves
- Works best for medium to long hair
17. Windblown Waves
For an ultra-relaxed, slightly undone look, windblown waves create a soft, airy effect. This style mimics the natural tousled texture that comes from a day at the beach, making it perfect for effortless styling. A spritz of dry shampoo or sea salt spray enhances the volume without weighing down the hair.
- Creates an airy, lightweight feel
- Works well with natural or heat-styled waves
- Ideal for casual, everyday wear
18. Soft Twisted Waves
Instead of traditional curling techniques, twisting sections of hair while styling creates a looser, more natural wave pattern. This method works well for achieving a relaxed look that isn’t overly defined. Twisted waves are ideal for those who want a subtle texture without using too much heat.
- Creates a softer, more organic texture
- Works well for second-day hair styling
- Can be achieved with a flat iron or no-heat methods
19. Low-Maintenance Beach Waves for Second-Day Hair
For those who want effortless waves without daily styling, second-day beach waves offer the perfect balance of texture and movement. Simply refreshing the hair with a light mist of sea salt spray or dry shampoo revives the waves without needing additional heat.
- Perfect for low-maintenance hair routines
- Works best on naturally wavy or textured hair
- Adds volume and definition without extra effort
