Beachy Waves Tutorial: Achieving Effortless Summer Hair
If there’s one hairstyle that perfectly captures a Central Otago summer, it’s beachy waves. Soft, tousled, and full of natural movement, this look feels polished without ever appearing overdone. It’s the hair you wear to vineyard lunches, lakeside dinners by Lake Wakatipu, or relaxed outdoor gatherings in Arrowtown.
The beauty of summer hairstyles, beachy waves, lies in their versatility. They suit nearly every hair type, every length, and every occasion. And the best part? With the right technique and products, they’re absolutely achievable at home.
In this complete beachy waves tutorial, we’ll guide you through multiple methods of heat styling, heatless options, and air-dry techniques so you can find what works best for your hair and your routine.
What Are Beachy Waves and Why They’re Perfect for Summer?
Beachy waves are soft, textured waves with movement and separation. They’re not tight curls or structured ringlets. Instead, they’re relaxed, slightly imperfect, and effortlessly gorgeous.
They work beautifully in summer because:
They embrace natural texture and humidity rather than fighting it
They look equally good dressed up or down
They soften both casual and elegant outfits
They feel light, touchable, and wearable all day
Every hair type needs the right approach, from straight and fine to thick and wavy.
Essential Products for Beachy Waves
Before diving into how to get beachy waves, let’s talk about foundation. The right products make all the difference between flat curls and textured, touchable waves.
1. Texturing or Sea Salt Spray
This is the heart of easy beach waves hair. These sprays mimic the grit and texture of ocean water, creating separation and body without stiffness.
Salon favourites at D’or:
Kevin Murphy Hair.Resort for that lived-in, matte texture
Kevin Murphy Body.Builder lightweight volume and hold
These add grip, so waves don’t fall flat within the hour.
2. Heat Protectant
If you’re using hot tools, this step is non-negotiable. Heat protectant shields your hair from damage while allowing tools to shape the wave properly.
3. Flexible Hold Hairspray
You want to hold it without a crunch. Look for workable formulas like:
Kevin Murphy Session.Spray – strong yet brushable, perfect for maintaining movement.
4. Styling Cream or Mousse
Adds definition and helps control frizz. Fine hair benefits from mousse; thicker hair may prefer a curl cream.
Optional but helpful:
Dry shampoo for volume at roots
Finishing oil for shine on ends
Our stylists can recommend the perfect combination for your hair type in-salon or online.
Preparing Your Hair for Beachy Waves
Great waves start with great prep.
Freshly washed or day-old hair both work (day-old often holds better).
Avoid heavy conditioner at the roots.
Gently squeeze hair dry, don’t rub with a towel.
Apply heat protectant first (if using heat).
Work texturing spray or mousse through mid-lengths to ends.
Divide into 4–6 sections depending on thickness.
A little preparation makes styling smoother and longer-lasting.
Why Your Waves Might Not Be Holding (And What’s Really Going On)
If your hair seems dry, rough, or won’t behave no matter what you use, there may be more going underneath the surface.
Living in Central Otago, our water contains minerals like calcium that gradually build up in the hair. This is especially noticeable in blondes or lightened hair, where it can leave strands dull, brittle, or resistant to styling.
This build-up can block moisture from properly absorbing into the hair, so even the best styling products won’t perform as they should.
That’s where Kérastase Première comes in.
In contrast to traditional treatments, Première first removes mineral build-up from the hair, then repairs it from the inside out. The result is hair that feels softer, stronger, and more responsive to styling.
It’s become a go-to in the salon, especially for clients wanting that effortless, touchable finish that beachy waves are known for.
As part of our Kérastase CareCoach approach, we focus on restoring true hair health, not just how your hair looks but how it moves and behaves every day.
Method 1: Curling Wand or Iron (Classic Heat Method)
This is one of the most popular methods in our textured waves hair tutorial sessions.
Tool
25–32mm barrel creates the ideal relaxed wave.
Temperature
160–180°C for most hair types (lower for fine/damaged, higher for thick).
Technique
Take 2–3cm sections.
Wrap around the barrel, leaving the last few centimetres out.
Alternate direction with each section.
Hold 5–8 seconds.
Let the curl cool in your hand before releasing.
Let all waves cool completely before touching. Then gently shake out with fingers and mist with texturing spray.
Pro Tip: The less perfect, the more beachy.
Method 2: Flat Iron Wave Technique
Perfect if you don’t own a curling wand.
Clamp the flat iron at mid-shaft.
Rotate 180 degrees away from your face.
Glide down at a steady pace.
Alternate directions.
Leave the ends slightly straight.
This method creates softer, more modern waves, but it does take practice.
Method 3: Heatless Overnight Braids
For busy mornings or heat-free styling.
Start with damp (not wet) hair.
Apply texturing spray or mousse.
Create 2–4 loose braids.
Begin braiding a few centimetres from the scalp.
Secure ends loosely.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase.
In the morning, gently separate with fingers and mist with spray.
Fewer braids means larger waves.
Method 4: Twist and Pin Technique
Creates softer, romantic movement.
Divide damp hair into 6–8 sections.
Twist each section from root to tip.
Coil into mini buns and pin.
Leave for 4–6 hours or overnight.
Release and finger-comb gently.
The result? Beautiful, natural movement with zero heat damage.
Method 5: Enhanced Air-Dry Method
Perfect for naturally wavy hair.
Start with soaking wet hair.
Start by applying a generous amount of sea salt spray or curl cream to enhance texture and hold.
Flip your head upside down and scrunch.
Twist loosely into sections and clip on top of the head.
Air dry or diffuse lightly.
Release and scrunch again once dry.
Ideal for humid Queenstown days where you want effortless texture.
Customising Beachy Waves for Your Hair Type
Fine Hair:
Use lightweight mousse, smaller sections, and add root lift.
Thick Hair:
Use stronger hold products and slightly higher heat.
Straight Hair:
Needs more product and longer hold times. Heat styling works best.
Naturally Wavy Hair:
Enhance what you already have; heatless methods are often ideal.
Short Hair:
Focus on mid-lengths and use a smaller barrel (19–25mm).
Long Hair:
Work in more sections and consider pinning waves while cooling.
During your next appointment, our stylists can demonstrate techniques tailored specifically to you.
Finishing and Setting Your Beachy Waves
Always let waves cool fully.
Use fingers, not a brush.
Flip your head upside down for volume.
Mist-texturing spray lightly.
Hold the hairspray 25–30cm away.
Scrunch gently after spraying.
The goal is movement, not stiffness.
Making Beachy Waves Last
Typically, waves last 1–2 days.
To refresh:
Mist lightly with water and scrunch.
Add dry shampoo at the roots.
Re-wave a few front pieces if needed.
Sleep in a loose high bun or “pineapple” style.
Day-two waves often look even better, looser, softer, more relaxed.
Common Beachy Wave Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much product
Brushing waves out
Curling too tightly
Curling all the way to the ends
Skipping heat protectant
Not letting waves cool
Remember: variation and softness are what make waves look natural.
Building Your Beachy Wave Styling Kit
Essentials:
Curling wand or flat iron (25–32mm)
Sea salt or texturing spray
Heat protectant
Flexible hold hairspray
Helpful additions:
Volumising mousse
Curl cream
Dry shampoo
Sectioning clips
Silk pillowcase
D’or carries complete Kevin Murphy and Kérastase styling ranges, and we’re always happy to guide you.
Why Choose D’or for Styling Advice in Arrowtown?
At D’or Hairstylists, beachy waves aren’t just a trend; they’re part of the Central Otago lifestyle we love. Our team is extensively trained in multiple techniques and understands how to create styles that work with the region’s climate, events, and everyday elegance.
We offer:
Personalised styling consultations
In-salon demonstrations
Custom product recommendations
Special event styling
Full Kevin Murphy and Kérastase ranges in-salon and online
If you’d like personalised, hands-on guidance, book a styling consultation to learn how to create beachy waves that suit your hair type, routine, and lifestyle.
Follow us on D’or Hairstylists for step-by-step video tutorials, seasonal inspiration, and behind-the-scenes styling tips from our team.
Beachy waves don’t have to be complicated; they simply come down to the right techniques, the right products, and a little practice. We’re here to help you achieve the look with confidence.