19 Wavy Beach Hairstyles That’ll Make You Feel Like A Coastal Goddess
I don’t know about you, but there’s something absolutely magical about wavy beach hairstyles. That effortless, sun-kissed texture that looks like you just stepped off the sand? It’s been my obsession for years, and honestly, I’m not alone.
Here’s the thing: wavy beach hairstyles aren’t just a summer trend anymore. They’ve evolved into this timeless, wear-anywhere style that works whether you’re actually at the beach or just grabbing coffee downtown. And the best part? That perfectly imperfect texture is way easier to achieve than you might think.
In this guide, I’m walking you through 19 stunning wavy beach hairstyles that capture that coveted coastal vibe. From loose, tousled waves to more defined curls, we’re covering everything you need to know about creating and maintaining that beachy goddess hair.
Why Wavy Beach Hairstyles Never Go Out of Style
Let me tell you why wavy beach hairstyles have this permanent spot in the beauty world. It’s not just about the look — it’s about the feeling.
There’s this relaxed, carefree energy that comes with beachy waves. They’re soft, they move naturally, and they’ve got this undone quality that somehow looks polished at the same time. It’s like the perfect balance between “I tried” and “I woke up like this.”
What I love most about wavy beach hairstyles is their versatility. You can dress them up for a wedding, keep them casual for brunch, or rock them at the office. They work with literally any vibe you’re going for. For even more wavy styling options beyond the beach aesthetic, check out our comprehensive guide to wavy medium length hairstyles that work for every occasion.
And here’s something interesting: beach waves have this unique ability to look better as the day goes on. While other styles might fall flat or lose their shape, wavy beach hairstyles actually gain character. A little wind? Perfect. Some humidity? Even better. They’re basically made to live in.
The Science Behind Perfect Beach Waves
Now here’s where it gets interesting. That textured, slightly messy look isn’t just random — there’s actually some method to the madness.
Real ocean water creates those gorgeous waves because of the salt content. Salt absorbs moisture from your hair, which makes each strand slightly rougher and creates more volume and texture. That’s why your hair always looks amazing after a day at the beach but maybe not as great after a regular pool day.
The combination of salt, sun, and wind works together to create that signature beach texture. Your hair dries in whatever natural wave pattern it has, but with extra body and definition. It’s like nature’s own styling product.
That’s exactly why sea salt sprays became such a massive thing in the hair world. They’re basically trying to recreate what the ocean does naturally. And honestly? When you use the right products and techniques, you can get pretty darn close to the real thing.
19 Wavy Beach Hairstyles You’ll Want to Try ASAP
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff. I’ve compiled 19 absolutely gorgeous wavy beach hairstyles that capture that coastal magic in different ways.
1. Sun-Kissed Loose Beach Waves
This is the quintessential wavy beach hairstyle — soft, undone waves that fall naturally with zero fuss. The texture looks windswept and sun-touched, like you spent the entire day oceanside.
What makes this style so perfect is how naturally the waves fall. They’re not uniform or overly styled. Instead, each strand has its own movement and character. The key here is keeping everything relaxed and real-looking.
I recommend this style when you want that effortless vibe without spending forever with hot tools. It’s the kind of look that works with your hair’s natural texture instead of against it.
2. Relaxed Beach Waves with Natural Flow
Sometimes the best wavy beach hairstyles are the simplest ones. This look is all about easy, sun-kissed flow with a natural bend through the lengths.
The wave pattern here is gentle and balanced — not too loose, not too tight. Just that perfect middle ground that feels effortless but still photo-ready. It’s my go-to recommendation for people new to beach waves because it’s so forgiving.
You can achieve this with just a curling wand and some texturizing spray, or you can braid damp hair overnight and wake up to these gorgeous waves. Either way works beautifully.
3. Breezy Blonde Beach Waves
Here’s something I’ve noticed: blonde hair and beach waves are like peanut butter and jelly. They just belong together. These sun-lit blonde strands fall in soft, airy waves that look naturally lifted by the breeze.
The lighter color catches light differently at each curve of the wave, creating this beautiful dimensional effect. If you’ve got blonde hair (or you’re thinking about going blonde), wavy beach hairstyles will make that color absolutely glow.
The texture feels light and effortless, giving the whole style a beach-ready vibe that’s impossible not to love.
If you’re loving the blonde beach wave look and want more styling inspiration, explore our complete guide to medium length blonde hairstyles that pair beautifully with beachy texture
4. Voluminous Natural Curls with Beach Texture
Got naturally curly hair? You’re actually ahead of the game with wavy beach hairstyles. These long, defined curls bring stunning texture that’s perfect for that beachy moment.
The secret is embracing what you’ve got naturally instead of fighting it. A little sea salt spray, some scrunching, and maybe a diffuser if you want extra volume — that’s honestly all you need.
These curls catch the light beautifully and create dimension without requiring any complicated styling. The wind adds just the right amount of movement, making each curl fall in its own effortless pattern.
5. Golden Beach Waves with Sunset Glow
This style is pure magic. Sun-kissed strands fall in loose, natural movement with this gorgeous golden glow that defines the best wavy beach hairstyles.
Each wave catches the light as it drapes down, creating a soft, flowing texture that looks perfectly undone. It’s got that relaxed, dreamy feel — the kind you get after a day by the shore with just the right amount of salt in the air.
What I love about this look is how it photographs. That golden tone combined with the wave texture creates serious dimension that looks incredible in pictures.
6. Half-Up Beach Waves with Claw Clip
Now here’s a practical style that still keeps that beachy vibe intact. The half-up approach holds just enough hair back while letting loose, wavy pieces fall naturally around your shoulders.
A simple claw clip gives it that effortless beach energy without looking too polished or formal. It’s perfect for when you want your hair out of your face but don’t want to sacrifice that wavy beach hairstyle aesthetic.
The strands have this sun-lit texture that adds movement without trying too hard. You can create this in literally seconds, yet it still looks intentional and made for a day by the water.
7. Easy Loose Waves for Everyday Wear
These waves fall in such a loose, natural pattern that they feel perfectly at home anywhere — not just at the beach. Each bend looks effortless, giving your hair that relaxed movement you only get from the best wavy beach hairstyles.
The length keeps everything flowy and light, letting the waves shift naturally as you move. It’s incredibly wearable for daily life, which is why I recommend this style so often.
Whether you’re running errands or meeting friends for dinner, this look works. It’s undone in the best way — simple, breezy, and surprisingly versatile.
8. Carefree Blonde Beach Waves
There’s something about blonde wavy beach hairstyles that just screams summer, you know? These waves fall with an easy, sun-kissed flow that feels perfectly at home by the water.
The soft bends add movement without looking overly styled. Light blonde pieces catch the sunlight just right, adding dimension to every curve and curl. It’s the definition of casual beach beauty.
If you’re going for that California-girl vibe, this is your style. Simple, breezy, and full of that carefree coastal energy everyone loves.
9. Sun-Kissed Surfer Waves
Okay, this is the real deal. These waves have that naturally lifted, ocean-textured finish that looks effortless but full of incredible movement.
The hair falls in loose, defined bends that genuinely look like they came from salt, sun, and wind. It’s the true surfer-girl vibe — the kind of wavy beach hairstyle that looks lived-in and carefree.
Each strand catches the light in a way that makes the whole look feel warm, relaxed, and completely summer-ready. This is what everyone’s trying to recreate with products and tools, but it all starts with embracing that natural texture.
10. Tousled Shoulder-Length Beach Waves
Shoulder-length hair is perfect for wavy beach hairstyles because you get maximum movement without the weight of longer hair pulling things down.
These waves have an easy, undone texture that looks naturally shaped by the ocean breeze. Each curl falls in loose, effortless bends, giving the hair movement without feeling overly styled or fussy.
The lived-in finish makes it perfect for beach days, adding softness and dimension around your face. It’s the kind of style that looks chic with zero effort — just sun, salt, and natural texture doing their thing.
11. Soft Curly Beach Waves
Here’s where curly hair really shines in the beach wave category. These curls fall into easy, tousled waves that catch the light and almost seem to glow by the water.
The texture looks natural and carefree, giving that effortless beach-day movement without trying too hard. And here’s something important: a little frizz actually adds to the charm of wavy beach hairstyles. It makes the curls feel lived-in and perfectly wind-touched.
Don’t fight the frizz with these styles. Embrace it. That slightly imperfect texture is exactly what makes beach waves so beautiful.
12. Easy Wind-Blown Beach Waves
These waves look like they were shaped entirely by the ocean breeze, giving the hair this light, effortless texture that doesn’t overthink things.
The movement is soft and airy, with gentle bends that fall naturally. Sun-kissed pieces add dimension, making every wave catch the light in this really pretty, undone way.
It’s the kind of wavy beach hairstyle that stays relaxed no matter where your day takes you. Breezy, easy, and completely carefree — exactly what beach hair should be.
13. Long Tousled Waves at Golden Hour
There’s something about sunset light that makes wavy beach hairstyles look absolutely dreamy. These long, tousled waves catch that golden hour glow in the most beautiful way.
The strands fall loosely down the back, creating a relaxed, wind-kissed texture that feels totally unstyled in the best possible way. There’s just enough movement to make the waves look natural, like they formed from a day spent near the water.
Golden-hour hair hits different, and these waves prove it. Even simple beach waves feel magical when that lighting’s right.
14. Windswept Curly Bob with Beach Texture
Who says you need long hair for great wavy beach hairstyles? This curly bob has that perfect wind-kissed movement, with loose ringlets lifting naturally as the breeze catches them.
The texture feels effortless and beachy, giving the curls a soft, airy shape instead of anything too defined or structured. Strands fall in different directions, creating that carefree, lived-in vibe.
It’s the kind of curl pattern that actually looks even better outdoors. It picks up volume and character with every step along the shore, which is exactly what you want.
15. Long Natural Beach Waves
Sometimes longer is better, especially with wavy beach hairstyles. These long, natural beach waves fall in loose, effortless curves that look like they formed straight from the ocean breeze.
The texture is soft but defined, giving the hair that easy, sun-kissed movement that always feels beach-ready. Each wave blends into the next, creating a flowy, relaxed look perfect for sandy days or calm evenings by the water.
Length adds drama to beach waves in the best way. More hair means more movement, more dimension, and more of that gorgeous coastal magic.
16. Golden Sand-Inspired Blonde Waves
These blonde waves fall in soft, sun-warmed pieces that seriously look like they’ve been shaped by a full day on the shoreline.
Each strand has that effortless bend that naturally happens after salt, sun, and a little wind do their thing. The waves frame the face beautifully, adding movement without feeling over-styled or heavy.
It’s the kind of beachy texture that pairs perfectly with a hat, a tan, and a carefree summer mood. Basically, it’s the whole coastal aesthetic captured in one hairstyle.
Want to explore more golden blonde wave combinations? Our wavy blonde hairstyles guide shows you exactly how to achieve and maintain stunning blonde waves year-round.
17. Golden Beach Curl-Kissed Waves
Sunlit curls fall effortlessly around the shoulders here, picking up warm gold tones that glow against any beach backdrop.
Each wave has that soft, undone texture that comes from a perfect mix of salt air, movement, and natural curl. The style feels carefree but still defined, making it ideal for long beach days from sunrise to golden hour.
What I love most is how this wave pattern looks even better as the day goes on. It captures that easy, radiant beach energy that never feels forced.
18. Sun-Lit Blonde Sway Waves
These sun-lit blonde sway waves fall effortlessly to one side, catching every bit of warmth and movement from the beach breeze.
The soft bend through the lengths gives the hair this relaxed, luminous flow that looks naturally lifted by heat and salt air. Each strand reflects the sunlight, adding a golden halo effect that makes the waves look even brighter and more dimensional.
It’s the kind of easy beach texture that feels carefree, summery, and beautifully undone — absolutely perfect for a sun-soaked day by the water.
19. Textured Beach Waves with Maximum Movement
Let’s finish strong with maximum texture and movement. These wavy beach hairstyles have serious dimension, with layers of waves creating depth and body throughout.
The texture varies from root to tip, giving you that perfectly imperfect finish that defines great beach hair. Some pieces are looser, some are tighter, and that variation is exactly what makes it look natural and effortless.
This style proves that wavy beach hairstyles don’t have to be uniform or perfect. In fact, they look better when they’re not.
How to Create Perfect Wavy Beach Hairstyles at Home
Okay, so you’ve seen all these gorgeous styles and you’re wondering how to actually recreate them. Let me break it down for you.
Looking for quick everyday styling beyond beach waves? Discover more easy hairstyles for medium length hair that take minutes to create.
The Overnight Braid Method
This is my favorite technique because it requires zero heat and gives you the most natural-looking waves. Here’s what you do:
Wash your hair and let it air dry until it’s about 80% dry. Apply a light mousse or texture spray through the lengths. Braid your hair into one or two loose braids (depending on how much hair you have). Sleep on it. In the morning, unbraid, scrunch with some sea salt spray, and you’re done.
The waves you get from this method are soft, natural, and they last for days. Plus, you’re not damaging your hair with heat, which is always a win.
The Curling Wand Technique
If you want more control over your wavy beach hairstyles, a curling wand is your friend. But here’s the trick: you’re not trying to create perfect curls.
Wrap sections of hair around the wand, but alternate the direction. Some pieces go toward your face, some go away from it. Don’t hold each section for too long — just a few seconds. Once you’ve done your whole head, let it cool completely, then run your fingers through to break up the curls into waves.
The key is variety. When every curl is different, the end result looks way more natural and beachy.
The Twist and Diffuse Method
This one’s great for naturally wavy or curly hair. Apply a curl cream or mousse to damp hair, then twist small sections of hair around your finger. Secure the twists with clips if needed, then diffuse on low heat until mostly dry.
Once your hair is dry, release the twists and gently scrunch with your hands. Finish with a sea salt spray for extra texture. You’ll get these gorgeous, defined waves that look effortlessly beachy.
Best Products for Wavy Beach Hairstyles
Let’s talk products, because having the right tools makes all the difference with wavy beach hairstyles.
Sea Salt Sprays Worth Trying
These are essential for getting that authentic beach texture:
- Bumble and bumble Surf Spray – This is the OG that started the whole beach wave trend. It gives great texture without making hair crunchy.
- OUAI Wave Spray – Lighter than traditional salt sprays, perfect if you want texture without too much grit.
- Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray – Budget-friendly and works amazingly well for the price.
Texturizing Products
Beyond salt sprays, these help create and maintain wavy beach hairstyles:
- Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse – Gives soft, touchable waves without the dryness of traditional mousse.
- Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 – Adds texture, light volume, and effortless separation all at once.
Heat Tools That Work
If you’re using heat to create your waves:
- Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron – Perfect for enhancing bends and S-waves without over-curling.
- Conair Double Ceramic Waver – Affordable tool for creating soft, sculpted beach waves quickly.
The right products make achieving wavy beach hairstyles so much easier. Invest in a good sea salt spray at minimum — it’s the foundation of great beach hair.
Tips to Keep Your Beach Waves Looking Fresh All Day
Creating the waves is one thing. Making them last? That’s where these tips come in handy.
Start with the right prep. Use a texture spray or lightweight mousse before styling so your waves hold their shape without feeling weighed down. Think of it as giving your hair something to grip onto.
Scrunch throughout the day. When you notice your waves starting to fall, just scrunch them back up with your hands. This refreshes the movement and definition without needing to restyle completely.
Keep a dry texture spray handy. When your hair starts to fall flat (and it will), a quick spritz of dry texture spray revives volume instantly. I keep one in my bag always.
Never brush beach waves. Seriously, just don’t. Brushing destroys the wave pattern and makes everything frizzy. If you need to detangle, use your fingers only.
Lock it in strategically. Use a flexible-hold hairspray or light anti-frizz mist, especially during humid weather. But don’t go crazy — you want movement, not stiffness.
Sleep smart. A silk pillowcase reduces frizz and helps your waves keep their shape overnight. You can also loosely twist your hair and clip it on top of your head before bed.
Embrace the imperfect texture. This is the most important tip. Beach waves look best slightly undone and easy. If they’re too perfect, they lose that beachy vibe.
Face Shape Guide for Wavy Beach Hairstyles
Not all wavy beach hairstyles work the same on every face shape. Let me help you find your most flattering option.
| Face Shape | Best Beach Wave Style | Why It Works | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oval | Any style — you’re lucky! | Oval faces are balanced, so all wave patterns work | Going too flat at the crown |
| Round | Longer waves with side part | Vertical length elongates, side part adds angles | Center part, too much volume at sides |
| Square | Soft, loose waves around jawline | Softens angular features | Blunt cuts, severe styles |
| Heart | Chin-length or longer waves | Balances wider forehead | Super short styles, heavy bangs |
| Long | Shoulder-length with volume at sides | Width balances length | Long, straight styles without volume |
Here’s the thing: these are guidelines, not rules. The best wavy beach hairstyle for you is the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Round Face Tips
If you’ve got a rounder face, go for longer wavy beach hairstyles that create vertical lines. A deep side part also helps elongate your face. Waves that start below your chin work better than waves that begin right at cheek level.
Square Face Strategies
Square faces benefit from soft, romantic waves that counterbalance angular jaw lines. Think loose, flowing waves rather than structured or geometric styles. The softer and more textured your waves, the better.
Seasonal Variations of Beach Waves
Here’s something cool: wavy beach hairstyles adapt beautifully to different seasons. You don’t have to save them just for summer.
Summer Beach Waves
Obviously, this is prime beach wave season. Embrace maximum texture, natural air-drying, and that slightly salty feel. The humidity actually helps your waves look better, so work with it instead of against it.
Let your hair dry naturally when possible, and add sea salt spray liberally. Summer wavy beach hairstyles should feel carefree and barely styled.
Fall Beach Waves
As the weather cools, you can make your beach waves a bit more polished. Add some warm highlights to complement the autumn vibe. Style with a bit more definition using a curling wand, then soften with texture spray.
Fall is perfect for that golden, sun-kissed wave color combined with cozy sweaters. It’s beach vibes with a seasonal twist.
Winter Beach Waves
Winter beach waves need extra moisture to combat dry, cold air. Use hydrating products before styling, and finish with an anti-frizz serum. The waves can be a bit more structured in winter since you’re probably not dealing with beach humidity.
Think of winter wavy beach hairstyles as the polished cousin of summer beach waves — same basic concept, slightly more refined execution.
Spring Beach Waves
Spring is about fresh starts, so try lighter, brighter waves. Maybe add some subtle highlights or go for a lived-in color. Keep the texture soft and romantic to match the season’s vibe.
This is a great time to try new wave techniques since the weather’s usually cooperative — not too humid, not too dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Beach Waves
I’ve seen people make these mistakes over and over, so let me save you some trouble.
Mistake #1: Using too much product. More isn’t better with wavy beach hairstyles. Start with a small amount and add more only if needed. Heavy products weigh down waves and make them look greasy instead of beachy.
Mistake #2: Making the waves too uniform. Beach waves should look natural and imperfect. If every wave is exactly the same size and direction, it looks manufactured. Mix it up.
Mistake #3: Skipping heat protectant. Even with the “effortless” look, you’re probably using some heat. Protect your hair. Heat damage will make your waves look fried instead of beachy.
Mistake #4: Fighting your natural texture. If you have naturally straight hair, your beach waves will look different from someone with naturally curly hair. That’s okay! Work with what you’ve got instead of trying to force something else.
Mistake #5: Over-touching. Create your waves, scrunch them into place, then leave them alone. Constant touching and fussing will make them fall faster and create frizz.
Beach Waves for Different Hair Types
Your hair type affects how you should approach wavy beach hairstyles. Let me break down what works best.
Fine, Thin Hair
You’ll want to focus on building volume and texture. Use a volumizing mousse at the roots before creating waves. Don’t use too much sea salt spray — it can weigh fine hair down. Instead, try a lightweight texture spray.
Shorter wavy beach hairstyles often work better for fine hair because there’s less weight pulling everything down. Think shoulder-length or above.
Thick, Coarse Hair
Lucky you — thick hair holds beach waves beautifully. You can handle heavier products like cream-based texture sprays. The challenge is often getting waves to stay without becoming too poofy.
Layer your products: start with a smoothing cream on damp hair, then add texture spray once it’s styled. This gives you definition without frizz.
Wavy or Curly Hair
You’re basically starting halfway to beach waves already. Enhance what you’ve got with curl cream and sea salt spray. Scrunch while drying (air-dry or diffuse) and you’re done.
Don’t over-style curly hair trying to create wavy beach hairstyles. Your natural texture is already perfect for this look.
Straight Hair
Straight hair needs the most help creating waves, but it also holds them really well once they’re in. You’ll probably use heat tools or overnight braiding methods.
The advantage? Your beach waves will likely last longer than someone with naturally curly hair because straight hair tends to hold styles better.
If you’re over 50 and want beach waves with extra volume and dimension, discover our complete guide to very layered medium length hairstyles for women over 50 that complement wavy textures beautifully.
The Perfect Beach Wave Routine
Let me walk you through my personal routine for creating wavy beach hairstyles that last.
Day 1: Wash hair with a volumizing shampoo and lightweight conditioner. Don’t over-condition — you want some texture, not silky smoothness. Towel dry gently, then apply texture spray through the lengths.
Braid damp hair (one or two braids depending on thickness) and let air dry completely. If you’re in a hurry, you can blow dry the braids on low heat. Unbraid, scrunch with sea salt spray, and you’re set.
Day 2: Refresh with dry texture spray and scrunch. Your waves will actually look better today than yesterday. That’s the magic of wavy beach hairstyles — they improve with time.
Day 3: If waves are falling, twist sections overnight with clips, or do quick touch-ups with a curling wand on any flat areas. Add more texture spray and you’re good to go.
Day 4: Depending on your hair, you might need to wash again or you might be able to push it one more day. Throw it up in a messy bun if needed — even that looks beachy and intentional.
Caring for Your Hair Between Beach Wave Styling
Healthy hair makes better wavy beach hairstyles, so don’t skip the maintenance.
Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to combat any dryness from salt sprays and heat styling. Get regular trims every 8-10 weeks to keep ends healthy and prevent split ends from traveling up.
Consider using a purple shampoo if you’re blonde — sun and salt can cause brassiness. Protect your hair from actual sun damage with UV-protectant sprays when spending time outdoors.
And drink water. I know it sounds basic, but hydration from the inside makes a huge difference in how your hair looks and behaves.
Making Beach Waves Work for Your Lifestyle
Here’s the real talk: the best wavy beach hairstyles are the ones that fit your actual life.
If you’re super busy and can’t spend 30 minutes styling every day, overnight braiding methods are your friend. If you work in a corporate environment, maybe go for more polished beach waves rather than the super-tousled version.
Got kids and limited bathroom time? Sea salt spray and scrunch-dry is your technique. Athletic and washing hair frequently? Focus on quick heat-styling methods that you can master in under 10 minutes.
The point is, wavy beach hairstyles are incredibly adaptable. You don’t have to follow anyone else’s routine exactly. Figure out what works for your schedule, your hair type, and your lifestyle, then make it your own.
The Confidence Factor
Let’s talk about something most hair articles skip: how your hairstyle makes you feel.
There’s something about wavy beach hairstyles that just boosts confidence. Maybe it’s the carefree vibe they give off, or the way they move when you walk. Maybe it’s knowing you look put-together without trying too hard.
Whatever it is, that confidence shows. When you feel good about your hair, you carry yourself differently. You’re more likely to smile, to make eye contact, to feel comfortable in your own skin.
And honestly? That confidence is what makes any hairstyle truly beautiful.
Your Beach Wave Journey Starts Now
Look, I could keep talking about wavy beach hairstyles for hours. But at some point, you’ve got to stop reading and start doing, right?
Pick one of these 19 styles that speaks to you. Grab some sea salt spray and a texture product. Give it a try. Don’t stress about making it perfect — remember, the whole point of beach waves is that relaxed, imperfect vibe.
Start simple. Maybe try the overnight braid method this weekend. See how you like the results. Adjust from there. Play with different products until you find your favorites.
Wavy beach hairstyles aren’t complicated or intimidating once you get the hang of them. They’re actually one of the most forgiving, easy-to-wear styles out there. And they make you feel amazing, which is really the whole point of any good hairstyle.
So go ahead — channel that coastal goddess energy. Your perfect beach waves are waiting.
