Even if you generally go for a polished, coiffed look for your hair, in the summertime it’s all about loose, beach waves. If you’re lucky enough to have a natural texture to your hair then there are some simple products and techniques you can use to emphasize this, otherwise you’ll need to use heat styling tools or braiding to develop a wave in your hair. Check out these three simple ways to achieve a gentle, natural looking wave.
Gentle Braids
One way to simply and effectively achieve wavy hair is to plait or braid your hair while it is damp and then leave these braids to dry. You can leave them in overnight, or for a few hours in the morning before gently blowdrying to seal the waves in. Finish with some hair spray to keep your hair in place, and enjoy your new beach waves.
Heat Style
While you don’t want to be reaching for your heat stylers on a regular basis, they can come in handy if your hair is stubbornly straight. Some of the most popular wave creators are the barrel stylers, which are simple and straightforward to use. Remember to prep your hair with a heat protector, and to retain your styled waves for as long as possible it might be worth sleeping in a silk bonnet at night.
Natural Waves
If you have naturally wavy hair, then all you need to do is reach for the right products to maximize this texture. Gently detangle your hair post-conditioner, and then apply a hydrating product such as a leave-in conditioner or a curling cream. Spritz over some salt spray if you wish, and a little hair oil if your hair tends to be dry. Air dry or use the ‘plopping’ method (wrap your hair in a cotton t-shirt to dry) and don’t forget to gently scrunch your hair to encourage wave formation.