Is there a better summer hairstyle than beach waves? Whether you’re on holiday, or working through a heatwave, a look that’s elegant yet effortless is everyone’s favourite go-to. The most relaxed of hairstyle classics, beach waves can be expertly undone—see Alexa Chung’s signature kinky long bob; glossed up—think Kareena Kapoor Khan's dark, shiny tousle; Chrissy Teigen’s natural golden volume, with a glow to match; or teased out for a Rachel McAdams-esque, light, textured finish.
How to get a beach wave hairstyle in a few, easy steps
Styling tips are thankfully easy, with no need for heat via tongs (although they do come in useful for a more refined beach wave result). All that’s required is plenty of texturising and volume-boosting product—either a cream or a salt spray, or both! To add movement, shape and personality to clean hair, rough dry before scrunching in the hands with your chosen product, and allow to dry naturally. Or, follow the advice of George Northwood, hair stylist to Alexa Chung, Alicia Vikander and Meghan Markle: “For the perfect casual, beachy look, working with day-old hair can give you that wonderful undone style.” Just apply dry-shampoo at the roots and blast with a dryer to re-energise. A final spritz of hairspray holds the beach waves in place.
Celebrities who make a case for beach wave hair
From Gisele’s signature Brazilian blonde waves, to Dree Hemingway’s effortless tousled look, Deepika Padukone’s undone curls, Disha Patani's off-duty style, and Eva Green’s jet-black version—here’s Vogue’s pick of the best celebrity beach wave hairstyle inspiration.
