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4 min read
Texturising hair products are key to creating beachy waves without the beach. Here are our favourites…
While hairstyles come and go, beachy waves have stuck around throughout the decades. Whether you’re a pro at creating them with straighteners, swear by heatless curlers or simply braid your hair before bed, there’s something relaxed and chic about that tousled, undone look.
But let’s be honest – while beachy waves are supposed to look effortless, they often require a bit more work than we’d care to admit. For some of us, getting those perfect waves to stay put is easier said than done. If your natural hair texture struggles to hold that breezy, undone wave, the culprit might just be the styling products you’re using.
Beach wave sprays are the styling heroes designed to add the perfect amount of texture and grit to your hair, giving you that just-off-the-beach look. But don’t worry, this isn’t the crunchy, crispy situation you might remember from the early 00s. Modern formulations have come a long way, offering hold and texture without the dreaded stiff finish. The best part? They work on all hair types, from poker straight to naturally curly.
The beauty of today’s beach wave products lies in their versatility. Not only do they help create those coveted waves, but they also enhance your hair’s natural movement and add a bit of body and volume. Whether you’re going for a subtle wave or soft and bouncy curls, the right product can make all the difference.
From lightweight mists to texturising sprays, these are the must-have products you need to know about.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo
Great hairstyling starts in the shower, so prep your locks with this foam wash shampoo. Formulated with a blend of minerals and sea botanicals, it adds volume and bounce to your hair – prepping each strand for the perfect bouncy beach wave.
Shop Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo at Lookfantastic, £26
Ouai Wave Spray
This cult wave spray works to enhance hair’s natural curl to create the perfect beachy waves. It’s enriched with rice proteins and coconut water, which work to give your hair an ocean-dried look without drying out your strands.
Drybar Seashore Spritzer Salt-Free Wave Spray
This sugar-based styling mist creates soft, tousled waves with a semi-matte texture. The formula is also boosted with vitamin-rich pineapple extract and sea kelp to impart a high-shine finish, while the beachy coconut fragrance gives your hair a year-round summery scent.
Shop Drybar Seashore Spritzer Salt-Free Wave Spray at Lookfantastic, £23
Pacifica Salty Waves Texturizing Conditioner
Sometimes conditioners can weigh down the hair, creating too much slip and silkiness. This nourishing formula works to hydrate and nourish, while offering all that effortless, mermaid-like texture and definition without any crunchiness or dryness.
Shop Pacifica Salty Waves Texturizing Conditioner at Cult Beauty, £13
Redken Beach Spray for Hair Definition and Texture
Perfect for lazy mornings, this lightweight sea salt formula adds instant body and movement to hair that needs a quick boost. Simply spritz, scrunch and go.
Shop Redken Beach Spray for Hair Definition and Texture at Lookfantastic, £25.50
Gisou Propolis Infused Texturizing Wave Spray
If you’re worried about drying out your hair, this is a great option. The formula is infused with propolis (produced and used by bees to build strong beehives), which contains plenty of oils, vitamins, minerals and flavonoids to protect your hair and keep it at its most healthy. Spritz through your hair to instantly create movement, texture and bounce without weighing down your strands.
Shop Gisou Propolis Infused Texturizing Wave Spray at Cult Beauty, £31
Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray
For luxurious waves, this is the product for you. Packed with rich extracts and exotic oils, it gives your hair a soft and polished finish, while creating effortless bounce and texture.
Shop Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray at Selfridges, £22
BondiBoost Sea Salt Texture Spray
Perfect for use on both wet or dry hair, this crunch-free formula is enriched with Australian Himalayan sea salt to help volumise the hair and add an extra bit of hold – keeping waves in place all day long.
Shop BondiBoost Sea Salt Texture Spray at Lookfantastic, £21
Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray
Perfecting the balance between hydration and texture, this sea spray is made with heliogenol, an ingredient derived from sunflower extract that works to drench hair in a softening blend of mineral-rich sea salt, hibiscus flower and pro-vitamin B5.
Shop Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray at Cult Beauty, £14
Briogeo Banana + Coconut Soft Wave Texture Spray
With a 98% naturally derived, vegan-friendly formula, this texture spray uses coconut extract to help lock in moisture. Instead of salt, it harnesses coconut sugar, which helps to hydrate strands while encouraging piece-y separation.
Shop Briogeo Banana + Coconut Soft Wave Texture Spray at Space NK, £22
Umberto Giannini Mermaid Beach Waves Mousse
Lightweight and air-whipped, this styling mousse is developed with UV filters to protect against colour fade and damage. The nourishing formula is perfect for scrunching into damp hair to create beachy looking waves and curls.
Shop Umberto Giannini Mermaid Beach Waves Mousse at Lookfantastic, £9.95
R+Co Dreamhouse Cold-Pressed Watermelon Wave Spray
If you’re looking for an all-in-one product, this is a brilliant one to try. The multi-tasking mist moisturises and protects hair from the elements, helps enhance colour and accentuates natural waves – thanks to a formula brimming with antioxidants and nourishing oils.
Shop R+Co Dreamhouse Cold-Pressed Watermelon Wave Spray at Cult Beauty, £27
Ceremonia Guava Beach Waves
Crafted with aloe vera and guava fruit extract, this texturising spray works to boost the hair’s shine while offering deep hydration and UV protection. Pink Bolivian salt adds texture and volume to the hair while the guava fragrance smells summery all year round.
Images: courtesy of brands
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