3 Steps to Make Beach Waves With a Flat Iron Like a Pro
10 min read
It’s summer, and nothing reminds us more about our upcoming beach holiday than a beautiful hairstyle with beach waves! This gorgeous hairstyle looks effortless, and is the perfect addition to any summer outfit, making you feel stunning all day long.
In this article, we will teach you the secrets to making beach waves with a flat iron like a pro, as well as what are some of the most important things you’ll need to know about it.
So, let’s go:
1. Invest in a high-quality flat iron
Whether you are straightening your hair, making beach waves, or trying out a different curly hairstyle, one of the most important steps that you can take before anything else will be to invest in a high-quality flat iron.
It can make all the difference, especially if you want to enjoy thermal hair styling without the damage.
Ideally, you should opt for a tourmaline-plated hair straightener like the award-winning NuMe Megastar Flat Iron - made from the gemstone tourmaline, these plates emit up to 6 times more negative ions compared with regular flat irons.
This means that they effectively seal in the moisture of the hair, allowing for a more gentle heat styling that doesn’t dry out and damage the hair.
The NuMe flat iron is also equipped with proprietary far infrared technology, which allows far infrared heat to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, providing additional aid with moisture retention.
Investing in a high-quality heat styling tool that works for you, and not against you, is essential if you want to learn how to make beach waves with a flat iron like a pro - and enjoy this hairstyle frequently without worrying about damage.
Low-quality flat irons can be extremely damaging in the long run because of their inefficient heat distribution, leading to hot spots and inconsistent results.
In addition, they often lack temperature control settings - setting the best temperature for your hair is important for minimizing damage, as some hair types are thin and fragile and require lower temperatures, while thick and coarse hair need higher temperatures for the best results.
Poor quality flat irons are also made with lower quality materials, which not only leads to a shorter lifespan, but they may also be more prone to breaking and malfunctioning.
2. Prepare your hair for heat styling
Now that you have your hair straightener, the next step in making beach waves with a flat iron is to prepare your hair for heat styling. For best results and the least amount of damage, make sure that you are not skipping any of these steps.
2.1. Wash and condition your hair
Start by cleaning your hair thoroughly with a deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner. If you are in a hurry, you may be tempted to skip this step, but keep in mind that skipping it can be damaging for your hair.
Ideally, you should avoid curling or straightening dirty hair at all costs. Dirty hair is full of buildup, dirt, debris, oils and residue - and exposing it to high temperatures often means that you are essentially burning all this residue on your hair.
This may get you the exact opposite of what you are looking for - instead of enjoying a nice, shiny and sleek hairstyle, you may end up with hair that has a dull, lifeless appearance.
2.2. Dry your hair thoroughly
Before you get onto your heat styling routine and start making beautiful beach waves with a flat iron, we need to stress on the importance of making sure that your hair is fully dry. In a similar manner to ironing dirty hair, ironing wet hair can be extremely damaging.
That’s because of a phenomenon called the “bubble effect”. When hair is wet, it contains moisture that is essential for its strength and elasticity. However, applying heat from a flat iron to wet or damp hair can cause rapid evaporation of the water within the hair shaft.
The sudden evaporation of water creates steam and generates pressure within the hair strands. This pressure can lead to the formation of bubbles or small pockets of air within the hair fiber.
The bubbles weaken the hair structure and can cause the hair to become more susceptible to breakage, frizz, and even irreversible damage.
So, make sure to dry your hair thoroughly - you can use the NuMe Signature Hair Dryer for a fast, effective and damage-free blow drying.
2.3. Use a thermal heat protectant
The last step when it comes to preparing your hair for beach waves with a flat iron is to apply a thermal heat protectant.
This hair product creates a protective barrier between your hair and your heat styling tool, reducing direct impact of high temperatures on your hair strands. Doing this can minimize the risk of heat-related damage such as dryness, brittleness, and breakage.
To apply your thermal heat protectant, simply grab the bottle, shake it very well, hold it about 6 inches away from your hair, and spray the product evenly onto your hair.
Then, use a wide-toothed comb to ensure even distribution throughout your hair, and you are ready to move to the most exciting step - making beach waves with a flat iron!
3. Use the right technique for beach waves
- Start by dividing your hair into manageable sections using hair clips or ties. Yes, we know - doing it can be a little bit annoying, but we assure you that it will make it easier to achieve your desired hairstyle without missing any sections.
- Next, take a section of your hair and wrap it around the flat iron, starting from the mid-section of the hair and leaving the ends out for a more effortless look.
- Hold for about 5 seconds on each hair strand, then release the curl. Repeat this process for all sections of your hair, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural appearance.
- Once you've curled all sections, gently run your fingers through your hair or use a wide-tooth comb to loosen and separate the curls. This will give them a more relaxed, beachy appearance.
- To enhance the beachy texture, you can apply a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to add volume and hold to your waves. Spritz it lightly throughout your hair and scrunch with your fingers to distribute the product evenly.
For extra hold, we recommend finishing your beach waves with a finishing spray.
Bonus: types of beach waves
Now that you know how to make beach waves with a flat iron, let’s show you a few different types of beach waves that you may want to experiment with:
The Barely There Beach Waves
If you watched the Netflix soapy hit You, picture the subtle but oh so fresh waves of one of the main characters, Beck, played by Elizabeth Lail.
Beauty vlogger Milabu demonstrates in her first look how to create the barely there wave with the use of a straightener.
To achieve what she refers to as the "barely there bend," keep the straightener at a 45-degree angle and only do one twist while the hair is clamped in the iron. Note: this style is an easy option, particularly for short-haired gals.
The Messy Textured Beach Waves
This style reminds us of literal beach waves, like the kind your hair dries into after you emerge from the ocean. Longtime Jennifer Aniston hair handler Chris McMillian revealed that he created these beach waves for Jen using some mousse and a diffuser attachment on the dryer.
Add volume and texture before drying with a formula like our Root Werk Root Lifter.
If you want to achieve this version of beach waves with a flat iron, YouTube beauty buff HayKali has a tutorial for creating a more textured, full beach wave with a straightener here.
The Classic Celeb Beach Waves
Want that show-stopping Chrissy Teigen hair? She definitely knows how to flaunt some beach waves. We also love this effortless-looking 'do on Scandal star, Kerry Washington.
Beauty influencer Maria Bethany has a simple tutorial for creating the quintessential beach wave with a NuMe wand.
One of the key takeaways (besides making sure you bust out that heat protectant) is making sure to switch the direction you curl the hair around the barrel (away from and toward your face).
The Pulled Back Beach Waves
There is an art to making the beach waves work in a ponytail.
Australian hair stylist Rachel Vitullo teaches how to do a basic textured pony in this video, using hair that is already curled but then making sure to add even more texture with two stacked ponies blended into one—it's pretty genius if you ask us).
Make sure to use plenty of hairspray and a soft bristle brush.
The Braided The Night Before Beach Waves
This hairstyle is exactly what it sounds like. Want to know how to get beach waves that require little to no effort or styling tools? Go to bed with your hair wet and braided.
The number and thickness of braids are up to you, but one or two low braids that are relatively loose are prime for better beachiness the next morning.
To add hydration and shine before you sleep on your soon-to-be-waves, go for a deep conditioning treatment like the NuMe Tourmaline Hair Mask and rinse before you snooze. Do not sleep with the mask on, as it might result in hair that's still damp in the morning.
The good news is, the trendy beach wave that seems to never go out of style is attainable for pretty much most lengths and textures. Give all these wavy hair styling tips a try to see what works best for your hair.
For more beach wave demos and nonstop #hairspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram @NuMeHair. Sign up for our NuMe Rewards & Loyalty Program to earn points so that you'll be on your way to achieving gifts, products, tools, and even tickets to exclusive NuMe events!
FAQ
Is a flat iron better than a curling iron for beach waves?
Both a flat iron and a curling iron can be used to create beach waves, but a curling iron is typically easier and more effective for achieving natural-looking waves. However, flat irons are more versatile if you are looking to experiment with different hairstyles.
How long do beach waves last?
The longevity of beach waves can vary depending on factors such as hair type, texture, styling technique, and the products used.
On average, beach waves can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. However, with the right preparation and maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your beach waves.
How can I extend the lifespan of my beach waves?
To extend the lifespan of your beach waves, avoid touching them or brushing them to the biggest extent possible, avoid excessive heat styling as well as exposure to moisture, and use a lightweight finishing spray for extra hold.
You can also use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh the waves.
