How To Create Beach Waves With A Flat Iron?

If you’re longing for that effortless, beachy wave look but don’t have a curling iron on hand, fear not! You can achieve those coveted waves with just a flat iron. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create stunning beach waves using nothing but your trusty straightener. So grab your flat iron, and get ready to rock those beachy waves all year round!

Choosing the Right Flat Iron

When it comes to achieving those perfect beach waves, choosing the right flat iron is crucial. The first thing you should consider is the plate material. Different materials provide different results, so it’s important to choose one that suits your hair type and desired style. Ceramic plates are great for even heat distribution and gentle styling, making them the go-to option for most people. Titanium plates, on the other hand, heat up quickly and are ideal for thick, coarse hair. Additionally, tourmaline plates emit negative ions that reduce frizz and leave your hair looking smooth and shiny.

Another important factor to consider is adjustable temperature settings. Not all hair types can handle high heat, so the ability to adjust the temperature is essential. Look for a flat iron that allows you to set the heat anywhere from 250°F to 400°F. This way, you can customize the level of heat based on your hair’s needs.

Finally, consider the size and shape of the flat iron. For beach waves, a flat iron with wider plates is preferable as it allows you to work with larger sections of hair. As for the shape, flat irons with rounded edges are better suited for creating waves as they make it easier to glide through the hair smoothly.

Preparing Your Hair

Before you start creating those gorgeous beach waves, it’s important to properly prepare your hair. Start with clean, dry hair. This will ensure that the flat iron glides smoothly through your strands and creates a polished look. If your hair is not completely dry, you run the risk of damaging it with excessive heat.

To protect your hair from the heat, remember to always apply a heat protectant spray. This will create a barrier between your hair and the flat iron, minimizing heat damage and keeping your locks healthy.

Before you begin styling, brush or comb your hair to remove any tangles. This will make it easier to work with and ensure that your beach waves turn out smooth and evenly styled.

Sectioning Your Hair

To create beach waves with a flat iron, it’s important to section your hair properly. This will make the process more manageable and ensure that you achieve the desired result.

Start by dividing your hair into manageable sections. Use a comb to create a middle part, and then draw a line from the middle of your forehead to the back of your head, dividing your hair into two sections. Clip one section out of the way, and start working with the other section.

Use hair clips or ties to secure each section. This will prevent any hair from getting in the way while you’re styling. It’s important to work with one section at a time to ensure that you give each section enough attention and achieve even waves throughout your hair.

How to Create Beach Waves

Now that your hair is prepped and sectioned, it’s time to learn how to create those beautiful beach waves using a flat iron.

Setting the Temperature

Start by setting your flat iron to the desired temperature. As a general guideline, fine or damaged hair should be styled at lower temperatures (around 250°F to 300°F), while thicker or coarser hair can handle higher temperatures (around 350°F to 400°F). It’s always better to start with a lower temperature and gradually increase if needed to prevent unnecessary heat damage.

Straightening the Hair Section

Before you start creating the waves, it’s recommended to straighten the hair section first. This will help you achieve a more defined and polished look. Take a small section of hair, place the flat iron near the roots, and slowly glide it down towards the ends. Repeat this process for each section, straightening the hair before moving on to the next step.

Creating Waves with a Flat Iron

To create the beach waves, you will be using the flat iron in a twisting motion. Take a small section of straightened hair and wrap it around the flat iron, starting from the roots and twisting it away from your face. Hold the flat iron in this position for a few seconds, and then release the hair. This twisting motion creates the waves and gives them a natural, tousled look.

Curling Away from the Face

To achieve a more flattering and natural look, always curl the hair away from your face. This will frame your features and give the beach waves a more effortless appearance. Remember to adjust the direction of the curl for each section, always curling away from your face.

Leaving the Ends Straight for a Beachy Look

For a true beachy vibe, leave the ends of your hair straight. This will add dimension to your waves and create a more relaxed, casual look. Simply curl the hair starting from the middle of the section, leaving the ends untouched by the flat iron.

Alternative Technique: Twisting the Hair

If you want to switch things up and try a different technique for creating beach waves, twisting the hair may be the perfect option for you.

Prepping the Hair

The first step is the same as with the previous technique: start with clean, dry hair and apply a heat protectant spray. Brush or comb your hair to remove any tangles and ensure easy styling.

Twisting Hair Sections

Divide your hair into sections, just like before. Take a small section of hair and twist it tightly from root to tip. The tighter you twist the hair, the more defined the waves will be. Once you’ve twisted the section, secure it with a clip or tie to keep it in place.

Adding Heat with Flat Iron

Gently glide the flat iron down the twisted section of hair. Apply light pressure and move the flat iron slowly to ensure that the heat reaches every part of the twisted hair. This will create beautiful, twisted waves instead of the more tousled look achieved with the previous technique.

Repeating the Process

Continue twisting and flat ironing each section of hair until you’ve styled your entire head. Remember to work with small sections to achieve the best results. Once you’ve completed all the sections, you’ll have gorgeous twisted beach waves that give your hair a unique and textured look.

Finishing Touches

To complete your beach waves hairstyle, there are a few finishing touches you can add to enhance the overall look.

Applying Texturizing Spray

To achieve that effortlessly tousled beach look, use a texturizing spray. Spray it lightly on your hair and scrunch with your fingers to create more volume and texture. This will give your waves a relaxed and beachy feel.

Loosening the Waves with Fingers

If you prefer a softer and looser wave, run your fingers through your hair to loosen the curls slightly. This will give your waves a more relaxed appearance and create a natural-looking texture.

Using Sea Salt Spray for Additional Texture

For added texture and that beachy feel, consider using a sea salt spray. This product creates a slightly gritty texture, mimicking the look and feel of saltwater at the beach. Apply the sea salt spray to your waves, scrunch it in, and let it air dry or gently diffuse it for a more defined and textured look.

Maintaining the Beach Waves

To make your beach waves last and keep them looking their best, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Avoiding Excessive Washing

Try to avoid washing your hair every day, as this can strip away natural oils and cause your waves to lose their texture. Instead, opt for dry shampoo in between washes to refresh and absorb any excess oil.

Using Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a lifesaver when it comes to maintaining your beach waves. It helps to keep your hair looking fresh and adds volume and texture. Apply the dry shampoo to your roots, massage it in, and brush out any excess product.

Protecting the Waves Overnight

To protect your beach waves while you sleep, consider tying your hair up loosely in a bun or using a silk or satin pillowcase. This will prevent friction and help to maintain the shape and texture of your waves.

Additional Tips and Tricks

To perfect your beach wave styling technique, here are some additional tips and tricks to consider.

Using a Wide-Toothed Comb

When combing through your beach waves, avoid using a fine-toothed comb as it can disrupt the waves and create more frizz. Instead, opt for a wide-toothed comb or simply use your fingers to gently separate and detangle the waves.

Trying Different Flat Iron Techniques

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles using your flat iron. You can create tighter, defined curls by using a smaller section of hair and wrapping it tightly around the flat iron. Alternatively, you can create looser waves by using larger sections and wrapping them more loosely around the flat iron.

Using Hairspray to Set the Waves

If you want your beach waves to last even longer, use a light-hold hairspray to set the style. This will help to lock in the waves and keep them looking great throughout the day. Remember to use a light touch and apply the hairspray from a distance to avoid weighing down your hair or creating a stiff look.

Adding Volume to the Waves

To add volume and dimension to your beach waves, try out these techniques.

Teasing the Hair at the Roots

To create more volume at the roots, gently tease your hair with a teasing comb or a fine-toothed comb. This will lift the hair and add height, making your waves look more voluminous.

Applying Volumizing Products

Before styling your hair, apply a volumizing mousse or spray to add texture and thickness to your strands. These products help to create a fuller look and give your waves that extra oomph.

Using a Curling Wand for More Definition

If you want to enhance the definition of your beach waves, you can use a curling wand in addition to your flat iron. Wrap small sections of hair around the wand, holding it for a few seconds, and release. This will create more pronounced curls and add dimension to your beach waves.

Experimenting with Different Styles

Beach waves are incredibly versatile and can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Half-Up Beach Waves

For a relaxed and effortlessly chic look, try wearing your beach waves in a half-up style. Take the top section of your hair, secure it with a clip or tie, and leave the rest of your waves flowing freely. This style is perfect for both casual and semi-formal events, adding a touch of whimsy to your overall look.

Braided Beach Waves

Combine the beauty of beach waves with the elegance of braids by incorporating a braid into your hairstyle. Create a loose, messy braid using a small section of hair and secure it with a hair tie. Let the rest of your beach waves cascade freely for a trendy and bohemian vibe.

Messy Bun with Beachy Waves

For a cool and effortless look, style your beach waves into a messy bun. Gather your hair into a high or low bun, leaving a few strands loose to frame your face. This style is perfect for those casual days when you want to look effortlessly chic.

No matter how you decide to style your beach waves, remember to have fun and embrace the natural, carefree vibe they offer. With the right technique and a little experimentation, you’ll be able to achieve those perfect beachy waves that will turn heads wherever you go. So grab your flat iron, follow these steps, and get ready to rock those beach waves with confidence!