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So, you’re off to the beach. We’re officially jealous, but have you prepared your hair routine?
The beach can be a notoriously tough environment for your scalp and hair. From sun and salt to heat and sun cream, the seaside can cause all kinds of havoc with your hair, leaving it especially prone to dehydration and tangling.
But don’t fear, we’ve got some tips to extend that holiday feeling to your hair with 20 hairstyles to protect from the elements and nail that beach-babe look.
BEACH HAIRCARE PREP
Before you choose your favourite beach-friendly hairstyle, it’s essential to prepare your hair for exposure to sun, sea and sand.
To keep your hair hydrated and protected, we recommend you:
- Give your hair a moisture boost with Magical Remedy. Even if you don’t want to wash your hair before you hit the beach, you can inject some moisture by distributing a pea-sized amount of this powerful moisturising product throughout your lengths.
- Add a hair oil on top. This can also help to seal in moisture that salt water would otherwise leach out of your hair.
- Protect your hair from the sun with a UV-shielding hair product. These come in spray, balm, and oil forms, and act like a suncream for your hair and scalp, minimising sun damage.
BEACHY WAVES
Some of us are lucky enough to get gorgeous natural waves simply by enjoying a dip in the sea. If you want to arrive at the beach looking like you belong, you can create that same salt-sprayed, textured look with a little help from haircare tools and products.
1. Long beachy waves
Look and feel like a mermaid with a look that’s packed with gorgeous texture and volume. Beachy waves are the best beach hairstyle for long hair – plus, they’re incredibly low effort.
To get the look on dry land, diffuse wet hair with the Airshot Pro and Diffuser attachment, “cupping” each section gently with the Diffuser to get that signature messy look. Don’t forget to spritz with Magical Quick Dry Potion before applying heat.
Alternatively, if you’re using your beach day as a styling session, braid your hair into two loose plaits before taking a dip. Once they dry, unfasten the braids and unveil long, beachy waves for days.
Pack a bottle of texturising salt spray in your beach bag – if the sea isn’t already doing the job, this can help to bring out a natural wave in your hair.
2. Medium-length beachy waves
Casual beachy waves are just as lovely on mid-length hair. This lived-in look suits blunt and layered cuts alike, making it versatile enough to take you from sunrise to sunset, beach lounger to beach bar and beyond.
The key to mid-length beachy waves is to embrace an effortlessly messy look. Use the same methods we recommended for long hair to shape your medium-length strands into the perfect waves. Want to touch them up for a more polished post-beach look? Start with dry hair and a mist of Magical Quick Dry Potion, then use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to create more consistent and defined waves. Spritz in some salt spray to harness the natural effects of the ocean, and you’re good to go.
3. Short beachy waves
Adding waves to short hair creates an explosion of volume for instant impact. Beachy waves work for everything from a pixie cut to a bob and gives a tousled and casual look ideal for channelling holiday vibes.
Remember, you can either rely on the sea’s natural salt to bring out a wavy texture for your short beach hairstyle, or you can turn to heated styling tools to get the look.
The Slim Iron is designed for styling shorter hair. Its precision plates make it much easier to achieve a textured wave than a standard-size straightener. Like all other hair types, it’s essential to apply Quick Dry Magical Potion for nourishing heat protection before creating waves in your short hair.
Need more tips on the best ways to create beachy waves? Check out our guide on How to Create Waves.
BEACH BRAIDS
Braids are synonymous with beach days for a reason. They keep your hair out of your eyes, limit your hair’s sun exposure time, and help to enhance that natural beachy wave that salt water can create. Not to mention, they look cute too.
4. Fishtail braid
Take even more inspiration from mermaids with this complex-looking braided look that’s actually pretty easy to achieve. Fishtail braids are ideal for beach days as they’re deliberately messy and just get better as your day goes on.
Simply divide your hair into two equal sections, and alternate criss-crossing tiny strands from each side until you reach the end of your hair. Then secure with a snag-free hair tie. Fishtail braids are also perfect for when you’ve delayed your hair wash because you know you’re heading for a swim, as a little excess oil can help the braid grip.
5. Double Dutch braids
Why have one beach braid when you can have two? Double Dutch braids are a neat style great for more active beach days as it secures all your hair away from your face. Choose this one if you’re into surfing or other water sports.
You can choose between styling your Double Dutch braids refined and tidy, and tucking them under a sun hat, or embracing serious boho beachy energy with deliberately messy braids that look great with a beach dress or sarong.
6. French braid
French braids are quick, neat and simple. Plus, thanks to the method used to create them, they’re suitable for hair that’s bob-length and longer. Simply divide your hair into three equal parts and start braiding with small strips of hair from your hairline back, gathering more and more hair from each section as you go.
This classic hairstyle works perfectly for lying on a deckchair, grabbing a drink at the beach bar, or splashing around in the sea. It’s easy to do, so you can rock up to the beach freshly styled or have a friends’ braiding session while relaxing on the sand.
7. Side braids
This beach hairstyle works for a range of lengths and hair textures, from tight curls to sleek and straight. Side braids are great for when you want to wear your hair down at the beach to create natural salt-kissed beachy waves, but you’ve got a fringe or face-framing layers that you need to sweep off your face to avoid sticky sunscreen.
To achieve beachy side braids, simply create one three-strand plaits at each side of your head, braiding backwards from your hairline in either a French or Dutch style (weaving over or under) according to your preference. Secure each at the end with snag-free hair ties and enjoy the sun.
8. Micro braids
Embrace the hippie beach look with micro braids. One of the advantages of this look is that it can be customised to suit your hair and is deliberately random, so there’s no need to keep checking if your hair still looks ‘neat’.
To style micro braids, simply plait tiny little three-strand braids at random intervals throughout your hair. Secure each with a coloured elastic for a funky beach-party-inspired look, or just gently backcomb the ends and add a spritz of hairspray to secure for a more natural beach babe vibe. It doesn’t matter if they come a little undone throughout your beach day – that’s all part of the boho style.
Alternatively, concentrate just a couple of micro braids around your face to tidy up a long fringe or face-framing pieces of hair.
For more braided style inspiration, check out our braided styles guide.
BEACH HAIRSTYLES FOR COILY HAIR
Protective styles are more essential than ever when you’re heading to the beach with type 4 kinky textured hair. Your hair type is extra prone to dryness and dehydration, so adding salt and sun into the mix means it’s essential to protect and nourish your hair before and during a beach day.
9. Bantu knots
Bantu knots have quickly become a favourite holiday style for textured hair. These tiny spiralling buns are ideal for keeping your hair in check, as they lock in moisture and require minimal daily manipulation, so you can be confident your hair is protected on the beach.
Despite their taming effect, Bantu knots are still playful with texture and are a great alternative to typical braids.
To create beach-ready Bantu knots, you’ll probably need the help of a hair-savvy friend to reach the back of your head. Start with washed and moisturised hair – we recommend a generous layer of Magical Remedy to hydrate and nourish. Next, part your hair into neat, equal squares or triangles – as many as you like. Split each section into two equal strands and twist them into two-strand twists. Wrap each two-strand twist around itself and use a pin-tail comb to tuck the loose end into the knot. Using a bobby pin to secure is optional.
10. Cornrows
Cornrows are a classic for a reason. They’re practical and beautiful, making them popular for all occasions and seasons – and summer beach days are no exception. There are so many cornrow designs to choose from, so you can really get creative.
We recommend you either get a professional braider to do your beach cornrows, or a friend or family member with lots of experience. They’ll know how to get the perfect tension to ensure your braids hold up to beachy conditions, without putting potentially damaging pressure on your hair and scalp.
Remember to take good care of your cornrows between beach days. After exposure to sun, seawater, sand and suncream, it’s important to cleanse your braids with a gentle cleansing shampoo and moisturise with a nourishing leave-in conditioner like CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy.
11. Goddess braids
Go full holiday goddess with a stylish twist on box braids. Goddess braids stand out thanks to the curly strands added to the hair’s mid-lengths or ends during the braiding process, creating a unique ‘undone’ look that gives off bohemian beach vibes.
The resulting look is a highly textured, partially braided look that tumbles elegantly down your back. Add even more oomph with hair charms and beads – we love shell details for the beach.
Goddess braids can take hours to create, so you’ll want to take good care of them to ensure they last as long as possible. Make sure to keep your goddess braids cleansed and moisturised, especially after beach days. You’ll need a gentle, clarifying shampoo product, and a leave-in conditioner like CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy.
12. Double-plait ponytail
If you don’t feel like spending hours in the braider’s chair before your beach trip, the double-plaited ponytail is a good option for you.
Slick your hair back into a high ponytail, using a small dab of Magical Remedy to tame any flyaways and for a sleek, shiny finish. Split the pony into two sections, and plait each into a three-strand braid. Secure your plaits with snag-free hair ties for a playful beach look that keeps your hair out of your face and moisturised without complex and time-consuming braids.
13. Slicked back
Keep it simple and sleek with this slicked-back beach look that looks polished and refined but takes little time and effort to achieve.
Slick back your hair into a low or high ponytail, messy bun, or puff, using Magical Remedy to tame your baby hairs and inject a moisture boost. Let the texture of your type 4 hair really shine with this simple look that can take you from a lazy beach day to a beach party evening in style.
14. Straight-back braids
Straight-back braids are the perfect middle-ground between long, flowing braids and a sleek style that keeps your hair out of the way. As the name suggests, these braids go straight back, lying close to the head from the hairline to the nape of the neck, before flowing freely down your back.
They’re the perfect afro beach style as they make it easy to keep sand out of your hair and your hair out of your face. Because they lay flat, they’re also compatible with a sun hat, so you can protect your scalp from UV rays.
When combined with hair extensions, straight-back braids give a classic, ultra-feminine look, but you can keep it simple and rock your natural length too. Add accessories like beads and hair charms to amp up the beachy feel.
STYLING BEACH HAIR ACCESSORIES
The beach is the perfect place to accessorise. Not only does adding hair accessories to your beach day look guarantee some gorgeous holiday photos, it also provides opportunities to protect your hair from the sun and sea.
15. Silk scarf
A silk scarf is a beach bag must-have. This simple piece of fabric can be transformed into a snag-free hair tie for creating boho buns and ponytails, woven into a braid for a chic beachy look, or worn as a headband or bandana for added sun protection.
Pack a silk scarf that matches your swimwear to create effortlessly trendy beach day hair looks, while also preventing your hair from becoming dried out and sun damaged.
16. Claw clip
Claw clips are the ultimate cool-girl accessory, perfect for everything from workdays to beach days, thanks to their practicality and cuteness. Pack one with your beach towel so you can throw your hair up into a sleek French twist or messy beach bun in a flash – whether it’s wet or dry.
Claw clips have the added benefit of holding your hair more gently than a tightly elasticated bobble, reducing stress on your follicles. That’s one less hair problem to worry about while you’re at the beach.
17. Silk scrunchie
When securing beach hairstyles, it’s just as important as usual to choose a snag-free-gentle hair bobble option. Silk scrunchies prevent friction and place less pressure on individual strands, reducing the chance of breakage – which is heightened in hot and sunny weather.
There’s nothing wrong with gathering your hair up into a ponytail, braid or bun while lying on your beach towel – just secure it with a silk scrunchie for peace of mind.
18. Elasticated headband
Sweep your fringe off your face or slick back your baby hairs for a fuss-free beach day, with a gentle fabric headband.
By choosing a wide style of elasticated headband, you’ll also benefit from a little added sun protection – just don’t forget to pair it with a sunhat and SPF protection for your face, body, and hair.
19. Straw Hat
Sun protection isn’t just for your skin – it benefits your hair too. A sunburned scalp can lead to painful and unsightly peeling, follicle damage, and hair loss, while your strands may become dry, brittle and dehydrated. If your hair is already coloured or bleached, it’s even more susceptible.
Protect your head and hair with a wide-brim sun hat for shade. You’ll be channelling vintage Hollywood glamour – and putting your hair health first.
20. Baseball cap
If you prefer a sportier beach look, there’s no need to sacrifice sun safety – or hair health. Grab a baseball cap, and pair it with slicked-back hair, a classic ponytail, or a mini low bun.
Baseball caps are a great beach accessory if you’re planning a more active beach day. Whether you’re water skiing or playing beach volleyball, a cap keeps your hair in check and the sun off your scalp.
POST-BEACH HAIRCARE
Your summer holiday haircare journey doesn’t end when you’re finished at the beach. Making sure your strands and scalp stay healthy and gorgeous, despite sun and sea exposure, extends to post-beach care too.
After your beach day, we recommend you:
- Gently cleanse your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any excess sand, salt, oils and chemical build-up from UV protective products.
- Restore moisture using a hair mask treatment. You can apply a generous slather of CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy in this way. It contains nourishing and repairing ingredients that are ideal for giving your hair some TLC after a full-on beach day.
- Once this is washed out, gently towel-dry your hair and rub a pea-sized amount of Magical Remedy between your fingers and run them throughout the lengths of your damp hair as a leave-in conditioning treatment.
- Either allow your hair to dry naturally, or use the CLOUD NINE Airshot Pro on the low setting and Magical Quick Dry Potion to speed up the process without risking heat damage. Style to your preference.
Practical and beautiful beach day hairstyles are the key to keeping your hair looking and feeling soft, shiny and healthy through a long hot summer – or even just a week-long holiday.
For more seasonal haircare tips, check out our other guides, including 30 On-Trend Winter Hairstyles, Tips for Managing Hair and Taming Frizz in Humid Weather, and 9 Tips For Cold Weather Hair.
Share your go-to beach hairstyles with CLOUD NINE on our socials: TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
