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From Fighting Frizz To Boosting Volume, 4 Steps To Achieving Perfect Beach Waves This Summer

From Fighting Frizz To Boosting Volume, 4 Steps To Achieving Perfect Beach Waves This Summer

Elle18 hours ago
Beach waves are quintessentially the summer hairstyle to have. There's a reason why this the salt-stricken style comes back year after year with a fresh twist. A beachy wave evokes the carefree spirit of 1960s LA, blending the effortless glamour of Brigitte Bardot with the bohemian vibes of Stevie Nicks.
Today's iteration, modelled by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Sophia Richie, and Laura Harrier, is easier than ever to achieve thanks to advanced styling tools. Take, a Dyson Airwrap, for example, which can create soft curls and - once smoothed with a large paddle brush - leave you with the most graceful waves.
If a beach getaway isn't on the cards, a generous application of salt spray can help you emulate that seaside feeling.
For this season's iteration of the perennially cool hairstyle, the memo is nonchalance. 'Think, looser, half-done, and less 'styled,'' says Nataliia Bumford, stylist at Hershesons Belgravia. Unlike the crispy coils of the 2000s, 'today's version is softer and shiner—more polished, less matte—focusing on natural shape and healthy texture rather than grit and stiffness.'
That said, Noughties beach waves were a major moment, and for good reason. Gisele Bündchen and the Olsen twins led the surge. Think Valley girl meets VS Angel. The trusty 'twist and pull' with a flat iron marked the distinct beachy blowout of the day.
Alexa Chung (circa 2010) gave beach waves the indie sleaze treatment. Alternating curl direction and left-as-is ends gave Kristen Stewart and co that random cool-girl kink to their coils.
Despite the decade, blasé beach waves have stood the test of time.
To create enviably beachy waves, listen closely. 'Start with damp hair, apply a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream, then mist on the new Hershesons Air Dry Spray,' advises Bumford. 'It defines the wave, adds hold, smooths frizz, and offers UV protection—while leaving a soft, touchable finish that's never matte or crunchy.'
For that lived-in-look let it air-dry, 'or braid/twist for extra shape,' adds Bumford. Don't shirk on touching up the ends of your hair with a smidge of oil for added shine and softness.
Whether you're embracing your natural texture or reaching for next-gen tools, the beauty of beach waves lies in their flexibility, and finish. Here's how to master the look, with a little help from some industry icons.
For soft, undone waves without the damage, overnight braids remain a tried-and-true technique. Satin-covered rollers or a DIY robe tie wrap offer a gentle, bougie workaround for heat styling. Wake up, shake out, and finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for an airy, editorial finish.
Alternate your curl direction for that effortless, unstructured wave. The Dyson Airwrap i.d remains the gold standard for damage-minimising curling, while the GHD Creative Curl Wand creates seamless, beachy bends with a single twist. For a nod to early-2000s texture, a Mermade PRO Waver delivers that sculpted mermaid effect without veering crunchy.
Once styled, smooth waves with a Mason Pearson paddle brush for polish, or finger-comb with a touch of Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil through the ends for shine and separation. If air-drying is more your speed, scrunch in R+Co Cool Wind pH Perfect Air Dry Crème and diffuse with the Curlsmith diffuser for shape and volume, especially on textured or curly hair.
Finally, lock it in without losing softness. Hershesons Air Dry Spray is an editor favourite for hold, definition and UV protection, no crunch, just movement. Or reach for Rahua Enchanted Island Salt Spray, a chic, botanically charged mist that mimics that just-off-the-beach texture, even if you're nowhere near a coastline.
Bumford cites Margot Robbie, Sydney Sweeney and Emily Ratajkowski as devout beachy wave-ers. Why not road-test the look for yourself?
And, if you're in a rush, the look can be perfected (well, un-perfected, but that's what's so great about it) in a flash. 'For fast waves, use a Mermaid wave maker (the Hershesons Multi-Tasker) on dry hair to create soft, sculpted bends,' explains Bumford. 'Alternatively, with a curling wand, curl random sections while pulling the hair downward to keep the shape relaxed. Finish either way with Hershesons Air Dry Spray for hold, texture and definition.'
Hadid's salted mane is, and always will be, right in the centre of the summer mood board.
Rich, dark chocolate ruffles will never not be chic.
Depp gives the beach-ready do a bit of French zhuzh.
Party girl pink will add some edge to your waves, whether sunning on the coast or dancing in the club.
Shift the tide with a swanky side-part draped over your shoulder.
Rosé's rinsed lengths are oh-so old Hollywood and look effortlessly chic come peak-summer.
We're on the same wavelength as ELLE cover star EmRata. Her face-framing bangs are just the crowning glory.
Beach waves serve just as hard with protective hairstyles. Tyla's goddess braids are a perfect example.
Harrier's beach waves work perfectly with the natural curl pattern and texture of her hair.
Ever the arbiter of an edgy hairstyle, Cyrus brings some grit to summer beach waves.
Jessica Chastain's long, flowing lengths are the perfect embodiment of beach waves, and prime summer inspo if you're a natural redhead.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
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From Fighting Frizz To Boosting Volume, 4 Steps To Achieving Perfect Beach Waves This Summer
From Fighting Frizz To Boosting Volume, 4 Steps To Achieving Perfect Beach Waves This Summer

Elle

time18 hours ago

  • Elle

From Fighting Frizz To Boosting Volume, 4 Steps To Achieving Perfect Beach Waves This Summer

Beach waves are quintessentially the summer hairstyle to have. There's a reason why this the salt-stricken style comes back year after year with a fresh twist. A beachy wave evokes the carefree spirit of 1960s LA, blending the effortless glamour of Brigitte Bardot with the bohemian vibes of Stevie Nicks. Today's iteration, modelled by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Sophia Richie, and Laura Harrier, is easier than ever to achieve thanks to advanced styling tools. Take, a Dyson Airwrap, for example, which can create soft curls and - once smoothed with a large paddle brush - leave you with the most graceful waves. If a beach getaway isn't on the cards, a generous application of salt spray can help you emulate that seaside feeling. For this season's iteration of the perennially cool hairstyle, the memo is nonchalance. 'Think, looser, half-done, and less 'styled,'' says Nataliia Bumford, stylist at Hershesons Belgravia. Unlike the crispy coils of the 2000s, 'today's version is softer and shiner—more polished, less matte—focusing on natural shape and healthy texture rather than grit and stiffness.' That said, Noughties beach waves were a major moment, and for good reason. Gisele Bündchen and the Olsen twins led the surge. Think Valley girl meets VS Angel. The trusty 'twist and pull' with a flat iron marked the distinct beachy blowout of the day. Alexa Chung (circa 2010) gave beach waves the indie sleaze treatment. Alternating curl direction and left-as-is ends gave Kristen Stewart and co that random cool-girl kink to their coils. Despite the decade, blasé beach waves have stood the test of time. To create enviably beachy waves, listen closely. 'Start with damp hair, apply a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream, then mist on the new Hershesons Air Dry Spray,' advises Bumford. 'It defines the wave, adds hold, smooths frizz, and offers UV protection—while leaving a soft, touchable finish that's never matte or crunchy.' For that lived-in-look let it air-dry, 'or braid/twist for extra shape,' adds Bumford. Don't shirk on touching up the ends of your hair with a smidge of oil for added shine and softness. Whether you're embracing your natural texture or reaching for next-gen tools, the beauty of beach waves lies in their flexibility, and finish. Here's how to master the look, with a little help from some industry icons. For soft, undone waves without the damage, overnight braids remain a tried-and-true technique. Satin-covered rollers or a DIY robe tie wrap offer a gentle, bougie workaround for heat styling. Wake up, shake out, and finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for an airy, editorial finish. Alternate your curl direction for that effortless, unstructured wave. The Dyson Airwrap i.d remains the gold standard for damage-minimising curling, while the GHD Creative Curl Wand creates seamless, beachy bends with a single twist. For a nod to early-2000s texture, a Mermade PRO Waver delivers that sculpted mermaid effect without veering crunchy. Once styled, smooth waves with a Mason Pearson paddle brush for polish, or finger-comb with a touch of Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil through the ends for shine and separation. If air-drying is more your speed, scrunch in R+Co Cool Wind pH Perfect Air Dry Crème and diffuse with the Curlsmith diffuser for shape and volume, especially on textured or curly hair. Finally, lock it in without losing softness. Hershesons Air Dry Spray is an editor favourite for hold, definition and UV protection, no crunch, just movement. Or reach for Rahua Enchanted Island Salt Spray, a chic, botanically charged mist that mimics that just-off-the-beach texture, even if you're nowhere near a coastline. Bumford cites Margot Robbie, Sydney Sweeney and Emily Ratajkowski as devout beachy wave-ers. Why not road-test the look for yourself? And, if you're in a rush, the look can be perfected (well, un-perfected, but that's what's so great about it) in a flash. 'For fast waves, use a Mermaid wave maker (the Hershesons Multi-Tasker) on dry hair to create soft, sculpted bends,' explains Bumford. 'Alternatively, with a curling wand, curl random sections while pulling the hair downward to keep the shape relaxed. Finish either way with Hershesons Air Dry Spray for hold, texture and definition.' Hadid's salted mane is, and always will be, right in the centre of the summer mood board. Rich, dark chocolate ruffles will never not be chic. Depp gives the beach-ready do a bit of French zhuzh. Party girl pink will add some edge to your waves, whether sunning on the coast or dancing in the club. Shift the tide with a swanky side-part draped over your shoulder. Rosé's rinsed lengths are oh-so old Hollywood and look effortlessly chic come peak-summer. We're on the same wavelength as ELLE cover star EmRata. Her face-framing bangs are just the crowning glory. Beach waves serve just as hard with protective hairstyles. Tyla's goddess braids are a perfect example. Harrier's beach waves work perfectly with the natural curl pattern and texture of her hair. Ever the arbiter of an edgy hairstyle, Cyrus brings some grit to summer beach waves. Jessica Chastain's long, flowing lengths are the perfect embodiment of beach waves, and prime summer inspo if you're a natural redhead. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.

The Trendiest Hairstyle From the Year You Graduated School
The Trendiest Hairstyle From the Year You Graduated School

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

The Trendiest Hairstyle From the Year You Graduated School

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." A number of classic hair trends, like bouncy blowouts and stylish cornrows, never go out of style. However, there are a handful of others that we're happy to leave in the past—and more specifically, leave in the '80s. To take a quick trip down memory lane and revisit a few timeless styles worthy of any beauty hall of fame, we've rounded up some of the top styles from the mid-1960s and beyond, worth revisiting and maybe even repeating. 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Her choice is considered a pivotal moment in the cultural history of natural hair is still imitated to this day. 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"The tendril trend has always been an easy way to add a little 'razzle-dazzle' to any updo," celebrity stylist and natural hair expert Erinn Courtney previously told red-tinged cowboy copper hair color trend made a serious splash in 2022, worn by celebrities like Kendall Jenner on and off the the mullet, which is typically shorter in the front and longer in the back, 2023's choppier wolf cut trend featured an abundance of feathered layers for maximum height and volume. Actress Jenna Ortega's notable haircut, seen at the Academy Awards that year, still lives rent-free in our oversized stretchy headband trend served two main purposes: one, practicality to help keep hair out of your face, and the other, an effortless way to elevate your beauty look from everyday to elevated in minutes. While we've seen celebrities wear these headbands in bright colors or patterns, some, like actress and singer Coco Jones, opt for a seamless, all-black hair accessory created using a hairpin or claw clip, the French twist is having a moment in 2025. Anne Hathaway wore the elegant style on the red carpet, accented with a subtle side more than 150 years, Harper's Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what's new and what's next in beauty by working with the world's leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper

The Coolest Summer Hairstyles to Do Based on Your Zodiac Sign
The Coolest Summer Hairstyles to Do Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Elle

time5 days ago

  • Elle

The Coolest Summer Hairstyles to Do Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Choosing your summer hairstyle based on your zodiac sign isn't as far-fetched as it may seem—especially considering how much star signs can say about your personality. These warmer months are a time for Geminis, Cancers, Leos, and Virgos to shine, so consider treating yourself to a hair transformation that will dazzle your social circles. Whether you're letting your natural texture take center stage, or you've got a dramatic pixie chop on the horizon, it's time to take that leap and try a brand-new 'do. Elsewhere, romance-loving Pisces will fare well with wispy fringes or bottleneck bangs. According to The AstroTwins, Pisceans are heading towards significant changes this season, so it's worth doing a gentler tweak to your hair as to not overwhelm yourself. And while it may seem as though everyone's getting a bob haircut, if you're a trailblazing Scorpio, perhaps it's time to get some swishy hair extensions put in. Of course, whichever hairstyle you opt for this summer, make sure it's one that makes you feel your best. But if you need some guidance, looking to your zodiac sign can be an excellent way forward. This trailblazing, trendsetting star sign is likely to be an early adopter of this extra-large hair accessory. Seeing as July is set to be a very social month for you, why not make a statement in an oversized scrunchie? It'll keep strands away from your face (ideal for when you're going from festival to festival), and it still makes an impact. There's plenty of creativity and joy for Pisces signs on the horizon. Face it head on with bottleneck bangs, which have a romantic, face-lifting effect. Try accessorizing them with barrettes, and pull the rest of your hair into an updo for a Brigitte Bardot vibe or pin it to the side for variety. Aries are often looking for their next adventure and are easily driven to boredom, so a lived-in, tousled French-girl bob with a full fringe is perfect for their restless nature. This cut can be styled into beach waves, kept sleek and straight, gathered into a half-updo, or accessorized with barrettes. If claw clips and hair barrettes had star signs, they'd certainly be Tauruses: endlessly reliable and always effortlessly chic. Taureans might also be thinking about investments this summer, so we understand if you're inclined to splurge on a Prada hair clip. The timeless design will see you through these warmer months and beyond. Geminis, these warmer months (and all the social invites that come with them) are your time to shine. Let your hair live its best life by focusing on caring formulas and as little heat styling as possible. Geminis are always in the mood to trial a new trend, but for summer, give your hair a break and lean into its personality. It's Cancer season, and we're all just living in it. From birthday weekends to late-night parties, July is certainly your month, so take charge with a traffic-stopping, extra-short bob that grazes the earlobes. This star sign may favor stability over constant change, but if you've been considering a hair transformation, there's really no better time. Leos tend to appreciate drama and glamour, but seeing as this month is set to bring moments of reflection and introspection, perhaps a chic, understated haircut is in order. The flicked bob will bring in compliments, but it's also refined and grown-up, perfect for balancing a Leo's vibrant personality. Virgos, July is the month to take up space and try a fresh new chop. The Italian bob, with its soft silhouette and gentle waves, will satisfy the Virgo's need for perfection while still feeling laidback and perfect for summer getaways. And not that we recommend it, but if anyone can handle a cheeky at-home trim, it's probably the Virgo. Libras tend to be comfortable in the spotlight, so show your hair extra love by dialing up a simple, heatwave-friendly braid with statement accessories. This practical style is ideal for what's looking to be a busy month for Libras. If it seems like everyone and their mother is getting bob haircuts or pixies, you're not wrong. But Scorpios are always marching to the beat of their own drum, which means when the world goes short, why not go long? In fact, go really, really long, whether through lengthy braids or maximalist extensions. There's nothing a Scorpio loves more than challenging current trends. These longer days will no doubt put a Sagittarius in the mood for impromptu weekend trips and picnic with the girls—especially since it looks like you'll be open to reconnecting with loved ones this month. A cute hair scarf will let you have your adventures without having to fuss with frizz and flyaways. It's also a chic way to elevate your ensemble. This star sign is a textbook overachiever. But this summer, give yourself a break and opt for a hairstyle that leans into the soft life: a curly, layered bob. It's relatively easy to maintain (ideal, considering how much Capricorns always have on their plates) and looks instantly cool when paired with sunnies and sundresses.

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