How to Get Beach Waves: Hair Waver vs. Curling Wand vs. Flat Iron

Quick answer: You can get beach waves three main ways. A hair waver is the fastest and most beginner-friendly: you press it down your hair section by section to create uniform S-waves. A curling wand gives softer, more natural, varied waves: wrap 1–2" sections around the barrel in alternating directions, leaving the ends out. A flat iron is the most versatile if you already own one: twist or bend each section as you glide for a relaxed, piece-y wave. Whichever tool you use, start with dry hair and heat protectant, let the waves cool completely, then break them up with your fingers and a texture spray.

Hey bestie! Beach waves are the "I just got back from vacation" hair everyone wants, but the tool you use changes the look a lot. Some waves are crisp and uniform, some are soft and undone, and some are more of a bend than a wave. Below we compare a hair waver, a curling wand and a flat iron side by side, then give you a step-by-step tutorial for each so you can pick the method that fits your hair and your skill level.

What are beach waves, exactly?

Beach waves are loose, relaxed waves with a slightly tousled finish, like hair that air-dried after a day by the ocean. Unlike defined ringlets or bouncy curls, beach waves are flatter at the root, looser through the lengths, and usually have straighter ends. The goal is texture and movement, not perfection.

Hair waver vs. curling wand vs. flat iron: which is best for beach waves?

	Hair waver	Curling wand	Flat iron
Wave shape	Uniform, defined S-waves	Soft, natural, varied waves	Relaxed bends and piece-y texture
Learning curve	Easiest; press and move down	Easy to moderate; wrapping by hand	Moderate; twisting technique takes practice
Speed	Fast	Moderate	Moderate
Best hair length	Shoulder length and longer	Shoulder length and longer	Short to long, including bobs
Ends	Waved to the ends	Easy to leave straight for a modern look	Easy to leave straight
Also does	Waves only	Curls, waves	Straightening, bends, waves
Best for	Beginners and anyone who wants consistent, mermaid-style waves	Effortless, lived-in waves	One-tool routines and short hair

The bottom line: choose a waver for the easiest and most consistent waves, a wand for the most natural movement, and a flat iron if you want one tool that straightens and waves.

How do you prep hair for beach waves?

• Start with dry hair. Every method here is for 100% dry hair. Second-day hair often holds waves better than freshly washed, silky hair.
• Use heat protectant. Mist it through mid-lengths and ends and let it dry. Our heat protectant guide explains how to apply it evenly.
• Detangle. Smooth sections make smoother waves.
• Section. Clip the top half up and start at the nape of your neck.
• Pick a moderate heat. Beach waves are meant to be loose, so you rarely need the highest setting. Fine hair can go lower; thick or coarse hair may need more.

How to get beach waves with a hair waver

A hair waver (sometimes called a deep waver) has shaped plates that press an S-wave pattern into your hair. It's the quickest way to get consistent, defined waves, and there's no wrapping or twisting involved.

1. Prep and section. Apply heat protectant to dry hair and clip the top half up. Take sections about 1–2" wide.
2. Start near the root area. Open the waver, place the section between the plates a little way down from the scalp, and close gently for a few seconds.
3. Move down the section. Open, slide the waver down so the top of the plates lines up with the bottom of the wave you just made, and press again. Lining up each press is what keeps the S-pattern seamless.
4. Repeat to the ends. Continue down until you reach the ends of the section.
5. Let it cool. Don't touch the wave while it's warm.
6. Work around your head, then release the top half and repeat.
7. Finish. For crisp mermaid waves, leave them as is. For a softer beachy look, rake your fingers through and add a texture spray.

Tip: For a more undone look, skip the very top layer or lightly brush out the waves once they've cooled.

How to get beach waves with a curling wand

A curling wand gives you the most natural-looking beach waves because each wrap is slightly different. If you're new to wands, start with our step-by-step guide on how to use a curling wand, and use our curling wand barrel size guide to choose a barrel. Larger barrels give looser waves.

1. Prep and section. Heat protectant on dry hair, top half clipped up, sections about 1–2" wide.
2. Hold the wand pointing down with the cool tip toward the floor.
3. Wrap, leaving the ends out. Start wrapping a few inches below the root area and stop about 1–2" before the ends. Those straight ends are the secret to beachy (not bouncy) waves.
4. Alternate directions. Wrap one section away from your face and the next toward it. This keeps waves from clumping into one big curl.
5. Hold for a few seconds. Beach waves need less time than tight curls.
6. Slide off and let cool. Let each wave cool before you touch it.
7. Break them up. Once your whole head is done and cool, shake waves out with your fingers, or gently brush for a softer finish. Add texture spray.

Tip: For the most "undone" finish, twist each section into a loose rope before wrapping it around the wand.

How to get beach waves with a flat iron

If you already own a flat iron, you can wave with it. A 1" iron is the most versatile size for waves, and a mini iron is great for short hair. Rounded or slim edges make it easier to twist without leaving lines.

Method 1: The twist and glide

1. Prep and section. Heat protectant on dry hair, then take a 1–2" section.
2. Clamp near the root area with the iron horizontal.
3. Turn the iron half a turn away from your face, so the hair wraps over one plate.
4. Glide slowly down while keeping that half turn. Slower gives more defined waves; faster gives a looser bend.
5. Stop before the ends and let them slide out straight.
6. Alternate direction on the next section.

Method 2: The braid or twist press (great for beginners)

1. Split dry, heat-protected hair into two to four sections.
2. Twist each section into a rope, or loosely braid it.
3. Press the flat iron slowly down each twist or braid.
4. Let it cool completely, then unravel and shake out.

Still choosing a flat iron? Our titanium vs. ceramic vs. infrared flat iron comparison covers the differences in plate materials.

Can you get beach waves without heat?

Yes! Braiding damp hair overnight, twisting it into buns, or using a heatless curling rod can all create soft waves. See our favorite heatless curl methods for step-by-step ideas.

How do you make beach waves last longer?

• Let every section cool fully before touching it.
• Use smaller sections if your hair tends to drop waves quickly.
• Use a light texture or hold spray instead of heavy products that weigh waves down.
• Don't over-brush. Use your fingers or a wide brush.
• Sleep smart. A loose, high pineapple bun or silk pillowcase helps waves survive the night.

More tips are in our guide to making your curls last.

Karma picks: beach wave tools

• Wave Craze Hair Waver: creates S-waves with ceramic-coated plates. It has 4 heat settings from 320–410°F with an LED display, a lock, an 8 ft swivel cord and dual voltage, and it comes in a magnetic box. Who it's for: beginners and anyone who wants fast, consistent, mermaid-style waves without wrapping or twisting.
• Tropical Twist 1.25" Long Barrel Curling Wand: a 32mm ceramic barrel that's extra-long at 7.09", LED digital temperature from 140–410°F, a cool tip, 360° swivel cord, 1-hour auto shut-off and dual voltage. Who it's for: long and thick hair that wants soft, natural, lived-in waves.
• Pretty Pink 1" Infrared Flat Iron: an MCH heater with Far Infrared, floating rose gold plates, cool tips, a digital LCD and variable heat. Suitable for all hair types. Who it's for: anyone who wants one tool to straighten and wave.
• Mini Mane ½" Mini Flat Iron: ½" ceramic plates with negative ion, far infrared and nano silver, fast heat-up and dual voltage. Who it's for: short hair, bobs, bangs and face-framing bends.
• Hot Girl Filter Heat Protector: a lightweight heat protectant spray with glycolic acid for damp or dry hair, before any hot tool. Who it's for: every wave session.

Browse all wavers and wands in curling tools, compare irons in flat irons, and grab a finishing spray from styling products. Tools are covered by our 2-Year Limited Warranty.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to get beach waves?

A hair waver is usually the easiest because you simply press it down each section; there's no wrapping or twisting. A curling wand is a close second if you want softer, more natural-looking waves.

Is a hair waver or a curling wand better for beach waves?

It depends on the look you want. A hair waver creates uniform, defined S-waves quickly. A curling wand creates softer, more varied waves that look more lived-in. Many people like a waver for speed and a wand for a more natural finish.

Can you get beach waves with a flat iron?

Yes. Clamp near the root area, turn the iron half a turn and glide slowly down, stopping before the ends and alternating directions with each section. You can also twist or braid hair and press the flat iron over it.

What size curling wand is best for beach waves?

Larger barrels create looser waves. A 1.25-inch barrel is a popular choice for soft waves on medium to long hair, while bigger barrels give an even looser bend. Leaving the ends out keeps the look beachy.

How do I keep my beach waves from falling out?

Start with dry, heat-protected hair, use smaller sections, let each wave cool completely before touching it, and finish with a light texture or hold spray. Avoid heavy products and over-brushing.

Can you get beach waves on short hair?

Yes. A mini flat iron or slim wand works well on short hair and bobs. Use small sections, leave the ends straight and alternate directions so the waves look relaxed rather than round.

What temperature should I use for beach waves?

Use the lowest setting that holds a wave for your hair. Beach waves are loose, so you rarely need maximum heat. Fine hair can stay lower, while thick or coarse hair may need a higher setting. Always use heat protectant first.

Should I brush out beach waves?

For a soft, undone finish, gently brush or finger-comb once the waves are fully cool. For defined, mermaid-style waves, skip the brush and just separate with your fingers.

Ready for your beach wave era?

Get easy, defined waves with the Wave Craze Hair Waver, or explore every option in our curling tools collection. Enjoy free standard shipping on orders over $50 to the continental US, 30-day returns on unused and unopened items, and Afterpay or Shop Pay at checkout. Salty-air hair, no beach required, bestie!