hair

BEACH SPRAYS FOR ALL HAIR TYPES

Written by Sarah St. Lifer, Graphic Design by Eunice Chun

If you ever catch us tossing a lucky penny into a fountain, you can bet we’re wishing for one of two things: world peace or perfect beach waves. The truth is, both take a lot of work — the latter being the bane of our beauty existence. Not all hair types are created equal, so one potion could be the difference between a big ‘ol salty mess, or the glass slipper to your Cinderella coiff. Being tress-obsessed, we took it upon ourselves to get to the root of the issue. Here, you’ll find our top 8 sprays for achieving summer-prefect beach waves. Doesn’t matter if you’re hundreds of miles or mere minutes from the sand, these products are shore to please! Just define your ‘do (fine, kinky, fizzy, etc.) and dive in.

Added bonus: If you don’t meet your potion prince today, don’t fret! We’ll be doing a beach waves tutorial along with our own DIY formula next week!

1. For straight hair: Wella Professionals’ Ocean Spritz Beach Texture Hair Spray (Ulta)

For those of you with sleek strands, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll overcompensate with wave-promising sprays. But, the end result is always the same: stiff and crunchy chunks — totally the opposite of your effortless efforts! Less is more with Wella’s version: spritz on damp hair from scalp to ends on day one, then again just at the top for day two. Curling iron entirely optional! This spray also softens with a little heat from the blowdryer in case you accidentally over do it.

2. For wavy hair: Oribe Apres Beach Waves and Shine Hairspray (Neiman Marcus)

The continuous props from pros around the globe don’t lie: stylists swear by Oribe’s rich extracts and exotic oils, whether it be for an event or an editorial shoot. If you’re already rocking tousled wavy tresses, but need extra oomph, shake your head and apply a light mist to your layers. For those searching for bombshell status, add tiny bit more at the tips. Though pricey, this stuff delivers. It comes in travel size if you’re just looking to get your feet wet or not quite ready to take the full plunge into a whole bottle.

3. For curly/kinky hair: Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray (Ouidad)

Give those natural curls the definition they deserve! With textured tresses, you really can’t go wrong with any of Ouidad’s products — they hold, but the weight never interferes with the natural curl pattern. And, the brand’s Marine Complex of natural seawater and mineral-rich sea salt crystals lends that authentic beachside look, while locking in the shape with plant-derived humectants. Did we mention the vitamin-rich seaweed and algae extracts that nourish and moisturize? Yeah, this is basically a miracle in a bottle for curly girls wanting beachy texture!

4. For fine hair: Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray (Wal Mart)

Need to give you fine hair new life? Rather than investing in extensions, consider this cheaper option instead! Sure, a few sprays post-shower will do the trick, but for best results apply all over your mane before your head hits the pillow. Combined with a top knot, this brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “beauty sleep”!

5. For treated/damaged hair: Sachajuan Ocean Mist (Sephora)

Colored, relaxed, or permed, chemically treated hair needs a little extra TLC. If your mane won’t cooperate, spray this on when the hair is slightly damp. Sure, we were satisfied with the results when we let it air-dry, but a diffuser really did the trick. On low heat, point the nozzle at your roots for just a few seconds. Then, comb your fingers from the crown to the tips.

6. For lazy girls: Victoria’s Secret Beach Hair Wave Spray (Victoria’s Secret)

If we told you that just a few pumps of this product — no curling iron, no gel — would give you Gisele-worthy waves, would you believe us? Not only does this $12 bottle live up to hype, the clean scent isn’t overwhelming, and the blend of buriti oil and sunflower seed extract helps protect hair from UV damage. All for one, and one for all!

7. For hair that needs volume: Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray (Bumble & Bumble)

Uh oh. Did you wake up to a bad hair day? No worries, Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Spray is the ultimate problem solver. Just spritz some of this sandy-smelling product on your paddle brush and comb trough, teasing the crown. It’s low-maintenance and smells like you were just in Malibu.

8. For frizzy hair: Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Beach Waves (Frederic Fekkai)

Let us introduce you to the product that works best on bone-dry tresses: Frederic Fekkai’sSummer Hair Beach Waves. Even though we were hesitant at first, the formula didn’t leave a single trace of grease and stayed put for hours. It’s as if you used a gel, but totally lightweight and non-sticky. Score!

Do you have a favorite beach spray? If you found the perfect product for summer time waves, please spill it below!