5 tips for gorgeous beach waves

The below tips will help transform your hair into soft, defined beach worthy waves. 

1. Great hair starts in the shower

Select a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner

Not only will these products fuel your hair with the hydration hit required to fight off frizz (wavy hair is more prone to frizzing than straight hair) but they also won't strip your hair of it's vital natural oils. 

2. Apply styling products to soaking wet hair

This ensures product is evenly distributed throughout your hair.

Creating more consistent results. 

It also helps lock in moisture.

This prevents your hair from drying out too quickly leading to frizz.

Gently scrunching your foams and gels in with your hands will encourage your natural wave pattern to form, creating more defined, long lasting waves.

3. Avoid heat styling tools

Straighteners, blow dryers and curling tongs can cause long lasting damage to your hair. 

They’ll dry it out, causing it to become brittle and lifeless. 

Use a diffuser instead.

They are designed to disperse the airflow evenly, preventing concentrated bursts of hot air that can disrupt the natural wave pattern. 

When wavy hair is diffused, it helps to enhance and define the waves. 

4. Detangle your hair when it's coated in conditioner

Wavy hair is more prone to tangling than straight hair, so it's crucial to detangle it gently. 

After applying your conditioner in the shower, use a wide-toothed comb to comb through your hair.

Start at the tips and work your way up to the roots. 

By detangling your hair when it's saturated in conditioner (your hair should feel like seaweed) you'll prevent breakage and minimise frizz.

5. Embrace your natural waves

Glossy magazines bombard us with images of flawless, shiny, sleek locks.

We end up battling our hair.

Believing that anything less than perfect is unacceptable.

This mindset is changing. 

Those neat, uniformed, perfect waves are being replaced by messier, undone waves.

That sexy, cool girl beachy look. 

Effortless. Imperfect.

Not only does this lead to healthier hair, but it also gives you the freedom to be you.

To look and feel amazing. Confident in your own skin. 

Whatever your age. Whatever the occasion. 

  • Behind the scenes: Merwave's new look

    Behind the scenes: Merwave's new look

    Maria Nichol

    From first sketches to finished bottles, founder Abi Reid talks us through the brand's fresh new look. 

    Behind the scenes: Merwave's new look

    by Abi Reid

    From first sketches to finished bottles, founder Abi Reid talks us through the brand's fresh new look. 

  • Wavy Hair Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed

    Wavy Hair Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed

    Anna-Jo Charles

    If you have wavy hair, you know the feeling. Not straight. Not curly. Somewhere in between. For years, waves were brushed out or tied back because it felt easier. But...

    Wavy Hair Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed

    by Abi Reid

    If you have wavy hair, you know the feeling. Not straight. Not curly. Somewhere in between. For years, waves were brushed out or tied back because it felt easier. But...

  • 6 wavy hair habits for 2026

    6 wavy hair habits for 2026

    Anna-Jo Charles

    A new year does not mean new hair. It means a new approach. No more forcing. No more frustration. After supporting over 160,000 women, one thing is clear. Waves thrive...

    6 wavy hair habits for 2026

    by Abi Reid

    A new year does not mean new hair. It means a new approach. No more forcing. No more frustration. After supporting over 160,000 women, one thing is clear. Waves thrive...

1 of 3