Summer Hair, Don’t Care
Except I do care, a whole lot. That’s why I’m sharing my favorite beach wave products! I have used them ALL to get that just-left-the-beach look and I have found my favorite arsenal of products to get me there. Naturally, real ocean water is the best “product” to use. I used to bottle it in a spray bottle and use it on my hair at home. I got pretty good results but the salt water is SO hard on your hair and before long I could not only see my color fading quicker but my hair was so incredibly dry. So through years of research, along with trial and error, I’ve used basically every product out there to get that beachy wave look. Below is my go to routine for the perfectly un-done look!
When my hair is wet I put in Redken Instant Bodifier Foam on my roots, then for protection I use my favorite leave in Pureology Perfect for Platinum Miracle Filler. Then, after blow drying, I curl my hair using the Hot Tools 1” barrel curling iron. Tip: Leave about 1-2” of uncurled hair at the ends. I learned this tip from my best friend Summer of The Summer Days and it has changed my life (well, as much as a simple hair tip can change a life). I like to do my hair in 3 different sections starting from underneath, to middle, to my top layer of hair. Always curl away from your face and switch directions when you get to a corner in the back of your head. Pull the curling iron down as you are letting go of the hair for a more wavy look and less ringlet. It doesn’t have to be curled perfectly since we are going for the messy look! As I am curling, I spray with Matrix Oil Wonders Hairspray. I found that this hairspray has a good hold without getting crunchy. Once I’m all curled I brush it out with my fingers. I spray Pureology Sea-Kissed Texturizer all over to add a little wave. I also use this product on wet hair and it works like a salt spray without the harshness because it is salt free! My favorite finishing spray for a messy look is Redken Wind Blown. I’m admittedly obsessed with this product and I buy it in bulk. It is really dry but gives a great texture while adding volume. Last I use Redken Diamond Oil High Shine Mist for a little gloss to top it off with. I can normally go two days after putting in all this work and if I get a little oily on my roots I use my favorite dry shampoo that also helps with roots in between hair appointments Bumble and Bumble White Hair Powder (they also have other colors).
Last but not least, is my favorite overall styling product, Living Proof Instant Texture Mist. This texture mist can be used on wet, dry, straight, or curled hair. It does just what is says it is going to do: give INSTANT texture. It is a bit like a spray on wax but way less sticky. I love the entire line of Living Proof products but this one takes the cake. I can go from straight to wavy with this one product. I use it right out of the shower and let my hair air dry for a super natural wavy look!
So, in short, I am a product whore. This is something that I have come to terms with and have accepted about myself. But after years of trying different products these are my favorite products to date. I still love trying new products and am a sucker for good branding but I usually come back to these tired and true few. Give these styling products a try and let me know how it goes! Or, just come to the beach and get yourself some natural beach waves!
Photographer & Cut/Color: Brooke Mullins + @brookehamiltonmullins
