Scroll back to the beginning of your social media feeds and you’re likely to be inundated with endless snaps of beachy waves.
Considered Instagram’s founding follicular trend, bouncy barrel curls tumbling over tanned shoulders were about as popular as denim cut-offs and wedge sneakers back in the day. And curls have evolved just like our social media habits. In the same way lavish Instagram posts are being swapped for TikTok videos, we’ve traded in the highly styled voluminous curls for last night’s incidental top-knot kinks.
So, after a decade-long affair with our curling tong, what has finally turned the tide on the beach wave?
“Over the past few seasons, there’s been a theme across fashion trends towards celebrating individual style,” explains Melbourne-based hairstylist Lauren Mackellar.
“We’re definitely seeing that continue into hair. The new wave is actually more of a bend than a curl. It’s about working with what you’ve got, rather than trying to do one particular style.”
Who does it suit?
A lack of uniformity has helped to open up the trend to every hair type and texture.
“It can be done with naturally dried or diffused texture, rather than smoothing or straightening out the hair beforehand,” says Lauren.
“It’s also one less step for those of us who have natural kinks and waves already and, of course, less heat damage for your hair.”
Get the look
Mackellar suggests starting with a volumising shampoo and conditioner duo to build body, before letting your hair dry naturally.
“Or use a diffuser to dry the hair without flattening it too much – it’ll help even the finest hair to hold a wave,” she suggests.
While the style is relaxed enough to warrant little more than a wash, scrunch and air-dry, it’s easy to add polish if you’re so inclined.
“Once your hair is dry, you can use any curling wand with a clamp, a flat iron or a triple-barrel tong, and work your way down the hair, holding your tool horizontally,” says Lauren.
For an even more natural look, try alternating the direction of your curls for more tousles, an imperfect finish and lots more movement. Finish with a soft-hold hairspray and wait for the compliments!
Try these products to get the look:
Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Cleansing Lotion, $56, from Adore Beauty
Christophe Robin Defining Cream with Chia Seed Oil, $47, from Adore Beauty
GHD Rise, $280, from GHD
R+Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray, $48, from David Jones
Goldwell StyleSign Curls & Waves Curl Control Cream, $22.95, from Oz Hair and Beauty
Kevin Murphy Body Builder Volumising Mousse, $42.95, from Adore Beauty
Mermade Hair – Hair Waver, $99, from Mermade Hair
Eleven Australia Curling Iron, $159, from Adore Beauty
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