As someone whose hair is in a perpetual state of “wild beach waves,” I often receive questions about which styling products I use. Although I certainly have my favorite products, as a former hairstylist I felt it was my duty to create a well-rounded list. All of these products should create very similar end results, but you’ll just have to keep your own personal hair needs in mind to see which one is best suited for you! I’ve gone ahead and broken each product down by: (1) WHO it’ll work best for, (2) WHAT exactly it is, and (3) HOW I like to use it. I should also preface this by saying that I almost never blow dry my hair, so I use all of these products in conjunction with air drying. You can most definitely use a diffuser on your hair if you have to, but this look is easier to achieve when you’re not disrupting the waves. **IGK Beach Club is missing only because I decided, while writing this, to add it to another beach waves styling post that’s coming soon!**
Wild Beach Waves in full effect.
- COCOOIL OCEAN SPRAY:
- WHO: Most hair types; may be slightly heavy for super fine hair.
- WHAT: Very universal coconut oil & sea salt spray that smells like a fresh coconut. Minimal and natural ingredients, has the perfect amount of grit and texture.
- HOW: Like most of these products, I use them both wet and dry. Spray through towel-dried hair to create set in piecey waves, or use on dry hair to revive separation & texture. **May or may not be my favorite ;)**
2. ALTERNA OCEAN WAVES:
- WHO: All hair types.
- WHAT: Similar to the first product, but this one is slightly less gritty and has a bit lighter of a finish. Also smells like a tropical vacation.
- HOW: On towel-dried hair to give hold and separation. Can be used on dry hair like a soft hold texture spray. [I’ve used this product for almost 10 years, wtf]
SHOP ALTERNA OCEAN WAVES [New packaging & name.]
3. VERB SEA SPRAY:
- WHO: Best salt spray EVER for fine hair! But it’s also great for normal hair as well.
- WHAT: Super fine mist sea salt spray that has a very soft fragrance. Won’t weigh fine hair down, but it’s buildable so it can still be very effective on normal to coarse hair.
- HOW: Spray on towel-dried hair and scrunch to set in waves. Once hair has dried, you can add more to build up desired texture.
4. R+CO ROCKAWAY:
- WHO: All hair types.
- WHAT: This one is more of an Honorable Mention because it’s a pretty standard sea salt spray, but the one distinctive characteristic is it’s scent. It’s much more fragrant than most of my salt sprays and I use it as more of a hair perfume that also gives me texture. This is my go-to product when I want to go from beach-to-brunch and I don’t want my mane smelling like the lost city of Atlantis, ya dig?
- HOW: Spray in towel-dried hair for fragrant tresses or use as after beach hair fragrance.
5. ALTERNA BREEZE DRY BALM:
- WHO: Normal to coarse hair; anyone needing moisture and smoothing for dry or color treated hair.
- WHAT: Lightweight creamy texturizing balm; smells like heaven; very little hold but good amount of texture.
- HOW: Use on towel-dried hair and scrunch. Can also use it on dry hair for added smoothing power and separation.
6. AMIKA HAUTE MESS TEXTURE GLOSS:
- WHO: Best for normal to coarse; if fine hair, use a light hand.
- WHAT: Medium hold texture gel that has amazing grit and seperation. Very light scent, so it’s nice for anyone who has fragrance sensitivities.
- HOW: Use on towel-dried hair to scrunch in waves, or on dry hair to separate and add texturize.
So there you have it folks! If you have any questions, please please, feel free to DM me on Instagram or leave a comment on this post! If you try any of them, let me know what you think! As always, sending lots of tropical vibes your way!
Xx – Rachael
