Making Waves
How to get beachy waves no matter what your hair type.
The style I get asked about the most has to be beach waves. But as not all hair is created equal, there are tricks and tips for each hair type that will help you nail the trend every time. I asked David Gillson, Master Stylist and Partner at Carlton Hair Melrose Arch and Hyde Park, to give me his pro tips for creating waves that would make Ariel* jealous.
If your hair is poker straight and fine you’ll have the most work to do. Super straight locks are tricky – more often then not you’ll end up with a crunchy bird nest rather than waves. But follow David’s easy steps for beachy bliss.
STEP 1: Wash your hair with curl enhancing homecare such as Davines Essentials Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo, R210 and Conditioner, R235. This enhances the movement of your hair.
STEP 2: Towel-dry hair and apply a curl enhancing mousse, such as Davines More Inside Curl Moisturising Mousse, R235. Then divide your hair into four sections, twist hair round on itself, and blow dry gently on low heat. You could also try Redken Curvaceous Wave Ahead Texturizing Mousse for Waves, R352
STEP 3: Release the twists and spray with Davines More Inside Sea Salt Spray, R230, for a textured, beachy look. If your hair is naturally wavy, then just use mousse and let it dry on its own, and lock the style in with the sea salt spray. You can also try
Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray, R129.95
Trevor Sorbie Styling Sea Salt Texture Spray, R119.95
Toni & Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray, R119.95
Label.M Sea Salt Spray, R265
STEP 4: Put your bikini on and you’re ready to go!
If your hair is frizzy you’ll need to tame the frizz and enhance the wave. Do this by using a moisturising product like Davines Mono Cream, R226 in place of the mousse in step 2. This will help relax the hair shaft and make it more manageable. I also love Pureology Hydrate Shine Max Shinning Hair Smoother, R350, for this.
If your hair is coarse you need to add moisture and nourishment before you can even think about creating waves. Again, switch out the mousse in step 2, but this time use a nourishing treatment like Davines OI/All I One Treatment, R275, instead. Or try
Label.M Leave-In Conditioner, R260
BioSilk Sumer Therapy Silk Protect Leave-In Treatment, R89.95
Follow David on Twitter and Instagram for all things hair.
* Ariel is The Little Mermaid in case you have a Disney aversion.
