How to Get Beach Waves With a Curling Iron: A Step-by-Step Guide

Beach waves should look soft, separated, and slightly undone. If your finished style keeps looking like tight ringlets instead, the problem is usually not your hair. It is the technique.

The final wave pattern depends on five main factors:

• Section size
• Tool angle
• Curl direction
• How quickly you move the tool
• How you finish the ends

Once you understand how these details work together, creating loose beach waves becomes much easier and more repeatable.

This tutorial uses the TYMO AIRFLOW hair curler, which has a rounded 1.25-inch design and built-in cool airflow to help set soft curls and waves. It can also create other styles, giving you additional versatility from the same tool.

What You Need to Create Beach Waves

You do not need a complicated styling kit. Prepare:

• A curling tool
• Heat protectant
• Sectioning clips
• A brush or comb 
• A lightweight texture spray 
• Flexible-hold hairspray, if needed

For this tutorial, we use the TYMO AIRFLOW hair curler.

Before applying heat, use a heat-protection product such as TYMO Heat Protectant Spray. Apply it according to the product instructions, distribute it evenly, and make sure your hair is completely dry before curling.

You can also explore the full TYMO hair-care collection for products that support your preparation and finishing routine.

Still choosing a curling tool? Compare TYMO's hair curlers here.

Is a 1.25-Inch Curling Iron Good for Beach Waves?

Yes. A 1.25-inch curling iron is well suited to soft beach waves because it creates a looser, more relaxed shape than a smaller barrel.

Smaller curling tools generally create tighter definition, while larger rounded tools produce wider bends and more movement.

TYMO AIRFLOW has a rounded 1.25-inch design intended for loose, bouncy curls and soft waves.

 For a broader comparison, read our guide to choosing the right curling iron size.

3 ways to curl your hair with TYMO AIRFLOW.

How to Get Beach Waves With a Curling Iron

Step 1: Start With Completely Dry Hair

Always begin with completely dry, detangled hair.

Using a heated curling tool on damp hair can expose the strands to unnecessary heat and make the wave form unevenly.

Apply TYMO Heat Protectant Spray according to the instructions, then brush through your hair so the product is distributed evenly.

If your hair becomes oily or flat easily, avoid applying too much heavy product before styling. Excess products can weigh down the finished waves.

TYMO AIRFLOW should only be used on completely dry hair.

Step 2: Divide Your Hair Into Layers

Trying to curl all your hair without sectioning can lead to missed pieces, uneven waves, and sections that are too large to style consistently.

Divide your hair horizontally:

• Fine or low-density hair: 2 to 3 layers 
• Medium-density hair: 3 to 4 layers 
• Thick hair: 4 to 5 layers

Clip the upper layers away and begin with the hair closest to the nape of your neck.

Sectioning also makes it easier to reach the back of your head and create a more even result.

Step 3: Choose the Right Section Size

Section size has a major effect on the finished wave pattern.

• Smaller sections create more defined waves 
• Medium sections create balanced beach waves
• Larger sections create looser bends
• Oversized sections may not style evenly

Begin with sections approximately 1 inch wide.

If the result looks too tight, make the next sections slightly larger. If the waves disappear too quickly, use slightly smaller sections.

The section should fit comfortably between the plates without hair spilling heavily outside the tool.

Step 4: Position the Tool Near the Mid-Lengths

For relaxed beach waves, avoid beginning every curl directly at the root.

Place TYMO AIRFLOW around the upper mid-length of the section, leaving some space between the tool and your scalp.

Beginning around the mid-lengths creates a flatter, more relaxed shape near the roots while adding movement through the lengths and ends.

For more root volume, begin slightly higher. For a softer and more casual finish, begin lower down the section.

Keep the heated area away from your scalp, face, neck, and skin.

Step 5: Rotate the Front Sections Away From Your Face

The front pieces frame your face, so their direction has a major effect on the finished style.

Close the tool gently around the section, then rotate it away from your face.

• On the right side, rotate the tool toward the back of your head 
• On the left side, rotate in the opposite direction, also moving toward the back

This opens the hairstyle and prevents the front sections from folding inward across your face.

For more detail, read our guide to choosing the right curl direction.

Step 6: Rotate and Glide Through the Section

Once the hair is positioned inside the tool:

• Close the plates gently around the section 
• Rotate the tool approximately half a turn 
• Maintain the rotated position
• Glide the tool smoothly toward the ends 
• Keep the movement continuous

Moving too quickly may create a weak bend that disappears quickly. Moving too slowly may create a tighter curl or expose the section to more heat than necessary.

The correct speed depends on your hair condition, section size, temperature setting, and desired level of definition.

Avoid stopping in one place, as this may create a visible dent in the section.

Step 7: Alternate Directions Through the Rest of Your Hair

After curling the front pieces away from your face, alternate the direction of the remaining sections.

Alternating directions prevents the waves from joining into one large curl pattern. It creates separation, volume, and a more natural finish.

For example:

• Rotate one section away from your face 
• Rotate the next section toward your face 
• Continue alternating around your head

You do not need to make every section perfectly identical. Slight variation helps beach waves look softer and less polished.

Keep the sections directly around your face moving away from it.

Step 8: Leave the Ends Slightly Straighter

Leaving the ends straighter is one of the easiest ways to make the result look like beach waves instead of ringlets.

As you approach the end of the section, gradually reduce the rotation and glide the tool through the final portion with less tension.

 You can also stop rotating before reaching the final 0.5 to 1 inch of hair.

Adjust the amount based on your hair length:

• Short hair: leave only a small portion straighter
• Medium hair: leave approximately 0.5 to 1 inch straighter 
• Long hair: leave approximately 1 inch straighter

Curling the section tightly all the way to the tips creates a more polished spiral. Straighter ends create a softer and more modern beach-wave finish.

Fully curled ends create a polished curl. Straighter ends create a softer beach wave.

Step 9: Let the Wave Cool 

Do not pull, brush, or separate the wave immediately after styling it.

Hair is still flexible while warm.Cooling allows the section to settle into its new shape.

TYMO AIRFLOW has built-in 360° cool airflow that can be used while styling to cool the hair as it moves through the tool. The product provides both normal heating and heating with cool airflow modes.

Even with the airflow activated, allow the finished waves to cool before brushing or loosening them.

Step 10: Loosen the Waves

Once every section has cooled, break up the waves.

Choose your finishing method according to the result you want:

• Use your fingers for separated, textured waves
• Use a wide-tooth comb for softer, blended waves 
• Use a brush lightly for smoother, more glamorous waves

Start gently. You can always loosen the waves further, but it is difficult to rebuild their definition after brushing too aggressively.

Finish with a small amount of lightweight texture spray or flexible-hold hairspray.

If your lengths feel dry, explore TYMO's hair-care products for additional preparation and finishing options. Apply oils and sprays lightly so they do not weigh down the waves.

How to Make Loose Waves Instead of Tight Curls

If your waves keep looking too curled or polished, adjust the technique before increasing the temperature.

One common mistake is pulling apart the waves while they are still warm.

That may make them appear softer immediately, but it can also cause them to lose their shape.

Let the waves cool first. Then loosen them.

How Tool Angle Changes the Finished Wave

The position of the tool affects the direction and shape of the finished wave.

Vertical Position

Holding the tool vertically creates a longer and more elongated wave pattern.

This is usually the best position for relaxed beach waves.

Diagonal Position 

A diagonal position creates a combination of lift and length.

This can work well around the front layers when you want soft movement around the face.

Horizontal Position 

A horizontal position generally creates a rounder shape with more lift.

Use this positioning when you want greater volume or a more traditional curled finish.

For this tutorial, keep TYMO AIRFLOW mostly vertical or slightly diagonal as you rotate and glide through each section.

How to Create Beach Waves on Different Hair Lengths

Beach Waves for Short Hair 

For short hair, use narrow sections and begin the wave slightly lower down the length.

Rotate the tool gently rather than creating a full, tight turn. Short hair usually needs bends and movement rather than a complete spiral.

Leave only a small portion of the ends straight. Leaving too much out can make the finished style look incomplete.

Work carefully around your face, neck, and ears.

Beach Waves for Medium-Length Hair 

Medium-length hair works especially well with the 1.25-inch rounded design of TYMO AIRFLOW.

Begin around the mid-lengths, rotate the front sections away from your face, and alternate directions through the remaining sections.

 Leave approximately 0.5 to 1 inch of the ends straighter.

Use medium sections for classic beach waves or slightly larger sections for a looser finish.

Beach Waves for Long Hair 

Long hair usually needs more sections rather than more heat.

 Divide your hair into additional layers and work with manageable sections that fit comfortably inside the tool.

Begin the rotation around the upper mid-lengths. Glide smoothly toward the ends without stopping in one place.

If your hair loses curls easily, use slightly smaller sections and allow each wave to cool before touching it.

What Heat Setting Should You Use?

There is no single correct temperature for everyone.

Begin with the lowest effective setting for your hair condition and increase only when necessary.

TYMO AIRFLOW has five temperature settings:

These are product-specific TYMO AIRFLOW recommendations, not universal temperature rules for every curling tool.

 Always follow the instructions included with your device and begin conservatively.

Avoid repeatedly restyling the same section when a smaller section, slower controlled movement, or slightly different angle would work better.

More heat does not automatically produce better or longer-lasting beach waves.

Shop TYMO AIRFLOW.

Common Beach-Wave Mistakes

1. Curling Every Section in the Same Direction 

This can make the waves blend into one uniform shape. Alternate directions to create more separation and movement. 

2. Using Sections That Are Too Large 

Oversized sections may not style evenly. Use sections that fit comfortably between the plates. 

3. Moving the Tool Too Quickly 

Moving too quickly may create a weak bend that disappears soon after styling.

4. Holding the Tool in One Place 

Pausing during the glide can create a dent or uneven wave. Keep the tool moving continuously.

5. Curling the Ends Too Tightly 

Reduce the rotation as you reach the final portion of the section.

6. Loosening the Waves While They Are Warm

Wait until the hair has cooled before using your fingers, comb, or brush.

7. Using More Heat Than Necessary 

When the wave does not form, first check your section size, movement speed, tool angle, and rotation.

8. Applying Too Much Product 

Heavy products can weigh down the waves. Begin with a small amount and add more only when needed.

9. Ignoring the Lower Layers 

Curling only the visible upper layer can leave the finished style flat or incomplete underneath.

How to Make Beach Waves Last Longer

Beach waves that disappear quickly often need better preparation, sectioning, and cooling.

Try these adjustments:

• Begin with completely dry hair
• Apply heat protectant evenly
• Avoid overloading the hair with heavy products
• Use slightly smaller sections if your waves fall quickly
• Keep the tool moving slowly and consistently
• Activate the cool airflow while styling
• Let every wave cool before loosening it
• Use the lowest effective temperature
• Apply lightweight texture spray after cooling
• Avoid repeatedly touching the finished waves
• Use flexible hold instead of making the hair stiff

If curl retention is your biggest challenge, read our guide on how to make curls last longer.

Can You Make Different Curl Styles With TYMO AIRFLOW?

Yes. Changing the section size, tool angle, rotation, and movement speed allows you to create different finishes with the same tool.

TYMO AIRFLOW can also create other smooth styles, so you can change your finished look without switching to another device.

Other Ways to Create Beach Waves With TYMO Tools

For Automatic Curling

Use TYMO CURLPRO PLUS when you prefer automatic hair wrapping and selectable curl directions.

 For the full process, read how to use TYMO CURLPRO.

For a Flat-Iron Wave Technique

Follow our guide to creating beach waves with a flat iron or with our TYMO ROVY.

Final Takeaway

The secret to beach waves is not making every curl perfect.

Work with manageable sections, begin around the mid-lengths, rotate the front pieces away from your face, and alternate directions through the rest of your hair.

Glide the tool smoothly, keep the ends slightly straighter, and allow every wave to cool before loosening it.

Once those fundamentals are right, you can adjust the section size, rotation, angle, and finishing method to create your preferred level of definition.

Ready to build your styling routine?

• Explore TYMO AIRFLOW 
• Compare all TYMO hair curlers 
• Browse TYMO hair-care products 
• Prepare your hair with TYMO Heat Protectant Spray

Frequently Asked Questions