Curling Iron 101: How to Master Beachy Waves Like a Pro

Beachy waves are every It girl's go-to — a smart choice that’s effortless, touchable, and wearable from desk to drinks and beyond. They add instant cool, play nice with almost every length and hair type, and yes, they’re actually easy to create. 

Ready to dive in? Beachy waves don’t come with a single rulebook. 

For the best results, you need the right curling iron and technique for your hair length, texture, and the exact look you’re chasing. 

The good thing is that with the right VS Sassoon tool, smart heat settings, and the correct wrap method, you’ll get that effortless, long-lasting look that everyone is lusting after – on demand. 

Before You Start: Three Must‑knows About Curling Irons for Beachy Waves

• Length determines styler specs: Loose waves on long hair often need a wider barrel than a shoulder‑length lob, so pick the styler that will work for your length.

• Texture dictates hold: Finer hair usually needs lighter sections, lower heat, and a touch more flexible hairspray; thicker textures can take a smidge more heat and bigger sections.

• Style = strategy: Not all waves are the same – soft S‑bends, glossy glam, or surfer‑y texture each call for different barrels and wrapping techniques.

Prep and Section: Your Dream Hair Foundation

• Clean, dry, protected: Work on dry hair with heat protectant from mid‑lengths to ends.

• Map it: Part where you want volume to sit, then section into neat 2–3 cm layers for consistency.

• Pre‑volume: Add root lift and a quick pass with a hot air brush for airy bounce before you curl.

Get In the Know: The  VS Sassoon Guide to Curling Tools for Hair

• Curling iron: Best all‑rounder for control and consistency; perfect for polished beach waves. Try the 25mm Ceramic Curler for tighter bends or step up to the 38mm Ceramic Curler for looser waves.

• Conical/wand: Fast, undone beachy texture. Go for the Smooth Fusion 32-19mm Conical Wand  with its clipless tapered barrel wand that varies from 32mm to 19mm in width for that effortless, lived‑in finish.

• Rotating auto curler: The Curl Secret Ceramic Auto Curler delivers hands‑off, symmetrical curls; perfect for beginners or tired wrists. Make curls beachy by brushing out and adding a salt spray.

• Hot air brush: Blowout‑style soft bends and lift – perfect for fine hair. Start with the Air Style Brilliance to build volume and a bouncy base before waving (7-in-1 attachments, including a conical wand).

Match Your Mane: VS Sassoon Curling Tools by Length

• Short to lob (above shoulders to shoulder): Smaller barrels create definition that relaxes into beachy. Try the 19mm Instant Heat Ceramic Curler for a hold that loosens nicely or the 25mm Ceramic Curler for a softer bend.

• Medium (shoulder to chest): A medium curling iron or conical wand is the sweet spot. Or invest in the Air Style Brilliance and play with 7 attachments – its conical wand is perfect for beachy waves with undone ends.

• Long (below chest): Go bigger for loose, swingy movement, or experiment with an air styler. Reach for the Smooth Fusion40 mm Curler or the 38mm Ceramic Curler for long, airy waves. You can also browse the full Curlers & Wavers range to compare barrels and finishes.

Set for Success: Curling Iron Temps by Texture

Use these Texture‑based settings for your curling iron:

• Fine/fragile: 150–170°C, smaller sections, minimal product while hot; finish with flexible hold.

• Medium: 170–190°C, standard sections; texture spray mid‑lengths for grip.

• Thick/coarse: 190–205°C as needed, larger sections; prep with a light mousse for control.

• Colour‑treated/delicate: Stay on the lower end and keep contact time short.

Wrap Right for Guaranteed Results

A power move that brings big results – how you wrap your hair around your styler of choice makes a big difference to shape, shine, and staying power. Try these go-to wrapping moves to fine‑tune your finish.

• Flat wrap: Wrap the hair flat like a ribbon on the barrel so heat spreads evenly across a wider surface. 

Outcome: Wider “S” bends, a smoother surface, and a more relaxed, beachy flow. Think soft, polished waves with movement rather than tight curl springs. Great when you want shine, glide, and an effortless, brushed‑out finish.

• Twist wrap: Twist the section lightly before wrapping, so different fibres get slightly different heat exposure. 

Outcome: Tighter, more dimensional bends with separation between strands. You’ll see piecey texture, more grab for styling products, and a bit of natural‑looking grit. Ideal for that “undone surfer” vibe or when you want waves to hold definition without feeling crunchy.

• Alternating directions behind the ear: Changing wrap direction from one section to the next breaks up pattern repetition.

Outcome: Natural movement, better volume, and no uniform “helmet” effect. Hair looks fuller and less like identical curls stacked together.

• Leaving the ends straighter: Stopping 1–3 cm before the ends keeps tips relaxed. 

Outcome: A modern, beachy finish instead of ringlets; ends look lived‑in and wearable, which also helps waves fall into that effortless shape as the day goes on.

It Girl Chic – No Snoozy Salon Session Required

Ready to rock easy-to-create, effortless beach waves that outlast your lifestyle? Pick the VS Sassoon curling tool that suits your hair, try out our easy proven techniques and strut your stuff, knowing that everyone is asking,  “Where did she get THAT hair?”

Love your style, the VS Sassoon Team xx