We can all agree on one thing in the Birchbox offices: We love waves. Our curling irons and styling wands at our desks are proof. But there was much debate as to how we defined different types of waves — what does a beachy one look like versus boho? After all the back and forth (is there even a difference?!) we decided to take a not-so-scientific office poll to settle what each wave really looks like, finally agreeing on five emblematic styles. Check out these tutorials to master each of the waves once and for all.
Glam Waves
The clear red carpet favourite of the bunch, these loose, glossy waves are usually worn with a deep side parting, a behind-the-ear tuck and five-figure designer gowns.
Method: In true Old Hollywood form, YouTuber Dacey Hapa curls the front section of her hair holding the curling iron horizontally (like a roller) and pins each curl to cool. This method ensures the shape sets, so you get that defined “S” wave even after you brush through them.
Product: Complete the look with an oil-infused spray like Beauty Protector Protect & Oil to get that polished, high-shine finish.
Victoria’s Secret Waves
These bombshell waves regularly seen on Angels like Alessandra and Adriana have the perfect balance of volume, bounce, and just enough deconstruction for major sex appeal.
Method: While many vloggers go the curling iron and boar bristle brush route, YouTuber Liza Prideaux shows you how to get VS waves using a wide flat iron. Focus on alternating the width of each section you wrap around the straightener to get a more natural effect.
Product: KMS California’s FREESHAPE 2-in-1 Styling + Finishing Spray will prep damp hair for heat styling PLUS set the finished look in place with just a few spritzes.
Beachy Waves
Usually spotted seaside and on the blonde celebrity set, these effortless, textured waves are beloved for their ability to make minor tangles look fashionable — and for reminding us that the beach is only a bottle of sea salt spray away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jidh6x-b9lk?list=UUVWSfj_6x17X6ajZfo8-Kew
Method: Vlogger Amber Fillerup has a unique technique to get beachy waves: curl the top three-fourths of hair, then create a crimp on the straight ends using the iron.
Product: Use your fingers to work a sea salt spray like KMS California’s HAIRPLAY Sea Salt Spray from roots to end after heat-styling and finish with the Number 4 Jour D’Automne Non Aerosol Hair Spray to add texture and shine.
Boho Waves
Definition: Beachy waves’ softer, less textured cousin, this free-spirited, brushed-through style is relaxed and touchable, often worn with a centre parting, “no-makeup” makeup (and sometimes a DIY flower crown).
Method: To create the soft finish that sets boho waves apart, follow vlogger Keishanista’s lead and wrap large sections of hair around a tapered curling wand to create more defined waves in the bottom half of your hair. Comb through your curls with a wide-tooth comb and top off your look with a hippieish headdress.
Product: Prep your hair with a leave-in conditioner or a moisturising heat protectant — we love Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle, which works as both.
Bed Head Waves
Definition: These purposefully messy, “I woke up like this” waves are the unofficial hairstyle of cool girls everywhere—they’re often worn with second (or third, or fourth) day hair and plenty of dry shampoo.
Method: Birchbox staffer Whitney has mastered the undone look — start by spraying your hair with a dry shampoo like Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo to add volume and absorb excess oil. Then wrap different sized pieces of your hair around a wide curling wand, like the T3 SinglePass Whirl Wand, leaving the ends out.
Product: Work a flexible styling product or wax spray like the KMS California HAIRPLAY Dry Wax through your waves to create texture.