A flat iron is my hair tool of choice and I have used one for the past 16 years.  During that time, I have worn my hair in a myriad of styles and lengths.  Long, short, bob, lob, layered, bangs, fringe.  But no matter how my hair is cut, I use a flat iron to make my hair straight and smooth and a curling iron for body and waves.

Right now, my hair is a short, layered, A-line bob and I love it.  But I have to admit, every time I use my curling iron to create texture and waves, I feel my hair looks like a cross between Shirley Temple and Little Orphan Annie. Both looks I am NOT going for.

So when I heard about people getting beautiful beachy waves using a flat iron, I had to give it a try.

Well, I tried. And the results……incredible (or at least I think so).  When I saw how quick and easy it was, I had to share with you guys.

Beachy Waves with a Flat Iron Tutorial

1. Start with clean dry hair.  This is my hair after I used a blow dryer to dry and straighten it.

   

   

2. Part your hair how you want to style it.  Then section hair off into pieces.  I usually divide my hair into four “areas” and use these metal clips to hold the sections in place.
3. Take a 1 to 2 inch piece of hair.  Put it in the flat iron and close.  With your hair in the closed flat iron, rotate the flat iron 180 degrees away from your face.  Lightly lessen the squeeze of the flat iron on your hair, and slowly pull hair through the flat iron.  Repeat the process through the rest of hair that is not clipped up.  Ta-da!  The bottom layer of beautiful, chunky beach waves is ready to go.
4. Repeat the sectioning, rotating the flat iron, and lightly pulling through hair, to each pinned up area.Be sure to do just one area at a time until all your hair is curled.
5. To finish, take styling creme, or your preferred hair holding product, and rub it into your palms.  Lightly scrunch the curls at the bottom, working your way up to the crown of your head.  You can use your fingers to separate, twirl, and rearrange the curls to your liking.  Finish off with a quick spray of hairspray.

   

    

Seriously though, this will be is a huge game changer for your hair styling regimen.  Not only is this flat iron technique WAY faster than using a curling iron but it is much more efficient.  One tool, two styles. Less to pack, less to buy: it just all makes sense.

Have fun recreating these beachy waves. It may take a few attempts until you are satisfied but keep with it.  I promise, once you get it, you will love it.