Iconic Hairstyles
How to Rock Beach Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Stylish and protective beach hairstyles that keep curly hair frizz-free, defined, and easy to manage.
Beach hairstyles for curly hair are all about combining style with protection. The beach environment—sun, saltwater, wind, and humidity—can be harsh on curls, leading to dryness, frizz, and tangles.
That's why choosing the right hairstyle is key. Ideal beach hairstyles should keep curls manageable, reduce damage, and enhance their natural texture. Options like the pineapple updo, loose braids, messy buns, and half-up styles are perfect for curly hair.
These looks not only look stylish and carefree but also keep hair off the face and neck, preventing tangling in the wind and water. Before styling, it's smart to apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
Lightweight oils like coconut or argan oil can help protect the hair shaft from salt and sun exposure. Hair accessories such as scrunchies, scarves, claw clips, and wide-brim hats add flair while protecting curls.
After a beach day, it's important to rinse out saltwater and apply a deep conditioner to restore softness. Whether you're relaxing on the sand or playing in the waves, the right curly beach hairstyle keeps your hair healthy and lets your natural beauty shine effortlessly by the shore.
Tips Before Styling Your Curly Hair for the Beach
Before you even pick a hairstyle, here are a few essential tips to keep your curls protected and looking their best at the beach:
1. Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Curl Cream
Saltwater can dry out curly hair. Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to add moisture and definition before styling.
2. Use Protective Oils or Sprays
Coconut oil or argan oil forms a protective barrier against salt, sun, and wind. Anti-frizz sprays also help manage volume.
3. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Tight ponytails or buns can cause breakage when wet. Go for loose, protective styles instead.
4. Pack a Wide-Tooth Comb
Curly hair tangles easily in the wind and water. A wide-tooth comb is gentle and perfect for detangling without damage.
Beach Day Hair Prep for Curly Hair
1. Hydrate Before You Go
Use a leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or hydrating mist. This creates a moisture barrier to protect your strands from salt and sun.
2. Seal with Oil
Apply light oils like argan, coconut, or jojoba. Oils seal moisture and reduce frizz.
3. Detangle Gently
Detangle your curls with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to avoid breakage and prevent knots after swimming.
4. Avoid Heat Styling
Let your curls air-dry before heading to the beach to preserve their natural shape and avoid heat damage.
Accessories for Curly Beach Hairstyles
Make your beach look more fun and functional with these:
- Scrunchies - Gentle on curls, won't pull or break strands.
- Headwraps/Scarves - Protect from UV damage and add style.
- Claw Clips - Good for loose updos and buns.
- Wide-Brim Hat - Shields curls from sun exposure.
- Hair Jewelry - Add small beads or shells to braids for a beachy touch.
- Satin Lined Caps - Protect curls from drying out under sun hats.
Sun-Kissed Natural Curls with Volume
The top section of curly hair is twisted back and secured, leaving the bottom curls flowing freely. This creates a romantic, effortless look that's great for beach photos.
The twist adds texture while keeping hair out of your face during beach activities like swimming or volleyball.
Floral Half-Up Curly Style
All the curly hair is gathered into a high bun on top of the head and secured with a colorful scrunchie.
This style keeps all hair up and away from your neck, making it perfect for hot beach days. The scrunchie adds a fun, playful touch to the look.
Sleek Crown Braid with Defined Curls
Natural curly hair is worn completely down with enhanced beach waves. The curls are defined and voluminous, creating a carefree, windswept appearance.
This style embraces the natural texture of curly hair and looks like you just stepped off the beach with perfect, effortless waves.
Twisted Half-Up Beach Look
Curly hair is swept to one side and flows over the shoulder. This asymmetrical style creates a glamorous, romantic look while keeping one side of the face clear.
The curls cascade beautifully and catch the light, making it perfect for sunset beach photos or dinner dates.
Mini Braids with Side-Parted Curls
A relaxed, loose braid is created on one side, starting from the temple area. The braid isn't tight, allowing some curls to escape for a messy, beachy effect.
This style is perfect when you want something more interesting than hair down but not as formal as an updo.
Cornrow Braids with Loose Curly Ends
Multiple Dutch braids are woven close to the scalp and then gathered into a ponytail. This protective style keeps curly hair secure during water activities and looks sporty yet stylish.
The braids add texture and pattern while the ponytail keeps length controlled and manageable.
Beachy Waves with Starfish Clip
The top section of curly hair is pulled back and secured, with the rest flowing down. A small flower or hair accessory is added for decoration.
This bohemian style is perfect for beach weddings or romantic sunset walks, combining natural beauty with a feminine touch.
Curly Puff with Side Twists
The hair is twisted or braided around the head like a crown, with remaining curls gathered into a low bun.
This elegant updo keeps all hair secured while creating a beautiful, intricate pattern around the head. Perfect for formal beach events or when you want to look extra special.
Loose Curls with Braided Front Strands
This hairstyle combines a loose side braid with a low ponytail. The curly hair is gently braided on one side and then gathered into a ponytail at the back.
It keeps hair neat while showing off natural curls. Perfect for windy beach days when you want your hair controlled but still pretty.
Soft Mid-Length Waves with Subtle Highlights
Natural curly hair is enhanced with sea salt spray to create loose, tousled waves. The hair flows freely with a carefree, just-rolled-out-of-bed look that's actually carefully styled.
This effortless style captures the essence of beach hair and works well with the ocean breeze.
Messy Curly Top Bun
All curly hair is twisted and secured into a high knot on top of the head. This messy bun keeps hair completely off the neck and face, making it ideal for hot, humid beach weather.
The style is quick to create and gives a chic, modern look.
Half-Up Twist with Loose Curls
This hairstyle features all curly hair swept dramatically to one side, creating a beautiful cascading effect. The curls flow over the shoulder in layers, giving volume and movement. It's a glamorous look that works well for beach parties or romantic dinners.
The asymmetrical style frames the face beautifully while showing off the natural curl pattern and texture.
Wet-Look Natural Beach Curls
The hair is parted deeply on one side with the front sections smoothed down, while the rest maintains loose, bouncy curls. This style combines sleek and curly textures for a polished yet relaxed beach look.
It's perfect when you want to look put-together but still embrace your natural curls. The contrast creates visual interest and sophistication.
Double Mini Braids with Defined Curls
This medium-length curly hairstyle sits around shoulder level with natural, defined curls throughout. The curls are well-moisturized and shaped to create a rounded, bouncy silhouette. It's a classic length that's easy to manage at the beach while still looking stylish.
The natural curl pattern is enhanced to create uniform, springy curls that move beautifully in the ocean breeze.
Cornrow-Inspired Top Braids with Loose Bottom Curls
The top section of curly hair is gathered and secured at the crown, leaving the bottom half flowing freely. This creates a youthful, casual look that keeps hair partially out of the face while showcasing the curl pattern.
It's practical for beach activities like volleyball or frisbee, yet still looks feminine and pretty. The style adds height and volume at the crown.
Side Swept Curly Updo with Clips
This hairstyle features tightly defined spiral curls that are well-formed and bouncy. Each curl is perfectly shaped and separated, creating a uniform, polished appearance. The curls have great definition and shine, showing healthy, well-maintained hair.
This look requires good curl cream and styling to achieve the perfect spiral formation. It's glamorous and eye-catching for special beach occasions.
Simple Side-Parted Loose Waves
Loose, wavy hair is gathered into a relaxed ponytail at mid-height. The waves are soft and natural-looking, not too tight or defined. This creates a casual, effortless beach vibe that's perfect for active days.
The ponytail keeps hair controlled while the waves add movement and texture. It's a simple style that looks like you naturally have perfect beach hair.
Soft Defined Curls with Center Part
Extra-long curly hair flows freely down the back and sides, showcasing beautiful, healthy curls. The curls are loose and relaxed, creating a romantic, bohemian beach look. This style requires minimal styling - just enhancing the natural curl pattern with leave-in conditioner.
It's perfect for those blessed with long, naturally curly hair who want to show off their length and texture.
Beachy Blonde Waves with Volume
Medium-length hair is styled with messy, tousled waves that look effortlessly windswept. The texture is slightly rough and beachy, like you've been swimming and let your hair air dry.
This carefree style is achieved with sea salt spray and scrunching. It's the perfect "I woke up like this" beach look that's trendy and low-maintenance for vacation days.
Curly High Bun with Flowing Length
The curly hair is gathered into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. This simple style shows off the natural curl pattern while keeping hair tidy.
It's easy to do and works well under beach hats or when you want a casual, relaxed look for beach walks.
Loose Natural Beach Waves from Back View
Long curly hair is cut in layers to create maximum volume and movement. The curls are full and bouncy with lots of body throughout. The layered cut prevents the hair from becoming too heavy while enhancing the natural curl pattern.
This style creates a beautiful, full silhouette that looks amazing blowing in the ocean breeze. It's perfect for those who want dramatic, voluminous curls.
Half-Up Curly Style with Flower Clip
The top section of wavy hair is pulled back and secured, decorated with a tropical flower. The bottom half flows in loose waves, creating a romantic, island-inspired look.
This style is perfect for beach weddings, luaus, or any tropical celebration. The flower adds a pop of color and femininity while the waves keep the look soft and romantic.
Tight Braids to Loose Curls Beach Look
Multiple braids are woven throughout the hair and gathered into a textured updo at the back. This intricate style keeps all hair secured while creating beautiful patterns and texture.
It's perfect for windy beach days or water activities when you need hair completely out of the way. The braided elements add visual interest and bohemian flair to this practical yet stylish updo.
Curled Beach Hair with Starfish Clips
Hair is gathered into a low side ponytail and decorated with a star-shaped hair clip. The ponytail sits at one side of the neck, creating an asymmetrical, playful look. This style is fun and youthful, perfect for beach parties or casual summer days.
The star accessory adds a cute, beachy touch while keeping the overall look simple and easy to achieve.
Golden Spiral Curls with Flower Clip
This hairstyle features a single, loose braid that runs down the entire length of long hair, decorated with a tropical flower at the top. The braid is relaxed and slightly messy, giving it that perfect beachy vibe.
It's ideal for keeping long hair controlled during beach activities while still looking feminine and romantic. The flower adds a beautiful tropical touch that's perfect for vacation photos.
Low Curly Ponytail with Beach Bow
Hair is gathered into a low ponytail positioned to one side of the neck, secured with a vibrant blue flower accessory. This asymmetrical style creates visual interest while keeping hair neat and tidy.
The side placement is flattering and shows off the neck and shoulders. It's a simple yet elegant look that works perfectly for beach walks, dinner dates, or casual summer events.
Curly High Puff with Floral Clip
Curly hair is loosely gathered into a textured, messy updo at the crown of the head, accented with a white flower. The style has lots of volume and purposeful messiness that looks effortlessly chic.
Curly pieces frame the face softly while the bulk of hair is secured up high. This romantic style is perfect for beach weddings, special occasions, or when you want to look dressed up.
Half-Up Long Curly Hair with Volume
The top section of long curly hair is pulled back and secured, leaving the bottom half flowing freely in natural curls. A small flower decorates the secured section, adding a feminine touch.
This style keeps hair out of the face while showcasing the beautiful curl pattern. It's versatile enough for both casual beach days and more formal tropical events, striking the perfect balance between practical and pretty.
Floral Beach Curls at Sunset
Medium-length wavy hair is loosely twisted and gathered to one side, creating a relaxed, windswept appearance. The waves look natural and sun-kissed, like they've been shaped by ocean breezes.
This effortless style has movement and texture that catches the light beautifully. It's perfect for those who want a carefree, bohemian beach look that appears naturally tousled but is actually carefully styled for maximum impact.
Playful Curly Space Buns with Tendrils
Curly hair is gathered into a high, voluminous bun on top of the head, with soft curly pieces left out to frame the face. The bun has texture and height, while the face-framing curls add softness and femininity.
This style keeps hair completely off the neck and shoulders, making it ideal for hot beach days. The combination of structured and loose elements creates an elegant yet relaxed look.
Messy Curly Updo with Tropical Flowers
Curly hair is twisted and pinned into a loose, textured updo with pieces artfully escaping for a romantic, undone effect. Small flowers are woven throughout, creating a beautiful flower crown effect.
This bohemian style is perfect for beach festivals, weddings, or any special occasion where you want to look like a beach goddess. The combination of curls and flowers creates a dreamy, ethereal appearance that's Instagram-worthy.
Post-Beach Haircare for Curly Hair
After your beach adventure, give your curls some love:
1. Rinse with Fresh Water
Rinse out all salt, sand, and chlorine as soon as possible.
2. Use a Clarifying Shampoo Weekly
To remove buildup from salt, sunscreen, or oil.
3. Deep Condition
Use a rich mask with coconut, shea butter, or aloe to restore moisture.
4. Refresh with Curl Spray
The next day, spritz with a curl refresher or diluted leave-in conditioner.
5. Detangle with Care
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while hair is wet and conditioned.