Soft beach waves are a timeless hairstyle that adds texture and volume to your hair with a relaxed, carefree vibe. Achieving this look with a curling iron is more accessible than you might think, even for beginners. To start, choose a curling iron with a medium barrel size — typically around 1 to 1.25 inches — which works best for creating loose, natural curls that mimic beach waves. Before styling, always apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage and keep your hair healthy. Begin curling by taking sections of hair no bigger than one inch. Wrap each section loosely around the barrel, holding it for a few seconds before releasing. To get the signature soft, tousled effect, alternate the direction of the curls on each section — curling some away from your face and others toward your face. This creates a more natural, textured look instead of uniform curls. After curling your whole head, let your hair cool completely. Then gently run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through the curls to loosen them up. For added volume and movement, you can lightly spritz on a texturizing spray or sea salt spray — these products help enhance the beachy look by adding grip and softness. To finish, use a light-hold hairspray to keep your waves in place without making them stiff or crunchy. Soft beach waves are versatile and can complement many styles, whether you’re dressing up for an event or aiming for an everyday casual look. With a little practice and the right tools, styling soft beach waves with a curling iron can become your go-to hair tutorial. It’s a simple way to refresh your hairstyle and achieve that effortlessly chic appearance.