Getting a "beach effect" for your hair doesn't require too much effort and seems to be one of the hottest ones at the moment. The "scrunching" technique can make hair more voluminous and less frizzy at the same time. To achieve this look, it's best to start with your hair still slightly damp. Use a towel or diffuser to remove some of the moisture, then start "crumpling" your hair upside down while applying your favorite styling product. Set the result with a veil of spray hairspray and you will have created a hairstyle that will last all day.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Towel and Styling Products Correctly
Step 1. Wash your hair and moisturize it with conditioner
Apply a volumizing shampoo and massage it well into the roots before rinsing. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before doing a final thorough rinse.
If you don't remove the knots from your hair before scrunching, you risk them looking worn out. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb them while you're in the shower. It's easier if you do this while the conditioner is still in your hair
Step 2. Absorb excess moisture with the towel
Divide your hair into small sections using your fingers, then wrap them in the towel one at a time. Gently press the fabric so that it absorbs excess water. Repeat the process section by section, until you have dabbed all of them.
- You can use a cotton t-shirt instead of a towel to absorb excess water from the hair. Many people claim that the thinner fabric helps create better waves and reduce frizz. If you have curly hair by nature, using a cotton shirt will also prevent it from breaking.
- In addition to a cotton t-shirt you can also use a microfiber towel, you will get the same benefits.
- To give your hair more texture and volume, you can wrap a towel around your head, like a turban, right after your shower. Leave it in that position for a couple of minutes, it will trap the heat radiated from the head and for this reason the hair will tend to curl.
Step 3. Get upside down
Lean your torso forward and let your hair fall towards the floor. Gradually run your fingers along the hair, from the nape side, untying any knots. You can use the towel to pat them further if they still feel very wet in some areas. However, remember that from this point on, it is best to only touch them with your hands.
Step 4. Use a curling product
Stand upside down and apply a small amount of a curly modeling mousse in the palms of your hands. Starting at the roots, grab the hair and crumple it between your fingers. To be clear, you have to perform the same movement you would do to crumple a sheet of paper. Finally, return to an upright position and continue applying the mousse.
- A curly modeling mousse is not the only option, you can also use a different product, for example a serum, gel or spray. The important thing is that it guarantees a strong hold, especially if you have thin or straight hair.
- Whether you have decided to use a mousse or other curl-enhancing product, it is best to avoid applying it on the ends. Otherwise they might look greasy or heavy.
Step 5. Push small sections of hair towards the scalp
After applying the foam evenly, keep moving your hands in the same way (doing "scrunching"). For sections of hair around the face, make a more precise movement by inserting a small section of hair into the palm and then folding it like an accordion before letting go.
Step 6. Let the hair finish air-drying
Do the "scrunching" technique all over your head again every 5-10 minutes until all your hair feels dry to the touch. It is better not to use the hair dryer to shorten the times because it could ruin the waves you just created.
Method 2 of 3: Give Your Hair More Volume Using Hairpins
Step 1. Blot your hair with the towel
After your shower, take a towel and pat a small section of hair at a time. Insert a strand between the folds of the fabric, then press gently so that it absorbs excess water. Continue until the hair is no longer wet, but only damp.
Step 2. Use clothespins for even more defined waves
After towel-drying your hair, prepare a good number of medium-sized nozzles. Shape small sections of hair, twist them and secure them on the head with clips. Arrange the spouts messily for a casual beach look. This is also a method that allows you to give more volume to the hair as it finishes drying.
- If you don't have nozzles available, you can wrap sections of hair into small buns and then pin them in place with rubber bands or bobby pins.
- You can create as many sections as you like. The larger the locks are, the wider and softer the waves will be, while thin locks will produce small and defined curls.
Step 3. Secure the hairstyle with hairspray
While wearing the tips, apply a strong hold hairspray all over your hair, trying to distribute it evenly. Leave the tips in place for another 30 minutes after spraying the lacquer. During this time it will dry and set on the hair.
- Depending on how quickly your hair will dry, you may need to hold the tips for longer than 30 minutes.
- It is best to use a hairspray that leaves the hair soft. Some products make them stiff and hard.
Step 4. Remove the spouts
Take them off one by one. Gently release your hair and gently pull it down. After removing all the tips, perform at least one round of "scrunching" on all the hair. If the lacquer has made them hard in places, work them with your fingers to soften it.
- Absolutely avoid combing or brushing your hair. Otherwise you will break up the waves and make them frizzy.
- If the result doesn't satisfy you completely, you can make small corrections where needed with a curling iron.
Step 5. Apply a hair serum or gel to the ends only
Pick up a small amount of product with your fingertips, then massage it into the end of your hair only. This is a great technique for making the tips look shiny and full of life rather than flat and dull. It also serves to prevent frizz.
Method 3 of 3: Using the Diffuser
Step 1. Attach a diffuser with long tips to the hair dryer
The diffuser is an accessory that is fixed to the tip of the hairdryer, at the point from which the air flow comes out. You can buy it online or at a hairdressing supply store. Most have a long, wide neck and an even wider cupped end. It is a tool that allows you to make wavy hair while damaging it as little as possible.
The diffuser allows you to evenly distribute the flow of hot air
Step 2. Set the hair dryer to the lowest heat and speed available
It is important that the airflow is gentle and the temperature low to prevent frizz and avoid ruining or burning the hair while drying.
Step 3. Dry your hair with the diffuser
Stand upside down and insert a few strands of hair into the cupped opening. Try to keep the diffuser about 5-7cm away from the scalp.
If you want, you can also move the diffuser around your head while doing the finger scrunching technique. This solution is especially excellent as an alternative to using a towel to pat your hair at the end of the shower
Step 4. Secure the hairstyle with hairspray or gel
When the hair is about 80% dry, return to an upright position, then lift it slightly at the roots and spray the hairspray. If you prefer, you can work a small amount of gel between your palms and then distribute it throughout your hair avoiding the root area.
The gel guarantees a stronger and longer lasting hold than the hairspray, but the hair may look greasy if you put too much on it. If you prefer to use hairspray, it may need to be reapplied throughout the day to prevent hair from frizzing
Advice
- If you want to revive the waves before you leave the house, spray some water on them, then do the "scrunching" technique with your hands.
- Going to sleep with your hair gathered in numerous braids allows you to obtain soft and voluminous waves. When you wake up you undo your braids and run your fingers smoothly through your hair.
Warnings
- Be careful not to use too much hairspray or gel. Your hair may become stiff and hard or look slightly dirty and heavy, with the risk of getting worse as the day progresses.
- Be careful not to spray hairspray in your eyes - it burns a lot!
