Best Curling Iron for Beach Waves: A Buyer’s Guide for 2023

Are you looking for the best curling iron for beach waves? This is a buyer’s guide to help you find the best curling wand for your hair type to create beautiful beachy waves!

The easiest way to achieve beach waves is with a curling iron, although you can also buy texturising salt sprays and mousses that achieve similar results. A curling iron can be used to create beach waves by wrapping the hair around the wand and holding it in place until waves are formed. There are other techniques and hot tools that can also achieve the same result. The right tool for you will depend on your hair type.

This post is a buyers guide to the best curling iron for beach waves

Best Curling Iron for Beach Waves

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can read full the disclosure here.

What Are Beach Waves?

Beach waves are soft waves in the hair that start a few inches from the root, and finish with straight ends. The term “beach waves” refers to a loose and tousled look as if you had spent the day by the ocean. The hairstyle is popular among women with limp or thin hair as it makes the hair look thicker and fuller. It can also help to tame frizz in thicker, coarser hair types.

The pictures below show examples of what beach waves look like.

What is the Best Hair Tool for Beach Waves?

The right hair tool for you will depend on your hair type and whether you have fine hair or thick hair. Thick or long hair types should choose curling irons with a larger barrel size than fine or short hair types. The porosity of your hair will also determine the temperature settings you should use.

Below are thirteen excellent curling irons for achieving beach waves that would suit various different hair types and textures. At the end of this post you will find instructions on how to use your curling iron, a list of common mistakes that people make, a guide to finding the correct heat setting, and tips on maintaining your beach waves.

1. Bellissima My Pro Beach Waves

Best Curling Iron for Creating Beach Waves in Long Hair

The Bellissima My Pro Beach Waves curling iron can be used to create either wide, soft, natural waves, or narrow, defined waves. The tool has ceramic-coated plates to ensure even heat distribution and minimise heat damage. It has various temperature settings that range between 160°C to 200°C for different hair textures.

This curling iron is ideal for mid-length to long hair to create either a tousled, loose texture or glamorous defined waves. It has safety features such as a safety lock and LED light

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Toni & Guy Deep Barrel Hair Waver

The Toni & Guy Deep Barrel Hair Waver has barrels that are 32 mm deep to ensure deep waves and loose curls. It is perfect for creating either beach waves or a bohemian chic look. The curling iron heats up in seconds with a maximum temperature of 200°C.

This styling tool has Ceramic Tourmaline plates to enhance shine, smooth the hair follicles and lock in hair colour. It helps you to achieve natural looking waves effortlessly. This is a good iron for thicker hair.

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. BaByliss Soft Waves

The BaByliss Soft Waves curling iron has an extra long barrel for styling longer hair types. It has a large 34mm tourmaline ceramic barrel for creating looser curls, and can achieve a high heat of 210°C. This curling iron comes with a heat mat, heat protective glove and an information book to help you create perfect curls.

The Babyliss Soft Waves is great for styling on the go. It heats up in less than 30 seconds and has a long swivel cord for easy use. As well as this it has five adjustable heat settings which appear on an LED screen. A great curling iron for all hair types!

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. BaByliss Ceramic Curling Wand Pro

The BaByliss Ceramic Curling Wand Pro is better for achieving tighter curls. The conical barrel measures between 25-13mm in width and is made from non slip ceramic infused with macadamia and camellia oils. It has five digital temperature settings from 150°C – 210°C.

The ceramic technology and extra-long barrel is great for creating shiny beach waves, and turning frizz into soft curls. Since the barrel is a narrower at the top than the bottom, you can create waves of different sizes. The ceramic coating on the wand locks in moisture and prevents damage.

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Hair Waver Beach Wave 3 Barrel Hair Curling Iron

This three barrel hair curling iron creates beautiful waves and can also be used like a crimper from the early 1990s. It heats up very quickly and doesn’t take long to curl your whole head. One of its features includes a 360° rotatable cord to prevent it getting tangled and allowing you to hold the wand at any angle.

The temperature can be adjusted from 80°C to 230°C and you can set the temperature according to your own hair type for the best results. This iron is excellent for creating bouncy curls and can reach high temperatures making it good for thick or coarse hair.

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6. xtava Satin Wave 5-in-1 Curler

This flat iron comes with different attachments so you can create various wave patterns in different hair lengths. The surface material is tourmaline and it is able to reach temperatures of 210°C. This is the perfect curling iron if you want a tool that can create both tight ringlets and beachy waves; it as interchangeable barrels for every type of curl!

In total this iron comes with five interchangeable ceramic barrels, a 360° swivel cord which measures 8 ft, nine different heat settings between 121-210°C (250-410 degrees Fahrenheit), and a heat resistant glove and travel bag. This is a good curling iron for creating silky, frizz free curls

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7. iGutech Deep Barrel Hair Waver

The iGutech Deep Barrel Hair Waver creates beachy waves and loose waves instantly. It heats up in just 30 seconds and has an automatic shut off feature after 30 minutes. This iron has three heat settings for different hair types including 160°C, 180°C, and 200°C.

The swivel cord length is 1.7 metres for ease of use. These type of irons are the best option for beginners as they require less skill that the wand designs. This curling iron has tourmaline plates and produces excellent results on frizzy hair.

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8. CreBeau 3 Barrel Hair Curler

This three barrel curling iron has two different heating settings: 180℃ and 210℃. It works best on longer hair types and produces negatively charged ions that generate soft and shiny waves and reduce frizz. The one-inch barrel triplets are an easy way for a beginners to create beach waves.

This curling iron has dual voltage which makes it good for travelling. The tourmaline ceramic glaze on the barrels works to protect the hair from excessive heat and leave it smooth and shiny rather than burnt.

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

9. ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand

Best Professional Curling Iron for Beach Waves

The ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand is a professional curling iron with an oval shaped barrel for creating glamorous beachy waves. This iron has a maximum temperature of 185 ºC which is the perfect temperature to minimise hair damage whilst creating long lasting waves.

This curling iron is suitable for all hair types including short hair. It automatically shuts off after 30 minutes and has a swivel cord as well as universal voltage. To protect you from being burnt it comes with a styling glove and has a protective cool tip.

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

10. Lee Stafford Magic Wand

The Lee Stafford Magic Wand has three different barrel sizes for loose, casual beachy waves or corkscrew curls. It has a salon length cord of three metres which makes styling easier.

This is the best beach wave curler if you want salon results but for a more affordable price. It comes in a cute pink colour and would make a great gift.

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11. Curling Tongs BESTOPE 5 in 1 Curling Wands Set

This gold curling iron has five interchangeable wands for different styling options and effects. They include a 1-inch barrel for curls, a 1-inch spiral for springy spirals, a 1-inch tapered barrel for loose beach waves, a 0.75-inch tapered barrel for more tousled waves and a 1.25-inch barrel for voluminous waves.

This curling tong comes with heat resistant gloves and a stand so you can safely put the iron on a table without it being burned. It also has a 60 minute automatic shut off feature and a universal dual voltage of 110-240V AC.

*** Currently Out of Stock ***

12. Rotating Hair Curler

Best Portable Curling Iron for Beach Waves

This cordless rotating hair curler creates beach waves effortlessly in seconds! With six different temperature settings and eleven different timers this tool allows you to turn straight hair into classic curls, or loose waves.

This automatic curling iron is extremely easy to use and uses Ionic Ceramic Technology which reduces hair damage. It emits negative ions to make your hair more smooth and shiny, and reduce frizz. It has different heat settings to suit different hair types and automatically shuts off after ten minutes to preserve the battery.

*** Currently Out of Stock ***

13. ELLESYE Hair Wavers for Long Hair

Best Beginners Curling Iron for Beach Waves

The ELLESYE hair waver comes with a heat-protective glove and hair clips. This is one of the easiest hair irons for beginners to create natural looking beachy waves at home. The two barrel design works for either short or long hair and can be used on any hair texture including fine, medium, thick, and super thick hair.

Each ceramic barrel protects the hair from heat damage and helps to infuse moisture and reduce frizz. You will be left with shiny, perfect mermaid hair waves. This curling iron has fourteen temperature settings and can reach higher temperatures of 230°C which is good for creating loose waves in coarse hair.

*** Currently Out of Stock ***

How do I Get Beachy Waves in my Hair?

Before you start using your curling iron ensure you apply a heat protectant spray or serum.

Once you have applied your heat protectant make sure your hair is completely dry before using your iron on your hair. If you hair is still damp the iron could burn your hair.

Below is a step by step guide on how to create your beachy waves:

1. Divide the hair into smaller sections
2. Take one section of the hair and wrap it around the barrel of the curling iron
3. Hold the hair on the curling iron for 10-15 seconds
4. Uncurl the hair from the iron and watch it fall into a wave shape
5. Repeat with each section of hair
6. Use hairspray to keep the waves in place.

Common Mistakes While Curling Hair For Beach Waves

It may look easy to create beach waves using a curling iron but it takes a bit of practice. To create the perfect beach waves look you need to use the right technique and product.

If you are not achieving the look you want, check you are not making one of the common mistakes below.

1. Using the wrong sized barrel for your hair
2. Not using proper heat protection on the hair
3. Not sectioning the hair into small enough pieces
4. Using the wrong temperature setting on your curling iron
5. Not curling the hair away from your face
6. Not using a hairspray to hold the style

A Heat Guide for Curling Hair into Beach Waves

In order to create beach waves in your hair you not only need the right curling iron, but you also need the right heat setting! The right heat setting for you will depend on three different factors: 1. your hair type, 2. how damaged your hair is, and 3. what heat protectant you are using.

Hair type

Certain hair types are easier to style than others. Thick and coarse hair tends to require higher temperatures and a bit more work whereas fine hair can often be styled with a lower heat setting.

The suggestions below can be used as a guide when setting the temperature on your curling iron.

220°C for hair that’s very thick in texture

200°C for coarse and thick hair

180°C for medium hair

160°C for thin and fine hair

Hair Damage

Regardless of your hair type, if your hair is damaged you should try to keep your curling iron temperature as low as possible. Hair that has been chemically treated or previously damaged can become even more damaged from high temperatures.

If you have damaged or very porous hair choose a temperature of no more than 140°C.

Your Heat Protectant

Different heat protectants have different levels of protection. Try to stay in the range of the temperature that’s listed on your heat protectant. If it protects against temperatures up to 200 degrees then don’t set your temperature higher than that.

Maintaining Your Beach Waves

Once you have achieved your hair goal of creating the perfect beach waves, you next need to ensure your hairstyle lasts. The best way is by using a good comb designed for wavy hair, and a setting spray.

During the day it’s possible that your waves may become tangled or form into knots. The best way to prevent this is with a wide tooth comb. The comb I recommend is the Beach Wave Comb by Beauty Works.

Beauty Works Beach Wave Comb

The wide spaces between the teeth of this comb are able to detangle the hair whilst preventing split ends and maintaining your waves and curls. This comb was designed for styling wavy hair without removing the curl pattern.

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Once you have achieved the desired hairstyle the best way to avoid loosing your waves or your hair becoming tangled is by using a setting spray. A great one which is not only affordable but works is by Schwarzkopf.

Schwarzkopf Blasting Freeze Spray

The Schwarzkopf Blasting Freeze Spray maintains your hairstyle regardless of the weather. To use the product spray it evenly over your hair from a 30cm distance. Apply extra to specific areas that require extra hold.

Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Other Ways to Create Beach Waves in Your Hair

If you want to create beach waves in your hair without using a curling iron there are a number of excellent salt sprays that achieve the same results without the risk of heat damage. Ocean water and salt sprays give texture to your hair and create defined waves and curls. You could also use a beach wave mousse which achieves the same effect.

My favourite texturising salt spray is by OGX.

OGX Texturising Leave in Moroccan Sea Salt Spray for Hair

The OGX sea salt spray is excellent for creating beachy, textured waves without drying your hair out. The formula contains Argan oil to ensure the hair is left bouncy and shiny. To add texture to your hair simply spray over clean, damp hair and scrunch the hair with your fingers. Leave your hair to air dry for a perfect tousled look.

This product contains ingredients to ensure your wavy hair won’t get tangled or become matted. You hair is left silky and smooth and without any greasy film.

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you want to try a mousse to create beach waves in your hair, the Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse creates wind-swept waves without using salt!

Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse

The Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse has a unique salt free formula to create beachy waves in the hair without causing dryness. It also helps to hold the style in place and contains UV filters to protect the hair from sun damage and maintain colour vibrancy.

This product leaves you with beautiful beach waves that are never dehydrated, sticky or stiff. It also helps you to maintain your hairstyle throughout the day.

Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

OTHER HAIR STYLING TOOLS

• Best Hair Crimpers: Professional Irons for Crimping Your Hair
• Best Straighteners for Short Hair
• Cordless Hair Dryer: 11 Best Portable & Rechargeable Dryers
• Best Steam Hair Straightener: Professional Buying Guide
• Why a Wide Tooth Comb is Better Than a Brush

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This post was all about the best curling iron for beach waves

Thanks for reading my post on the best curling iron for beach waves. If you found the right curling iron from my recommendations then please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on. There are a number of different curlers on the market that allow you to create beach waves without much effort! I hope you managed to find the perfect curling iron for you!