- Ilan G.

It seems as though I always have somewhere to go immediately after leaving the beach.  So on top of feeling sticky from my sunscreen and having absolutely no make-up on, I have to battle this horrible “wannabe, 80s metal band” hair. Luckily, I’ve been able to find ways around having terribly frizzy and unmanageable beach hair. That way, when someone springs a “heyyy lets go eat,” on our way home I don’t have to look like a bedraggled mess.

Go in the Ocean. One of the best ways I’ve found to control the frizzies is to actually go IN the ocean. Yes, it can be cold and dirty and if you’re anything like me, you freak out when seaweed touches you. However, the grittiness of the salt water dirties up your hair and weighs it down. This gives you looser and softer waves as opposed to the windblown knots you get from laying out on the sand. My hair actually looks BEST after swimming in an ocean. Now how do I transport that water into my pool for year round beach hair?

Wear a Headband. If you have somewhere to be right after your beach-cation, a great way to dress your hair up is to add a fun headband. You can use the simple plastic ones we all grew up wearing to add a pop of color and create the illusion you put some effort in, or the new across-the-forehead bands that turn us all into instant bohemians. They will keep the flyaways at bay AND dress up your ‘do when it’s time to go out. I just purchased this “Talmadge headband” from Anthropologie. Comfortable, versatile and sparkly.

Throw on a Hat. For those completely uninterested in touching the water and just want to look cute without worrying about their hair, a hat is always a great accessory. Baseball hats, floppy hats, beanies…they all do the trick, but I recommend picking up a fedora. Straw fedoras fit perfectly into the beach scene and keep your hair off your neck/face while looking super fashionable. Plus, they are affordable and easy to find. 

Pull your Hair Up. There is also the very obvious solution of pulling your hair up. The messier the better, as it gives you a softer and more romantic look. Throwing your hair into a high ponytail, a slightly messy bun or a low side braid can look incredibly sexy. You look clean, fresh and pulled-together, even if you’re really just ready for a shower and a nap. The benefits are twofold: piling your hair on top of your head can help protect your strands from sun damage and keeps it out of your freshly bronzed face.    

Use Products. The most important accessory is the products you use ON your hair to keep it shiny and healthy. The sun can be very drying and damaging to your locks. Use shampoos and conditioners that will help enhance curls and add extra moisture. Also use products that will help keep your hair styled and tame such as gels and/or pomades. If you just want the “beach look” but don’t have the luxury of living near one, Fekkai has taken care of that for you with their “Marine Summer Hair” product. This spray helps give the illusion of the textured waves you always crave on those Victoria Secret models.