How can I get that "beachy" look for my hair? A curling iron only seems to give me prom ringlets.
After numerous attempts to do this myself this past summer, it seems the trick is in how you use that curling iron. Make sure you have a 1-1-1/2 inch barrel, to start. The bigger the barrel, the looser your waves. If you've got shorter hair, a 3/4-inch barrel will do.
Begin by taking about a 1-inch section of your hair and spray with a medium-hold styling spray. Wrap the section around the barrel of the iron and hold the end of the hair. Don't clamp down on the end as that only exaggerates the ringlet look. After 15 seconds, release, carefully roll the curl toward your head and pin in place with a bobby pin. Continue to the next section. Make sure that the each section is curled in the opposite direction of the one before. This will make the waves look much more natural.
Once you've pinned all your hair, allow the curls to cool. Take out all the pins and, using your hair dryer's cool setting, gently loosen the curls into waves using your fingers. Finish with a shine spray for added sheen and set with a light-hold hairspray. Tousled and carefree, beachy waves are all about taking it easy, so don't stress with any mistakes. They actually make the look.
Bahar Niramwalla is a celebrity makeup artist. Have a beauty question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com .