18 Curly Hairstyles for the Beach for a Carefree Look

When heading to the beach, having a hairstyle that looks great while being easy to maintain is a must. These curly hairstyles will help you keep your hair looking carefree and beach-ready, no matter the weather. Whether you’re lounging on the sand or taking a dip in the ocean, these hairstyles are designed to last through any beach day.

Low-Maintenance Beach Waves

1. Natural Beach Waves

A woman with soft, natural beach waves standing at the beach with a blurred background focusing on her wavy hair.

Embrace your natural texture with soft beach waves. All you need is some salt spray and minimal styling. Spritz your hair and scrunch it to encourage your curls to form into natural waves. This easy, heat-free look gives you the ultimate carefree vibe.

2. Defined Beach Waves with Salt Spray

A woman with defined beach waves, styled with salt spray for a textured look, standing at the beach with the background blurred.

To add more definition to your waves, apply a little more salt spray to damp hair and twist small sections before letting them air dry. This enhances the natural curl pattern and gives a more structured look.

Messy Buns for a Carefree Look

3. Classic Messy Bun with Loose Curls

A woman with a classic messy bun and loose curls framing her face, standing at the beach with the background blurred to emphasize her curls.

The messy bun is a beach classic. Simply gather your hair into a loose bun and let some curls fall around your face for a soft, effortless look. This style keeps your hair off your neck but still highlights your curls.

4. High Bun with Curly Tendrils

A woman with a high bun and curly tendrils falling around her face, standing at the beach with the background blurred to highlight her hairstyle.

For a slightly more polished bun, go for a high bun and leave a few face-framing curls. It’s a cute way to keep your hair up while adding some playful tendrils for a carefree style.

Half-Up, Half-Down Styles

5. Half-Up, Half-Down with Beachy Curls

A woman with a half-up, half-down style and loose beachy curls, standing at the beach with a blurred background focusing on her curls.

This half-up, half-down look is perfect for those who want to let their curls flow while keeping some hair pulled back. It’s an easy and quick style that looks chic at the beach.

6. Twisted Half-Up, Half-Down with Curls

A woman with a twisted half-up, half-down hairstyle with curls, standing at the beach with a blurred background to emphasize her curls.

Add a fun twist to the half-up, half-down look by incorporating small twists or braids in the pulled-back section. This keeps your hair secure while maintaining that relaxed beachy feel.

Braided Styles for Beach Days

7. Braided Crown with Loose Curls

A woman with a braided crown and loose curls, standing at the beach with the background blurred to focus on her braided hairstyle.

A braided crown is perfect for beach days when you want a whimsical, boho style. Braid two sections from each side of your head, securing them around the crown, and leave the rest of your curls loose.

8. Side Braid with Free Curls

A woman with a loose side braid and free-flowing curls, standing at the beach with the background blurred to highlight her curls.

For a more laid-back look, create a loose side braid and let the rest of your curls hang free. This style keeps hair out of your face but allows you to show off your curly texture.

9. Double Dutch Braids with Curly Ends

A woman with double Dutch braids and curly ends, standing at the beach with a blurred background focusing on her braids and curls.

If you want a secure hairstyle, double Dutch braids are a great option. Start by braiding your hair from the crown of your head, leaving the ends loose and curly for a fun twist on this popular style.

Ponytails and Puffs

10. High Ponytail with Beach Waves

A woman with a high ponytail and loose beach waves, standing at the beach with a blurred background to highlight her ponytail and waves.

A high ponytail is a simple and chic way to keep your curls out of your face. Let the rest of your hair fall in loose, beachy waves for an easy yet stylish look.

11. Low Ponytail with Tousled Curls

A woman with a low ponytail and tousled curls, standing at the beach with the background blurred, keeping the focus on her low ponytail and curls.

For a more relaxed vibe, a low ponytail is the way to go. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and let your natural curls frame your face.

12. Curly Puff with Laid Edges

A woman with a curly puff and perfectly laid edges, standing at the beach with the background blurred to focus on her puff and sleek edges.

The curly puff is a great option for beach days. Gather your hair into a puff at the crown of your head, and for a more polished look, lay your edges with a little gel.

Protective Beach Styles

13. Curly Top Knot

A woman with a high curly top knot, standing at the beach with a blurred background focusing on her neat top knot and voluminous curls.

The top knot is ideal for keeping your hair up and protected from the elements. Simply gather your curls into a high bun for an effortlessly stylish and protective look.

14. Braided Bun with Curly Ends

A woman with a braided bun and curly ends, standing at the beach with a blurred background highlighting her braided bun and curly texture.

For a fun twist on a protective style, create a braided bun, leaving the ends of your curls out for added texture and volume.

Fun and Playful Styles

15. Space Buns with Curly Hair

A woman with playful space buns and loose curly hair, standing at the beach with a blurred background focusing on her space buns and curls.

Space buns are playful and trendy, perfect for a day of fun at the beach. Simply create two high buns and let your curly texture shine.

16. Curly Pineapple Updo

The pineapple updo is a go-to style for curly hair. Gather your curls at the top of your head and let them cascade down for a stylish, carefree look.

17. Loose Curly Pigtails

A woman with loose curly pigtails, standing at the beach with a blurred background focusing on her relaxed pigtails and curls.

Loose pigtails add a playful and youthful touch to your beach day look. Let your natural curls stay bouncy and carefree in two loose ponytails.

Minimal Effort Styles

18. Wet Look with Gel and Shine

A woman with a sleek wet look styled with gel for shine, standing at the beach with a blurred background focusing on her sleek, shiny curls.

For a sleek and easy style, apply some gel to your wet hair and brush it back for a chic, wet look. This style is perfect for beach days, as it embraces the wet environment and looks polished with minimal effort.

Try These Curly Hairstyles for the Beach That You’ll Love

These 18 curly hairstyles for the beach are perfect for embracing your natural texture while keeping things easy and stylish. Whether you’re going for playful buns or beach waves, these looks are designed to last through a sunny day by the water. Try one of these looks the next time you hit the beach and stay carefree and chic!

Looking for more cute styles? Check out Cute Hair Cuts: 27 Trendy Styles You’ll Want to Try Right Now.

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