One hairstyle has achieved the feat of dethroning sophisticated buns on both red carpets and news feeds. In recent weeks, search engines have seen soaring queries around these large, shiny waves that fall on one shoulder, movie star style, while remaining surprisingly easy to wear every day. The phenomenon is no longer limited to beauty addicts.
According to data from the booking platform Fresha, the term beach waves generated 563,000 searches last month, or more than 560,000 requests, with an increase of 21% over the last three months. A peak directly linked to Kylie Jenner’s hairstyle at the 2026 Oscars, which in a few hours became the absolute reference for luxury beach effect waves.
Why beach waves are essential in 2026
At the 2026 Oscars, Kylie Jenner appeared with large, ultra-shiny waves, gathered on one shoulder, which immediately caused a reaction in the beauty sphere. This softer alternative to straight blow-drying and simpler than an elaborate bun ticks all the boxes: glamorous, modern, and above all, achievable at home without going to a hair salon.
In 2026, classic beach waves inspired by returning from the beach are evolving towards more elaborate versions such as “waterfall waves” or “water waves”. The former focus on flowing and luminous hair, the latter offer a more graphic rendering, a water wave effect, very flattering on fine hair. In all cases, the common point remains the same: a broad, brilliant and supple movement, far from the tight curls of yesterday.
Express tutorial to copy Kylie Jenner’s beach waves
The basis is established from the preparation. On clean, dry hair, apply a light heat-protective spray to avoid sensitizing the fiber. Then take a large diameter curling iron or a straightener, adjust the temperature according to the condition of your lengths, then wind medium-sized strands alternating the direction, keeping 1 to 2 cm of ends straighter to avoid the curl effect.
Let each strand cool before touching it, then gently brush the whole thing to break up the curl and create that waterfall effect. As summarized by Danielle Louise, expert at Fresha, she explained to the media Here. Finish with a light smoothing spray for shine, possibly supplemented with a salt mist on the lengths for a controlled beach effect, while avoiding strong hairspray which sets everything in place.
Adapt beach waves, waterfall waves and water waves to your hair
On long or mid-length hair, concentrate the waves from the ears to maintain volume at the roots and a chic fall. On a square or lob, a few large waves are enough to add movement without breaking the cut line. When drying, tilting your head forward and loosening the roots with a brush or fingers helps to create volume, a jet of cold air at the end of blow-drying fixes the material.
The technique is modulated according to the nature of your hair. Water waves work well for fine hair that lacks density, while thick hair will tolerate larger sections and a little higher temperature. If the fiber is very sensitized, heat-free methods work well: braids on slightly damp hair, twisted locks held by elastics, always combined with a texturizing spray. To make your waves last two or three days, sleep on a silk pillowcase and tie a soft low bun; When you wake up, a little salt mist and a few targeted touch-ups with an iron are enough.
What exactly is the beach waves hairstyle?
Beach waves are large, soft waves that give a controlled beach look, with textured, shiny lengths and slightly straighter ends to avoid the tight curl effect.
How to do beach waves without heat?
On slightly damp hair, create tight braids or twists, spray with a texturizing spray, let dry in the open air then gently undo before separating the strands with your fingers.
What is the difference between beach waves, waterfall waves and water waves?
Beach waves have a blurry and relaxed look, waterfall waves rely on large, very fluid and shiny undulations, while water waves draw more regular waves, a water effect, with lots of light.
Are beach waves suitable for fine hair?
Yes, especially in the water wave version which creates visual relief and the illusion of density, provided you use little nourishing product and favor light sprays.
Sources
- Doctissimo
“Carre trend 2026 the secrets to keeping a perfect cut without spending a lifetime at the hairdresser”
