Are you dreaming of the perfect, beach-inspired surfer hairstyle? The kind that makes you look like you’ve just stepped off the sand, sun-kissed and carefree?
If so, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to the world of surfer hair—an iconic style that embodies the laid-back spirit of coastal life.
Whether you’re miles away from the ocean or about to head out and catch the waves, this guide shows you how to achieve and maintain that effortless surfer hair look, no matter where you are.
So, grab your sea salt spray, volumising conditioner and moose, and let’s get into it!
What is Surfing Hair?
Before we go any further into this guide, let’s ensure we’re all on the same page about what surfer hair actually is. The surfer hairstyle has been a popular style since the 1960s, inspired by Southern California’s carefree, beach-loving lifestyle.
It’s more than just a hairstyle—it’s a reflection of a lifestyle deeply rooted in surfing culture:
Imagine the wind, sun and saltwater doing their magic, creating natural highlights, texture, and waves.
This look captures the essence of fun-filled days spent on the beach, embodying a laid-back, effortlessly cool attitude. So, it’s no wonder this style is so sought after in Southern California, whether you’re a dedicated surfer or just love to chill on the beach.
With that said, the surfers haircut, or ‘surfer cut,’ is typically characterised by:
- Longer layers with textured, choppy ends – these give the impression of hair that’s naturally tousled by the beach breeze.
- The classic ‘bedhead’ look – this makes it seem like you’ve just rolled out of bed and headed straight to catch some waves.
- Embracing imperfection and letting your hair do its thing
Achieving surfer hair involves embracing your hair’s natural texture and movement. It’s all about working with what you have to create effortless waves.
Natural curls, wavy hair, and a rich texture are the primary elements of this style. These add body and can fall loosely around the face, contributing to that effortless, windswept look.
Whether you have naturally wavy hair or need a little help from styling products, the goal is to achieve a look that suggests you’ve just spent a day at the beach.
One of the most important tools in your arsenal is sea salt spray. This transformative product adds texture and volume to your hair, resulting in beachy waves.
Texture is, without a doubt, a vital component of surfer hair. It’s what gives the hair its movement and natural look. Texturising products and techniques such as scrunching and tousling help to define the waves and add volume, making your hair look full and lively.
How to Grow Your Hair for a Surfer Look
A bit of patience and care is necessary to grow your hair, so it has enough length for the perfect surfer look.
Your hair should ideally be long enough on the sides so that it reaches the bottom of your ears. It should also be long enough in the front to go past your eyes. This length allows natural waves and texture to come through, giving you that quintessential surfer vibe.
Depending on your current hair length, it might take up to a year to grow your hair to the desired length, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Styling Techniques for Surfer Hairstyles
Once you achieve the desired length, getting the perfect style is the next step. Achieving that effortless surfer hairstyle involves a few techniques. Let’s break down each of these methods in the following subsections to help you get that perfect surfer look:
Using Sea Salt Spray
As mentioned above, sea salt spray is a game-changer for anyone looking to achieve that beachy, surfer vibe. It adds instant texture and volume to your hair, mimicking the effect of a day spent in the ocean water.
The salt in the spray creates extra cross-links within the hair strands, enhancing natural curls and waves. To get the best results, spritz sea salt spray onto damp hair and then scrunch it with your hands to create texture.
You can also use this spray to refresh your second-day hair. It works wonders for absorbing excess oil and providing a matte finish.
The bottom line: Whether you’re starting with clean hair or just need a quick touch-up, sea salt spray is your go-to product for adding that perfect beachy texture.
Air Dry vs. Blow Dry
Whether you air dry or blow dry, your locks can considerably influence the final appearance of your surfer hair.
Air drying is the gentlest method and is best for those with naturally curly or wavy hair. It helps retain the natural curl pattern and reduces damage. Once you’ve finished washing your hair, use a microfibre towel or t-shirt to gently pat dry and remove excess water.
On the other hand, blow drying with a diffuser attachment can enhance volume and reduce frizz, making it an excellent option for those with thin or fine hair.
Using low to medium heat settings, diffuse your hair upside-down to add even more volume for that beachy wave effect.
Both methods have their benefits, so choose the one that best suits your hair type and desired look.
Scrunching and Tousling
We’ve already hinted at these methods earlier in this blog post; however, they’re essential to achieving that natural, carefree surfer hair look, so we thought they deserved their own section!
Scrunching involves squeezing and releasing your hair to encourage natural waves, while tousling is the act of lifting and shaking the hair at the roots to create a messy, textured appearance.
When you scrunch your hair, it helps the strands hold their shape, which encourages natural waves. When combined with sea salt spray, scrunching can enhance the texture and make your hair look like you’ve just spent a day catching waves.
Tousling adds volume and bounce, further contributing to the effortless, surfer-inspired look. To tousle your hair, simply use your fingers to lift and shake the hair at the roots, creating a messy, textured appearance.
These techniques are easy to master and can make a huge difference in achieving the perfect surfer hairstyle.
Surfer Hairstyles for Different Hair Types
Surfer hairstyles can easily be adapted for different hair types, including thick, thin, or curly hair. The secret is to use the right techniques and hair products to enhance your natural texture to achieve the classic surfer look.
In the sections below, we’ll share specific tips and tricks for each hair type, ensuring everyone can achieve the surfer style. Let’s take a look:
Thick Hair
Layering and texturising are key for people with thick hair. More specifically, we recommend opting for long layers with textured, choppy ends. This enhances your hair’s natural waves and prevents it from looking too bulky or heavy. You could also add a long, wavy fringe for a more laid-back, carefree vibe.
For much shorter cuts, consider keeping the sides shorter with a fade while maintaining length on top. This classic surfer cut will give you that breezy, effortless look that suggests you’ve just returned from a day at the beach.
Thin Hair
Volumising shampoos and conditioners are essential for adding thickness and texture to thin hair. Spraying a dry shampoo at the roots can also help you add volume and achieve a more defined look.
When it comes to styling, opt for lightweight products that won’t weigh your hair.
It’s also worth noting that a shorter haircut with textured layers can help boost volume and add texture. The result? Your hair will look fuller and more dynamic.
The goal is to keep your hair light and airy with a natural bounce that captures the essence of the surfer style.
Curly Hair
If you’re fortunate enough to have naturally curly hair, your focus will be on hydration and minimal styling. Embrace your natural curls by using curl-enhancing products like mousse and anti-frizz solutions like leave-in conditioner.
Techniques like the Curly Girl Method, which involves avoiding harsh shampoos and using conditioner to cleanse the hair, can help keep your curls hydrated and defined.
The squish-to-condish method, in which you squish conditioner into wet hair, is also worth considering. This method can provide intense moisture and enhance your natural curl pattern.
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Maintenance Tips for Surfer Hairstyles
First, avoid using shampoos with sulphates, as they strip natural oils and minerals from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Instead, opt for gentle rinses packed with vitamins and essential oils to cleanse your hair without compromising its health.
Co-washing, otherwise known as using a conditioner to cleanse your hair, is a recommended method for preserving your hair’s and scalp’s moisture balance. Over time, this method can increase shine, reduce frizz, and create more defined curls.
Also, be mindful of using sea salt spray, as it can lead to some moisture loss. Counteract this by incorporating hydrating and conditioning routines into your hair care regimen.
Are You Ready to Rock the Perfect Surfer Hairstyle?
Whether your locks are thick, thin, or curly, achieving the perfect surfer hairstyle is all about embracing natural texture, using the right products, and mastering a few key styling techniques. All in all, it’s a pretty low-maintenance look—especially if you naturally have wavy hair.
By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can capture that carefree, beachy vibe no matter where you are.
So, grab your sea salt spray and volumising shampoo and start channelling those surfer vibes today!
