New Mexico Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

To achieve a 'beachy wave' look in hair styling, curling with a curling wand is a popular technique because it creates loose, natural-looking curls that mimic the relaxed, tousled waves often associated with beach hair. The curling wand allows for varying types of curls based on how long you hold the hair around the barrel, and the absence of a clip helps create that effortless wave without the usual indentation that a clip might leave.

This technique typically requires wrapping sections of hair around the wand, holding for a few seconds, and then gently releasing them, which produces a soft, textured wave that can be easily manipulated with fingers or styling products to enhance the beachy vibe.

Other techniques, such as flat iron waving and pin curls, often produce more structured or defined curls rather than the loose, tousled effect desired for beachy waves. French braiding can create waves as well, but usually only if performed on damp hair and left to dry, which is not as direct or immediate as using a curling wand. Thus, using a curling wand stands out as the most effective method for achieving the desired beachy wave look.