My Perfect 4-Product Combo For Silky, Air-Dried Beach Waves

By Lauren Levinson
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich
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Once it hits Memorial Day, I relegate my blow dryer and hot tools to the back of my closet: it's air-dry season! I have naturally wavy hair, so with the right products, I can really enhance my texture. Plus, it makes running from an early morning workout to the office much quicker and easier.

This year, I finally found the perfect four-product cocktail that seems to give me nonfrizzy beach waves every time. I'm sharing it with you, here, so you can try it at home! If you have tighter curls or straighter locks, you may want to play around with the selection, since this is meant for medium-wavy hair.

Step 1: Wave-Making Cream

Step 1: Wave-Making Cream

I add a few pumps of this light hair cream to my wet, postshower strands. Unlike gels, it doesn't leave a crunchy feeling but does offer some hold and shaping capabilities. The formula is meant to make hair dry with salt-spray waves and texture. After using it for a few months, I have found it definitely enhances my natural twists.

Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion ($42)

Step 2: Wave-Making Spray

Step 2: Wave-Making Spray

Next, I spritz my locks with a wave-enhancing spray. I can't find one I like better than Jen Atkin's version. It gives my hair that perfectly ropy but not frizzy texture I usually only see after actually going into the ocean. Some wave sprays feel too sticky and salty. This one leaves my hair smooth but loosely curled.

Ouai Wave Spray ($26)

Step 3: Hair Spray

Step 3: Hair Spray

Once the curl cream and spray have begun to work their magic, I lock it all in with a hair spray. This L'Oréal cult favorite instantly gets rid of frizz and adds shine. I also love that I can layer a healthy mist, and it doesn't feel waxy. Go for the unscented version to avoid that salon smell.

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, Extra Strong Hold, Unscented ($13)

Step 4: Hair Oil

Step 4: Hair Oil

If my hair still looks a little fuzzy after it dries or the next day, I smooth it out with hair oil. This iconic Kérastase one may look shiny right when you apply it, but after a few minutes, it completely dissolves into hair, leaving no residue. And I actually think it makes my strands healthier over time. It's especially great for women with long hair since our ends can get drier.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime ($37)