It all started with my wedding...a day that was absolutely perfect. Aside from getting to marry the man of my dreams...I got to feel beautiful that day, as most brides do.

That was the day I learned a trick that I've been using ever since. My stylist used a "Clip-less" Curling Iron. She wrapped my hair around the barrel and just held it there with her hand...no clip. By doing this, the hair is "wrapped" rather than "rolled". This is what creates a "wave" rather than a "curl" ...or ringlet. She did them tighter on this day because she wanted it to last as I have straight hair, but I'm going to share my favorite trick for loose, easy-looking, beachy waves....

My favorite tool is this clipless curling iron by Sedu. I got a high quality one like I do with my flatiron to cause as little damage to my hair as possible...I already have naturally dry hair! Here's what the clipless curling iron looks like...I got the largest barrel that they had since I have long hair and like BIG waves. I think it's their 1 1/2 inch. They have smaller ones....which I would recommend if you don't have hair as long as mine or want tighter waves.

When learning to use the clipless iron, it's a good idea to use the GLOVE that comes with it (mine did anyway) that protects your fingers from burns. You are wrapping your hair around the barrel and holding it there....so it's very close to that VERY hot barrel. Until you get used to using it like a pro...use the glove;)

Here's my secret to getting a truly "beachy look"...

If I want a loose, easy-looking waves that're pretty quick to create, I take large pieces of hair, the most that will fit around the barrel, and wrap random pieces around the barrel WITHOUT WRAPPING THE VERY ENDS AROUND. This leaves the very ends straight and creates a really messy beachy look. (It also protects your fingers;) The key is to just get a "bend" in your hair. Take a look at the top pic in this post. See how there's just a wave... and the ends aren't curled? That's the trick! Easier too!

Of course, if you want tighter waves, you can do more...or use a smaller barrel. In this case if you have many curls.... once you are done, and the curls are cool to the touch, run your fingers through the curls to break them apart so they aren't in "rolls". Then take your fingers and "twirl" sections to make it look piece-y.

Here's the next tool I love...my secret weapon.

Sea Salt Spray. This is what creates that TEXTURE in beachy waves. The key is to use just enough....but not too much! It doesn't take much at all. I spray a spritz on the roots because it creates GREAT volume where my hair tends to get flat. I also spritz the ends, one on each side and one spritz on the back...that's it! Spray, then don't touch for a moment. Let it sit and you'll see the texture start to happen. Now you can touch it, shake it out if you want, play with it to get it just right. I also will do touch ups at this point with the clipless iron where needed for a finishing touch.

Since this year I am doing my Safe Product Movement, I recently switched my Sea Salt Spray to a safer product. Why?...

Fact: Volumizing hair sprays & sea salt sprays often contain hormone-disrupting phthalates in their synthetic fragrances, as well as polyethylene glycols (PEGs), conditioning agents that may be contaminated with measurable amounts of the carcinogens ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

So that's why I tried a new safer spray! So how does it WORK? Because safe products are awesome....but they have to perform, right?? Well, I LOVE this stuff. It creates touchable texture that's not too stiff and doesn't dry out my hair.

Hello new best friend....

Ditch the curls and try the beachy look! Everbody's hair is different, so it's worth a try to see if this method works for YOU! I'd love to see your new beachy looks, so tag me on social and show me your beachy locks!

P.S. Have you always wanted to be a Girl Boss? Do you love sharing products you love with friends? If you love Beautycounter products as much as I do... there's a reason fashion icon Rachel Zoe just named this company #1 on the Zoe Report of "Side Hustles That Actually Make You Money". If you're interested in learning more about starting your own business like I have, or just earn extra money, email me at shannon@happywifestyle.com. I can't wait to chat with you!