In 2024, one hairstyle ruled the airwaves, from prestige dramas to lighthearted comedies: beachy waves. This “done but not too done” look, featuring glossy, subtly waved tresses, framed the faces of nearly every leading lady on TV. Kristen Bell and her on-screen sister Justine Lupe sported the style in the hit Netflix series Nobody Wants This, while Meghann Fahey and Rose Byrne followed suit in The Perfect Couple and Platonic. Even across the pond, Ashley Jensen brought beachy waves to the Scottish Highlands in Shetland.
“Not-too-done” Hair Goes Mainstream
So what exactly defines TV hair? Tina Farey, editorial director of British hair salon chain Rush, explains it best: “People love how low maintenance this style is – while still so glam. [The waves] beautifully frame most face shapes, with the universal appeal being their ability to add volume and casual elegance to almost any look.”
Other monikers for the look include “beachy waves” or “S-shaped curls.” Celebrity hair stylist Barb Thompson, who worked on Justine Lupe’s locks in Nobody Wants This, dubs it “piecey, imperfect hair.” The style’s ability to toe the line between polished and carefree makes it a go-to for busy actresses and real women alike.
I’ve always really liked what I call ‘done but undone’ hair. I live in California, and so surfer girls have that, but there’s a polish to Parisians that doesn’t exist with southern California girls. I feel like I’ve combined the two.
Lilliana Vazquez, The LV Guide
Effortless Style, Easy Upkeep
A major factor in the trend’s popularity? Achieving beachy waves is surprisingly simple, even for those without a glam squad on call. Lilliana Vazquez of The LV Guide says it only takes her about 15 minutes using a 1 1/4″ curling wand. “I don’t use the clamp. I push into the hair,” she advises. “Otherwise, they look like corkscrew curls and I don’t like that.”
Accessible tools play a big role as well. “We’re in a place where it’s not too expensive to buy a decent heat styling tool that will help you [get this look],” notes hair historian Rachael Gibson. Devices like the Shark Flexstyle Air Styler and Dyson Airwrap have gone viral on TikTok for their wave-making abilities.
TV Waves, Real-World Wearability
On-screen, beachy waves bring a sense of relatability to characters. But the style serves a similar function IRL, too. “It can help dress down an outfit if you want to feel more relaxed, and more ‘you’ if you are going to an important event,” Thompson explains. “You don’t have to worry about your hair.”
Vazquez agrees, noting how the waves can elevate a look without feeling over-the-top: “I really like it for when you’re going out at night and you’re very dressed up, or you’re doing something a little bit fancier. Otherwise it’s too predictable.”
A Trend Here to Stay?
While many TV hair trends come and go (sorry, Rachel), experts predict beachy waves have real staying power, both on-screen and off. The style’s versatility across hair types, combined with its modern yet timeless vibe, make it a look with serious legs.
It’s the shorthand for what we expect women to look like. It’s like jeans and a nice top … It suits most people and it’s easy to achieve.
Rachael Gibson, The Hair Historian
In a world of ever-changing trends and over-the-top looks, beachy waves offer an appealing realness – a perfectly imperfect style that looks just as good running errands as it does on the red carpet. So expect to see this laid-back look dominating screens (and streets) well into 2025 and beyond.
On-screen, beachy waves bring a sense of relatability to characters. But the style serves a similar function IRL, too. “It can help dress down an outfit if you want to feel more relaxed, and more ‘you’ if you are going to an important event,” Thompson explains. “You don’t have to worry about your hair.”
Vazquez agrees, noting how the waves can elevate a look without feeling over-the-top: “I really like it for when you’re going out at night and you’re very dressed up, or you’re doing something a little bit fancier. Otherwise it’s too predictable.”
A Trend Here to Stay?
While many TV hair trends come and go (sorry, Rachel), experts predict beachy waves have real staying power, both on-screen and off. The style’s versatility across hair types, combined with its modern yet timeless vibe, make it a look with serious legs.
It’s the shorthand for what we expect women to look like. It’s like jeans and a nice top … It suits most people and it’s easy to achieve.
Rachael Gibson, The Hair Historian
In a world of ever-changing trends and over-the-top looks, beachy waves offer an appealing realness – a perfectly imperfect style that looks just as good running errands as it does on the red carpet. So expect to see this laid-back look dominating screens (and streets) well into 2025 and beyond.
