Quick fact about me: I never was super serious about getting my haircut. Sure, I maybe got a trim here or there once in a while, but I didn't think twice about investing in it. And by invest I mean, spending a healthy amount in haircare products and the haircut itself. But after meeting professional LA-based hairstylist Sal Salcedo at BENJAMIN Arts District salon, everything changed. Now I need to see him at least every six months, and practically live by the three hair products he recommends for perfect wavy hair. These products are game-changers people, so I'm happily glad to share them with you. Yes, you can thank me later.
If you're into the whole L.A.-inspired beachy waves/I just woke up like this hair, then I'd highly recommend getting your hands on the following products. It's totally no fuss and will absolutely transform your 'do, taking your look from basic to fabulous — trust. And when you get that "Modern Shag" haircut from Salcedo, it's almost mandatory that you have these products in your haircare regimen. But what is the "Modern Shag" exactly?
Salcedo explains the 'do to Bustle, saying that when it comes to this cut, "The messier the hair looks, the better." Love that, Sal! He says, "The soft framing bangs give the client a slimmer look with a whole lot of chic. They have an easy transition as they grow in so there's zero to no maintenance. The layers keep looking good as the haircut grows. There's no going wrong with this one."
I can totally vouch for this. I'm literally obsessed with my Modern Shag haircut. Like I actually look forward to styling it in the morning, and that says a lot. But whether you have a layered lob or long, voluminous locks, these three products are definitely a must for that effortless, cool-girl beach hair.
Here they are:
1. Dry Shampoo
SACHAJUAN Volume Powder , $35, Birchbox
Sal is 100 percent on team dry shampoo. He says, "You put it on to add a lil extra sexiness to your style and as your hair gets oily & smelly, this little guy brings it back to life!" He used this one from Sachajuan on my clean hair, which gave my strands texture and volume.
Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo, $9, Amazon
Any drugstore dry shampoo should do the trick, too.
2. Salt Spray
SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist , $18, Amazon
Ocean mist is also necessary for getting that light lift and natural beachy wave effect. Not only does it give you the au natural feeling to your luscious locks, but it also makes for a great pick-me-up in the middle of the day when your strands are feeling dead.
Verb Sea Spray , $12, Amazon
This alternative is a perfect inexpensive product for Sal's pick. It gets the job done and leaves your locks looking beach ready.
3. Curling Iron
HOT TOOLS 1130 Marcel Curling Iron, Gold/Black, 1 1/4 Inches , $34, Amazon
I've learned that the type of styling tool you use is so important. Salcedo uses this curling iron for most of his clients and suggests on his Instagram to "work from the bottom up" and to "alternate directions, leave the ends out, and set up the heat to 350-400 degrees." If it's looking too curly, tug at the ends so your strand looks wavy. No ringlets allowed!
Here's how it looks:
And there you have it, the three magical products to help you get those perfect beach waves. Happy waving!
Images: Danelle Sandoval; Amazon
