Every summer seems to bring back one signature beauty look: effortless, tousled beachy waves. And in 2026, the relaxed hairstyle is officially everywhere again.

Defined by soft bends, airy texture and an intentionally undone finish, beachy waves have become a warm-weather beauty staple thanks to their balance of polish and ease. While the trend feels timeless now, its roots go back decades.

The look first gained popularity in the late ’90s and early 2000s, when surf-inspired beauty and laid-back California style started dominating pop culture. Sun-kissed highlights, bronzed skin and windswept texture quickly became the ultimate cool-girl aesthetic.

By the mid-2000s, celebrities like Gisele Bündchen helped elevate beachy waves into a glamorous signature look. Her loose, voluminous texture inspired countless salon appointments and marked a shift away from overly polished curls.

The trend only grew throughout the 2010s, fueled by stars including Blake Lively and Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, whose perfectly imperfect hair became synonymous with off-duty glamour.