The 8 Best Hair Wavers for Beachy Styles, Tested and Reviewed by Editors

This isn’t your crimper tool from the ‘80s. Unlike the zigzag hot plates of the past, Amika’s High Tide Deep Waver uses a triple barrel design to deliver a modern version of the crimped hair trend. Each barrel is 0.7 inches wide, creating tight, textured beach waves, making texturizing spray purely optional. Tardo points out that its custom molding prevents crease marks between applications and says it’s a great pick for those with fine to medium hair texture. Another perk of this waver is the negative ion technology that seals the cuticle for increased shine. If you prefer the look of looser waves, Amika also makes this three-barrel hair waver in a jumbo size.

Editor testing and review notes: “Many hair wavers can feel clunky in the hand due to the large curling barrels, but Amika’s is manageable to use due to the balanced design — including a non-slip handle and a kickstand that prevents the hot barrels from singeing any surface you place it on. On top of a sleek build, this tool is a winner because it doesn’t leave crease marks, making it a great choice for beginners. As for results, expect beachy waves you can set in place or brush out for softer texture.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $120

The Beachwaver isn’t your typical curling iron. If you’ve ever struggled to use a wand or traditional curling iron, then you’ll be thrilled with this one that does the styling for you. It works by feeding a section of hair into the short clamp which then rotates around the barrel (in your chosen direction) with the touch of a button. The end result is a loose, wavy S-curl that can be brushed out to appear even softer. We’ve used the Beachwaver for years with great luck and recommend it to anyone who prefers a wavy curl to a crimp.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve researched and tested curling irons consistently in my six years as a beauty editor, and Beachwaver’s option remains my top recommendation when friends ask for a curling iron that’s simple to use. Any skill level can achieve gorgeous texture with the click of a button, literally. The tool comes in various barrel sizes, but the 1-inch option is a favorite for soft waves on any hair length and thickness.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $69

Mermade’s Pro Hair Waver takes the cake when it comes to social media fame. The triple-barrel tool and its aesthetic pink shade have attracted more than 1.4 billion views on TikTok. Not only is it an internet favorite, but the Mermade waver has celebrity fans that include Khloe Kardashian and Hailey Bieber. If you prefer waves with a slightly softer look, this may be the hair waver for you with its slightly larger 1.25-inch barrels. As a bonus, you’ll get a heat protective glove to keep fingers safe. 

Editor testing and review notes: “Big barrels make Mermade’s hair waver an excellent choice for creating bombshell waves — it’s best for those who want some texture that doesn’t look crimped. This is my top choice from testing for long, thick hair, as the bigger barrels make quick work of styling from roots to ends. The included heatproof glove is a nice addition for hair waver newbies; just note that those with anything shorter than shoulder-length hair may struggle to feed strands into the barrels.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $50

With its jumbo design, this Revlon hair waver covers a larger surface area to give you a full head of waves in less time. Though, it does come at the expense of being slightly bulkier than other options on this list. A unique feature of the tool is its 30 heat settings that can be adjusted for different hair textures. Tardo tells WWD the high heat setting of 420°F makes this especially ideal for those with thick or coarse hair. The tourmaline ceramic coating “helps to reduce heat damage while sealing the cuticle for boosted shine,” he adds. Testers report that it’s great for long-lasting waves that stay put for days on end.

Editor testing and review notes: “As far as budget-friendly hair wavers go, none are better than Revlon’s Jumbo Hair Waver. It’s a little clunky in the hand but nonetheless simple to use: Just choose a heat setting that’s compatible with your hair type (there are plenty to choose from) and work the barrels from roots to ends. You’ll get more of a crimp than a loose wave, but the texture holds well, even if you brush out after use.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $22.05

$27.97

$44.99

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This hair waver gives you the effect of a triple-barrel wave with just one single space-saving deep barrel. The popular waver — it’s Bed Head’s number one styling tool and has more than 40,000 five-star reviews on Amazon — creates beachy waves with a loose crimped effect. Tardo adds that the compact deep-wave size makes it “ideal for the frequent traveler,” as does the dual voltage. Many reviewers swear it’s beginner friendly, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t know your way around a curling iron.

Editor testing and review notes: “Bed Head’s hair waver has a unique design that’s easier to feed hair into than three-barreled tools. The tool lends a messy, wavy look with plenty of volume, and its six heat setting make it a surprisingly versatile tool for various hair thicknesses and textures. I love its locking function that makes the tool even more compact for stashing in my overnight bags. Note that the tool runs hot, so those with damaged or fine hair will want to ensure they spritz on heat protectant before use.

Price upon publish date of this article: $32.99

If one pink option isn’t enough, consider the Babe Waves 3-Barrel Waver. While it shares a similar look to the Mermade wave tool, the smaller 1-inch barrels provide a bit more volume and body. With a maximum heat setting of 450°F, it’s also suitable for thicker and coarser hair types. We like that it has a velvet-touch handle for a more comfortable grip. In the case that you do prefer larger barrels, Babes Waves offers its waver in 1.10 inch and 1.25 inch sizes as well.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve been testing the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves tool for six months, and it hasn’t let me down. I have naturally curly hair that tends to fall flat in certain areas, and this tool makes quick work of refreshing flat pieces with more texture that melds well with my air-dried hair. But even pin-straight types can quickly impart some volume and waves, thanks to the manually adjustable heat settings. Sometimes the tool will shut off mid-use, but that’s after weeks of consistent use — otherwise it’s good as new.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $59

If it’s textured, tousled waves you’re after, then check out Drybar’s Beach Bender waver tool. Tardo says the smaller 0.75-inch barrels “are ideal for tighter curls or creating high volume texture.” Beyond an ergonomic handle in the brand’s signature buttercup yellow, this feature-packed waver has ionic technology that reduces frizz and adds shine, an automatic shut-off that kicks in after 60 minutes, and just the right amount of tension to prevent creases between waves. If you want even deeper waves with more definition, Drybar says to just hold the clamp down a few seconds longer.

Editor testing and review notes: “The first thing I noticed about Drybar’s hair waver is how quickly it heats up — it can reach a high of 450°F in under two minutes. This, on top of its long, easy-to-grip handle makes it an easy-to-use option for beginners and pros. A smaller 0.75-inch barrel size creates body and lift at the roots, while creating nice flips and curls at the ends of my hair. Note that the tool doesn’t have a kickstand, so you’ll want to style with a heatproof surface nearby.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $139

Want your natural curls and waves to look more uniform? Tardo tells us curling wands with a single barrel are a great option because they “can be used to enhance your existing texture by styling select sections of hair instead of the whole head.” We like this oval-shaped wand from Ghd for its unique ability to create both beachy waves and Old Hollywood waves just by changing the direction of the curls. If you’re used to a round barrel, though, the oval shape may present an initial learning curve. We’re also fans of its multiple safety features: a heat protective glove, cool tip, automatic shut-off after 30 minutes, and built-in stand to keep the hot wand off the counter.

Editor testing and review notes: “After testing Ghd’s tool, I’m convinced everyone’s hair styling routine needs an oval-shaped curling iron. The unique shape creates more stretched-out waves and curls that look naturally gorgeous rather than over-styled. Once you get used to the shape, you’ll be obsessed with the results — think soft, long curls with loads of shine. And Ghd hair tools, from hair straightening brushes to flat irons and hair dryers, are a great choice for those with damage-prone hair, as every tool is optimized to not exceed a hair-safe temperature of 365°F.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $205