Mermaid, beachy, luxe waves – whatever you call them – softly undone waves remain one of the most timeless hairstyles around. Less styled than a bouncy blow-dry, and softer than super straight locks – a couple of strategic bends in the hair can work wonders for giving you that ‘je-nais-say-quoi’ kind of cool girl finish.
Shop Vogue’s top barrel wavers at a glance:
Even the revival of Greek goddess hair – helped along by The Odyssey and its impossibly chic press tour – feels like another take on the same aesthetic: romantic, effortless and just a little windswept.
The frustrating part, of course, is that effortless waves are rarely effortless. Unless your hair naturally dries into that enviable, slightly tousled shape, recreating it often involves juggling a curling wand, burning at least one finger and hoping the whole thing doesn’t drop out before you’ve left the house.
Thankfully, that’s where hair wavers come in. Bigger than a traditional crimper and much easier to control than a curling wand, hair wavers give you that effortless texture in just a couple of minutes.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the very best barrel wavers for every hair type, budget and styling preference – from multi-use stylers that are perfect for travelling to professional-grade tools that deliver salon-worthy waves at home. Here are the best barrel wavers for undone, beachy waves.
In this article:
Ghd Wave Triple Barrel Waver
Babyliss Deep Waves Styler
Remington PROluxe 4-in-1 waver
FAQs
How do you use a hair waver?
The good news is that barrel wavers are generally easier to master than traditional curling wands. Simply clamp the hair between the barrels, hold for a few seconds, then move the tool further down the section until you reach the ends. “The bigger the hair sections, the looser the final wave or bend,” says Patrick Wilson, hairstylist and ghd ambassador.
One tip worth remembering? Avoid clamping too close to your roots. “Don’t start too high into your parting,” Wilson advises. “Otherwise this creates too much height at the root and looks more done than it needs to.” Starting around eye or cheekbone level tends to create a softer, more effortless finish.
Are there different barrel sizes for different hair lengths?
Generally speaking, yes. Larger barrels create softer, looser waves and tend to work particularly well on medium to long hair, while smaller barrels produce a more defined wave pattern that’s often better suited to shorter lengths. If you have very long or thick hair, wider barrels will also help speed up styling by covering more hair with each clamp.
Of course, the look you’re after matters just as much as your hair length. If you’re hoping to create relaxed, beachy bends rather than pronounced mermaid waves, opting for a larger barrel is usually the safest bet.
How long should you clamp each section for?
Most hair wavers only need around five to eight seconds per section, although this can vary depending on your hair type and the tool you’re using. Fine hair generally requires less time than thick or coarse hair, so it’s always worth following the manufacturer’s guidance.
Just as importantly, resist the temptation to touch your waves straight away. “Let the hair cool and set before brushing it out,” says Wilson. “Otherwise the style won’t last.” Once your hair has completely cooled, use a wide-tooth comb rather than a brush to gently loosen the waves without disrupting their shape.
