How I get beachy summer waves without heat

I always loved the look of beachy, effortless waves, especially for the summer, so I'm glad to have finally found a way to achieve that look. I've been meaning to do this post for awhile now, but haven't really gotten around to blogging lately. I get a lot of questions about my loose waves so I thought I'd show you guys the technique I use, as well my favorite products.



(Beyond The Zone Spray scrunched + one bun)

Let's start off with a little hair history. My hair is naturally pretty straight and coarse with a very slight wave. Not a good wave, but a really bad funky one. Like I literally have two poofy waves in my hair. For the past few years, I've been very bad to my hair. I used a straightener and blow dryer on my hair just about every single day. I hated the way my hair air-dried and was always working against my natural texture.

PRODUCTS:
I've tried a countless number of mousses, spray gels, cremes, etc. and I can honestly say that these are the only products that have delivered with my stubborn hair type:

-Beyond The Zone Super Sexy wave spray ($5.49 @ Sally's w/pro card, $6.29 without, bright green bottle with purple cap)
-Garnier Surf Hair paste ($3 @ Walmart, bright green rounded tub with yellow top)
-Garnier Wonder Waves spray ($3 @ Walmart)
-David Babaii Bohemian Beach spray ($10 @ Ulta, dark brown bottle)

Before discovering these products, I was never able to create waves in my hair without using heat. They would always turn out straight or frizzy and completely undefined. The Super Sexy spray is the product that initially encouraged wave in my hair and worked to give me beachy waves, therefore it tops the list. It smells like watermelon vodka (I hate vodka) so I always have to hold my breath when I spray this stuff. The scent goes away quickly though. The David Babaii is good, especially when used to refresh curls, but it leaves a slightly heavy feel.

TECHNIQUE:
I've really been loving the combination of Garnier's Wonder Waves and Surf Hair. I blot my wet hair with a towel and spray Wonder Waves to my hair when it is damp and scrunch like a madwoman. I wait until it is just a little less than halfway dried and I scrunch a dime-sized amount of Surf Hair paste after rubbing it between my hands, making sure not to cover one spot more than once. I let my hair air dry naturally. To make really gorgeous waves, I gather two sides of my hair into high ponytails, roll into buns, and bobby pin with two crisscrossing pins. I let that air dry and then shake out the wave. Experiment with different amounts of each product to work with your hair. I find that this combo gives me defined waves while controlling frizz. Start off with less, and then work more into your hair. The biggest thing is avoiding crunchy, heavy waves.



(Note that my hair is nowhere near as wavy as this naturally. Garnier combo + two buns)



On another note, I've been completely obsessed with wearing my bucket hat. It matches with everything, protects my hair and face from the sun, and gives off a perfect easygoing summer look when paired with beach waves. The combo reminds me of those Lily Donaldson Burberry ads :) I was inspired to start wearing my bucket hat after seeing a beautiful spread in Allure called "Summer Essentials."


(Photo credit to Allure)

I haven't used heat on my hair for an entire month now, which is pretty impressive considering I used to straighten and blow dry my hair every single day. I can't believe how much softer, shinier, healthier, and less frizzy my hair has become in just one month. My hair has a different look and feel to it, and it is easier to style and manage. I would suggest you guys to take a "no heat" challenge for the summer and see how much your hair improves!

OOTD + Botanical Gardens

Here are a few pictures from my day at the botanical gardens and my first outfit of the day. Enjoy!



I look ridiculously short in these pictures but I'm around 5'6". I wish I were taller!

Cardigan: Tahari
V-neck tee: Threads for Thought
Jeans: Express "Zelda Ultra Skinny"
Sunglasses: Hugo Boss
Purse: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Flats: Gap

I love these flats. They are glossy patent on the outside and softly quilted on the inside. They're camel and match perfectly with my purse. I like that they are so versatile; they work with so many different colors and outfits. They're simple but chic and also work well to tone down an outfit. I like that they are patent as well because they add a new texture. I don't have to think too much about these shoes when I wear them, which is a plus. I love those types of pieces- the ones you can simply throw on and be out the door.



I wore my Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup and it photographed really well. The lighting around the gardens and greenhouse was perfect- natural and bright!









We thought it was going to be nice and warm, but the weather was quite chilly and some of the flowers hadn't bloomed yet. I went all the way back to the car and threw on my trench to keep warm!






The ladies of my family all went out to TGIF for dinner that night. I had the Chicken and Cheese grilled with peppers and onions with a side of mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were absolutely delicious- creamy, soft, and super buttery. The best I have ever had. The chicken, on the other hand, was not so great. Very mediocre and not cooked very well.



A few days ago, I tried looking for my puppy everywhere and couldn't find him. He didn't respond to me calling out his name around the house and I got a bit worried! Then I finally found him in his old bed downstairs. I think he is just attached to his baby bed because he never uses his new one. This is how I found him, all bundled up underneath the padding...



Haha!

I picked up one of my favorite treats at the Korean supermarket yesterday. They are like cracker/cookie sticks with strawberry cream dip. Sooooooooo good. I found the silly "hidden messages" strangely amusing! lol.



I was a little confused by the chicken one. My mom told me that in Korea, the chicken sound is "kokekokko." I found this really funny and also interesting that other countries have different sounds that are related to different animals. I remember learning about this in a Linguistics class I had taken. In America, "cock-a-doodle-doo" is synonymous with the rooster. I told my mom this and she was just as confused as I was. lol.

Well that's all. Until next time!