The White Lotus has been a rich font of inspiration this season, from the characters' covetable designer-laden wardrobes to the luxurious hotel setting and of course, the sun-kissed beauty looks. Our latest obsession from the show? What stylists are calling the 'White Lotus wave'.
Aimee Lou Wood has become one of the breakout stars of the show, inspired as we all are by her perfectly imperfect teeth (a welcome reprieve from the straight-set veneers that currently dominate Hollywood), to her character Chelsea's soft 'copper sundowner' hair shade. Now, we're adding Wood's beachy waves on the show to our list of must-try styles for summer.
But Chelsea isn't the only character to champion the 'White Lotus wave'. Tousled, sea-salted curls are the order of the day for Jaclyn, played by Michelle Monaghan, whose beauty look effortlessly embraces the sun-soaked, low-key approach of island life.
"This look is giving luxe, five-star resort in Thailand – not backpacking hostel," says Valerie Benavides, an expert stylist at Hair by Sam McKnight. "It’s the grown-up version, where hair is glossy and defined while looking effortless."
There seems to be a symbiosis effect on holiday whereby one's hair often takes on the elements of the sea, making this beachy-wave style an easy go-to look for those enjoying a tropical ocean-side vacation. That said, if you're looking to recreate 'White Lotus waves' back home (sans Thailand sunshine), we asked the experts for the tools and techniques on how to get the look.
While this undone style might seem like a fairly one-dimensional look, there are multiple ways to achieve it, with different hair textures requiring different approaches.
Those with straight hair will likely need to employ the styling benefits of a heated tool. There are plenty available, from three-prong mermaid wavers to single-barrel curling tongs, each of which will give a slightly different wave pattern to the hair.
Dale Herne, an expert stylist at Hershesons, recommends starting by rough-drying freshly washed hair. "Be sure not to smooth out the hair when drying as we want this look to feel as natural and beachy as possible," he says.
Next, use a light texture spray to prepare the hair. "This will help give the waves you create some hold. It also enhances the hair’s natural texture, to create that 'holiday hair' look," he continues.
Herne's favourite tool for achieving the look is the mermaid waver attachment belonging to the Hershesons Multi-Tasker, which creates an almost identical finish to the undone, effortless 'White Lotus waves'.
Color Wow Style on Steroids Performance Enhancing Texture Spray
Hershesons The Multi-Tasker
JVN Complete Air Dry Cream
Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm
Amika High Tide Deep Waver
Hershesons Almost Everything Cream
"Take big sections of the hair, about two inches from the root," he says. "Depending on the length of your hair, you may need to do this just once, or if you have longer hair, move down towards the end of the hair and clamp again."
To finish, take a finishing cream, which will help define and lock in the style without the crispiness of a hair spray. "Run your fingers through the waves to separate them and give that lived-in mermaid look." For this, Dale uses the Hershesons Almost Everything Cream; "It’s also a great product to fight off humidity-induced frizz."
Those with naturally wavy hair are in luck, as there are fewer steps to achieving a sea-kissed wave. "It's all about definition," says Benavides.
"Sea-kissed texture can be emphasised with a few spritzes of salt spray, which work wonders on wavy hair. Just look for one that doesn’t leave your hair dry and rough, like the Sundaze Sea Spray," she continues.
Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray
Ouai Wave Spray
Charlotte Mensah Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Pomade
Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Curls Refresh & Revive Mist
Individuals with curly hair can espouse the trend too. "Embrace texture and go bold," says Benavides. "Nourishing balms paired with Cool Curls for 24-hour frizz protection and to accentuate texture is the go-to for beachy hair."
If you're lucky enough to already be beach-side in a warm climate, or have a sun-drenched holiday bookmarked, heatless styling is the method to embrace. "Smooth a leave-in conditioner through slightly damp hair, split hair in two and french braid from roots to ends," explains Benavides.
"Leave overnight or throughout the day to protect your hair and remove in the evening for an effortless beach-to-bar hairstyle."
