Master Taylor Swift’s “Delicate” Music Video Beachy Waves: Your Ultimate Guide

Taylor Swift, at 28, unveiled a breathtakingly effortless hairstyle in her “Delicate” music video, particularly in its captivating vertical Spotify version. Shot against a rustic woodland backdrop, Taylor’s look is a masterclass in natural beauty – a stark contrast to her previous, more polished styles. Gone are the overtly perfect red lips and tightly coiled curls, replaced by stunning, undone beachy waves that are both sexy and perfectly suited for the summer season. This look is not just a trend; it’s a testament to the timeless appeal of relaxed, natural hair. If you’ve been captivated by her flawless, sun-kissed locks and dream of recreating this chic, effortless vibe, you’re in the right place. We’ll guide you through every step to achieve Taylor Swift’s signature “Delicate” music video waves, turning your hair into a summer-ready masterpiece that radiates charm and sophistication.

The Irresistible Charm of Undone Beachy Waves

What makes Taylor Swift’s beachy waves so incredibly popular and universally adored? It’s the art of appearing effortlessly chic. This particular hairstyle, as perfectly showcased in the “Delicate” video, embodies a unique blend of polished and natural. The waves are loose, soft, and boast a lived-in texture that mimics a day spent under the sun, even if you’re miles from the nearest beach. The beauty of the undone wave lies in its intentional imperfection; it’s about enhancing your hair’s natural movement and achieving a look that feels both luxurious and genuinely approachable. This versatile style transitions seamlessly from casual daytime outings to elegant evening events, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Embrace the carefree spirit of summer and make Taylor’s signature undone waves your go-to style for an instant boost of confidence and radiant appeal.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation for Volume and Texture

The journey to Taylor’s perfect beachy waves begins in the shower. Establishing the right foundation during your hair washing routine is crucial for creating the necessary volume and texture. Products specifically designed to enhance these qualities will significantly impact your final look, ensuring your waves hold their shape and bounce.

Essential Washday Products: Redken’s Beach Envy Shampoo and Conditioner

Redken Beach Envy Volume Texturizing Shampoo: This innovative shampoo works to create amplified, tousled texture right from the start. It gently cleanses while infusing your hair with a unique blend of mineral-rich particles that add subtle grit and definition without weighing your strands down. The result is hair that feels fuller and exhibits a natural, wavy movement before you even begin styling.
Redken Beach Envy Volume Texturizing Conditioner: Complementing the shampoo, this conditioner is formulated to detangle and soften your hair without sacrificing the desired body and wave. It helps to smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz while maintaining that airy, voluminous feel, preparing your hair perfectly for the “undone” aesthetic.

For best results, apply the shampoo to wet hair, lather, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with the conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, then rinse completely. These products create the ideal canvas – a voluminous and textured base essential for achieving loose, natural-looking waves.

Step 2: The Art of Gentle Towel-Drying to Minimize Frizz

How you dry your hair after washing plays a pivotal role in preventing frizz and breakage, directly influencing the outcome of your waves. Aggressive towel drying can disrupt the hair cuticle, leading to a fuzzy appearance and potential damage. The goal is to gently absorb excess water while maintaining the integrity of your hair strands.

Recommended Tool: AQUIS Hair Towel

The AQUIS Hair Towel is an indispensable tool for achieving a smooth, frizz-free foundation. Crafted from revolutionary Aquitex fabric, it’s engineered to swiftly and gently wick away water. This innovative design not only reduces drying time by half but also minimizes the friction that typically causes frizz and breakage. Unlike rough cotton towels, the AQUIS towel is incredibly soft and smooth, preserving your hair’s natural texture and reducing your reliance on heat styling tools.

How to use: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair with your hands. Wrap your hair in the AQUIS Hair Towel, turban-style, and allow it to absorb moisture for 10-20 minutes. Avoid any vigorous rubbing. This gentle approach ensures the hair cuticle remains smooth, locking in essential moisture and preventing frizz, thereby creating a pristine canvas for your beautiful beachy waves.

Step 3: Preparing for Perfection with Texture and Volume Sprays

Once your hair is damp from towel-drying, it’s time to introduce styling products that will enhance natural waves, build volume, and provide a light, flexible hold. These steps are crucial for achieving that desirable messy-yet-chic look that Taylor Swift embodies so effortlessly.

Key Styling Aids for Texture and Volume:

Kristin Ess Beach Wave Spray: This highly acclaimed spray is a must-have for effortless texture. Designed to enhance your hair’s natural waves and create a tousled, salty-air finish, it’s lightweight and non-sticky. Spray generously on damp hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends. You can then gently scrunch your hair or twist sections to encourage wave formation. Its unique formula helps define waves without stiffness, giving you an authentic, straight-from-the-beach feel.
Drybar Southern Belle Volumizing Mousse: For an extra boost of body and lift, especially at the roots, the Drybar Southern Belle Volumizing Mousse is exceptional. Beyond its amazing scent, it delivers significant volume without any sticky residue. Dispense a golf-ball-sized amount into your palm and distribute it evenly through your damp hair, focusing on the roots and working towards the ends. This mousse provides a robust foundation for lift and ensures your waves have that coveted bouncy, full-bodied look, enhancing the longevity and overall impact of your style.

Allow your hair to air dry partially after applying these products, or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to gently encourage wave formation and add more volume. Aim to get your hair about 80% dry before proceeding to the curling iron, allowing the products to fully integrate and begin their work in creating texture and body.

Step 4: Mastering the “Undone” Curling Iron Technique

This is where Taylor’s signature “undone” waves truly come to life. The secret lies not in creating uniform, perfect curls, but rather a relaxed, varied texture. The technique involves a specific curling method combined with the crucial step of leaving the ends straight.

Recommended Tool: Hot Tools Curling Iron

A high-quality curling iron is essential for consistent results. Hot Tools are frequently praised by celebrity stylists for their reliability and excellent value. Choose a barrel size between 1-inch and 1.5-inches; a larger barrel yields looser waves, while a smaller one creates a tighter curl that can then be brushed out for a softer effect.

Step-by-Step Curling for Undone Waves:

Section Your Hair: Divide your dry hair into small, manageable sections, about 1-2 inches wide. Clipping up the top layers will allow you to work on the bottom sections first.
Alternate Directions – The Golden Rule: To achieve a truly natural, undone appearance, it is critical to curl alternating sections of hair in different directions. For one section, wrap the hair away from your face. For the next section, wrap it towards your face. This technique prevents the curls from clumping together, creating a more organic, textured, and voluminous finish.
Leave the Ends Out – The Undone Secret: This is arguably the most vital technique for capturing the “undone” aesthetic. As you wrap each section of hair around the curling iron barrel, ensure you leave at least an inch (or more, depending on your hair length) of the ends straight. This creates a modern, relaxed feel and prevents your hair from looking overly “done” or like classic ringlets. The straight ends lend the waves a casual, effortless beachy vibe.
Hold and Release: Hold each section on the iron for 5-10 seconds, adjusting based on your hair type and the heat setting. Gently release the curl into your hand and allow it to cool completely before touching it. This cooling process is crucial for the curl to set and maintain its shape for longer.
Repeat Consistently: Continue this process throughout your entire head, meticulously alternating directions and consistently leaving the ends out for every section.

Once all your hair is curled, resist the immediate urge to brush or comb through it. Allow the curls to cool down completely, which may take a few minutes. This setting time is essential for the waves to lock in their shape and ensure longevity.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch – Texturizing and “Roughing Up”

After your curls have cooled and set, the final step is to break them up and create that signature “roughed-up,” lived-in look that defines Taylor Swift’s beachy waves. This stage adds volume, separates the waves, and provides flexible hold without stiffness.

Finishing Product: OGX Flexible + Beeswax Texture Hairspray Wax

The OGX Flexible + Beeswax Texture Hairspray Wax is an excellent choice for this crucial finishing step. It ingeniously combines the hold of a hairspray with the pliable texture of a wax, offering a flexible hold that allows for natural movement while keeping your waves beautifully intact. The beeswax provides natural texture and a subtle grip without making your hair feel greasy or stiff, ensuring a weightless finish.

Application Guide:

Spray Lightly: Hold the can approximately 10-12 inches away from your head. Lightly mist the hairspray wax all over your waves, ensuring even coverage.
Rough It Up: Gently flip your head upside down. Using your fingertips, lightly run them through your waves, gently separating and shaking them at the roots. You can also lightly scrunch sections to enhance texture. The primary goal is to break up the defined curls into softer, more natural-looking waves.
Boost Volume: Flip your head back up and use your fingertips to lift and separate the roots for additional volume. Target specific areas where you desire more lift and body.
Final Adjustments: Make any final adjustments with your fingers, defining specific waves or adding a little extra spray to areas that require more hold or texture.

This product is exceptional for creating that perfectly imperfect finish, ensuring your beachy waves look natural, voluminous, and full of effortless movement, just like Taylor Swift’s iconic look.

Beyond the Hair: Completing Your Taylor Swift-Inspired Look

While your hair will undoubtedly be the star of this look, a few complementary touches can elevate your overall aesthetic to truly embody Taylor Swift’s fresh, natural vibe from the “Delicate” video. She often pairs her effortless hairstyles with a subtle yet impactful makeup palette that enhances her natural features.

The Perfect Lip Shade: A Subtle Pop of Coral

To beautifully complement your new beachy waves, consider adding a coral lip. A soft coral shade provides a subtle yet vibrant pop of color to your pout without appearing overly dramatic. It keeps the look fresh, youthful, and perfectly aligned with the natural, summery feel of the undone waves. Opt for a sheer lipstick, a tinted balm, or a light gloss in a coral hue to achieve this delicate yet striking touch. This choice enhances your natural beauty, much like Taylor’s own refined approach to makeup in the music video.

Embrace a Minimalist Makeup Approach

Pair this vibrant lip and textured hair with a minimalist makeup application. Focus on clean, radiant skin, perhaps a touch of subtle blush for a healthy glow, a light coat of mascara to define your eyes, and a hint of brow gel to keep your eyebrows naturally groomed. The emphasis remains on healthy, glowing skin and your stunning hair, allowing your natural features to shine through, echoing Taylor’s radiant and authentic beauty in the “Delicate” music video.

Maintaining Your Beachy Waves: Tips for Lasting Style

To ensure your beautiful Taylor Swift-inspired beachy waves last as long as possible and look fresh for days, integrate these simple maintenance tips into your routine:

Sleep Smart: Before bed, gently gather your hair into a loose bun or a “pineapple” style ponytail on top of your head. Use a silk scrunchie to prevent creases and minimize friction, helping to preserve the waves overnight.
Refresh on Day Two: If your waves need a boost on the second day, lightly mist some dry shampoo at the roots to absorb any oil and add volume. Follow with a light spray of texturizing spray (like the Kristin Ess Beach Wave Spray) and gently scrunch your hair with your hands to reactivate the waves. You can also use your curling iron to touch up a few stubborn sections if needed, but remember to keep the ends straight.
Humidity Protection: If you live in a humid climate, a light mist of anti-humidity spray can help seal your style and keep frizz at bay, ensuring your waves remain intact and beautiful.

Avoid These Common Mistakes for Perfect Undone Waves

While the undone look celebrates natural imperfection, there are a few common styling pitfalls to avoid that can hinder your desired result:

Over-Curling: Resist the urge to create overly tight or uniform curls. The essence of the undone look is relaxed, soft waves, not stiff ringlets.
Excessive Product Use: While products are key, moderation is essential. Applying too much mousse or hairspray can weigh down your hair or make it stiff and unnatural. Start with a small amount and build up if necessary.
Skipping Hair Preparation: Neglecting the correct shampoo, conditioner, and towel-drying steps can make it significantly harder to achieve the desired texture, volume, and frizz control needed for this style.
Brushing Out Too Soon: Always allow your curls to cool completely before attempting to break them up or style them further. Brushing hot curls will cause them to fall flat immediately and lose their definition.

Embrace Your Inner Pop Star: Conclusion

Taylor Swift’s undone beachy waves from her “Delicate” music video are an epitome of effortless beauty and the quintessential hairstyle for the warmer months. By meticulously following these detailed steps, from selecting the perfect foundational products to mastering the specific curling technique and applying the ideal finishing touches, you can confidently recreate this stunning, universally flattering look. Embrace the subtle imperfections and the natural, flowing movement that define this iconic style. Whether you’re attending a casual brunch, a vibrant summer festival, or simply seeking to infuse a touch more glamour into your everyday life, these waves offer unparalleled versatility, undeniable charm, and a distinct touch of pop-star chic. Get ready to captivate and turn heads with your beautiful, Taylor Swift-inspired locks!