9 Tips for Styling Beach Babe Hair

Aug 03, 2014

If you’re prepping for a day at the beach in every way (Sun screen, check! Towel, check!), don’t forget you have some serious decisions to make about your hair. While sun, sand and wind can add luster and waves to your locks, it can also stress out your tresses in the form of frizz and knots. Finding the balance between getting that perfectly tousled look without damaging your mane is what all girls should strive for, and that means unless you have mermaid genes, a little prep and TLC is in order to make your hair beach-ready. So use this post as your beach beauty guide for tips and styles that protect your ‘do so you can have THE most fun in the sun.

1. Pin Up Your Hair in a Ponytail: If a pool party is on your weekend agenda, grab a colorful scarf and effortlessly wrap it throughout a messy, high pony for a gorgeous pool-side ‘do. Be sure to have a few bobby pins handy to secure random strands of hair from your pony ail to the top of your head, maximizing that messy, sexy beach vibe. (via The Zoe Report)

2. Have Tools to Fight Frizz at the Ready: You’re at the beach, so of course you’re going to swim, right!? Don’t let the thought of messy, tangled hair stop you from splashing around. Yes, the thought of emerging with Medusa-styled locks is frightening but there’s a fix for that! Curly haired gals, pack a wide-toothed comb to detangle, then pile hair into a bun until it dries. For ladies with straight hair, tame frizz with a styling cream and secure with a beachy braid. (via Good Housekeeping)

3. Go on a Braiding Bonanza: For girls with bountiful strands of hair, this twist on the high bun makes for the perfect beach hair fix. Look stylish, keep hair from snarling and maintain this eye-catching beach braid for days. Heck it just may last your entire vacay! (via Brit + Co)

4. Wrap It Up: A hair wrap might be the perfect beach hair accessory ever. It protects and tucks away tresses from windswept snarls, all while staying stylish. Twist and tie this printed turban-style wrap ($24) any-which-way that works for your hair.

5. Keep Up With the Conditioner: Prep your hair for summer heat by keeping it conditioned, strong and hydrated all season long. But why buy when you can DIY? Natural ingredients like avocado and coconut milk counterbalance the negative effects that sun, salt and wind may have on your hair. (via Curly Nikki)

6. Make Some Pre-Shore Waves: Ocean-kissed waves are a summertime essential, and thankfully, with a little prep you can get gorgeous, crimped locks right from the shower. Arm yourself with a wooden ion brush to smooth away frizz, and use this tool to set your waves for the day! (via Beauty Bets)

7. Know Hacks for Your Hair Color: Don’t leave the heat of the beach or poolside with a head of hair that takes on a Shrek-like hue! For blondes, brunettes and redheads alike, follow these easy DIY fixes to ensure your hair stays vibrantly natural-toned. (via Fitness)

8. Pack a Hat: Throw on a floppy beach hat ($26) for the ultimate leisure look. Not only will you look effortlessly stylish but you will protect your face and hair from harmful UV rays. Win-win!

9. Skip Styling Agents Altogether: Say what!? That’s right don’t try to tame your hair, embrace the messy look and go au natural! If you have oily or flat hair, use a sea salt mist or forego shampooing for a few days. Or if dry hair is dragging you down, condition the ends or your full head of hair with coconut oil for added moisture. Bonus: You’ll save space in your beach tote by ditching the hairspray, gel and other styling agents! (via My Curly Mane)

Okay beach beauties, spill your secrets on how you get the perfect beach coif in the comments below. We want to know all your summer hair trick + tips!

15 Summer Beauty Hacks You Need To Know

Summer is all about breezy 'fits, messy beach hair and a pair of sunglasses for every mood. And while it’s the best season for those beachside Insta snaps, there are some things about those hot summer days that can be a real drag when it comes to beauty and makeup. Whether it’s protecting your hair color, rescuing your skin from a sunburn or keeping your legs smooth and shorts-ready, summer can feel like a constant beauty challenge. Luckily we’ve got some awesome summer beauty hacks to keep your skin, hair and nails looking picture-perfect all summer long.

Scrub The Dead Skin Away

We love a good body scrub, especially when we make it ourselves! These moisturizing and fragrant scrubs are super easy to whip up, and they'll help you get a smoother shave. Make a few to keep and a few to give away. (via Brit + Co)

Aloe Ice Cubes

Aloe vera is one of the best things to help cool a sunburn. Pour aloe into an ice cube tray and, after they've become frozen cubes, use them to soothe any bits of skin that you didn’t cover with sunscreen. Not only will the aloe itself help your burn, but the icy temps will feel amazing. (via Hello Natural)

Tint It

On hot summer days, swap your go-to lipstick for a lip tint instead. They're a lot thinner so they won't make your lips feel cakey or weighed down, and you won't have to worry about it fading or smudging. You can definitely count us in. (via Brit + Co)

Chamomile Bikini Line Rescue

If you start getting a rash along your bikini line, add a couple bags of chamomile tea to hot water. Once they've steeped, put them in the freezer for 15 minutes and then place them along your bikini line to soothe the irritation. (via Livestrong)

Mosquito Repellent

Bugs are gross, but sometimes that bug spray can feel just as toxic, especially when it gets up your nose and in your mouth. Not to mention it can be super greasy and terrible for your skin. DIY your own bug spray instead and you'll be smelling fresh and bug-bite-free. (via Brit + Co)

Keep Your Color

Sun, salt water and chlorine can all seriously damage your hair (specifically your hair color). Perk up your locks and help extend the lifetime of your color by spritzing apple cider vinegar into your hair every time you have fun in in the sun. (via Seventeen)

Bye, Bye Blisters

No one wants to have Band-Aids on their toes while rocking their favorite cute, strappy sandals. Keep blisters away by rubbing your ankles and toes with deodorant (yes, deodorant!). The antiperspirant wicks away moisture and friction to protect your feet in the long run. (via Self)

Soothe Your Sunburn

Make a jar of this lotion (which smells amazing, by the way) at the beginning of your vacation so that you can pull it out whenever you need to. Full of good stuff like aloe vera, shea butter, and jojoba oil, it'll help give your burnt skin some of its moisture back. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Aftershave

We can't stand it when we shave and immediately have legs that look like they just walked through a thorny forest. Avoid it by dusting baby powder over your shaved legs to prevent irritation and chafing. (via DIY and Crafts)

Frizz Control

We adore coconut oil for a multitude of beauty reasons, one of which includes keeping the frizz under control. Mix up equal parts coconut and avocado oil together and spritz into the ends of your hair to keep moisturized on the hottest of days. (via Seventeen)

Our Fave Summer Nails

In addition to grabbing punchy press-ons or polish the next time you do your nails, use multiple coats (we always do at least three) of a gel polish for a more durable result. The key to keeping your mani for as long as possible is using thin coats, otherwise it's super easy for the polish to peel off on its own. Try different combos of polish brands and coats to figure out what works best with your nail shape. (via Brit + Co)

Stick to Waterproof Makeup

Whether your hometown is crazy humid, you've spent the entire summer by the pool, or you're in the middle of a sweaty game of beach volleyball, you don’t want your makeup melting down your face. Summer-proof your makeup with some of our favorite tricks. (via Brit + Co)

Overnight Sunburn Remedy

Even the most avid sunblock lovers can forget to reapply or miss a crucial area and end up with a bright red spot of pain. DIY an all-natural sunburn remedy with apple cider vinegar and coconut oil to give your skin some much needed TLC. (via Living in Another Language)

Beachy Hair, Don't Care

We’re all obsessed with messy, sexy beach hair, and this DIY sea salt spray promises to add some texture to your hair. All you need is water, hair gel, and sea salt and you're ready to spritz. Just make sure you shake it up before pouring into your bottle so that everything is mixed up nicely. (via Brit + Co)

Whiten Those Pits

Pit stains in your go-to white tee can be awkward and gross, but they're actually easier to get out than you might think. Mix a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, or put lemon juice on the stain before throwing it in the wash, and watch those sweat stains disappear. (via Beauty High)

What’s your favorite summer beauty hack? Let us know on Twitter!

Additional reporting by Chloe Williams.

This post has been updated.

20 Party Games Better Than Cards Against Humanity

Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.

We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.

Game of Phones

Uncommon Goods

This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.

hella awk-ward Card Game

Shopify

If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.

What Do You Meme?

Amazon

This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.

Exploding Kittens Party Card Game

Amazon

This card game is like Russian Roulette “for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” Count us in.

My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]

Amazon

Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls

Shopify

Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”

Say Anything

Walmart

If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.

BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set

Amazon

You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!

To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.

The Game of Things

Amazon

This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.

What’s Yours Like?

Walmart

Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.

If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game

Amazon

Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.

Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.

That’s What She Said

Amazon

Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.

Bananagrams

Shopify

This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.

Never Have I Ever

Amazon

You and your friends can put your trust to the test by sharing your deepest, most embarrassing secrets in this revealing game.

Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version

Amazon

Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”

The Voting Game

Amazon

In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.

Drawing Without Dignity

Amazon

It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.

Catan Strategy Board Game

Target

Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.

Relative Insanity

Walmart

Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.

Influencers in the Wild

Amazon

If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.

We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!

Keep you party going with Brit + Co.

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

cards against humanity card games board games party games games

8 Beauty Hacks for Beach-Ready Hair

Summer commandment: Thou shall not covet your neighbor's flawless beach-waved coif. Nope, there's no need to get yourself in a kink. We've come up with 8 hassle-free ways to twist, tame and tie your locks into beach worthy hair. On your next trip to the seaside, try out these hair hacks for fabulous summer strands.

1. 5-Minute Braids

For gals with long tresses, here's a creative way to show off a carefree and playful style. Keep things simple with two braids that keep your hair out of your face, and look good while doing it. (via Brit + Co)

2. DIY Sea Salt Spray

For those of us not blessed with natural curls, DIY your own beach waves with a simple concoction. This hack is easy and fun! (via Brit + Co)

3. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray ($7)

Short on time for DIY beach spray? Be sure to pack this pre-made spray in your beach bag for natural and non-sticky waves.

4. Friendship Bracelet Bobby Pins

If you were heading to summer camp with these bobby pins, you'd have the hottest hair accessories out there! Don't hide your bobby pins. Let them show and share them with your friends! (via Goldfish Kiss)

5. Top Knot + Summer Scarf

A twist on the conventional bun — tie a brightly colored bandana or scarf through your bun for creative flair (or go for any of these 11 beachy hairstyles). (via Brit + Co)

6. Homemade Coconut Oil and Honey Hair Mask

Seawater, whipping wind, hot sun and sand can wreak havoc on your hair, but with two common ingredients you can go from lackluster to soft, shiny and healthy locks. (via The Every Girl)

7. Dutch Braids + Low Pony

If your hair doesn't take to salt water, we suggest tying your tresses into a cute but sturdy braided look. (via Brit + Co)

8. Hatphile Blue Cat Baseball Cap ($17)

A must-have accessory for all beach goers. Protect your hair and shield your face from the sun's harmful rays while keeping up with your stylish appearance.

What hair products do you bring to the beach? Fill us in on Instagram and follow us on Pinterest for more summer inspo!

Featured image via Chen Mizrach/Unsplash

This post has been updated.

beach hair beach

Every Holiday Movie You Can Stream On Netflix Starting Today

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

pop culture holidays netflix entertainment

Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

1 roll of tin foil
2 packages of crescent rolls
1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

holidays thanksgiving thanksgiving desserts thanksgiving recipes food