Covering your head in braids when your hair is wet results in lots of loose and ever-so-slightly untamed waves -- call it surfer chic. "This is a great vacation style -- it's casual, unpredictable, and fun," says Carmel Bianco, a New York City-based hairstylist.

Step 1: Frame the Face

Start with wet hair and work in a styling cream for hold. Towel hair dry and spritz a sea-salt spray all over (if you're seaside, ocean water works, too). Begin braiding along the hairline to give hair texture in the pieces around the face. The tighter the braid, the wavier the hair. Secure braids with small elastics.

Step 2: Braid the Back

Continue to divide the hair into sections until the whole head is covered in braids. Depending on how thick your hair is, about five should be enough, but the more braids, the more waves.

Step 3: Comb It Out

Let your hair air-dry, then finger comb the braids, creating a loose, wavy texture.

TRY: John Masters Organics Sea Mist (johnmasters.com) and Davines Defining Invisible Styling Cream (davines.com for salons)