What Beachwaver does

The Beachwaver Co. (branded as Beachwaver) is a privately held, self-funded, women-owned consumer beauty company headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois. Founded in 2014 by sisters Sarah Potempa, Erin Potempa-Wall, and Emily Potempa, the company designs, manufactures, and distributes a portfolio anchored by patented rotating curling irons (the B1 and B1.25 ceramic-barrel models, with the legacy S-Series now in final sale) that automate the curling motion via arrow-controlled dual-direction rotation and a beveled no-kink clamp. A haircare line of heat protectants, finishing sprays, dry shampoos, detanglers, mousses, and bond-reinforcing formulas extends the system, complemented by body butters, accessories (Beachwaver Fanny Pack, patented Darby Clips), fragrances, and gift cards.

Beachwaver monetizes through direct-to-consumer e-commerce at Beachwaver.com (with a Subscribe & Save program at up to 20% off recurring haircare, Build Your Own Bundle pricing, and the Beach Club rewards loyalty program) plus a mobile app offering exclusive drops to 10K+ users. Distribution extends across Amazon, Walmart, Target, Ulta Beauty, Anthropologie, Free People, Von Maur, TikTok Shop, Faire wholesale, and a dedicated Australian storefront at beachwaver.com.au. Brand building is powered by 75+ cumulative beauty awards (including Allure Best of Beauty), fashion-week sponsorships (Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2015-2016, Art Hearts Fashion at LA Fashion Week, NYFW, Miami Swim Week), creator collaborations (Kelsey Martinez 'Cherry on Top'), and the Campus Wave college ambassador program. The customer base is fragmented across beauty enthusiasts, professional hairstylists, and subscription haircare consumers, with no disclosed institutional ownership and a 51-100 employee footprint supporting 4K+ subscribing customers.

Operational strategy is anchored by the March 2026 Growvana partnership (with Rebelution as execution partner) to scale omnichannel presence, the 2026 release of the B-Series hardware refresh, expansion into Australia, and category extension into body care and Beach Bungalow lifestyle accessories — built on a foundation of multiple hardware patents, registered trademarks, and an in-house founder-led operating team.

Name

Beachwaver

Legal name

The Beachwaver Co.

Website

https://beachwaver.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Beachwaver is a self-funded, women-owned beauty brand that designs, manufactures, and distributes patented rotating curling irons plus a complementary haircare, body care, and accessories portfolio through DTC e-commerce, marketplaces, and major U.S. retailers, serving beauty enthusiasts, professional stylists, and subscription haircare consumers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Libertyville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hair Tool Sales: One-time purchase of patented rotating curling irons (B1, B1.25 models) at $99 MSRP. Hardware products constitute core revenue stream.
2. Haircare Products: Styling sprays, body butters, accessories, and haircare products sold individually or in bundles. Products range from $4.80 to $69.
3. Subscription/Recurring: Subscribe & Save program offering up to 20% discount on haircare products with auto-delivery. Progressive discount: 10% first order, 15% second, 20% third plus free gift.
4. Bundles and Kits: Build Your Own Bundle option with tiered pricing (2 products $48, 3 products get 17% off, 5 products get 20% off).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels11 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Beachwaver Co. designs, manufactures, and sells patented rotating curling irons (B1 and B1.25 models) that automate the curling motion with dual-direction arrow-button controls and ceramic barrels, together with a branded haircare line (heat protectants, dry shampoos, mousses, detanglers, hairsprays), body butters, fragrances, and styling accessories (Darby Clips, fanny packs, travel bags). The company distributes these products direct-to-consumer via Beachwaver.com (and beachwaver.com.au in Australia) and through authorized retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Ulta, Anthropologie, Free People, and Von Maur, supplemented by a Subscribe & Save auto-delivery subscription and a Beach Club loyalty rewards program.

Product overview

The Beachwaver Co. is a women-owned beauty brand founded by Sarah Potempa, Erin Potempa-Wall, and Emily Potempa. The company's core product is the patented Beachwaver rotating curling iron, which has won the Allure Best of Beauty award and over 75 beauty awards. The product portfolio centers on the Beachwaver rotating curling irons (B1 and B1.25 models with 1" and 1.25" ceramic barrels respectively), complemented by professional-grade haircare formulas including heat protectants, dry shampoos, detanglers, hairsprays, and styling mousses. Body care offerings include body butters in various scents (Bondi Beach Day, Brazilian Berry, and more). The brand also sells accessories (fanny packs, Darby clips, travel bags, storage pouches), fragrances, and gift cards. A subscription service and Build Your Own Bundle option enable recurring purchases with savings up to 20%. The brand maintains a Beach Club rewards program, Campus Wave college ambassador program, and a mobile app with exclusive deals. Products are sold through authorized retail partners including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Anthropologie, Free People, and Ulta, as well as directly via Beachwaver.com.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Beach Bungalow: Beach lifestyle collection featuring accessories, sunscreen, beach towels, and summer essentials.

Products and services

• Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron Patented rotating curling iron with a 1-inch ceramic barrel, dual-direction arrow-button rotation, beveled no-kink clamp, three heat settings (290°F/350°F/410°F), 5.5-inch barrel, 30-minute auto shut-off, and 8-ft swivel cord; 100-240V dual-voltage for travel. Designed for at-home creation of salon-quality beach waves, curls, and braids across all hair types.
• Beachwaver B1.25 Rotating Curling Iron Patented rotating curling iron with a 1.25-inch ceramic barrel, dual arrow-button rotation, beveled no-kink clamp, and three pre-set heat ranges; sized to create relaxed blowout waves on long hair.
• Beachwaver S-Series Rotating Curling Iron Previous-generation rotating curling iron series in S.75 and S1 barrel sizes with black finish; being cleared out as final-sale inventory.
• Great Barrier Heat Protectant Hair Spray Multi-purpose 8.4oz heat protectant hairspray for all hair types that adds light flexible hold, de-frizzing, and protection against heat and environmental factors; usable on damp or dry hair.
• Second Chance Dry Shampoo Rice-based, oil-absorbing dry shampoo that refreshes hair, removes excess oil, and restores volume and fullness to roots between washes.
• Braid Balm Pre-Braid Prep Pre-braid styling balm from the Frizz-Free Braids collection that smooths, nourishes, and conditions hair to prep for braided styles.
• Luxe Leave-In Conditioning Detangler Leave-in conditioning detangler spray for all hair types that detangles, conditions, and supports long-lasting waves and natural curl definition.
• Team Texture Dry Finishing Spray Dry texturizing and volumizing finishing spray in 6.3oz full and 1.3oz travel sizes that adds grip, volume, and curl longevity with a soft-touch strong hold.
• Major Moment Strong Hold Hairspray Strong hold but brushable hairspray in 8.3oz full and 1.4oz travel sizes with the brand's Bali Beach Night signature scent.
• Everyday Flex Medium Hold Hairspray Lightweight, flexible medium-hold hairspray for everyday styling with all-day hold.
• Shine Squad Shine Spray Lightweight shine spray with HIX Bond Multipliers in 6oz full and 1.7oz travel sizes that strengthens strands and adds glossy, touchable shine.
• Dream Big Volumizing Mousse 7oz volumizing mousse that adds body, lift, and fullness to hair.
• Me & My Curls Creamy Curl Mousse 7oz creamy curl mousse from the Conditioned Natural Curls collection that defines, holds, and conditions natural curls.
• Bondi Beach Day Body Butter Hydrating body butter in 8 fl oz regular and 1.35 fl oz travel sizes, with cloudberry seed oil, squalane, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and a Caribbean coconut / Mexican vanilla orchid scent; vegan and cruelty-free.
• Brazilian Berry Body Butter Nourishing body butter with a Brazilian berry scent profile (Brazilian blackberry, French apricot, jasmine sambac, Tahitian vanilla, Polynesian coconut) and a coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter base.
• Darby Clips (2-Pack) Patented double-spring hair clips sold in a 2-pack; bend and adjust to grip all hair types and hold sections during heat styling. Available in multiple colorways (black, lavender, blue, pink, pastel green, pastel blue, pastel lavender, classic).
• Beachwaver Fanny Pack Adjustable-strap fanny pack / belt bag with buckle fastener and zipper pockets, designed to carry haircare essentials on the go. Available in black, pink, and catwalk patterns.
• Catwalk Travel Accessory Bag Travel accessory bag for organizing and transporting Beachwaver haircare tools and accessories; available in three colorways.
• Storage Pouch Storage pouch in a sandstone colorway for organizing and protecting Beachwaver tools and accessories at home or while traveling.
• Beachwaver Digital Gift Card Digital gift card redeemable on Beachwaver.com in $10, $25, $50, $100, $150, and $200 USD denominations.
• Subscribe & Save Auto-Delivery Program Recurring auto-delivery subscription service for Beachwaver haircare products offering up to 20% off (10% first order, 15% second order, 20% plus free gift on third order), with flexible scheduling, pause/cancel-anytime control, and double rewards points; over 4,000 customers enrolled.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Kelsey MartinezminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 June 2026Limited edition 'Cherry on Top' collaboration with lifestyle and beauty creator Kelsey Martinez, marking her first beauty tool partnership. Bundle available on Beachwaver.com and TikTok Shop, transforming creator unboxing experience into shoppable consumer product.
• GrowvanacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2026Strategic partnership with Growvana, an omnichannel operating layer company, to support Beachwaver's expansion across major e-commerce, social commerce, and retail channels including Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Growvana provides operational infrastructure, capital systems, and channel execution for scalable omnichannel growth.
• RebelutioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 26 March 2026Rebelution serves as the execution partner managing day-to-day operations across marketplaces and retail channels under the Growvana partnership umbrella.
• Victoria's SecretflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Hair Sponsor for Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2015-2016. Celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa created bombshell waves for Victoria's Secret runway models.
• Art Hearts Fashion / LA Fashion WeekcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial hair tool sponsor of Art Hearts Fashion shows at LA Fashion Week 2022 and NYFW February 2023. Styled models for 20+ designer runway shows over 4 days at LA Fashion Week.
• NYFW (Art Hearts Fashion)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial hair sponsor of Art Hearts Fashion New York Fashion Week February 2023 shows. Founder Sarah Potempa styled 500+ models for 30+ designer runway shows.
• Tarte CosmeticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInfluencer Glam Suite partnership for festival season. Beachwaver stylists created festival hairstyles alongside Tarte makeup artists.
• IMAGE SkincareminorGTM or Marketing Partner2022 holiday partnership featuring Good Vibes Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner as Gift With Purchase on IMAGESkincare.com. Included joint Instagram Live panel with female founders.
• Miami Swim WeekminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial hair tool sponsor of Art Hearts Fashion shows during Miami Swim Week 2022. Styled 500+ models for 35+ designer runway shows.
• World Surf LeagueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst-ever Beachwaver Maui Pro partnership in Honolua Bay. WSL partnership supports women following dreams and equal pay for female surfers.
• Baked by MelissaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTie-dye collection collaboration featuring Beachwaver B1 curling iron with oversized scrunchie in honor of Beachwaver's 11th birthday.
• LivelyminorGTM or Marketing Partner#SummerExperienceTour at four Lively store locations in NYC, Boston, Chicago & Austin. Beachwaver ambassadors provided free hairstyling for customers.
• Female Founder CollectiveminorOthersMembership in Female Founder Collective, supporting women-owned businesses and entrepreneurship.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Drybar: Blowout-focused beauty brand that scaled from blowout bars into branded tools and haircare products. Comparable to Beachwaver in blending services-led brand authority with retail-distributed styling products targeting women seeking salon-quality results at home.
• Moroccanoil: Premium branded haircare company combining signature proprietary treatment with broader styling line, sold through salons, DTC, and major retailers globally. Comparable as a brand-led premium haircare ecosystem with a hero SKU driving category awareness.
• Mielle Organics: Women-founded, minority-owned DTC haircare brand at a similar revenue/headcount scale with multi-channel retail and subscription-style repeat purchasing. Comparable founder-led brand-build and category-extension playbook.
• L'ange Hair: Direct-to-consumer hair tools brand offering curling wands, flat irons, and blow-dry brushes with a similar mid-premium price point ($50–$150) and heavy reliance on social/influencer marketing. Operates at a comparable scale to Beachwaver with overlapping target customer.
• T3 Micro: Premium hair styling tools brand (single-pass curling irons, wands, dryers) sold via DTC and major retailers. Closely comparable to Beachwaver on premium positioning, patented/proprietary heating technology, and multi-channel distribution including Ulta and Sephora.

Broad incumbents

• Hot Tools: Long-established mass-to-mid-premium hair tools brand owned by Conair. Competes with Beachwaver in curling irons and hot tools across drugstore, mass, and salon channels with broader category assortment.
• ghd (Good Hair Day): Global premium hair styling tool brand (straighteners, curlers, dryers) with broad international distribution and salon-channel presence. Overlaps Beachwaver on hero-product positioning around a patented/proprietary curling/straightening platform.
• Dyson (Hair Care): Premium technology-forward hair tools (Supersonic, Airwrap, Corrale) backed by massive R&D and marketing budgets. Increasingly competitive with Beachwaver in the high-end auto-styling category where Dyson Airwrap competes directly with the value proposition of auto-rotation curling.
• Shark Beauty (SharkNinja): Tech-forward hair tools brand (Shark FlexStyle, SpeedStyle) competing with Beachwaver in auto-rotation and multi-styler categories. Backed by a much larger parent with global retail presence and aggressive pricing.

Emerging players

• Pattern Beauty: Celebrity-founded (Tracee Ellis Ross) DTC hair care brand focused on textured hair with retail expansion. Comparable to Beachwaver on founder-driven brand-building, DTC roots, and selective retail partnerships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheBEACHWAVER
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@beachwaver
• Facebookfacebook.com/BeachwaverCo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/beachwaverco
• Instagraminstagram.com/TheBeachwaver
• TikToktiktok.com/@thebeachwaver
• Pinterestpinterest.com/thebeachwaver

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Beachwaver