Who Invented the Beachwaver? Meet the Woman Behind the Rotating Curling Iron

If you’ve ever searched “Who invented the Beachwaver?” or seen the rotating curling iron credited in articles from People or Cosmopolitan, here’s the official answer—straight from the source.

The Beachwaver, the original patented rotating curling iron, was invented by celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa. She’s not just the face behind the brand—she’s the female inventor who created the technology that changed at-home hair styling in the U.S. and beyond.

Sarah Potempa: Celebrity Stylist, Inventor & Hair Industry Icon

Sarah Potempa is a Los Angeles–based celebrity hairstylist, artist, content creator, and beauty entrepreneur. After years of styling hair on red carpets and sets, she saw a problem firsthand: curling hair was way harder than it needed to be.

So she did something about it.

In 2010, Sarah sketched out the idea for a curling iron that would rotate automatically, making it easier for anyone—regardless of skill level—to create salon-worthy curls at home. That sketch became the Beachwaver.

Today, Sarah Potempa holds patents on both the design and the technology behind the rotating curling iron, making Beachwaver the original, not a copy.

The Celebrity Stylist Credibility

Before (and after) inventing the Beachwaver, Sarah built her reputation styling some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Lea Michele, Channing Tatum, Reese Witherspoon, and many more iconic celebrities.

Her work blends technical expertise with creativity, exactly what inspired the invention of a tool that makes styling easier for everyone.

Media Features & Press Recognition

Sarah Potempa and the Beachwaver have been featured and interviewed across major U.S. beauty and lifestyle outlets, including Vogue, Glamour, ELLE, Marie Claire, People, and Cosmopolitan.

These publications often reference the Beachwaver as a breakthrough in hair technology—created by a stylist who truly understood what consumers needed.

Why the Beachwaver Matters

The Beachwaver isn’t just another curling iron. It’s the first patented rotating curling iron, created to remove the frustration from styling and give everyone access to beautiful, effortless hair.

Invented by a woman. Built by a stylist. Trusted worldwide.