Summer is in full swing, and professional hairstylists are here to say boho hair is the style of the season. Ever since Chemena Kamali revealed her debut collection for Chloé, the boho resurgence has been gaining popularity, and it’s not limited to fashion.
According to Francesca Inverarity, hairstylist at The Hair Bros, the new spirit of boho for your strands mirrors elements of the ’60s and ’70s, pairing a soft, undone sensibility with an early Noughties grunge feel. “Think Joni Mitchell and Jane Birkin’s wispy, grown-out bangs paired with Olsen twin waves.”
If that appeals to you, here are five simple ways to add a bohemian edge to your hair this season.
Texture
The secret to boho hair lies in its relaxed, undone texture – and there are many ways to get the look. Hairstylist Luke Hersheson mists his Air Dry Spray on damp hair to add texture and a messy finish. “Ideally, let it dry naturally,” he says. “Then take random sections from the top layers and use a wide-barrelled tong to curl them. Twist the hair as you wrap it around the barrel, leaving about half an inch at the ends for a more effortless result.” Finish by running your fingers through the curls to loosen them up, then lightly re-mist with texture spray (any will do).
And another easy trick? “I love tucking the hair behind the ear as it’s drying,” says hairstylist Halley Brisker. “When you let it out, you’ll find great kinks have formed around the face. The goal is always to create movement and ease.”
Ask for a “shattered” cut
“I always recommend adding some soft, face-framing layers,” says Brisker. “Think feathered sections that start around the jawline – or just above – and graduate down to the ends of the cut.” To enhance texture and movement, he suggests adding shattered layers – where the hair is cut at varying angles and lengths to create flow and natural lift – but be careful not to go too short so the hair can swish.
Plaits
Few hairstyles epitomize the bohemian spirit quite like a lived-in plait — think folky and undone rather than prim and polished. Brisker suggests beginning with a classic French three-strand braid, prepping damp hair first with a sea salt spray for added grip and texture. Once your hair is dry, loosely gather it at the nape of your neck and begin braiding downwards, securing the end with a clear elastic band.
“When you’re finished,” says Brisker, “pinch the braid where it’s tied off, then use your other hand to tease out sections to give it a messy, undone feel.” But make sure not to pull it apart too much. “You want it to look tactile, organic and texturized, without unravelling completely.” You can also play around with mini braids, either woven in the tendrils around your face or on top of the head.
Boho bangs
Lightweight, textured and universally flattering, boho bangs are not unlike the curtain fringe. “They should be sheer enough that you can see through them,” says Inverarity, adding that the goal is a light, airy shape that doesn’t feel too thick or bulky but tapers at the sides, skimming the cheekbones.
For an elegant finish, ask your stylist to include a few longer, face-framing pieces around the ears and lips. And don’t worry if the fringe starts to separate on days two or three – embrace the grungy texture instead of making a beeline for your dry shampoo. “Spritz with a bit of water to reset the shape, then let the hair air dry for natural movement,” she says, recommending a pair of soft clips to hold the hair in place as it dries, and to “stop it bouncing up too much”.
Try a messy color
There’s no one hair color that defines the boho look – it’s more about a mood, says colorist Nicola Clarke, the woman behind Kate Moss’s signature, sun-kissed hue. “Those bleached-out ends with a few lighter pieces around the face always say boho to me – it’s dishevelled colour,” she explains. Even deeper shades, like rich brunettes, can channel the vibe. “It just needs to be slightly lighter through the ends – something that feels lived-in, that’s maybe styled with a slight wave,” she continues.
beauty beauty trends celebrities celebrity news christmas coffee dating fall fashion fashion fashion designers fashion trends fashion week fitness hailey bieber hairstyles hair trends halloween harry potter health holidays Instagram jewelry Justin Bieber kate middleton King Charles meghan markle mental health milan fashion week movies music netflix paris fashion week prince harry princess diana prince william relationships royal family royals skincare street style television tennis travel valentine's day wellness