What Are Boho Waves—and Why They Suit Every Summer Plan
Boho waves hair is a relaxed, soft-glam wave pattern with loose bends, lived-in texture, and airy volume that sits between polished curls and undone beach hair, making it ideal for summer holidays, festivals, and warm-weather events where movement, ease, and a slightly imperfect finish feel intentional and stylish. Think 70s inspired waves with a modern twist: glossy enough for sunset dinners, undone enough for beach days. Unlike tight curls, this wave pattern works with humidity and natural texture, so it holds up as a heatwave proof hair option. The style flatters all hair types—straight hair gains movement, wavy hair looks more defined, and curls can be stretched into soft barrel waves for a different mood. Worn loose or half-up with accessories, boho waves instantly upgrade linen sets, bikinis, and slip dresses into a complete summer holiday hairstyle story.
Study Florence Pugh’s Boho Ibiza Waves and Headscarf Trick
Florence Pugh’s now-famous Ibiza look is the perfect reference for boho waves hair that works in a heatwave. Her balayage blonde was styled in a relaxed half-up, half-down shape, with loose, tousled waves left out and an ocean-blue Pucci headscarf securing the top section. According to Grazia, hairstylist Faye Browne wanted “effortless bohemian hair with a sun-soaked, undone hippie-chic feel,” combining texture spray for piecey separation with sea salt spray for that lived-in, beachy finish. The waved lengths and face-framing tendrils framed her features while the scarf kept hair off her face and protected from the sun—an ideal heatwave proof hair formula for pool parties, city sightseeing, or commuting. Use her look as your template: airy waves, imperfect volume, and a bold scarf or wrap that adds both shade and 70s-inspired glamour.
The Barrel Waves Tutorial: Step-by-Step for Every Hair Type
To recreate celebrity-style boho waves, start with dry hair and prep with a light texturising spray for grip. For this barrel waves tutorial, choose a large-barrel curler or tong—too small and the effect becomes curly rather than breezy. Take sections about the width of two fingers, then wrap each one away from the face, leaving the last 2–3cm of ends out to keep the shape soft and beachy. Work in vertical sections around the head, alternating directions at the back for extra movement. Let each curl cool before touching, then brush through with a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb so they fall into loose, flowing waves. Elle notes that a large-barrel tool, light texturising spray and a quick brush-through are usually enough to create that undone-but-beautiful effect that defines modern summer holiday hairstyles.
Layer, Lift, and Add Movement for True Boho Texture
Boho waves are all about movement, so think in layers rather than a single row of curls. First, wave the bottom half of your hair in loose, long sections for a base of soft bends. Then create a second layer on the mid-lengths and top sections, taking slightly smaller pieces and varying how far up you curl—some from mid-length, some from higher near the root. This stacked approach creates the breezy volume seen in celebrity summer holiday hairstyles without making hair look stiff. Focus extra volume around the crown and face-framing pieces, which catch the light and frame your features, much like Florence Pugh’s bright, face-framing sections. Finish with sea salt or texture spray scrunched into the ends for a sun-soaked, bohemian feel that looks better as the day goes on and embraces humidity rather than fighting it.
Finish the Look: 70s-Inspired Accessories and Holiday Styling
To complete the 70s inspired waves mood, accessories matter as much as the wave pattern. A printed headscarf worn bandana-style, a silk scarf tied around a half-up knot, or a scarf-wrapped pony all echo Florence Pugh’s pool-party look while adding practical sun protection. Statement scarves are having a full return, giving heatwave proof hair an easy upgrade on holiday. For daytime, wear your barrel waves loose with a scarf or wide headband and pair with oversized shirts or linen co-ords. For evenings, sweep the top half into a loose up-do, let a few face-framing tendrils hang free, and add hoop earrings for a vintage feel. Barrel waves are flexible: they look camera-ready in low ponytails, clipped-back sides, or messy buns, so your summer holiday hairstyles stay fresh from beach to dinner.
