We’ve spoken before about how big embracing bohemian texture will be for 2025, but one trend that’s playing into pretty curls and swirls are ghost waves.
The style combines two hair headliners: First, the movement toward celebrating natural, mixed textures. “I don’t think of natural hair as a trend, but what I do think is happening is the embracing of natural hair,” points out pro hair stylist Charlotte Mensah. And secondly, the return of the boho-y, carefree textures we saw in both the ’70s and the ’00s.
What are ghost waves?
Coined by pro hair stylist, Tom Smith, the term ghost waves describes “barely there waves that undulate in a soft ‘S’ shape.” Smith adds that this is an “unexpectedly relaxed style for spring that can also be achieved with one’s natural texture if it falls into waves.”
Why choose ghost waves?
Ghost waves celebrate a mixed, messy texture, which you’ll tend to find in natural hair over strict uniformity. If you’re creating the waves with a styler, it’s a good idea to mix techniques and wave patterns so it feels more undone and relaxed. It’s the opposite of a super-polished finish. “This is a style that can be ideal for daytime and casual events, but can also add an edge of cool to a glamorous outfit or event,” points out Smith.
How to get ghost waves?
As for how to create ghost waves, “air-dry the hair with a supporting cream-based product [if your hair has a natural wave to it], or generate these waves using a mermaid waver (or three-barrelled tongs),” says Smith. “Be sure to use heat protection and brush through using a very wide-tooth comb—not a brush,” he says.
How to wear ghost waves?
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to wear ghost waves below.
