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If you’ve succumbed to a paisley print dress, some slouchy boots, or a crochet bikini, then chances are you’re already well aware that boho is this summer’s biggest trend. It doesn’t just extend to your wardrobe, either; beyond the floaty ensembles and beaded accessories, perhaps the easiest way to emulate the look is via your hair.
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According to Francesca Inverarity, hairstylist at The Hair Bros, the new spirit of boho for your hair marries 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 sounds appealing to you, here are six incredibly simple ways to bring a bohemian edge to your hair this season.
Texture is everything
The secret to boho hair lies in its relaxed, undone texture – and there are several ways to get the look. Hairstylist Luke Hersheson mists a salt srpay on damp hair to add grit and a messy finish. “Ideally, let it dry naturally,” he says. “Then take random sections from the top layers and use a wide-barrelled curling iron 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 a texturizing spray.
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If you’re short on time or just feeling low-maintenance, try hairstylist Charlotte Mensah’s go-to technique. Twist or braid sections of slightly damp hair before bed, then sleep on them. “When you unravel the hair in the morning, you’ll get a variety of soft waves and more defined curls that deliver a really natural boho finish,” she says. “You can always add a few extra curls in with a tong here and there—it’s about keeping it loose and lived-in, not too perfect.”
And another great hack? “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.” For him, no one captures this look quite like the ultimate boho muse, Sienna Miller. “She really epitomizes the effortless, undone aesthetic.” To enhance texture and movement, he suggests incorporating shattered layers—a style where the hair is cut at varying angles and lengths to create flow and natural lift—but be mindful not to go too short so the hair can swish.
Plait it
Few hairstyles embody the bohemian spirit quite like a lived-in plait—think folky and undone rather than prim and polished. Brisker suggests starting 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.” Just don’t pull it apart too much: “You want it to look tactile, organic and texturised, 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, like Miller above.
Try a boho bang
Lightweight, textured and universally flattering, boho bangs are not dissimilar to the curtain bangs “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 ethereal 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.”
Opt for disheveled color
There’s no single hair color that defines the boho looki,t’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 disheveled color,” 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 adds.
Get boho braids
Searches for boho braids have climbed over 5,000% on Google in the past month alone—and Mensah has seen the craze reflected in the growing waiting list in her salon too. A modern twist on traditional box or knotless braids, boho braids are defined by their relaxed, undone finish, with waves and curls left free at the ends for a floaty, ethereal look. “I recently did big Senegalese twists in my client’s hair, then we undid some of them,” she says. “The result was this beautiful mix—some sections still braided, while others looked loose and undone, with natural curls peeking through. It’s a popular look right now.”
She believes the style’s popularity comes down to two key factors: ease and aesthetic. “People don’t want overly neat hair anymore,” she explains. “They want to look like the beachy version of themselves. Boho braids are also much quicker to do than traditional braids, and they’re super lightweight since you’re not braiding the whole head and using as many extensions. You can wear them down during the day or pull them into a bun for the evening—they’re really versatile.”
To keep boho braids looking fresh, concentrate on hydration. “Start with a leave-in conditioner, follow with a nourishing hair oil, then finish with a curl cream to add softness and natural sheen,” she advises. “Daily moisture is key. We love using our Manketti Oil Pomade, then wrapping the hair in a silk scarf overnight to lock in hydration—it makes styling the next day so much easier.”
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