7 Simple Ways to Nail Boho Hair This Summer

1. Texture is everything

Texture is arguably the foundation of boho hair. Without it, even a long layered haircut can look too smooth and controlled to capture the relaxed quality associated with the style.

The goal is not necessarily to create dramatic curls. Boho texture can be surprisingly subtle. Think of hair that has developed a soft bend after being worn in a loose braid, waves that do not match perfectly from one side to the other, or ends that move in slightly different directions.

This is one reason air-drying can work particularly well for a boho-inspired hairstyle. Instead of immediately flattening the natural shape with a brush and dryer, allow the hair to develop some of its own movement first. Once it is mostly dry, you can add a small amount of product to emphasize the texture that is already there.

For naturally wavy hair, this approach can be especially simple. Apply a lightweight styling product to damp hair, gently scrunch the lengths, and leave them to dry without repeatedly touching them. Constantly running your fingers through wet hair can disturb the developing wave pattern and create unnecessary frizz.

Straight hair can still achieve the look, but it may require additional shaping. Rather than creating identical curls throughout the head, use a larger curling tool or wand to produce loose bends. Alternate the direction of some sections so the final result feels irregular rather than mechanically uniform.

Fine hair may benefit from lightweight texture products that add grip without making the strands heavy. Thick hair, on the other hand, may need products that help control excess volume while still allowing movement.

Air Dry Spray with UV Protection

A lightweight air-drying product can be useful when the goal is to encourage natural texture without making the hair look heavily styled. During summer, a product that also provides UV protection can be particularly practical because hair is regularly exposed to sunlight.

UV exposure can affect the appearance and condition of hair over time, particularly when the hair is already chemically treated or color-treated. A protective styling product can therefore serve a different purpose from a traditional texturizing spray.

The important distinction is that boho hair should not feel coated. Applying too much product can make naturally loose waves stiff and reduce the effortless quality that makes the style appealing.

If your hair already has a strong natural wave, start with a small amount and add more only if necessary. The finished texture should remain touchable rather than crunchy.

Ghd Chronos Curve Max Wand

A large-barrel curling wand can help create the loose bends associated with boho styling. Instead of wrapping every section tightly around the tool, use larger sections and avoid holding the hair in place for longer than necessary.

The purpose is to create movement rather than perfect curls. Once the hair has cooled, gently separate the sections with your fingers. This breaks up the obvious curling pattern and gives the waves a softer appearance.

Alternating the direction of the waves can also prevent the finished hairstyle from looking too symmetrical. Some pieces can move away from the face while others fall toward it, particularly around the middle and lower lengths.

Heat protection is important whenever heated styling tools are used. A boho finish may look casual, but creating it should not mean unnecessarily exposing the hair to excessive heat.

2. Ask for a “shattered” cut

A boho hair often looks better when the haircut already contains movement. This is where a “shattered” or heavily textured cutting approach can make a difference.

The term generally refers to ends that are intentionally broken up rather than left in one thick, solid line. Instead of every strand finishing at exactly the same point, the haircut creates variation throughout the lengths.

That unevenness can make the hair appear lighter and more mobile. When the hair is waved or braided afterward, the different lengths catch and separate from one another, producing a less uniform result.

This technique can be particularly useful for long hair that feels visually heavy. Removing some internal weight while maintaining the overall length can allow the hair to move more freely.

However, too much layering is not automatically better. Fine hair can lose the appearance of fullness if excessive layers are removed, while very thick hair may need more carefully distributed texture to prevent unwanted bulk.

The haircut should therefore be designed around your individual density and texture. Showing your stylist several reference images can help communicate the amount of movement you want without relying solely on the word “shattered.”

Another advantage of a textured cut is that it does not require perfect styling to look intentional. Once the hair has some natural bends and separation, small imperfections can become part of the design rather than something that needs to be corrected.

3. Plait it

Braiding is one of the easiest ways to introduce temporary texture into boho hair. It also fits naturally with the relaxed character of the style because the resulting waves do not need to be perfectly consistent.

For a softer result, loosely braid damp or slightly moisturized hair and allow it to dry before releasing it. A tighter braid produces a more defined pattern, while a looser braid creates wider, less structured bends.

You can also use braiding strategically rather than covering the entire head. Two loose braids placed overnight can create an overall wave pattern, while a few smaller braids around the face can introduce individual pieces of texture.

The position of the braid affects the final result. Braiding closer to the roots creates movement higher up the head, while starting lower leaves more of the upper section relatively smooth.

There is no need to make both sides identical. Slight differences can actually make the finished hairstyle look more natural. A few loose strands around the face can also soften the overall effect.

Boots Clear Polybands 75s

Small clear elastics can be useful for securing thin braids without becoming a major visual part of the hairstyle. They are particularly practical when you want the braid to remain understated.

Avoid tying the elastic excessively tightly. Repeated tension in the same area can put unnecessary stress on the hair, especially when the hair is wet or fragile.

For a more relaxed appearance, allow a few pieces to remain loose instead of pulling every strand into the braid. The finished style should feel flexible rather than tightly constructed.

Surf Spray

A salt-based texture spray can help enhance the slightly roughened finish often associated with beach-inspired boho hair. These products can increase grip and make waves easier to separate.

However, salt-based products can feel drying on some hair types, particularly when used frequently. If your hair already feels dry or brittle, use the product sparingly and consider balancing your routine with appropriate conditioning.

Rather than spraying heavily from roots to ends, concentrate on the areas where you actually want additional texture. Scrunching the lengths afterward can help distribute the product without creating a stiff finish.

Boho texture works best when the product supports the hairstyle rather than becoming the hairstyle itself.

4. Try a boho bang

A boho bang can change the entire character of an otherwise simple hairstyle. Instead of a perfectly straight, sharply cut fringe, the boho approach tends to favor softer pieces that blend into the rest of the hair.

Curtain-style bangs are one possible interpretation. They can be parted near the center and allowed to sweep outward, creating a frame around the face. Longer fringe pieces can also blend gradually into layers around the cheekbones.

The most flattering length depends on the individual haircut and how much styling you want to do. Shorter bangs require more regular shaping, while longer pieces provide greater flexibility as they grow.

A slightly separated fringe can work especially well with waves because the pieces do not have to sit perfectly flat against the forehead. Natural movement becomes part of the look.

If you are nervous about committing to a shorter fringe, ask your stylist about a longer version that can eventually be tucked behind the ears or blended into face-framing layers.

Dyson Hair Clips

Clips can be useful during styling when you want to separate the fringe or hold sections temporarily while working through the rest of the hair.

For a relaxed finish, avoid creating overly sharp sections. Once the hair has been shaped, release the clips and use your fingers to soften the separation.

Clips can also help while air-drying or setting waves, particularly when you want to keep the front pieces away from the face temporarily without using a large amount of product.

5. Opt for “dishevelled” colour

Boho hair is not limited to texture and styling. Color can also change how relaxed and dimensional the finished look appears. Instead of a perfectly uniform shade from roots to ends, a slightly lived-in color can create more visual movement.

The idea behind dishevelled color is subtle variation. Different tones can sit throughout the hair so that light catches individual sections rather than making the entire head look like one solid block of color.

Soft highlights can work particularly well for this effect. They do not need to be dramatically lighter than the base shade. Even a small difference between neighboring tones can create depth, especially when the hair is naturally wavy or layered.

Face-framing pieces are another option. A few lighter sections around the front can draw attention toward the face while the rest of the color remains more understated.

For a genuinely low-maintenance appearance, ask about techniques that allow some of your natural root color to remain visible. This can make regrowth less obvious than an all-over color that creates a strong line as the hair grows.

The final shade should also work with your natural or preferred base color. Boho styling does not require everyone to become blonde or add dramatic highlights. Brunette, black, red, copper, and lighter shades can all take on a bohemian character when dimension is incorporated thoughtfully.

Color-treated hair also deserves extra care. Coloring can affect moisture and manageability, so conditioning and appropriate hair care become particularly important when combining color with frequent heat styling.

The goal is not to make the color look perfectly engineered. A little variation is what gives this approach its relaxed quality.

6. Get boho braids

Braids are one of the clearest ways to bring a bohemian influence into a hairstyle. Unlike a tightly constructed formal braid, boho braids usually allow more softness, separation, and movement.

A simple three-strand braid can be enough. Once it is finished, gently loosening selected sections can make it appear wider and less rigid. You can also leave a few strands around the face to create a softer frame.

Multiple small braids can produce a more detailed look. Rather than braiding the entire head, add a few narrow plaits through loose waves. This creates contrast between the textured open hair and the defined braided sections.

Another option is to incorporate braids into a half-up hairstyle. Gather only part of the hair and use one or two braids to secure it. The remaining lengths can stay loose, allowing the texture to remain the main feature.

The beauty of boho braiding is that precision is not always necessary. Slightly different braid sizes or a few intentionally loose pieces can make the hairstyle feel more natural.

Long hair provides plenty of room for experimentation, but shorter or medium-length hair can also use smaller braids around the sides or front. The technique simply needs to be adjusted to the available length.

When working with freshly washed, very smooth hair, braids may slip more easily. A small amount of lightweight texture product can provide grip before you begin.

Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil

Hair oil can be useful when the lengths need additional softness or shine. For a boho style, the objective is not to make the hair look extremely sleek but to keep textured sections from appearing excessively dry.

A small amount worked through the mid-lengths and ends can help create a more finished appearance while preserving movement. Fine hair generally needs less product than dense or coarse hair.

Avoid applying too much oil near the roots if your hair becomes oily quickly. Excess product can weigh down the texture and make loose waves fall flat.

Aveda Miraculous Oil High Shine Hair Concentrate

A lightweight shine product can add polish to a deliberately undone hairstyle. This contrast can be useful when the hair has plenty of texture but the ends look slightly dull.

Use only enough to enhance the appearance of the lengths. Boho hair should retain some separation between strands rather than becoming one smooth, glossy surface.

If you use heat tools regularly, remember that a shine product is not automatically a heat protectant. Use a dedicated heat-protection product when applying significant heat.

Silke Hair Wrap The Kate

A silk or satin hair wrap can be useful overnight, particularly for people who want to preserve waves and reduce friction while sleeping.

Instead of recreating the entire hairstyle every morning, protecting the existing texture can make the next day’s styling much easier. This is especially helpful when the hair has been curled, braided, or naturally shaped.

The wrap should not be tied so tightly that it creates unnecessary pressure. The purpose is to protect the hair while allowing it to remain comfortable during sleep.

Ouai Leave in Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner can be useful when the hair needs extra softness without the weight of a traditional heavy styling product.

It can make the lengths easier to detangle and may help reduce the rough feeling that sometimes develops after repeated exposure to sun, salt water, or heat styling.

For a boho hairstyle, apply it primarily where the hair needs moisture. Keeping the roots relatively light can help preserve volume and movement.

Manketti Oil Pomade

A pomade can be useful for controlling individual pieces without flattening the entire hairstyle. This makes it particularly practical when a few flyaways or shorter sections need to be shaped.

Use a very small amount between your fingertips before touching the hair. Applying too much at once can turn a loose hairstyle into a visibly product-heavy one.

Rather than smoothing every flyaway, choose only the sections that genuinely need control. A few loose hairs can actually complement the deliberately relaxed character of boho styling.

7. Embrace nostalgia

Modern boho hair has strong connections to earlier eras of relaxed, free-flowing hairstyling. Looking at those influences can provide inspiration without requiring you to reproduce a historical hairstyle exactly.

The 1960s and 1970s are particularly useful references for anyone interested in volume, waves, natural movement, and decorative details. Long hair, soft fringe, loose curls, and textured ends can all be adapted into a contemporary look.

The important part is choosing individual elements rather than copying an entire vintage appearance. For example, you might combine a modern layered cut with loose 1970s-inspired waves or add a subtle retro fringe to an otherwise current hairstyle.

Nostalgic styling can also be created through accessories. Simple headbands, scarves, small clips, or understated decorative pieces can add a vintage influence without changing the haircut itself.

The texture should remain relaxed. Highly polished curls can make a hairstyle feel more formal, while slightly separated waves create the casual quality associated with boho looks.

Hershesons The Wand Hair Curling Iron

A curling wand can help recreate soft, irregular waves when used with a loose technique. The objective is not to make every curl identical.

Work through larger sections and vary the direction in which the hair is wrapped. Leave the ends slightly less defined if you want a more relaxed finish.

Once the hair has cooled completely, separate the waves gently with your fingers. This allows the individual curls to merge into a looser overall texture.

Heat protection remains important, particularly if this becomes a regular styling routine. A lower or moderate heat setting may be sufficient depending on your hair type and the tool being used.

Beauty Works The Waver

A hair waver creates a different kind of texture from a curling wand. Instead of rounded curls, it produces repeated bends through the hair.

For a boho effect, the finished waves can be softened afterward rather than left sharply defined. Running clean fingers lightly through the lengths can break up the uniform pattern.

Avoid pressing the tool on the same section repeatedly. Excessive heat does not improve the boho effect and can contribute to unnecessary hair damage.

Shop the best sea salt sprays for messy hair texture

Sea salt sprays are often associated with beachy and bohemian hairstyles because they can give the hair additional grip and a slightly rougher texture.

They can be particularly useful when the hair is naturally very smooth and refuses to hold a loose wave. The added texture gives styling products and braids more grip, making the finished hairstyle easier to manipulate.

However, more product does not necessarily create better boho hair. Applying a large amount can leave the strands stiff, dry, or difficult to separate.

Start with a small amount and concentrate on the lengths where texture is needed. Scrunching the hair afterward can help distribute the product and encourage movement.

If you swim or spend considerable time outdoors, remember that hair can already be exposed to drying factors such as sun, salt water, and frequent washing. In that situation, balance texturizing products with appropriate conditioning and avoid relying on them every day.

Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray

A sea spray can be incorporated into a loose styling routine when you want more grip and separation. Apply it selectively rather than saturating the entire head.

It can work especially well when paired with air-drying or loose braids because the product gives the hair additional texture while it takes shape.

Ouai Wave Spray

Wave sprays are designed to encourage a more textured finish without requiring a complicated styling process. They can be useful for enhancing naturally wavy hair or giving straighter hair additional movement.

Use the product according to the needs of your hair rather than automatically applying the same amount every time. Fine hair may require only a light mist, while thicker hair may need slightly more coverage.

Ceremonia Guava Beach Waves

A beach-wave product can complement a summer-focused boho routine by adding separation and movement. It can be applied before scrunching or used alongside another styling technique.

If the hair starts feeling rough after repeated use, reduce the frequency and focus more heavily on conditioning. Texture should improve the appearance of the hairstyle without compromising the feel of the hair.

S2 Sea Salt Texture Mist

A texture mist can be useful when you want a slightly undone finish rather than perfectly defined waves. Spray lightly through the areas where you want extra grip and then shape the hair with your hands.

The final appearance can be adjusted by how much you manipulate the hair. More scrunching generally creates a more noticeable texture, while minimal handling leaves the waves softer.

Boho hair does not need to look freshly styled. In fact, allowing the texture to loosen naturally throughout the day can make the result feel even more authentic.

The most successful approach is usually to combine several small details rather than forcing every boho trend into one hairstyle. A textured cut with loose waves may be enough on its own. Another person might prefer a few braids and face-framing pieces. Someone else may get the desired effect primarily through color and a relaxed fringe.

The style works because it leaves room for individuality. There is no requirement for every wave, braid, or layer to look identical, and that flexibility makes boho hair easy to adapt across different lengths and textures.

Final Thoughts

Boho hair is less about following a strict formula and more about creating a hairstyle that feels relaxed, textured, and personal. Loose waves, soft layers, imperfect braids, subtle color variation, and longer fringe can all contribute to the look without needing to be combined at once.

The easiest way to make the style work is to start with what your hair naturally does well. Wavy hair may only need a little definition, while straight hair can benefit from loose bends or braids. Thick hair may need weight removed through the haircut, whereas finer hair often benefits from keeping enough length and fullness.

Summer styling also does not have to mean constantly using heat or large amounts of product. Air-drying, loose braiding, lightweight conditioning, and occasional texture products can create plenty of movement while keeping the routine relatively simple.

Ultimately, the most convincing boho hairstyle is one that does not look overly constructed. Letting some natural movement, separation, and imperfection remain can give the finished look the effortless character that makes boho hair so appealing.