Ghost Waves Are All About Embracing Pretty, Relaxed Texture

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 noughties.

What are ghost waves?

Coined by pro hair stylist, Tom Smith, ghost waves as “barely-there waves that undulate in a soft ‘S’ shape.” Smith adds, it’s 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 tong),” says Smith. “Be sure to use heat protection and brush through using a very wide tooth comb—not a brush,” he says.