This popular hairstyle exudes "Chloé Girl" vibes, so naturally, I consulted a hairstylist for advice.

      Let’s be honest: The idea of effortless beauty is largely a myth. Often, that "no makeup" look or "perfectly imperfect" hair requires just as much—even more—effort than a full glam session. When I noticed the term "ghost waves," created by hairstylist Tom Smith, becoming popular on social media as a low-maintenance summer trend, I was skeptical about how easy it could really be to achieve. Soft bends? It sounds amazing, but my curls tend to be more lively, likely requiring several hot tools to replicate that texture, which hardly seems effortless. To address my doubts, I reached out to Smith to learn how anyone—from those with pin-straight hair to thick coils—can create ghost waves at home. He assured me that this carefree style is indeed as uncomplicated as it appears. Read on for his comprehensive guide.

      What Are Ghost Waves, and Why Are They Trending Now? Smith defines this style as "soft, barely there, S-shaped waves." They convey a relaxed and undone look, reminiscent of the free-spirited, '70s vibe of a flowing boho dress. In fact, celebrities such as Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldaña, and Daisy Edgar-Jones have been seen pairing their ultra-boho Chloé dresses with subtle ghost waves over the past year. It’s official: Boho chic has made a comeback, warranting a light, airy hairstyle to complement it.

      Smith explains, "The term refers to an undetectable technique. Instead of being able to say, 'Those are GHD curls,' or 'That's a curling iron wave,' or 'That's a blowout,' the technique remains hidden, making it hard to see how it was done. It has a whisper of texture rather than a shout... The ghost wave appeals to those who appreciate a quiet luxury aesthetic, as opposed to last year's mob wife look."

      That said, ghost waves are more versatile than one might think. While they are characterized by subtle, barely noticeable bends in the hair, you can also embrace your natural texture for your own effortless, boho-inspired look. The primary "rule" is to have a middle part, which often gives a breezier appearance. "But it doesn’t have to be a perfectly straight middle part,” Smith clarifies. “It can be a bit irregular, which contributes to the effortless vibe.”

      Ghost Waves Inspiration: Sienna Miller is often hailed as the queen of boho-inspired ghost waves, while Zoe Saldaña sported flowing ghost waves with her Chloé outfit at the 2024 Met Gala. Daisy Edgar-Jones exemplifies the boho essence in her outfit, while Laura Harrier showcases perfectly tousled waves. Ghost waves also pair beautifully with mermaid braids, as demonstrated with Halle Berry's wavy French bob. Adding some face-framing layers, like Jodie Comer did, can also introduce natural dimension.

      How to Achieve Ghost Waves at Home Smith outlines two methods to try: an air-dry approach and a hot-tool method, suitable for every hair type. Here are his tips for both techniques.

      Air-Dried Ghost Waves for Straight Hair Types If you have straight hair (types 1a to 2a), braiding is your go-to technique. "Braiding works well for thicker straight hair," Smith notes. "Finer straight hair may appear a bit crimped if braided." If your hair is finer, keep the braids loose for softer bends. Prior to braiding, prep your hair with lightweight hydrators such as leave-in conditioners or sea salt sprays to moisturize without weighing the hair down. Braid your hair into either two pigtails or a single larger braid and leave it overnight. Smith advises against going to bed with wet braids, as they won’t dry properly. When you wake up, you should see a slight bend in your hair.

      Wavy-Curly Hair Types "Those with waves or loose curls can easily achieve ghost waves," Smith asserts. "There’s a natural ghost wave within the hair; it’s all about the prep." The prep steps will vary based on your specific curl type (ranging from 2b to 3a). If your waves tend to drop, use a light-moisture, strong-hold product—like mousse or gel—upon prepping your hair. "This consistency encourages the texture to hold better," he explains. Scrunch the mousse or gel into freshly washed, towel-dried hair without brushing, and let it air-dry. Once dry, scrunch again to eliminate any crunchiness. For extra texture, flip your head upside down and spritz some texture spray. If your waves still need more shape, apply styling powder focusing on the roots for added volume.

      If your waves or curls tend to hold their shape well, "just swap in stronger moisture with lighter hold," Smith clarifies, using creams, oils, or balms