How to Have Hippie Waves

By: Lindsey Robinson Sanchez

Janie Airey/Lifesize/Getty Images

Whether you call them hippie waves, boho waves or beachy waves -- loose, undone texture in your hair is the epitome of cool, natural, "I don't even try to look this awesome" beauty. You want to look like you woke up with perfectly imperfect tresses but it does take a little effort to look so effortlessly chic. Use mousse or styling spray for some texture and try out both heated and no-heat styling methods to find your perfect wave.

Naturally Curly or Wavy Hair

Step 1

Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type. Dry with a towel until your hair is slightly damp.

Step 2

Work a small handful of mousse into your hair or spray your tresses with beach spray from the ends up to the roots. This will help the wave hold in your hair.

Step 3

Gently scrunch your hair with the palms of your hands by pressing the ends of your hair gently toward the scalp. Your hair should fold up in your palm like a fan. Squeeze the hair and release, working in 1-inch sections.

Step 4

Blow-dry with a diffuser on low to medium heat. Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to gently shake out your waves. Don't brush your waves as it will cause frizz.

Step 5

Set your waves with light hair spray. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches from your head and mist lightly around the hair.

Straight Hair

Step 1

Wash and condition your hair with products formulated for your hair type. Towel dry your hair until it's slightly damp.

Step 2

Work a palm-sized dollop of mousse into your hair from roots to ends. Dry your hair thoroughly with a towel or hair dryer and give it a light spritz of beach spray, which will provide texture and some shine.

Step 3

Wrap 1-inch sections of hair around a 1-inch to 1 1/2-inch curling iron. Alternate between curling clockwise and counterclockwise for non-uniform waves.

Step 4

Shake your curls lightly to loosen them, but don't brush. Set with light hair spray.

No-Heat Waves

Step 1

Wash and condition your hair with products formulated for your hair type. Towel dry until your hair is slightly damp. Spritz with beach spray for texture.

Step 2

Twist your damp hair into a bun on top of your head and secure it with a soft elastic. Let your hair air-dry completely, then loosen the bun and shake out your waves. For overnight waves, put your hair up into a bun before you go to bed, and sleep with the bun in. Shake it out when you wake up. Set with light hair spray.

Step 3

Braid sections of damp hair for an alternate no-heat look. One-inch braids will give you a tighter, crimped wave, while larger braids will give you loose waves. Secure with soft elastics. Let your hair air-dry (overnight, if you choose) and undo the braids carefully to minimize frizz. Set with hair spray.