9. The Medium Hair Boho Waves

The Vibe: Free-spirited, luminous, and summer personified.

Boho waves on medium hair are summer’s most universally beloved loose style — the hairstyle that captures the essence of the season in its most relaxed, beautiful form. Medium hair at boho wave length creates the ideal proportion — waves that show their full pattern without the heaviness and flatness that can affect very long hair in heat and humidity, and with enough length to move and flow beautifully in a summer breeze.

What Makes It Perfect for Summer Medium Hair:

Medium hair waves are bouncier and more dynamic than long hair waves because there is less weight pulling each wave downward. The medium length allows the wave pattern to express itself fully — each wave and bend is visible and lively rather than being stretched out by length. Summer’s natural humidity actually enhances medium hair’s wave pattern, often improving the style throughout the day rather than degrading it.

How to Create It:

Apply a curl-enhancing cream or texturizing mousse to medium hair while damp. Scrunch the product in thoroughly and allow to air-dry completely — or diffuse on low heat for faster results. Once dry, use a one-inch curling wand to refine any sections that need more definition, wrapping each section loosely around the barrel and holding for five seconds before releasing. Do not brush — run fingers through instead to separate waves without creating frizz. Apply a small amount of lightweight hair oil to the mid-lengths and ends for shine.

Pro Tips:

  • The key to perfect boho waves on medium hair is leaving the hair completely alone while it dries — touching, scrunching, or adjusting wet medium hair disrupts the wave formation and creates frizz
  • Apply a drop of pure argan oil to the hands and smooth over the surface of the finished waves — this adds an extraordinary luminous quality to medium hair in summer light
  • Medium boho waves look most beautiful with a center part — the symmetrical fall of waves on each side of a center part creates a balanced, romantic aesthetic
  • For maximum wave longevity in summer humidity, apply a sea salt spray before the curl cream — it creates a surface texture that helps the wave pattern hold through moisture exposure

Best For: Medium wavy and lightly curly hair. Straight medium hair can achieve this style with a diffuser and mousse, though the result will differ slightly.

Face Shape: Boho waves with a center part are most flattering on oval and heart face shapes. A side part version is more flattering on round and square features.

How Long It Lasts in Summer: 1–2 days. Summer humidity often extends the life of this style.

Occasion: Beach days, outdoor festivals, casual summer events, everyday effortless style, summer photoshoots.