Nirvana Waves: The Chic, Easy-Going Hairstyle With An Edge
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5 months ago
90s grunge is back, baby
Ultra-glossy waves starting to lose their shine? You’ll be glad to hear that, this season, it’s out with Hollywood glamour, and in with casual grunge. Here’s how Nirvana waves are stealing the spotlight.
What Are Nirvana Waves?
‘Nirvana waves are loose, tousled curls that mimic the natural waves you’d get from spending a day at the beach – but with a little more edge,’ explains Jack Merrick Thirlway, Art Director at Neville Hair & Beauty. ‘It’s a relaxed, effortless wave style that exudes a laid-back, cool-girl vibe.’
And if the name conjures up images of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, it’s for good reason. ‘This hairstyle is reminiscent of the 90’s grunge era,’ says Jack. ‘It strikes a balance between polished and carefree, making it versatile for various occasions.’
@pollyvsayer Replying to @Alexa Genesis here you go! 😁 #hairtutorial #wavyhairtutorial #wavyhair #undonewaves ♬ original sound – Polly Sayer
Coined by hair stylist and ghd ambassador Samantha Cusick, who says they’re all about ’embracing and enhancing natural textures with cool girl kinks and barely there waves’, Nirvana waves essentially take a casual, irregular wave pattern and infuse it with a grungier aesthetic.
And like most nostalgia-driven trends, the Nirvana waves movement has been taking the world by storm. The look has been making its way through the celebrity circuit – worn by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Joey King and Megan Fox – as well as the internet trend cycle. A quick search on TikTok, for example, reveals over 13.8 millions posts tagged under #nirvanawaveshairstyle.
But what makes this the hairstyle of the moment? ‘Nirvana waves have surged in popularity recently due to their easy-going yet chic aesthetic,’ muses Jack. ‘In today’s fast-paced world, many people are looking for styles that require minimal effort but still look stylish.’
Who Suits This Cut?
Lucky for us, this is a hairstyle that can be adapted for pretty much anyone. ‘Nirvana waves are incredibly versatile and can suit a variety of hair types and textures,’ confirms Jack. ‘They work particularly well on medium to long hair with natural wave or slight curl. This style complements most face shapes, but it particularly enhances oval and heart-shaped faces by adding soft, flattering movement around the face.’
@allyrooker the wavy hair routine i keep coming back to! Products: @Kitsch LLC @Innersense Organic Beauty @the OUAI #wavyhair #wavyhairroutine #ouai #innersenseorganicbeauty ♬ original sound – Ally Rooker
How To Ask For Nirvana Waves In The Salon (& What To Expect)
‘When visiting the salon, simply ask for Nirvana waves and bring along some inspiration photos to ensure your stylist understands the look you’re aiming for,’ recommends Jack. ‘It’s always helpful to come with clean, dry hair, as this provides the best base for creating the waves.
‘Creating Nirvana waves in the salon typically involves using a combination of styling tools and techniques,’ he adds. Below, Jack runs us through the Neville team’s approach.
How To Recreate Nirvana Waves
One way to achieve Nirvana waves is by using a curling wand or iron, Jack tells us. ‘For those wanting to recreate Nirvana waves at home, you can follow these steps:
- Prep Your Hair: Use a volumising shampoo and hair mist (we recommend Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo and Sachajuan Ocean Mist spray) to give your hair some added texture.
- Rough Dry: You can then apply more mist to towel-dried hair and rough dry it with a blow dryer.
- Use The Right Tool: A medium-sized curling wand or iron works best. The key is to wrap the hair around the barrel loosely and leave the ends out for a more natural wave.
- Finishing Touches: Once the curls are set, gently tousle them with fingers or a wide-tooth comb to break them up and create that signature effortless look. Apply hair oil to separate and elevate the look, adding a touch of shine and smoothness. A light mist will also add volume and hold the waves in place.’
Alternatively, you can use a braid and set technique to create dishevelled waves befitting the Nirvana trend. ‘This is another effective method to achieve Nirvana waves,’ says Jack. ‘Here’s how to do it:
- Prep & Braid: Begin with slightly damp hair and apply a texturising spray or mousse. Divide your hair into several sections and braid each one loosely.
- Set: Once your hair is braided, use a flat iron to gently press over the braids. This helps set the waves.
- Cool & Release: Allow your hair to cool completely before undoing the braids.
- Tousle & Style: Gently separate the waves with your fingers for a natural, dishevelled look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place.
What Next?
As for the future of Nirvana waves, Jack predicts that we’ll lean into more bespoke variations of the look. ‘I see Nirvana waves continuing to evolve with more personalisation and versatility,’ he says. ‘We might see variations like adding braids, incorporating accessories, or even combining with other styles like soft curls for a more dynamic look. As trends shift towards embracing natural beauty and effortless styles, Nirvana waves will likely remain a go-to choice for those seeking a relaxed yet polished hairstyle.’
Hair Inspiration
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Featured image: SS25 Copenhagen Fashion Week Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-Nisa
