6. The Long Boho Waves with Face-Framing Braids

The Vibe: Free-spirited, romantic, festival-ready, and completely in its element outdoors.

Boho waves on long hair are one of summer’s most universally beloved hairstyles — and adding two thin face-framing braids elevates them from lovely to genuinely extraordinary. The braids at the front serve as a practical and beautiful solution to the perennial summer problem of fine pieces at the hairline that frizz, fly away, or stick to the face in the heat. By braiding these sections, you both control them and add a bohemian detail that makes the whole look feel intentional and artful.

What Makes It Work in Summer:

Boho waves are actually enhanced by summer’s natural humidity, which adds body and movement to waves that might look flat and lifeless in the dry air of winter. The face-framing braids solve the specific problem of fine, frizzy pieces at the temples — the most frustrating summer long hair problem — by braiding them before they have a chance to become unruly.

How to Create It:

Start with long hair that has been washed, conditioned, and either air-dried or diffused. Apply a curl-enhancing or texturizing mousse while wet. Once dry, take a thin section of hair from directly at the right temple, starting at the hairline. Braid this section in a simple three-strand braid — thin and delicate — all the way to the end and secure with a tiny elastic. Repeat on the left side. Now use a large-barrel curling wand to enhance the natural wave of the remaining hair — wrap sections loosely around the barrel, hold for five seconds, and release without unwinding. Once all sections are waved, run your fingers through the hair to loosen and separate the waves. The two face-framing braids should naturally settle alongside the waves.

Pro Tips:

  • The face-framing braids can be pulled back and pinned at the back of the head for a more polished look, or left hanging freely among the waves for a fully bohemian result
  • Apply a sea salt spray to the waves while they are still warm from the wand — the product sets into the wave as it cools for a longer-lasting result
  • Weave a thin ribbon or piece of embroidery thread into each face-framing braid for a colorful, festival-ready detail
  • This style looks most beautiful with a center part — the symmetrical face-framing braids on each side create a perfectly balanced bohemian aesthetic

Best For: Long wavy and straight hair. Long curly hair can adapt this style beautifully by using the natural curl pattern rather than a wand.

Face Shape: The center part and face-framing braids are most flattering on oval and heart face shapes.

How Long It Lasts in Summer: 1–2 days. The waves and braids both improve on day two.

Occasion: Music festivals, outdoor concerts, beach days, casual summer events, bohemian photoshoots.