The 90s grunge revival is not just about fashion—it’s influencing hairstyles too. Enter Nirvana waves, a style that’s all about laid-back elegance with a grungy twist. This season, the ultra-glossy waves of Hollywood glamour are taking a backseat to this effortless, cool-girl look. Here’s everything you need to know about Nirvana waves and why they’re 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,” 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.” Named after the 90s grunge era, this hairstyle combines a polished look with a carefree attitude, striking a perfect balance between sophistication and casual chic.
Coined by hairstylist Samantha Cusick, Nirvana waves are all about embracing and enhancing natural textures with a grungy aesthetic. The style has rapidly gained popularity, with celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Joey King, and Megan Fox sporting the look, and over 13.8 million posts tagged #nirvanawaveshairstyle on TikTok.
Who Suits This Cut?
Nirvana waves are versatile and can be adapted to suit various hair types and textures. “They work particularly well on medium to long hair with natural waves or slight curls,” says Jack. “The style complements most face shapes but is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces by adding soft, flattering movement around the face.”
How To Ask For Nirvana Waves In The Salon
When visiting the salon, request Nirvana waves and bring inspiration photos to help your stylist understand your desired look. For the best results, Jack recommends arriving with clean, dry hair. The process typically involves a combination of styling tools and techniques, which Jack outlines below.
How To Recreate Nirvana Waves
To achieve Nirvana waves at home, follow these steps:
Prep Your Hair: Use a volumizing shampoo and hair mist to add texture. Products like Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo and Sachajuan Ocean Mist spray work well.
Rough Dry: 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 is ideal. Wrap the hair loosely around the barrel, leaving the ends out for a more natural look.
Finishing Touches: Once the curls are set, gently tousle them with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to break them up. Apply hair oil for shine and smoothness, and a light mist to add volume and hold.
Alternatively, you can use a braid-and-set technique:
Prep & Braid: Start with slightly damp hair, apply a texturizing spray or mousse, divide your hair into sections, and braid loosely.
Set: Use a flat iron to press over the braids, setting the waves.
Cool & Release: Allow the hair to cool completely before undoing the braids.
Tousle & Style: Separate the waves with your fingers for a natural look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.
What’s Next for Nirvana Waves?
Looking ahead, Nirvana waves are expected to evolve with more personalized variations. “We might see the inclusion of braids, accessories, or combinations with other styles like soft curls,” predicts Jack. As trends continue to favor natural beauty and effortless styles, Nirvana waves will likely remain a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed yet polished hairstyle.
Embrace the Nirvana waves trend to achieve a chic, easy-going look with a hint of grunge. Whether you’re aiming for a casual day out or a more refined evening style, this hairstyle offers the perfect blend of elegance and edge.