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Forget the stiff and high maintenance ringlets of the past. The beauty world is currently haunting a more effortless aesthetic with the new hair trend, ghost curls! An ethereal, ‘now you see them, now you don’t’ waves, this latest hair trend is taking over all our social media feeds. Characterised by ultra subtle bends and a weightless finish, ghost curls provide just enough texture to look polished without appearing to be done. They are the ultimate trick for adding volume and movement to flat hair while maintaining a cool, and lived-in vibe. So, are you ready to master this supernatural glow up? Here is everything you need to know about the curly hair ghost trend, which is also the season’s most elusive hair trend!
What are ghost curls?
Ghost curls are a quiet luxury new hair trend that is characterised by ultra subtle, and undetectable bends that prioritise movement over definition. Unlike traditional ringlets or structured beach waves, the hair ghost curls trend technique focuses on creating soft and irregular S-shaped in the mid lengths of the hair while leaving the roots and ends straight. This results in a weightless look that mimics natural texture. The goal is a ‘ghostly’ finish where the styling effort is invisible, giving the illusion that your hair simply woke up with effortless, lived-in volume and a soft, ethereal flow.
How are ghost curls different from other hair trends?
While other hair trends demand the center stage, ghost curls are the quiet luxury of the styling world. The curly hair ghost trend focuses on giving your hair a softer filter. Unlike the salt sprayed grit of the beach waves or the uniform deep-set ridges of mermaid waves, ghost curls are characterised by a certain kind of fluidity. This new hair trend ditches the high octane glamour of bombshell blowouts and the rigid structure of Hollywood waves in favour of a loud minimalism. The hair ghost curls trend is less about creating a specific shape and more about haunting the hair with a memory of movement, offering a weightless, beautiful finish that looks entirely accidental than meticulously ironed.
How to get ghost curls
To achieve the hauntingly beautiful ghost curl, you must embrace the art of the ‘undone’, the secret lies in a slight touch and intentional imperfection. Think of it as a whisper of texture rather than a shout for attention.
1. The flat iron rock
The pro method to achieving ghost curls, this technique creates the most authentic ‘S’ shape while keeping the hair flat to the head for that sleek, editorial finish.
Take a 1-inch section of your hair and clamp your flat iron near the eye line. Instead of pulling straight down, gently rock the iron upward to create a bend, slide down an inch, then rock it downward to create the counter curve.
Repeat this rhythmic rocking until you reach the ends, but stop an inch early to leave the tips straight and modern.
2. The overnight ghost
A heatless and weightless technique to get ghost curls, this method is ideal for those who want to wake up with a supernatural glow.
On 90% dry hair, apply a pea sized amount of weightless styling cream, then create two or three very loose and oversized braids. The key is to make loose braids, since tight ones will give you a 90s crimp, whereas loose ones create the signature broad, ghostly undulation.
Unravel in the morning and use a wide tooth comb, or simply your fingers to shake out the sections.
3. The mermaid press
A shortcut method to get ghost curls, this technique works best if you have a triple barrel waver. This way you can cheat the look in under five minutes.
Hold the waver at a slight diagonal angle rather than horizontal. Only press the hair for one or two seconds. You aren't looking for deep ridges, but the goal is to get a faint and blurry memory of a wave. Immediately run a boar-bristle brush through the section while it's still warm to stretch the wave into a ghost curl.
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Tips for longevity
To ensure that your ghost curls remain an ethereal whisper and don't vanish entirely by noon, you need a strategy that balances the grit and weightlessness. Since this hair trend relies on a relaxed shape, the goal is to lock in the memory of the wave without the heavy, crunchy armor of traditional hairspray.
1. Prep with second-day grit
The biggest enemy of a ghost curl is hair that is too clean or slippy. For maximum longevity, style your hair on the second or third day after washing. If you must style fresh hair, skip the heavy conditioner and apply a thickening mousse or a texturizing primer to damp hair before blow drying.
2. The set and cool secret
Even though ghost curls are meant to look effortless, they still require a moment to set. After using your flat iron or want, resist the urge to immediately brush out the section. Instead, let the hair cool completely in its curled shape.
3. Finish with dry products
Traditional hairsprays contain water and heavy resins that can weigh down these delicate waves, causing them to go flat. Instead, reach for a dry texture spray or flexible hold ‘ghost’ hairsprays. These products provide a velvety grip that maintains volume and movement without the stiffness.
Who should summon the ghost?
Ghost curls are the ultimate universal trend, acting like a soft-focus filter for almost every hair type. If you are a beauty minimalist who craves volume but hates the over styled look, this could be your new signature.
This hair trend is a dream for those with fine or flat hair, as the subtle bends create the illusion of density without the weight of heavy products. Short haired beauties with bobs or lobs will find it adding a cool, French-girl edge, while those with waist length tresses can use it to break up the curtain of long hair with beautiful movement.