Shakira's energetic performance at the historic FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show had a record number of salon clients craving her effortlessly tousled boho "morning waves" in the days to follow.
That's according to data from Drybar, which had an increase of 289% in searches for "Shakira hair" after her halftime show performance in late July.
Styling specialists from the blowout salon franchise say the superstar's brushed-out waves represent a growing shift from ultra-polished curls in favor of softer, more natural movement and volume.
Drybar’s styling pros call the look "morning waves," as in, "I woke up like this."
Unlike structured curls or perfectly sculpted hairstyles, "morning waves" embrace softness over precision, proving effortless texture can still look polished.
Drybar marketing director Margaux Mahoney says it's not about creating perfectly identical curls, but working with the hair's natural texture.
“There are two ways to achieve this look depending on your own hair type," she says. "If your hair is naturally straight, you’ll be creating movement with hot tools. But if you already have waves or curls [like Shakira], it’s more about enhancing your existing texture than starting from scratch."
When styling, "think of the curling iron as a refinement tool rather than a replacement for your natural texture," Mahoney says. "Adding a few strategic curls can help blend straighter sections, restore shape, and create the polished, flowing finish that defines Shakira’s signature look.”
How To: Get Shakira's World Cup "Morning Waves"
1. Build Lift at the Roots
Apply a volumizing product to damp hair. Blow dry with a round brush, focusing on creating major body through the crown.
2. Create Soft, Non-Uniform Waves
For hair without natural waves, curls, or coils: Use a large-barrel styling tool to wrap sections away from the face, leaving the ends slightly straighter. That creates gentle movement rather than defined ringlets.
For naturally curly or wavy hair, focus on enhancing the texture that’s there instead of trying to reshape it. The aim isn’t to make every section identical, but to create soft movement that looks effortless rather than overly styled.
Striving for perfection is one of the biggest mistakes here, Mahoney says.
"That relaxed finish is exactly what separates morning waves from more polished hairstyles. Instead of aiming for perfectly matching curls, embrace slight variations throughout the hair to create a softer, natural result."
3. Brush Everything Through
Once the curls have completely cooled, loosen them out with a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb. This creates the imperfect, airy finish that defines morning waves.
4. Swap Hairspray for Texturizing Formulas
While hairspray is a typical go-to finishing product, that's not the case here, as it can leave waves looking or feeling too stiff or polished, taking away from the style's relaxed movement.
Instead, opt for a lightweight texturizing spray or dry texture mist to add grip, body, and definition while letting the hair move naturally throughout the day. Mist lightly through the mid-lengths and ends, then gently scrunch or tousle the hair to build up the volume.
Finally, work a small amount of lightweight oil through the mid-lengths and ends to tame flyaways and maintain an effortless, lived-in finish.