Instagram Has Spoken—These 9 Summer Hair Trends Will Dominate This Season
Summer has arrived, and with it, a seemingly never-ending trickle of warm-weather-worthy hairstyles that Instagram’s most fashionable people have given their stamp of approval. For the past few years, I’ve been strictly a knotless goddess braid type of girl—enchanted by the effortless elegance of a few loose strands here and there and a style I don’t have to think too much about as I travel (besides sitting in a salon chair to have them done over five hours, of course).
Now that I’ve made all my long-awaited plans for the warmest months of the year and have tired of my signature summer style, I found myself in a bit of an inspiration rut—until I returned to my Explore page for trendy looks to replicate. Like all my fellow beauty editors, now is the time for me to report on the haircuts, hairstyles, and hair colors we can expect to see this summer, with a little help from my industry expert friends.
Keep scrolling to see which of this season’s top hair trends have made it onto my radar—from throwback-inspired blowouts to timeless crops that will make anyone dream of an endless summer.
Meet the Experts
One of the best things about being a beauty editor—whose job is to keep an eye out for trends—is that we have experts on speed dial who are more than happy to share insight into the hair looks we’ll be seeing over the next couple of months. As temperatures quickly rise, dedicated jet-setters catch flights, and look after look is churned out by Instagram’s most stylish people, there’s no shortage of inspiration. Below, we’re diving into the top trends we’ll be keeping an eye on, with insider intel from two celebrity hairstylists.
Modern ’90s Blowout
To kick things off, we’re starting with a look that’s been widely embraced by fashion- and beauty-loving social media users as something a modern-day Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy would have worn while flitting from one A-list event to the next: the modern ’90s blowout. Similar to the supermodel cut, this look is all about volume and movement, with face-framing strands, as modeled here by Emily Ratajkowski. They’re light and airy blowouts with curls on the ends for what Dueñas describes as “easy to toss around and wear all day, even in summer heat.”
Beach-Ready Braids
If you’ve been seeing more natural styles on your social media over the past few weeks, it’s because we’re approaching the best season to wear them. “Curls and braids are definitely the go-to protective styles this season. They’re stylish, versatile, and ideal for protecting the hair from heat and environmental stress,” Boozer says. “Plus, they make it easy to stay cool while looking put-together, whether you’re on vacation or running errands in the city.”
French Bob
Sofia Richie Grainge’s recent decision to get a sleek and shiny French bob is all the proof you need that it may be all you need to add a chic touch to your signature summer style. It’s that simple! “The French bob has made a huge comeback, with super-sharp clean lines right between cheekbone and jawline,” says Dueñas. Before you reach for the scissors, however, consider getting guidance from your most trusted stylist and have all the right styling products on deck. This one gets bonus points for helping you beat the heat.
Luxe Bob
For a timeless, tailored cut that can take you from summer to fall, consider trying the luxe bob. This shot of Hailey Bieber wearing the effortless cut with chocolate-colored tendrils (a departure from the honey blonde we see her wearing frequently) has lived rent-free in our minds since it first made an appearance on our For You page in April, and we’re still itching to recreate the look as the temperatures heat up. It’s expensive-looking, full, and the ideal cut for fine hair textures.
Sun-Kissed Shades
Wondering what summer shades are capturing the attention of the most stylish people? Dueñas tells us to look out for more natural-looking “sun-kissed” colors. “Apricot blonds, more yellow, sunlight blondes. Colors and highlighting techniques that mimic the sun’s natural lightning process,” he says. The one above, created by Cassi Kovic, seems to learn towards an apricot blond and offers a gentle golden glow.
Classic Pixie
If you’ve been looking for a sign to get a chic, minimalistic cut that will keep you cool all summer long, this is it. Taylor Hill has been wearing a pixie cut for just over a year now, and we beauty editors can’t help but notice how many more we’ve begun to see. “They’re effortless, chic, and perfect for the warmer weather. Clients are drawn to styles that are low-maintenance but still stylish and work-appropriate. It’s all about easy, breezy hair that makes a statement without taking hours to style,” explains Boozer.
Slicked-Back Bun
High-shine looks and slicked-back buns are also on the radar of celebrity hair stylists, as they’re the quickest ways to achieve a clean look without taking up the effort and energy that can be better spent catching rays. “[It’s the] perfect way to beat the summer heat and humidity,” Dueñas says. “High shine is coming back to show off healthy hair with glowing skin. Super-easy maintenance for the girl on the go.”
Messy Updos
There’s just something so fun about pulling off a messy updo without too much hassle (especially if it turns out near pristine like this one created by Hung Vanngo for model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley). Dueñas tells us it’s the “perfect look dressed up and/or dressed down depending on the outfit. All looks are a reminiscence of the ’90s, which are starting to make a comeback.”
Shaggy Bob
We’re loving Selena Gomez back in bangs, and this time, she’s paired them with the shaggy-bob look that Dueñas and Boozer have both ID’d as one of the trendiest hair moments of the season. He tells us it’s the ideal summer style for “those who can’t fully commit to a short, defined bob,” since it’s slightly looser and more playful than other cuts like the French bob or luxe bob. For this one, just make sure you have a texturizing styling product on hand to add more dimension.
How to Style Hair for Heat
According to Dueñas, the secret behind perfecting summer styles and extending their wear time in the face of high temperatures and humidity is hair prep with your wash lineup. His top recommendation is the Arove Aerious Shampoo and Conditioner ($56), which “is extremely lightweight and contains a naturally derived silicone. It will protect your hair from humidity and reduce frizz while adding intense shine.” The more it’s used, the more you can expect to see less frizz due to its naturally derived silicone that coats the hair and rinses off during the next wash session.
While learning how to work with your natural texture to keep heat and humidity at bay can work for anyone, it’s especially applicable to individuals with textured strands who plan to wear their hair in protective styles or curls and coils. “When it comes to managing heat and humidity, working with your natural texture is key,” says Boozer. “So many people haven’t truly embraced their texture yet, and I always encourage them to give it a try. It can be a total game changer with the right products.”
Her go-to products for styling natural hair are Dippity-Do’s Girls With Curls Light Hold Gelee ($7) and Leave-In Detangling Conditioner ($7) since they both help define curls, control frizz, and maintain volume. These, as well as several other products included in the brand’s Girls With Curls Line also helpful. “They’re gentle on all textures and perfect for preserving your curl pattern while your hair is tucked away,” she adds.
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