15 Summer Hairstyle Trends That'll Inspire Your Next Chop

Trey Gillen, hairstylist and creative director of education at hair care brand Sachajuan, says to get your round brushes and hot rollers ready because voluminous, ’90s-inspired blowouts will be popular this summer. He says if you’re already rocking a lengthy cut with layers, this style is for you — just don’t forget to set the ringlets with some hairspray.

Another trend? “Braids, braids, and more braids!” says Sims. More specifically, he predicts a range of fun and funky variations like colorful braids, structural looks, and super long pleats. “Braids are super easy and low maintenance. People will opt for no-stress, carefree styles,” he tells Bustle. Something to remember: As with any protective style, he says to keep your strands and scalp properly hydrated in order to avoid breakage.

Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan expects this mashup between a bob and a pixie — dubbed the “bixie” haircut — to be the cool girl’s go-to chop this summer. A nod to the short styles made popular in the ‘90s by Halle Berry, Meg Ryan, and, more recently, Florence Pugh, Marjan says this short cut is low maintenance. “It’s perfect for hair types that have a little natural wave,” she tells Bustle.

Juliana Ohlmeyer, a New York City-based hairstylist from Bassia Bassia salon, recently spent time on the west coast where she spotted a slew of sleek buns. “We will see a lot of glossy buns that are personalized,” she tells Bustle. For example: “Think elevated with subtle braids, a flash of a hair pin or funky clip, or baby hairs pulled out for some softness,” she says. As an added bonus, she notes that this style is a great opportunity to add a bit of nourishing protective oil to your strands.

Bangs are always in style, but Marjan says you’ll be seeing a wispy version — à la Selena Gomez’s fringe — this summer. She says this ’90s fringe iteration is the perfect introduction to bangs. They’re not thick or too heavy but “super sexy and eyebrow grazing.”

Gillen says this ’70s-inspired heavy bob will be an easy summertime style. He says it should fall around mid-neck and feature fairly blunt ends. “Pair it with bottleneck bangs and you have a haircut inspiration any hairdresser would love to create for you,” he tells Bustle, nodding to stars like Selena Gomez, Lucy Hale, and Lucy Boynton as current A-listers rocking the look.

Another way the ’90s are trending is with the era’s take on the updo — think Pamela Anderson’s piece-y look that’s imperfect and embraces volume with ringlets and face-framing strands. Marjan says you’ll spot this style everywhere during the summer months. “We love a big voluminous updo à la Pamela Anderson. This is great on day two or three hair and perfect for natural curls or if you have lots of face-framing layers,” she explains.

For those who want to add movement to their hair without losing length, Gillen anticipates lots of soft layers this summer. “Long, soft layers will add direction and purpose to long hair so it sweeps and swirls exactly the way you envision it,” he says. They’re a chic and easy way to lighten up heavy hair and offer more styling options.

When the temperatures are high, you tend to want your hair off your neck — but, to elevate a simple low ponytail, Ohlmeyer says people will be going all-out with hair accessories. She anticipates lots of accessorized ponies that use eye-catching clips and other trinkets to add a pop to the classic updo. Simply put: It’s “chic, effortless, and polished.”

Gillen expects the latest iteration of the shag — aka the “octopus” haircut” — to continue being popular this summer, which is a great cut for lived-in, beachy strands. “The octopus has a rounded top layer for great volume and body,” he tells Bustle. “Then the sides and bottoms drop out — like tentacles — and hug the nape and neckline.” Two perks to know? The cut pairs nicely with curtain bangs and blow-drying is optional.

According to Blake Reed Evans, a global Redken artist and hair pro, many people are opting for a “shattered” take on a single-length cut (oftentimes this is a bob). “This is for the people who want movement but minimal layers,” he tells Bustle. “It pairs really well with a long curtain fringe.” The ultimate summertime perk of the look? It’s low maintenance. “This haircut is great if you do not like blow-drying your hair or if you love to use an Airwrap because of the texture in the perimeter,” says Evans.

Another way to spice up a single-length cut? Add in some fringe-y layers, says Evans. This gives you a major style upgrade but the best part is that it grows out seamlessly when you are onto the next trend,” he tells Bustle. “The key thing is to make sure that the fringe is cut with layers in it so it grows out easily.”

The shag, of course, is still reigning supreme in the world of layered haircuts. Paul Labrecque, creative director and master stylist and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, is seeing the look primarily on medium-length hair. “Medium-length hair with the modern-day shag is a great way to look effortless while also keeping the hair off of the back of your neck during hot summer months,” he tells. Bustle. If you want more texture, he suggests using a flat iron to add beach waves for “a polished boho look.”

Channel your inner Renaissance babe and opt for the ultra-chic “Botticelli bob,” a variation of the classic cut that features lots of texture. As Anthony Cole, a Sebastian Professional International stylist, previously told Bustle, “Rather than wearing it straight and sleek, the bob is styled with more texture. It’s inspired by Botticelli’s paintings with loose, wavy, and textured hair.” Embrace your natural curl pattern, smooth frizz as you wish, and go.

Overall, this summer is the season for going short, says hairstylist Eduardo Bravo. “Whether it’s a cut or a wig, the key here is boyish and undone,” he tells Bustle, pointing to Kendall Jenner’s recent Vogue China cover as a prime example. “It makes the wearer look super easygoing and sexy — the secret is water and a bit of texture/volume spray,” says Bravo, who recommends the Elderflower Salt Spray from Less Is More. “Finish with some Rose Serum [or serum of your choice] for a more wet and controlled look.” Easy and breezy.