The 15 Best Summer Hairstyles To Try

Posted by Patria Henriques on Sunday, May 19, 2024

Summertime is when we let our hair down and have fun with bright colors, makeup, and, of course, fun hairstyles. You can expect a wide range of hairstyles will be trending, with options for every hair length, curl pattern, and texture. From tousled pixies and air-dried waves to face-framing braids and natural volume, here are the 15 hairstyles that will be everywhere this summer, with expert tips on how to achieve them.

Bangs

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Bangs are so versatile that they will always have a place in the hair world. Birkin bangs were popular in the spring (and very well could stay that way for summer), and shaggy bangs are oh-so-cool. But a good curtain bang never goes out of style. Wear them with a messy bun or let them frame your face with the rest of your long layers this season.

Choppy Layers

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The shag is still going strong. Lean into your waves and layers for the ultimate carefree style this summer. Oribe's Gold Lust Dry Shampoo works for a messy wave hairstyle while sopping up any oil (and sweat) you might encounter on a humid summer day.

Mermaid Waves

Mermaid waves are the epitome of summer, and it's a look that will never get old. Whether you achieve waves with extensions or your own lengthy locks, everyone from Chloë Grace Moretz to the Kardashians has rocked this look at some point.

Bouncy Blowouts

The thing about classic looks is that they never go out of style, and while bouncy, sexy hair has always been a go-to, it's going to take center stage this summer.

To get the look, New York-based hairstylist Julius Michael, says to start by drying the hair with a large barrel brush. "Start with small sections and work the heat up the entire section of hair," he says. "Remember to use the 'cool shot' button on your dryer to lock in the soft curl."

Move on to each section until the hair is completely dry, then he says to brush it into that sexy summer style. "My go-to brush for this is the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Brush 3 1/2 inches — the ceramic-coated barrel heats faster and maintains its heat throughout your styling and the ion technology eliminates frizz for the perfect blowout," he says.

Air-Dried Waves

Summer is the perfect time to give your hair a break from heat tools and embrace your natural air-dried waves and curls.

"For better curls, the tip is to apply products on very wet hair. Don't towel dry too much," says Franck Izquierdo, the co-founder of IGK Hair Care.

He recommends mixing a hydrating hair balm with a blowout cream and applying the mix to wet hair. Then, spritz the hair with an anti-frizz spray. The key for bouncy, nourished curls lays in the last step: "Finish with IGK's Antisocial Overnight Bond Building Dry Hair Mask and Best Life 100% Plant-Powered Nourishing Hair Oil for shine and hydration — let air dry."

Face-Framing Braids

Look no further than Hailey Bieber for the easiest, Cali-cool hairstyle that everyone will be rocking this season.

"If you want to give your beachy, textured look a fresh 2000s twist without any extra effort, just spray IGK Beach Club Volume Texture Spray into the rest of your hair," recommends Izquierdo.

The Mixie

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"This 70's inspired cut is a hit!" declares Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, a New York-based celebrity hairstylist and Matrix brand ambassador. "This sleek, straight summer short is the look for the season."

A combination of the mullet and pixie, to style it, Sturdivant-Drew recommends spraying on wet hair, spray Matrix Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray on wet hair, as it will control static and frizz while also visibly reducing the appearance of split ends. After blow drying, use a flat iron to smooth the hair out straight.

Blunt Bobs

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Shorter cuts are back and the blunt bob has entered the chat. "This look is super chic and commands attention," says Monae Everett, a celebrity hairstylist and Biolage ambassador. "The length is usually between the bottom of the ear and shoulders."

Natural Volume

Sturdivant-Drew has declared this the summer of natural volume — and we're here for it.

She says that to keep voluminous curls full, she recommends the moisturizing leave-in cream from Matrix's A Curl Can Dream line as it "provides moisture and definition, without flaking or crunch." Then, to maintain the volume all day, she says to finish with the brand's Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray to set the style.

Disheveled Pixie

Super short hair is perfect for sweaty summers, and thankfully, this length is going to be all the rage. "Pixies of all types are going to be huge this season, but the disheveled pixie will take center stage leaving a bit more length to be played with," says celebrity hairstylist and Biolage curl specialist, Cynthia Alvarez.

Sleek Updos

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Keep your hair looking polished all day and off your neck in the summer heat with a sleek pony or bun.

To get this look, Izquierdo recommends blowdrying the hair with IGK's Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray. Once hair is dry and pulled back, he says to slick it back into a ponytail using the brand's previously-recommended hair oil. To set the style, spritz the look with a flexible-hold hairspray.

The Shullet

This take on the mullet is the 2022 way to wear this trend.

"This look consists of a fringe with shorter sides and connecting length to make the cut a bit more wearable and a bit less daring," Alvarez previously shared with InStyle about the shullet. "[It's a] chic and low-maintenance look that can be achieved on wavy and curly textures for a wash-and-go vibe."

Texture, Texture, Texture

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"In my humble opinion, natural texture is this summer's standout look," says Adam Federico, R+Co's director of content.

He says the key to enhancing your curls — and steal Zendaya's look — is to work some of R+Co's Ring Tone Ultra Defining Gel Crème throughout the mid-lengths and ends. Then, he says to either air dry or diffuse the hair for the perfect amount of volume.

Topknots with Face-Framing Strands

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Michael predicts that topknots with '90s-era front-facing strands will be everywhere this summer.

To get the look, he uses a paddle brush while blowdrying the hair up and away from the face. Once everything's smooth and in place, he pulls it all up into a high ponytail. "I then use the Olivia Garden CarbonLite Tail Comb to pull out the front sections of the hair and small sections from the sides," he says.

You can twist the ponytail into a bun or a braided knot, then pin it in place. If you want a sleek look, he says to finish the look by using a flat iron to smooth out the front sections and side pieces.

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