This Is Your Sign To Change Your Hair This Summer (2024)

Balayage, highlights, and lowlights? Move aside. “I think people are also very expressive with their hair. So we are still seeing a lot of creative color, people really wanting to have these big hair changes,” says celebrity stylist David Lopez. Whether you opt for a bright all-over color or an artistically created pattern, this summer it’s the season for extroverts.

There’s no such thing as too short anymore. “Super short pixie-ish bangs, a couple inches above the brow give a more baby doll bang look,” says Shvonne Perkins, Master Colorist at Madison Reed. This fringe is fantastic for shorter lengths, but a grown-out bob also helps create a very Parisian look as well.

Get out your hair gel and a boar-bristle brush–it’s time to create the perfect Bella Hadid-esque updo. “I think we’ll see less of the messy topknot and more of a polished pulled back look with a little volume like a bump in the ponytail or a little backcombing at the crown,” says Perkins. It’s great for third day hair that’s beginning to look a little greasy–which we need in the hot, humid summer.

What style will be everywhere this summer? “Extra-long inches,” says Marjan. If your hair is naturally long, don’t reach for the scissors. For anyone not blessed with mermaid-length locks, extensions, wigs, or clip-ins can help mimic the look without needing to grow out your hair to your waist. The summery looks you can rock with extra hair are endless.

The temperature is heating up–and so should your color. Typically we see warmer tones in the fall, but stylists are predicting a summertime resurgence this year. If you’re not a natural redhead, don’t worry–all hair colors can incorporate this trend. “For color, warmth is still king,” says Perkins. “Across the board, we’re seeing a move away from ash-as-possible blonde and into these warm, sparkly blondes and brunettes infused with gold, copper, and champagne colors.”

Maybe it’s the Hailey Bieber effect (she cut her hair, so now we all must follow), but cropped hair is having a comeback, according to Marjan. “Summer is always about something fresh, young, and playful. It’s a great time to experiment with a new look for a summer vacation and short haircuts are so much more low maintenance.” Lopez adds, “We are starting to see this Lord Farquaad hair coming back, which for some people works really, really well. Another example is Hailey Bieber cutting her hair really, really short, which is making a lot of people want to cut their hair really short, especially going into summertime.”

The shag cut isn’t going anywhere, according to Lopez. Whether you decide to air on the side of safety and get a few extra layers, or you fully commit to the mullet, embracing your natural texture is key. “I think people are getting a little bored and want to bring a little more glamor and a little more statement to their hair,” says Perkins. If your hair is naturally bone straight, opt for hair mousses and beach sprays to create more fullness.

Sometimes, you can’t beat a classic. “This year, I think we will see some classic hair color looks come back this summer. Blondes going blonder, brunettes going lighter, and light reds and coppers. All colors staying natural and lived in,” says celebrity stylist and brand founder Guy Tang. A sun-kissed, highlighted look will never go out of style for the summer.

“Overall, it seems like hair health is the predominately big trend among all communities,” says Lopez. “So, whether you have straight hair, curly hair, wavy hair, highly textured hair, it seems like hair health is to be the overall trend.” That means put down the bleach and hot tools, and instead swap in healing and moisturizing masks to give damaged strands the time and nourishment they need to recover.

Whip out your hot rollers and bring back Old Hollywood glamour. “As far as cuts are concerned, bigger bolder shapes are finally coming back. Hair is taking up space again with big blowouts, curls on full display, and lots of layering and volume,” says Perkins. That means it’s time to perfect your blow dryer out and finally learn how to use a round brush.