Whether you’re still dealing with the fallout of a failed hairstyle you tried over quarantine or you’re completely bored of your signature look, summer is the perfect time to get out of your hair rut. Warmer weather has traditionally meant lighter, shorter locks but this summer there’s a new class of bold and exciting hair trends taking over. From fantasy dye jobs to bombshell curtain bangs, we spoke to hair experts who revealed the 7 hair trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this summer. Get your hairstylist on the phone or save this to your DIY Pinterest board, here are 7 of the trendiest hairstyles to try for summer 2021.
1. Fantasy Colors
Lighter locks are usually the norm for warmer weather, but this summer colorful and bright is the way to go. Garnier Celebrity Hair Colorist Nikki Lee has dubbed this the summer of fantasy hair. “This summer hair trends are going to be FUN! Fantasy colors like Hilary Duff’s Cotton Candy Blue, or enhancing your red with a fierce copper gloss like Sarah Hyland’s latest look,” she says.
2. Wavy Shag
If you do one thing with your hair this summer, keep it wavy. The ultimate beach babe look, the wavy shag allows you to keep your hair light and low maintenance making it perfect for a summer of socializing “This summer, we are going to see fresh, shoulder-length shags styled with a wave or curl,” Feekaik tells ELLE. “This style looks best with about one-third of the strands ends being colored. For example, brown hair with a cinnamon accent, dark hair with a blue/lavender tone, or blonde hair with red/copper tones.
3. Pixie Cut
With brighter days ahead and the hopeful re-emergence from lockdown, people will be ready to shed some weight in their hair. According to Frédéric Fekkai, Founder and CEO of FEKKAI, “Short to medium Pixie cuts and bold colors will be on-trend. I think people will be excited to debut platinum pink (think Rihanna’s iconic pink pixie) or turquoise blue, among some more natural hues.”
4. Square Bob Cut
A Sleek square bob cut just may be the first step to having a hot girl summer. Short hair is notoriously chic and so many celebs have joined the bob haircut club in the past few months, so it’s a no brainer that this iconic haircut will be a go-to this summer. If you really want to take the heat up a notch Feekaik recommends adding bangs.
Summer is the perfect time to return to what feels natural, so if you’ve been considering doing a big chop, now is the time. “Some think of this as a major start over-and it is, it’s also the perfect time to think of all of this new hair as a blank canvas. It’s an opportunity to feed and care for your scalp and keep your fresh hair nourished as you wear your new style,” says Sally Beauty Celebrity Consultant Gregory Patterson.
6. Soft Textures & Shape Waves
This summer, supermodel reminiscent waves meet classic beach waves for the ultimate bombshell look. “The softer wave shape makes this incredible for many lengths and styles from the asymmetrical bob, to the new shag mullet, all the way through to the 70’s inspired lengths,” says Patterson. Getting the perfect curl pattern can be tricky but a few expert tips can get you well on your way to effortless beach waves. Patterson recommends using a 1.25” curling iron on a very low heat setting with a heat protectant. “For those who don’t heat style, mist your hair with a soft flexible styling spray, apply a multi-styling foam for soft hold and flexibility and wrap around a jumbo soft roller then allow your hair to completely dry before finishing with a soft texture spray.” For both techniques, Patterson suggests treating your ends with a leave-in treatment serum to eliminate frizz and seal in moisture.
7. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs have long been a staple ‘It Girl’ hairstyle. Now more versatile than ever, curtain bangs absolutely deserve a spot in your summer hair rotation. Traditional bangs can be daunting and harder to care for and style on your own but according to hair expert Gregory Patterson “Curtain bangs provide a softer fringe solution for those that are more low maintenance or require more versatility.” Also, a lot of people put their hair up in the summer, and this type of fringe allows for a bit of coverage and shape around the face. Channel your inner Bridgette Bardot or Daphne Bridgerton and get your fringe on this summer.
