The Hottest Summer Hair Trends of 2026, According to Celebrity Stylists

Whether you go blonder for summer (naturally) or you just want to try out some new styles, summer is the best excuse to refresh your look. This summer’s hottest hair trends are all about effortless glamour. From variations of the bob (hello bixie and shaggy “in-between” bob) to layered cuts that pair perfectly with a blowout, plus the viral “Allie Hayes” cut from Off Campus, there’s no shortage of hair trends for everyone’s taste. Ahead, celebrity hairstylists share the colors, cuts, and styles you’ll be seeing everywhere this summer. (BRB, while I book a hair appointment!)

Hair Colors for Summer 2026

Full Highlights

If you’ve been wanting to go blonder, consider this your sign. Expert colorist Doug Theoharis, Global Education Director for Pro Color brand Danger Jones, says full highlights are making a major comeback this year. “Along with the all-over blonde highlight trend that is coming back, I’ve noticed that the tones of these blondes are stepping away from the icy platinum shades to more natural-looking golden/beige blondes,” he says. Instead of ultra-bright platinum, expect to see warmer, sun-kissed blondes that look expensive and beachy.

Honey Bear Blonde

Honey bear blonde blends caramel, honey, and soft brunette tones to create one of the most wearable colors of the season. The result is a lived-in and low-maintenance look that is perfect for summer.

It also grows out beautifully, giving you that effortless “I’ve been living at the beach” look without all the frequent salon visits. For brunettes wanting a little seasonal refresh without committing to an all-over blonde transformation, this is one of the easiest ways to brighten your look for summer.

Glossy Chocolate Brown

Blonde isn’t the only color trending this season. Rich chocolate brown is proving that a single-process color can be just as striking as highlights, especially when paired with an ultra-glossy finish.

Theoharis says many clients are gravitating towards richer shades because they’re easier to maintain. “Similarly, rich browns and natural red coppers are still trending for more low-maintenance hair,” he says. Olivia Rodrigo’s signature brunette perfectly captures the look, with that healthy hair shine becoming just as important as the color itself.

Copper

Copper isn’t going anywhere this season. From soft strawberry hues to dramatic auburn tones, copper is one of the boldest ways to switch up your look for the summer. Take a note from Keke Palmer, whose copper waves feel playful and bold, while still feeling natural.

Old-Money “Bronde”

If you can’t decide between blonde and brunette, don’t. Celebrity hairstylist Nicolas Flores, co-founder and owner of FLORE Los Angeles, says we’ll be seeing a lot more “bronde” this summer—a blend of brunette and blonde for a natural-looking dimension.

Haircuts for Summer 2026

Butterfly cut

The butterfly cut has been all over our feeds, and it’s not going away any time soon. Going hand in hand with that voluminous blowout look we’re all collectively obsessed with right now, the butterfly cut features face-framing layers that bring so much movement to the hair while allowing you to keep your length.

The “Allie Hayes” Cut

The “Allie Hayes” cut has become popular from the show Off Campus (which, btw, we can’t stop rewatching). “I also think people are moving away from very blunt, heavy haircuts and looking for something that gives shape, volume and texture without sacrificing length,” says Marc Ballance, celebrity hairstylist at IGK Salons NYC, “The Allie cut creates that balance, it looks natural but cool in a way that never feels like you’ve tried too hard.”

When asking for it at the salon, he recommends bringing reference photos and explaining exactly what you like about it. “Is it the movement? The face framing? The softness around the face? The texture it creates? Every person’s hair density, texture and face shape are different, so a good stylist should adapt the look rather than copy it exactly,” he adds.

Bixie

The Bixie (a blend of the bob and pixie) is making a full return this summer for its cool-girl charm and effortless feel. Celebrities like Zendaya and Gracie Abrams are proving the cut works whether you wear it sleek or embrace your natural texture.

Flippy Bob

The bob still remains supreme this summer, but this time it’s getting flipped. With the ends curled outward, the flippy bob channels effortless ‘90s nostalgia while feeling surprisingly fresh. The playful shape adds movement and volume, elevating even your simplest outfits into something a little more cutesy and feminine.

Shaggy “In-Between” Bob

Can’t decide whether you want to commit to a full bob or keep your length? Introducing the perfect compromise: The shaggy “in-between” bob.

This cut sits somewhere in between a lob and a traditional bob, featuring soft layers, curtain bangs, and movement. Flores explains that 2025 was the year of the bob, and while clients “kept up with the short bob” for a while, they are now growing it out. The shaggy in-between bob is a result of that: “We’ve been finding ways to be creative without cutting length and adding in shape around the face frame or even a curtain bang,” he says.

Flores (pictured on the left above) created this exact shaggy “in-between” bob for Sofia Richie Grainge, proving the transitional cut can look just as chic as a fresh chop.

Hairstyles for Summer 2026

’90s Super Model Blowout

Time to dust off your air styling tool, hot rollers, and round brush: This iconic blowout is making a full comeback. “I’d say everyone is coming in requesting that ’90s supermodel hair: layered, bouncy, and voluminous,” says Flores.

As mentioned before, this style looks best with a layered cut. “The bombshell blowout girl, with long soft layers, and a layered face frame. We want lots of movement without chunky layers. Think classic Victoria’s Secret model hair,” says Chris Russell, celebrity hairstylist.

T3

Air Styler Blowout Kit

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VERO Lineage

Hair Roller and Clip Set

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Sutra

Infrared Thermal Brush

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“I Woke Up Like This” Waves

“The beach wave has evolved. It’s even more textured, even more undone,” says Russell. “But it’s an organized chaos.”

To get the perfect bend and waves, he uses the Ultra Violet Intelligent Styler by SUTRA. “It’s my absolute favorite tool, because it leaves no crease and no lines, because of its rounded edges and ceramic coated floating plates that glide effortlessly through the hair,” he explains.

A texture spray is also key to perfecting this look, giving your hair just a little more volume and structure throughout the day without losing the movement.

SUTRA

Hair Straightener & Curler

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Nick Stenson Beauty

Texture Finishing Spray

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Early 2000s Up-do

Reminiscent of early 2000s rom-coms (think Andie Anderson and Jenna Rink), the messy, chic up-dos are everywhere again. It’s stylish, while also keeping your hair off your neck during the hottest months of the year. Cute and practical? We’ll take it.

Teleties

Tortoise Claw Clip

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Nexxus

Slick Stick Hair Wax

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T3

Hair Detail Set

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The Baseball Cap

And for days when you can’t be bothered to do your hair, but you still want to look like you tried, the baseball cap is the season’s trendiest accessory. Pair one with loose waves, a low bun, or second-day hair, and you’ll instantly look put together with minimal effort. And yes, wearing it backwards does, in fact, make you cooler: Just take Dua Lipa, for example.

’47

New York Yankees Cap

14 colors available

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’47

Chicago Cubs Cap

3 colors available

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’47

Los Angeles Dodgers Hat

15 colors available

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer

Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.

READ LAUREN’S FULL BIO

Feature graphic images credited to: @tatemcrae, @alixearle, @alexandraafrench, @keke, @lilireinhart, and @zendaya.

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