Instagram Has Spoken—These 9 Summer Hair Trends Will Reign This Season

      Summer has arrived, bringing with it an endless stream of warm-weather hairstyles that have been endorsed by Instagram's most stylish influencers. For the past few years, I've been loyal to knotless goddess braids, captivated by the simplicity and elegance of a few loose pieces here and there— a style that requires minimal thought as I travel (except for the five hours spent in the salon chair to have them done, of course). Now that I’ve made my long-awaited plans for the warmest months and have grown weary of my usual summer look, I found myself in need of fresh inspiration—until I revisited my Explore page for trendy styles to emulate. Like my fellow beauty editors, it's now my turn to highlight the haircuts, hairstyles, and colors we can anticipate seeing this summer, with a little help from my industry expert friends. Keep scrolling to discover which of this season’s top hair trends have caught my attention—from retro-inspired blowouts to classic crops that will evoke dreams of an endless summer.

      Meet the Experts

      One of the perks of being a beauty editor is having experts on speed dial, eager to share insights about the hair looks we can expect in the coming months. As temperatures rise and dedicated jet-setters take to the skies, inspiring looks proliferate on social media. Below, we will explore the key trends to watch, featuring insider knowledge from two celebrity hairstylists: Michel Dueñas, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Arove, and Suzette Boozer, celebrity hairstylist and Dippity-Do Curly Hair Expert.

      Modern ‘90s Blowout

      To begin, we have a hairstyle that's gained immense popularity among fashion and beauty enthusiasts on social media: the modern '90s blowout. This style, reminiscent of supermodels, emphasizes volume and movement, with strands framing the face, as showcased by Emily Ratajkowski. These light and airy blowouts, with curls at the ends, are described by Dueñas as "easy to toss around and wear all day, even in summer heat."

      Beach-Ready Braids

      If you've noticed a rise in natural hairstyles on your social media feeds lately, it’s because we're entering the prime season for them. Boozer explains, "Curls and braids are definitely the go-to protective styles this season. They’re stylish, versatile, and perfect for shielding hair from heat and environmental stress. Plus, they make it easy to stay cool while looking polished, whether on vacation or running errands."

      French Bob

      Sofia Richie Grainge's recent sleek and shiny French bob shows just how much this style can elevate your summer look. “The French bob has made a significant comeback, featuring super-sharp, clean lines that fall between the cheekbone and jawline,” notes Dueñas. Before reaching for the scissors, however, seek advice from your most trusted stylist and have the right styling products ready. This style scores bonus points for helping you stay cool.

      Luxe Bob

      For a timeless, refined cut that transitions well from summer to fall, consider the luxe bob. Hailey Bieber's effortless look with chocolate-hued tendrils (a shift from her usual honey blonde) has occupied our thoughts since it first appeared on our For You page in April, and we're still eager to recreate it as temperatures rise. It's a chic, full cut that suits fine hair textures perfectly.

      Sun-Kissed Shades

      Curious about the trending summer shades? Dueñas suggests looking out for more natural "sun-kissed" tones, such as apricot blondes and sunny highlights that imitate the sun’s natural lightening effect. The example above, created by Cassi Kovic, leans towards an apricot blonde, exuding a soft golden glow.

      Classic Pixie

      If you're searching for a sign to opt for a chic, minimalistic cut that will keep you cool all summer, this is it. Taylor Hill's year-long embrace of the pixie cut has drawn attention, and beauty editors have noticed an increase in popularity for this style. Boozer explains, "They're effortless, chic, and ideal for warmer weather. Clients are gravitating toward low-maintenance yet stylish options suitable for work. It’s all about hair that makes a statement without requiring hours of styling."

      Slicked-Back Bun

      Celebrity hairstylists are also highlighting slicked-back buns and high-shine looks as quick ways to achieve a polished appearance without expending precious energy that could be better spent soaking up the sun. Dueñas describes it as “the perfect option for combatting summer heat and humidity.” The return of high shine showcases healthy hair alongside glowing skin, offering easy maintenance for busy individuals.

      Messy Updos

      There’s something delightful about achieving a messy updo with little effort—especially when it turns out as beautifully as the one by Hung Vanngo for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Dueñas says it’s "the ideal look that can be dressed up or down, depending on what you wear.