Stylists have informed me that these hair trends will decline this summer—here are 7 that will gain popularity.

      The great aspect of summer hair trends is their flexibility—both literally and figuratively. We notice a rise in light, textured styles, and the trends themselves are quite relaxed. As noted by celebrity hairstylist Sky Kim, "Summer always brings hair back to freedom. It’s less structured, more expressive." With winter clothes swapped for linen outfits and airy slips, hair becomes more relaxed and lived-in—especially in 2026, where embracing loose movement is in fashion. "Twenty twenty-five was sleek, minimal, and controlled. Twenty twenty-six is expressive, textural, and a bit rebellious in a wearable manner," adds Kim. Consequently, we observe polished cuts transitioning to bolder (yet still natural) styles, all of which you can discover below.

      Just a brief note before we begin: While I've marked some haircuts and colors below as "out," that doesn't mean they should be forgotten. Beauty trends often cycle back into popularity, so you might see them resurface when fall comes back around. For the summer of 2026, here are the seven trends on the rise.

      **Out: Blunt Bobs | In: Lived-In Layers**

      If you sported a chin-length bob last summer, you're in good company. It was undeniably the year of the bob—from voluminous "Riviera" bobs to sleek "Prada" bobs, and even '60s-inspired "flipped" bobs. If you opted for the shorter style, you're likely in the process of growing it out. During this transitional phase, consider adopting soft movement and texture (think airy layers) over blunt ends. Celebrity hairstylist Reece Walker concurs: "Many clients who had strong blunt bobs are now growing them out and really embracing hair that feels less structured and more lived-in." This illustrates a shift from bold, sophisticated cuts to styles that embody a more "undone" essence.

      **Out: Solid Cool Tones | In: Warmth and Dimension**

      "Flat, one-dimensional color is fading, especially overly cool, ashy tones that lack shine," says Kim. "People are now embracing warmth and natural undertones. Consider warm blondes, reds that enhance your natural color, and brunettes with subtle tonal highlights. It’s lively and reflective, with color that changes in the light instead of appearing flat." Walker echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that colorful dimension will be significant. "Less flat, solid color and more depth and movement," he notes. Dakota Johnson exemplifies this trend, as she recently transitioned from rich brunette hair to a dimensional dirty blonde at this year's Time 100 gala, marking her first shade change in years.

      **Out: Blended Curtain Bangs | In: "Bitchy" Bangs**

      Long curtain bangs are perfect for those hesitant to fully commit to bangs, but this summer, there’s no space for indecision. "Soft, overly blended curtain bangs are out," Kim states. Instead, a bold, "bitchy" bang takes precedence. "It’s shorter, slightly choppier, and more purposeful. It sits higher, around the cheekbone or brow, and has a slightly undone vibe that conveys attitude over softness," she elaborates. "This trend leans less towards perfectly feathered face-framing and focuses on creating shape and edge."

      **Out: Subtle Tones | In: Expressive Color**

      As haircuts trend towards being more lived-in, "Color is where it gets exciting," Kim observes. "We’re moving towards dimensional, expressive colors that capture that Alyssa Liu energy—bold and wild." You don't need to fully embrace a dramatic hair color like Liu, but if you're looking to make a summer statement, consider this your nudge to go for high-contrast (perhaps ombré?) hair. "Dramatic dual tones are making a comeback, akin to Billie Eilish’s look with green roots and dark tips," Kim adds.

      **Out: Glassy Slick-Backs | In: Textured Updos**

      To clarify, a slick-back will never completely lose its appeal. However, stylists are noting a significant rise in lived-in, piece-y updos that convey a more carefree vibe. Kim observes, "2025 felt very controlled, sleek, polished, and almost uniform—with a lot of glass hair, tight finishes, and minimal variation. 2026 is breaking away from that. There’s more personality, texture, and confidence in embracing a lived-in look." While slick-backs will remain in style, they are becoming less rigid. "Even when polished, the look is softer, focusing on identity rather than perfection," Kim adds.

      **Out: Tucked Bobs | In: Tucked Pixies**

      Remember when the tucked bob (or a bob tucked behind one or both ears) was all the rage? We’re starting to see this style morph into a shorter version this summer that grazes the nape of