Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity

Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity

      The great aspect of summer hair trends is their lack of rigidity—both literally and figuratively. We're seeing a rise in airy, textured hair shapes, yet the trends themselves remain quite flexible. As celebrity hairstylist Sky Kim explains, "Summer always brings a sense of freedom back to hair. It’s more expressive and less structured." As we transition from winter clothes to airy linen outfits and light slips, hair becomes more relaxed and lived-in—especially in 2026, when embracing piece-y movements is very much in style. "2025 was sleek, minimal, and controlled. In 2026, we’re seeing more expression, texture, and a touch of rebellion in a user-friendly way," Kim adds. Consequently, polished cuts and styles are being replaced by bold (yet still natural) versions, which you can find as you scroll down. A quick note before we begin: While I've marked some haircuts and colors below as "out," I’m not implying they should remain that way. Beauty trends oddly cycle back into fashion, so you might see them again when fall arrives. For summer 2026, however, here are the seven trends on the upswing.

      Out: Blunt Bobs | In: Lived-In Layers

      If you sported a chin-length bob last summer, you're in good company. It was truly the year of the bob—from voluminous “Riviera” styles to sleek "Prada" cuts to '60s-inspired flipped versions—and if you went for the shorter style, you might now find yourself in the lob phase. As you go through the growing-out stage, lean into soft movement and texture (like airy layers) instead of blunt bobs. Celebrity hairstylist Reece Walker agrees: "Many clients who had pronounced blunt bobs are now allowing their hair to grow out and embracing a less structured, more lived-in feel," he notes. Consider this a shift from bold, sophisticated cuts to styles that have a more "undone" vibe.

      Out: Solid Cool Tones | In: Warmth and Dimension

      "Flat, one-dimensional hair color is becoming less popular, especially overly cool, ashy tones that lack light reflection," Kim states. "Instead, people are gravitating towards dimension and natural undertones. Think warm blondes, reds that enhance existing hair colors, and brunettes with subtle tonal highlights. It’s vibrant and reflective—colors that shift with the light instead of sitting flat." Walker reinforces this idea, mentioning that color dimension will be significant. "Less flat, solid color and more depth and movement," he explains. Dakota Johnson serves as a prime example, as she recently transformed her rich brunette locks into a dimensional dirty blonde at this year's Time 100 gala. It's the first time in years she's altered her usual shade, indicating that this color trend is here to stay. Consider this your cue to book a balayage appointment.

      Out: Blended Curtain Bangs | In: "Bratty" Bangs

      Long curtain bangs are great for those who aren't ready to fully commit to bangs, but come summer 2026, there's little room for moderation. "Soft, overly blended curtain bangs are out," Kim asserts. Instead, bold "bratty" side bangs are making a comeback. "They are shorter, a bit choppier, and more deliberate. They sit higher, around the cheekbone or brow, and exude a slightly undone attitude rather than softness," she elaborates. "It’s less about meticulously feathered face framing and more about creating shape and edge."

      Out: Subtle Tones | In: Expressive Color

      While haircuts are adopting a more lived-in appearance, Kim notes that "color is where it gets exciting." "We’re witnessing a shift towards dimensional, expressive hues, reminiscent of Alyssa Liu's bold and wild vibe." You don't have to commit to a halo hair color like Liu, but for those wanting a summer statement, consider this your sign to go for high-contrast (dare I say, ombré?) hair. "I believe dramatic dual tones are making a comeback, like Billie Eilish’s green roots with dark tips," Kim adds.

      Out: Glassy Slick-Backs | In: Textured Updos

      Let me clarify: slick-backs will always be in style. However, stylists can't overlook the wave of lived-in, piece-y updos that feel more liberated. Kim shares, "2025 was all about control, sleekness, and polish—much glass hair, tight finishes, and minimal variation. 2026 is breaking from that mold. There’s more personality, more texture, and a greater confidence in allowing hair to feel lived-in." Again, slick-backs will never be completely "out," but they are becoming less helmet-like. "Even when the style is polished, it’s not rigid. It's less about perfection and more about identity," Kim adds.

      Out:

Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity

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Stylists Have Indicated That These Hair Trends Will Decline This Summer—7 That Will Gain Popularity

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