Not Slickbacks—These Are the Stylish, Low-Maintenance Hair Trends Gaining Popularity This Summer

      Is it just me, or does it seem like last year everyone and their mother styled their hair back with various gels and waxes, and once the clock hit midnight on January 1, 2026, we all abruptly stopped? I realize that might be an exaggeration, but I find myself reflecting on the significant shift in popular hairstyles from the summer of 2025 compared to that of 2026. While past trends leaned more toward structured and polished looks, 2026 is embracing the relaxation of summer. (Or perhaps, just perhaps, with everything happening in the world, perfect hair isn't at the top of our priorities. Just a thought!)

      "This summer, I anticipate that low-maintenance styles will truly take center stage, especially looks like long, beachy hair, glossy high ponytails with face-framing waves, and effortless layered blowouts," comments Courtney Gard, brand manager at Revlon Hair Tools. "People still desire an elevated appearance, but they don’t want to spend an hour styling their hair in the heat." This is where multitasking hair products come in, defining and shaping natural texture while using tools that are quick, efficient, and minimize heat damage. Below, we'll outline five low-maintenance hairstyles that are trending this summer, along with the minimal tools you'll need to achieve them.

      **5 Low-Maintenance Hairstyles for Summer 2026**

      **Soft Glam Summer Blowout**

      "For summer 2026, I believe we will see a significant move towards 'undone glamour'—styles that appear polished yet softer, easier, and more lived-in," says Gard. "Think airy supermodel blowouts that have plenty of movement, gentle bends instead of rigid curls, and a loose texture that feels natural rather than overly styled." While a blowout may not typically seem low-maintenance or easy, Gard notes that a good styling session can actually save significant time in the long run.

      **How to Style the Summer Blowout**

      The Revlon One-Step Multi-Styler simplifies the creation of a polished blowout, loose waves, or flipped ends all in one step, according to Gard. This makes mid-week touch-ups a breeze. "Perfect for busy summer schedules," she adds. The popular tool includes three attachments—the round brush base that has gone viral online, a smaller round brush, and a paddle brush—allowing for various styling options that take minimal time.

      **Beachy Crimps**

      Whether it’s a nod to Wuthering Heights or a throwback to 2006, crimped hair is making a stylish comeback this year. "We’re witnessing a resurgence of crimped and waved textures, but in a more contemporary manner—subtle textures throughout the hair that provide a romantic, slightly windswept vibe inspired by fashion and period dramas," remarks Rebecca Hall, director of consumer insights at Revlon Hair Tools. "These styles are popular because people want hair that feels beautiful yet practical for everyday life, especially in the summer," she continues. "There’s an increasing preference for styles that enhance natural texture while still delivering volume and polish."

      **How to Style Crimped Beachy Waves**

      Creating these mermaid-like waves is surprisingly simple with tools like Revlon's 3 Barrel Jumbo Hair Waver. Alternatively, you can opt for the traditional method of two pigtail braids overnight. You can also highlight your natural texture using a thermal brush for beachy waves.

      The Revlon VersaStyler is a fantastic hot tool for those looking to enhance their natural texture rather than over-styling. "With three varying heat settings for personalized styling, it can be used to achieve loose beachy waves, soft curls, sleek ponytails, or buns with smooth flyaways, among others," says Hall. "These products are also travel-friendly and durable, making them convenient for summer trips!"

      **Wispy Updos**

      The beauty of a summer updo lies in its simplicity—easily gathered in an elastic band or claw clip after a day at the beach, with face-framing layers cascading like ribbons. "There's a notable nostalgia factor shaping trends now," notes Gard. "We've already observed the revival of '90s blowouts and Y2K-inspired styles, and now people are drawn to softer, bohemian textures and romantic, slightly imperfect hairstyles." You can create this look without any tools, but if you want to elevate it further, read on.

      **How to Style Wispy Updos**

      Gard recommends the Revive & Shine Half-Barrel Heated Brush for quick touch-ups and defining those face-framing strands. "There’s a lot of interest in styles that can transition from day to night and withstand humidity while still appearing effortless," she observes, highlighting this tool's effectiveness—making it an excellent choice for summer. "It rapidly enhances and revives hair that’s a day or two old, allowing you to style and go."

      **Air-Dried Texture**

      "The trick