Summer is the perfect season to experiment with a new hairstyle. It helps to have a few uncomplicated looks on rotation. When the weather is blazing hot. Take inspiration from actress Lily Collins and make a sleek bob your haircut of choice to style out this summer, or copy singer Dove Cameron and keep your hair off your neck with playful space buns. Nothing beats an easy, breezy hairdo at this time of year.
Below, a round-up of chic summer hairstyles to try in the balmy weeks to come.
Bora Bora braids
The ultimate goddess braid upgrade, Bora Bora braids are achieved using human (rather than synthetic) hair extensions to create an effortless hybrid of wavy sew-ins and wispy pick-and-drop microbraids. To maintain the curls, separate your hair into two bunches every night before bed, creating loose twists. Next, wrap your hair with a silk scarf, which will prevent unwanted flyaways.
Two-tone braids
When the sun comes out, so does the French curl braiding hair. To elevate this summer hairstyle, add another hair color into the mix. We recommend asking your hairstylist for a brighter color at the front for definition, or to the back for a fun “peekaboo” effect.
Mini bunches
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Pixie cuts are one of summer s most popular looks, and it doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to tying your hair up. To replicate this hairdo, part your tresses into four or five equal sections and fasten each one with a thin hair tie. You can repeat the pattern all over your hair, or opt to only style the top half, leaving the bottom half down.
Corkscrew curls
Corkscrew curls are a great choice for a big event, either worn loose or styled into a bouncy ponytail. To perfect the look, don’t forget to prep your hair with a heat protectant spray. Wrap small sections of your hair around a curling wand (opt for a thinner tool to make it easier), and pin with clips for maximum hold. Allow your curls to cool down before gently running your fingers—or a brush—through your hair for added texture. Spritz it all with hairspray to finish to lock the style in place.
Space Buns
Space buns are ridiculously easy to do but still look sleek. Two bunches are popular, but you can double them up on either side to shake things up a little. Secure each section with a scrunchie to dress up the look.
Bouncy ’fro
For those with textured hair, afros are one of the best loose hairstyles. Start by stretching your hair out with a blow dryer or afro comb. Next, spritz some styling spray on your fingers and gently “bump” the ends into shape with your hands. Braid-outs can also be a brilliant afro alternative. Plait your hair into eight to 12 braids using a small amount of styling wax or cream—the more braids, the tighter the curls will be. Leave the hair to set overnight for the best results, and unravel in the morning for bouncy and defined ringlets.
Scrunch it up
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The scrunchie is a summer essential. Forgo your usual sleek blow dry in summertime for a breezy, messy bun. Don’t worry if a few strands are left loose—it’s all part of the charm.
Slicked-down pixie
A pixie cut is a timeless yet rebellious summer haircut. Sharp and lightweight, “it’s perfect for anyone looking for a fresh, modern look that doesn’t require hours of styling,” Domenico Casella, art director at Neville Hair and Beauty, previously shared with Vogue. “Plus, it’s highly adaptable, whether you prefer a polished finish or a more tousled, casual vibe, this cut delivers.”
Sleek bob
Carefree and easy to style, the sleek bob requires minimal effort. Leave your chin-grazing cut as it is and use a small amount of mousse to tame any flyaways. If you have naturally straight hair, gently flick the ends with a heated tool to give the cut even more volume and bounce.
Imperfectly perfect bun
Start by creating defined curls, either using a heatless method or a curling wand – then part your hair down the middle. Next, grab a claw clip and twist your tresses around two to three times (depending on how thick your hair is), until the curls appear at the top and fall effortlessly. As a finishing touch, tame any flyaways with a small amount of styling cream and pull out a face-framing strand or two.
Mermaid braids
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Another protective hairstyle of the pick-and-drop variety, mermaid braids are super silky and straight. To have even more fun with this style, opt for human hair, which can be straightened even further or curled when you want to switch things up a little.
Plaited pony
Why have one braid when you could have three? Scrape your hair up into a ponytail and part it into three sections. Braid each section down, taking care to secure it with a thin hair tie at the bottom. Gently pull each braid outwards to create the illusion of thicker and chunkier braids. Finally, slick the top down with a small amount of styling wax.
Heatless curls
Maintaining the health of your hair during the summer is extremely important, hot weather can be harsh and extremely drying. So it’s a great time to do away with hot tools where possible. We recommend dividing your hair into plaits after an evening shower, or purchase a silk heatless curling rod and simply wrap your hair around it. Unravel your hair the next morning for lasting results!
Low half-up half-down
When in doubt, a half-up, half-down hairstyle is always chic. Take inspiration from actress Nico Parker and stick to a low set ’do, with face-framing front pieces for added definition. The trick to mastering this style is using the tips of your ears to guide how much hair you should section off for the top half, and how much to leave for the bottom half.
Romantic updo
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Elevate a simple bun by adding loose, romantic curls. Twist the top of your hair into a tousled bun and then pull out slightly thicker strands towards the back, before securing them down with thin bobby pins to create a floaty effect.