Summer is all about shedding those extra layers, embracing longer days and feeling a lot lighter in more ways than one – and for many, it’s the perfect time to book a salon appointment and try out a hot new hair trend . Power bob anyone?
ICYMI, ultra-short haircuts are having a moment among IT girls around the world, with A-listers like Zendaya, Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and more swapping their long tresses for shoulder-length tresses. And spoiler alert: If you’ve been on the fence between keeping your signature look or opting for an empowered bob, quite a few professional stylists agree that a bob (or lob) is a green flag.
On the other hand, very long inches that go well beyond the hips are sure to be everywhere in the coming months, with strong mermaidcore vibes sure to reign supreme.
Ready to enter a new era (but need a little inspiration)? Bustle has selected seven major celebrity stylists and hair gurus in the industry: Dimitris Janetos (who recently gave Megan Fox her collarbone erasure moment), Taylor Blades, Cynthia Alvarez, Sunny Brooke, Sassy Medchill, Danita Hampton, and Michelle Hong. Below, check out the nine hair trends for summer 2023 that they think will be essential for the hottest months.
1
Moment from mid-length
Dimitris Giannetos, a major hair pro who counts celebrities like Camila Cabello and Kourtney Kardashian as loyal clients, has this to say about the recent headline he did for Megan Fox: “Clavicle length is always timeless, very easy to maintain and you can play with different styles . It’s a length that can transform your entire look and make you look very edgy yet effortless at the same time.”
Taylor Blades, Covet & Mane Educator, owner of Blades Styling in Arizona, and extension specialist, agrees: “Medium-length hair with mermaid beach waves is going to be a huge trend this summer. To style this look, blow dry your hair for texture and use a smaller curling iron [in alternate directions] for working in loose beach waves and traffic. Finish the look with a texture spray or sea salt spray to lock it in place.”
2
So, Stevie Nicks
Feeling retro for summer? Sunny Brook, Biolage ambassador and celebrity stylist who has worked with the likes of Ashley Park and Elisabeth Moss, shares: “The ‘Nix’ is a twist on the butterfly hairstyle – adding bangs that give off a 70s Stevie Nicks vibe .”
3
Bangs for curtains
Kim Kardashian has been embracing life with bangs lately—and Blades is sure the trend will stay strong: “Curly bangs are still on trend this summer, and we love the layers, texture, and everything they have to offer. They’re also perfect for creating an easy summer style without the heat.”
Sassy Medchill, Covet & Mane Educator and owner of Goldie & Co Salon in Dallas, Texas, shares her tips for rocking the trend: “Bangs are definitely back for summer—we’re going to see tons of layers with side bangs or thin, short bangs that it offers a very casual, lived-in summer look. Clip-in bangs are particularly popular at the moment because they’re so easy – you can pin and wave them all summer long to keep changing your look without the commitment.”
4
Micro movements
Summer means embracing your natural demeanor, and Janetos shares her pro tip: “I love a short afro with a curly texture. This style is always cute and elegant, and it also requires little maintenance. To achieve the look, I like to use UNITE’s BOING Curl Defining Cream as it provides moisture and definition while taming frizz and flyaways.’
Cynthia Alvarez, Biolage ambassador and hair guru who has worked with Shakira and Becky G, shares the same sentiment: “More people are embracing their naturally vibrant curls and afros. This calls for a layered cut with inner texture to support the volume.”
5
Go to XXL
If you’re not into shorter pants, Danita Hampton—an instructor at Covet & Mane, who owns The Parlor in North Carolina—notes, “We’re going to see a lot of XXL, thigh-length lengths this summer with a boho feel that we saw on the runway at Zimmerman for Spring/Summer 2023.”
Don’t have enough time to grow your locks the old-fashioned way? She shares, “If you want to quickly achieve this look in time for summer, install a few rows of Covet & Mane hand-tied extensions (available in 26” or 28”) for that added length. A low, sleek pony with a deep side part will look great with this length and help to enhance your facial structure.”
6
Hi PowerBob
It’s no secret that power bobs are having their major signature moment — and Medchill *and* Brooke are on the same page, with the former noting, “Bobs and lobs are huge right now thanks to Hailey Bieber, and we’re going to keep seeing this one view in summer.
Brooke says: “This summer, as the temperatures rise, we’ll see more people deciding to make the brave choice to go indoors or go home.”
7
U-shaped layers
For lots of volume, Alvarez says, “This cut is universally flattering and grows beautifully. To maintain the effect of layers, use Biolage’s Whipped Volume Mousse and blow dry with a round ceramic brush.”
Adding another pro at-home styling tip, Michelle Hong—Creative Director and Founder of NYC The Team—adds, “Create the illusion of healthier, fuller hair by blow-drying upside down and against the direction of hair growth . Use a curling iron, do the hair and then brush.”
8
Broken Shag
Jenna Ortega’s chop was a cultural reset, TBH. And Brooke totally agrees that we haven’t seen the last of the glitz yet: “The more layers, the better for all textures and all lengths. This highlighted hairstyle is anything but boring, it adds a lot of style, versatility and attitude.’
Hong is on the same page, noting, “The textured layers are blended, but the edges are aligned and straight edges. This cut adds dimension while making hair look fuller.’
9
Beautiful pixies
Power bob not short enough for you? Say hello to the rise of hybrid hairstyles like the wixie (aka “winged pixie”) or bixie. Hampton says, “We’re going to see a lot of pixie or bixie this summer, which is a combination bob bob that combines a pixie and a bob cut. This look is very reminiscent of Cameron Diaz, Halle Berry and Winona Ryder circa ’90s.’