We can't always predict what's going to happen at the start of each season — we're not psychics, as great as that would be — but one thing we know for sure is that each season is always ripe with hairstyle and hair-colour trends [1] that we're excited to add to our summer mood boards. From Eva Longoria unexpectedly debuting [2] a sleek, blunt-cut bob haircut to Dua Lipa inspiring us all [3] to want curtain bangs once more, Hollywood has certainly thrown a few curveballs in the styles trending so far this year.
When it comes to easy summer hairstyles that will be trending this year, we can look directly to the runways of Fashion Month earlier this year. This spring was all about retro hairstyles [4] like bubble ponytails [5] and '90s supermodel blowdries [6], but the summer is gearing up to see trends like braided ponytails [7] and '90s chunky headbands [8] enter the chat. For protective summer hairstyles, try layered braids [9] and all of the twisted buns [10] you can think up.
Wanting to refresh your summer look? Ahead, we asked professional hairstylists to share their top picks for cute summer hairstyles.
— Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington and Ariel Baker
Summer Hairstyle: The "Wet" Look
The "wet" hair look made waves during award season. Stars like Ciara, Kim Kardashian [11], and Hunter Schafer all took part in the trend. The best part? The style is perfect if you're in a rush. "If you're usually in a rush in the morning, then wet styles are the way to go," Anabel Santos [12], hairstylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad Salon [13], previously told POPSUGAR [14].
The style is also extremely versatile and works regardless of hair length (Kourtney Kardashian wore her bob in a flipped-ends style when sporting the look), so don't let the length of you hair stop you from experimenting.
Summer Hairstyle: '90s Headbands
Remember those chunky fabric headbands that people wore in the '90s? They're going to be everywhere this summer. It makes sense: they keep your hair out of your face and sweat at bay. The style has been worn by everyone from Bella Hadid and Lori Harvey [15] to Nicola Peltz Beckham and Olivia Culpo.
Summer Hairstyle: Braided Ponytails
If last year was all about the bubble ponytail, this summer is all about the braided ponytail [16]. It's a classic look that can be worn a variety of ways to fit your unique style.
Summer Hairstyle: "Flob" Haircut
The "flob" haircut [17] — or, as you might call it, the flat bob — is just a sleek, blunt bob that's worn with a middle part.
"With the trending 'flob' hairstyle, you're essentially saying goodbye to the side part and switching it for a middle part with a bob," hairstylist Cory Aaron Scott [18] previously told POPSUGAR. "It's easy to create and maintain on your own and complements your bone structure."
Summer Hairstyle: Beachy Shag
The shag haircut has been on a comeback tour this past year, and we've seen it worn in a variety of ways. Last summer, the curly shag [19] was everywhere, but celebrity hairstylist Senada K. Ceka [20] is convinced that the "beachy shag" will be everywhere in the next few months.
"It's a modern version of the shag haircut, with a strong foundation but lots of texture and movement," she tells POPSUGAR. "It can be cut in either a short or long version."
Summer Hairstyle: Feathered Fringe
The '70s-style Farrah Fawcett hairstyle is getting an update. Feathered fringes have been all over TikTok, and stylists agree that the look is perfect for summer.
"Feathered bangs are a good way to refresh your long hair for the summer," celebrity hairstylist Orlando Pita [21] tells POPSUGAR. "Make them shorter in the middle and longer on the sides to better blend in with the rest of your hair."
Summer Hairstyle: Layered Braids
If you're looking for protective summer hairstyles, try layered braids. This hairstyle is making a comeback from the '90s and '00s. "Layered braids are a protective hairstyle that consists of different layers and lengths throughout the entirety of the style," Brooklyn-based hairstylist Martika Cogdell [22] previously told POPSUGAR.