Summer Hair Ideas
1. The Afro
We’re all about celebrating those curls in a big way. For anyone transitioning back to natural texture or those with tighter curls looking to try this length, you can always start with a more tapered variation, or a smaller baby ‘fro, called the Teeny Weeny Afro.
2. The Top Knot
Want summer styles that keep on giving? Look no further than the top knot. This über-democratic look has been around for centuries for both dudes and dudettes, and with good reason: It kept your hair out of your face in crucial times, whether during an ancient samurai duel, at your best friend’s outdoor wedding in August or while walking seven blocks across Manhattan. Extremely easy to achieve—all it takes is an elastic and hair that’s at least four inches long—it’s also the off-day look du jour of gym rats, yoga fans, brunch regulars and undercut enthusiasts everywhere.
3. The Shag
Some call it looking pretty in punk; we just call it a great idea. Finally shedding its dated reputation of decades past, the shag has been making rounds this year in an updated, less messy version of its old, confused self. Blended layers as well as a softer, more seamless bang area have taken the place of zigzaggy ends, which aren’t as forgiving on finer hair. Now rockstars of all hair types can partake in the light, swingy silhouette of this cut, which borrows the flattering look of long layers but in a shorter, summer-friendly version.
4. The Mullet
Speaking of #throwbacks, welcome to the motherlode. Probably the most maligned and misunderstood look of our generation, the mullet, is back to make amends, via more blended layers at the backside. Modern versions now boast of a pretty cute, hipster-y fringe—instead of that weird-looking buzzcut—up top, too. The sides are also more rounded and thinned out with scissor-shearing rather than clippers. Fans of the cut’s headbanging potential need not shy away though; it’s still a relatively unique, top-heavy look, which means round, triangle and heart-shaped faces fare best, as well guys with thinner features who are looking to rock a slightly retro-punk vibe.
5. The Bowl Cut
Mom knew best, after all: That infamous apple-shaped cut of our childhoods has come back to haunt us all, but in the best way. This cycle’s version comes with more nuanced details, which can mean more point-cutting for the guys near the hairline and sideburns, or soft fringe detailing for the ladies. Straight, healthy-looking hair wear this look easiest, as it’s meant to be really shine-reflective. And it’s not your imagination, either—it’s definitely a youthful look, and much like a pixie cut, complements those with bigger foreheads, round, fleshier faces and lively eyes. Or, you know, yourself, at two years old.
6. Leave it Long
A straight-edged longer cut is a foolproof recipe for a runway-inspired ‘do. And there’s no easier way to experiment with different hairstyles (read: braids, ponytails, and half-up styles) than on strands with some length. A smoothing wash and care duo will keep your strands smooth, manageable, and primed for flattering lengthy styles.
7. Closely Cropped
If your cheekbones are already doing all the talking, give ’em a mic. A short cut like this on an oval-shaped face lets you show off your enviable bone structure and it’ll keep you cool in the summer heat.
8. Bob
A bob that’s both choppy and soft? It’s possible. A little unevenness softens a square-shaped face and what are the sometimes harsh results of a bob. Use what you’ve been gifted with and ask for a face-framing cut that will accentuate your jawline.
9. Layers
Cutting layers into the strands that fall around your face brings your gaze to your best eye-catching features. Shorter layers are the perfect frame for a round face. Plus, your hair will be lighter and bouncier. It doesn’t get better than that.
10. Accessorize Your Hair
We are all about accessories as a way to keep our hair in check. While headbands and clip have our hearts, we also adore a thick scarf that you can wrap around your hair. Find a style that matches your personality, along with a cute summer hairstyle (updo anyone?) that will keep you looking fresh all summer long.
11. Two-Toned Color
Another style we are going gaga for is two-toned hair. This looks particularly fly on short hair where you can focus on really light color on top and a darker color (maybe your natural one?) on the bottom.
12. High Top
This stunning look is one of our new favorites on natural hair. All it requires is an afro pick to emphasize the height and volume, and potentially some gel or serum to tame any frizz around the edges.
13. Side Braid
If you are in the long hair camp, you probably want something that keeps you cool, calm and sweat-free. Well, then braids should be definitely on your list of styles to try. For a simple, yet gorgeous look go for a side braid that you can perfect in five minutes or less.
14. Beachy Waves
Straight hair girls who want to mix up their look can opt for a subtle wave this summer. We love heatless waves that you can create with your fingers and some sea salt. Check out the Suave Professionals Infusion Texturizing Sea Salt Spray that can help you create some incredible texture and full-bodied (a.k.a awesome) summer waves.
15. Twisted Dreadlocks
We really dig the twisted dreadlock look, which looks even cooler when done on hair with some subtle highlights.
16. Flat Twist
To style: Prep clean and damp hair with TRESemmé Max the Volume Root Lifting Cream to create texture and add lift to your hair. Blow-dry your hair until it’s dry and then create a flat twist at the front of your hair. Secure the ends with a hairpin or hair elastic. To maintain: Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase at night throughout the week to prevent dry hair. In the morning, add a hair oil like Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil, then retwist your hair if needed.
17. Accent Braid
This hidden braid style can be done on any hair texture. If you want to wear it on sleek, straight hair, we suggest washing your hair with a smoothening system that can aid with ending up with a frizz-free hairstyle. Apply TRESemmé Smooth & Silky No Frizz Shine Spray onto your damp hair for shine, then blow-dry your hair straight. Create a single plait at the front of your hair then secure the ends with a hair elastic. To maintain: Pull your hair back into a low and loose ponytail at night. To re-style release your hair and brush through to remove any tangles. If you need to blow-dry again, be sure to protect your strands with a heat protectant.
18. Glitter Roots
One of the biggest summer hairstyle trends of the season is glitter roots. Simply apply some gel onto your hair, then pile your glitter on. You can also mix this concoction into a bowl, and then apply it onto your hair using a brush. Have fun! To maintain: In order not to end up with a party in your bed full of glitter, tie your hair at night with a silk scarf. The next day, release the scarf and reapply some more glitter if needed.
19. Blue Ombré Braid
To style: We’ve shown you before how you can rock blue ombré hair. Now, we’re showing you how to rock it with a braid. Comb hair back or part it to the side, stitch the ends into a braid and seal with a hair elastic. Want a fluffier or wider braid? Pancake it! Pull braid at the sides to open it up. To maintain: Use hair oil or serum that’s perfect for color-treated hair to help add shine and a softer feel. Re-braid hair at night and leave the pancaking technique for the morning.
20. The Undercut
To style: Ask your barber for a subtle shaved hairstyle like an undercut. If this is your first time, when it comes to making a drastic cut, easy does it (and maybe check out our undercut tips and inspo gallery!). Once you’ve made the cut, it’s now time to style! Show off your undercut by styling your hair into a messy top knot or a cool ballerina bun.
21. Undone Waves
Going undone is technically the new black these days. Embrace the natural texture of your hair instead of pulling out your flat iron to tame it. If you need to add more texture to your hair, try the backcombing technique by using a fine-toothed comb to tease the ends of your hair, and give it volume.
22. Weekend Ponytail
Gather your hair up into a ponytail to beat the weekend heat. Create a bushy tail by using a bit of salt spray, then brush the ends to create some tousled texture.
Summer Hair Products to Try
1. Blow-Dry, Like a Boss
We definitely think you should ease up on your beloved blow-dryer come the summer. Post-shower, lightly towel-dry hair and give yourself 15 minutes of air-drying time towards the end. But, we know that isn’t always possible. So, when you do have to blow-dry your hair, be sure to use a heat protectant that can protect your hair for heat styling, resulting in smoother, stronger, more manageable hair.
2. Less Time on Hair Washing = More Time for You
Want to know how you can skip a wash (or two) this summer? Dry shampoo. As one of our go-to hair care products, you can use it in so many situations during the summer. We love to use it post-workout at the end of a long day for a little hair refresh, or just when you’re too tired to wash and condition your locks. Why not let it be your summer savior, too? Banish the fear of letting a little sweat ruin your perfect blowout and know that you can fall back on your favorite product. We recommend dry shampoo to put some life back into your locks. This product absorbs your hair oils, making your hair clean, soft and ready to go.
3. When Your Natural-Dried Hair Could Use Some Smoothing
A leave-in conditioner is one of our favorite products to use when we do go the air-dry route. Not only does it cut down on time spent in the shower, but it also helps make combing and detangling hair a breeze. One of our favorites is Nexxus Diametress Leave-in Conditioning Creme: Its formula is made of 100% pure Elastin Protein and Green Tea Extract that works to lock in moisture, making hair fuller, nourished and more voluminous! Simply apply this product on damp hair and comb or brush through for optimal coverage.
4. When the Beach is Just Too Far Away
A sea salt spray says I see you, humidity, and I will embrace you. It doesn’t matter what the forecast is—heat, rain, humidity or sunshine—this summer hair product will enhance the texture achieved with a few sprays.
Top Summer Hair Problems and How to Deal With Them
Summer Hair Problem #1: UV exposure
What it causes: bleached hair pigments; eroding of the cuticle; dry, brittle, rough strands Rx: moisturizing shampoo, UV thermal protectant
We all know to keep our strands protected from mechanical damage, but what of keeping it shielded from the source itself? The sun acts like bleach on both natural and colored hair, and continued, unprotected exposure to UV rays can deplete and erode the integrity of the cuticle. This can lead to dry, brittle, overall more breakable strands. To keep hair from going #thirsty, going dull, breaking off or frizzing out into a chaotic mess, switch out to a deeply moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Afterward, a coating with a thermal protectant that also helps screen against UV rays can help reinforce strands against future damage, and even provide some slip during styling.
Summer Hair Problem #2: Off-the-charts humidity
What it causes: frizz Rx: anti-frizz products, hair oil/serum
Dry and damaged hair, or strands that don’t have much inner moisture, tend to soak up water from outside the cuticle instead, i.e. the hydrogen in the air. This causes the cuticle to swell up, lifting its scales (similar to shingles on a roof) in an uneven, frayed direction. Zoomed out, this fraying is what appears as frizz. The more humid it is, the more moisture there is in the air and more prone dry hair is to absorbing it. Keeping hair optimally moisturized from the inside out with a smoothening wash and care system can help make it less vulnerable to humidity and atmospheric moisture. Before styling, coat hair with a reparative serum that helps restore hair to top form, making it less susceptible to outside forces. We love Nexxus Humectress Encapsulate Serum, which gives a one-two punch of protection and smoothness.
Summer Hair Problem #3: Pool and saltwater
What it causes: dryness, roughness, increased porosity, hair discoloration Rx: clarifying shampoo, protective spray, leave-in conditioner
No, it’s not your imagination: Your ends are really looking gnarlier and rougher after that dip in the pool. Chlorine, a disinfectant commonly added to swimming pool water to help rid it of bacteria and other microorganisms, is a chemical that can also strip skin and hair of its natural oils. Copper and other oxidized metals in pool water can also react with light hair, giving it a green tint. And as for you beach bunnies? Saltwater is osmotic, a.k.a. it leaks water out of your hair strand, making it crunchier and more texturized (sidebar: hello, sexy beach waves!). The downside? It’s super dehydrated and even more prone to breakage and split ends. Counteract these kinds of summer hair problems by first wetting hair, pre-dip, in the shower—the hair shaft will swell up to absorb tap water instead, preventing it from taking in damaging chlorinated or briny water. Coating hair with a few sprays of a pre-shampoo tonic that’s tailor-made for colored hair can also keep your dye job from fading (we like how Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Primer helps keep our color as vibrant as the day we got it). Lastly, rinsing hair off with a clarifying shampoo and moisturizing conditioner such as TRESemmé Purify & Replenish Shampoo and Conditioner directly after swimming can help rid strands of swim residue and keep them feeling soft and healthy. We hope that this guide helped give you some easy summer hairstyles. Check out even more easy styles in our party braids recap.
