11 Summer Hair Trends for 2024 You Should Know About
As the weather warms up, the 2024 summer hair trends are coming. The light, temperature, and vibes hit differently in summer, so we love a mini—or major—hair transformation to mark the occasion. Plus, it’s one of the most social times of the year, with weddings, girls’ trips, festivals, and pub gardens filling up our calendars. Naturally, we want our hair to look fabulous.
So, what can we expect? Barbiecore has given way to a sportier aesthetic this summer. Bobs remain a headliner, but there are a couple of tweaks to bring them right up to date. And colour is getting a little more casual, but no less glossy. Here are the 2024 summer hair trends you should know about…
1. Tenniscore
The athleisure and coquette trends have blended into a sporty, cute, and rich aesthetic seen everywhere. Zendaya’s press tour for “Challengers,” where she donned tennis-inspired outfits, has propelled Tenniscore into both fashion and beauty trends.
For hair, this translates into styles reminiscent of female tennis players: sporty braids, XXL plaits, and swishy ponytails. Think of hairstyles that pair well with visors or headbands, giving a sporty, clean-girl aesthetic.
2. Crop Bob
There’s something about bare shoulders and the sun on the nape of your neck that makes mega cropped bobs perfect for summer. This season, many are opting for lobe-length bobs that offer more length than a pixie crop but still feel breezy. Accessories can help sweep back the pieces around your face, adding a practical yet stylish touch.
3. Hourglass Layers
If long hair is more your style, hourglass layers might be your vibe. These layers bring out your cheekbones and cup your jaw and clavicle, reaching down to the waist for an XXL, fantasy-length look. This style enhances the feminine ‘hourglass’ shape with cleverly layered ends that taper around the waist. Extensions can help achieve this look if you’re not keen on growing your hair out.
4. Accessories
Hair accessories are both functional and stylish, especially in summer. From bandanas to snap clips and claw clips, these accessories not only lift your hair out of the way but also add extra style points. Hair bows are particularly gaining popularity, bringing a playful and chic element to your look.
5. Hydro Hair
Wet-look or “hydro” hair is set to make a splash this summer. The wash-and-go look is casual, sultry, and high-fashion all at once. Celebs like Tyla, JLo, and Kylie Jenner have been spotted with shower-fresh strands. This style adds a dewy dimension to your hair, making it look drenched in gloss and moisture. You can wear hair loose and wet all over or create sleek-looking wet-look ponytails and buns.
6. Bell-Bottom Bob
The ’70s continue to influence hair trends, and the bell-bottom bob is an easy update for this summer. This style mimics the flared-out shape of bell-bottom jeans, creating a fun and intentional flick-out at the ends. It’s a low-commitment style since it’s more about the styling than the cut. Use a small round brush and styling mousse or heat protector spray to flick out the ends, or set them with Velcro rollers while they cool.
7. Clean Girl Brunette
The “clean girl” trend emphasizes minimalism and embracing natural features. Clean girl brunette celebrates natural mousy brunette shades with a bit of a glow-up. This look is achieved with a neutral, understated tone—no excess ashiness or warm tones. It can be done with an all-over colour or subtle sun-kissed highlights, making it look natural and uncoloured.
8. Sunflower Blonde
Warm golden blondes are making a comeback, with celebs like Zendaya and RiRi leading the way. Sunflower blonde offers a glow that’s reminiscent of copper tones but maintains a blonde identity. This shade is softly multi-tonal, achieved with highlights on lighter hair or full colour with highlights on deeper bases, focusing on shine and vibrancy.
9. Slick Updos
Slick updos are perfect for getting hair out of the way and off the face in summer. Expect to see sleek ‘90s-inspired buns and ponytails, along with immaculate braids that add extra personality and detail. This look is stylish and practical, keeping you cool and polished.
10. Charcoal
Deep brunettes are beautiful in summer, with charcoal brunettes leading the way. This shade has a neutral undertone, making it glossy and reflective without needing highlights or lowlights. It’s perfect for those with warm and deep skin tones and can make a bold statement on fair skin.
11. Shadow Blonde
While Barbie Blonde headlined last summer, this year brings a more lived-in look with shadow blonde. This colour features soft shadowing at the roots, making it lower maintenance as new growth blends seamlessly. Ask your stylist to add a ‘shadow root’ to your blonde colour appointment and combine it with gentle balayage at the tips for a bright yet effortless look.
With these 11 trends, you can find the perfect summer hair transformation to suit your style and embrace the season’s vibes. Whether you opt for a bold new cut, a playful accessory, or a fresh colour, these trends will ensure your hair looks fabulous all summer long.
