12 Summer Haircut Trends To Try Now, From Flicky Bobs To Shaggy Layers
There’s something about a summer haircut that feels transformative — a chance to shed the heaviness of seasons past and emerge feeling lighter, brighter, and fresher. But when trends are a dime a dozen, where do you even start? We’re willing to bet you’ve already pinned a bob — or several iterations of it — to your inspiration board. Then there’s the shag, back in all its mussed-up glory, not to mention the ’90s-inspired layered haircuts currently taking over Instagram. To help narrow down the options, we asked leading hairstylists from London to Los Angeles to identify the 12 haircut trends they predict will be everywhere this summer and beyond. If you’re struggling to decide, consider this your starting point. The Soft Flick Bob View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grandy | Fashion & Beauty (@grandykat) Celebrity hairstylist Lorraine Dublin cites Raye as the ultimate inspiration behind this retro bob, which is rapidly making its way into salons. “This is a shoulder-length bob with soft, flicked-out ends and subtle layering,” explains Dublin, adding, “it’s going to be huge this summer because it feels polished but still effortless.” Ask for a chin or collarbone-length bob (if you don’t want to go too short) with soft movement and face-framing shape, suggests Dublin. This cut on fashion and beauty content creator Grandy is beautiful. The Shattered Midi Cut View this post on Instagram A post shared by YURI PONTE CABELEIREIRO EM SOBRAL – CE (@yp_hair) Neale Rodger, style director at STIL salon, says that mid-length cuts don’t have to be boring — especially when layers are involved. “This mid-length cut is characterized by airy layers and soft face-framing, inspired by ‘90s supermodel hair,” says Rodger, who has noticed a major return to volume, bounce, and healthy-looking movement after years dominated by flatter, sleeker styles. “This cut is perfect for clients who want to keep their length while adding shape, softness, and more styling versatility,” adds Rodger. To get the look, he recommends asking your stylist for grown-out, “shattered layers” around the face, “soft graduation” through the lengths, and plenty of movement throughout — all without sacrificing too much density. This cut by Yuri Ponte Cabeleireiro Em Sobral is perfect. The Riviera Bob View this post on Instagram A post shared by LYDIA FOWLER MUA (@lydiafowler) Both STIL salon’s Rodger and Nick Stenson, brand founder and CEO of Nick Stenson Beauty, are championing the Riviera bob this season. “This is a soft, relaxed bob that sits somewhere between the jawline and collarbone with natural texture and movement,” says Rodger. Think of it as the Italian bob’s more laid-back cousin: still featuring chunky ends and subtle layers, but with an even more effortless feel. At its core, it’s a softly layered bob with plenty of choppy movement through the ends, and both Rodger and Stenson believe it taps into the easy European summer aesthetic we’re all craving right now. Rodger reports that the cut works particularly well on naturally wavy or textured hair, and Stenson says it’s beautiful on fine to medium hair textures. “This is because the cut creates fullness and bounce without feeling heavy,” he adds. Styling is key for a je ne sais quoi finish. Rather than reaching for a blow-dryer, both Rodger and Stenson recommend letting hair air-dry. “The glamour comes from the confident ‘undoneness’ of the cut,” Rodger says. “It’s perfect for anyone wanting something low-maintenance yet still chic and fashion-forward.” This cut on makeup artist Lydia Fowler is stunning. The Modern Shag View this post on Instagram A post shared by liv (@livbowsky) The choppy, mussed-up shag will always have its appeal, but the modern version is a little more polished than its rock-chick predecessor, like this cut on Liv Bowsky. “The shag is evolving into an everyday, less edgy look with airy layers and soft volume,” says Stenson. “It boasts effortless texture and movement while working with natural hair patterns, making it ideal for those with medium to thick hair or anyone who wants volume without constant styling.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shaynis.ksu (@shaynis.ksu) We also love this curly shag on Shaynis.ksu. For the cut itself, Stenson recommends asking for long, feathered layers with curtain bangs and soft texture around the crown. Styling is just as important: “Finish with a texture spray to further elevate this look and to perfect that lived-in texture,” says Stenson. For a similar effect, try Nick Stenson’s Texture Finishing Spray, which is buildable yet easy to brush out. See-Through Layers View this post on Instagram A post shared by Balayage • Brunettes • Long Layers • Blowouts (@beautyby.mirandaa) Celebrity hairstylist and colorist Dimitris Gi
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There’s something about a summer haircut that feels transformative — a chance to shed the heaviness of seasons past and emerge feeling lighter, brighter, and fresher. But when trends are a dime a dozen, where do you even start?
We’re willing to bet you’ve already pinned a bob — or several iterations of it — to your inspiration board. Then there’s the shag, back in all its mussed-up glory, not to mention the ’90s-inspired layered haircuts currently taking over Instagram.
To help narrow down the options, we asked leading hairstylists from London to Los Angeles to identify the 12 haircut trends they predict will be everywhere this summer and beyond. If you’re struggling to decide, consider this your starting point.
The Soft Flick Bob
Celebrity hairstylist Lorraine Dublin cites Raye as the ultimate inspiration behind this retro bob, which is rapidly making its way into salons. “This is a shoulder-length bob with soft, flicked-out ends and subtle layering,” explains Dublin, adding, “it’s going to be huge this summer because it feels polished but still effortless.” Ask for a chin or collarbone-length bob (if you don’t want to go too short) with soft movement and face-framing shape, suggests Dublin. This cut on fashion and beauty content creator Grandy is beautiful.
The Shattered Midi Cut
Neale Rodger, style director at STIL salon, says that mid-length cuts don’t have to be boring — especially when layers are involved. “This mid-length cut is characterized by airy layers and soft face-framing, inspired by ‘90s supermodel hair,” says Rodger, who has noticed a major return to volume, bounce, and healthy-looking movement after years dominated by flatter, sleeker styles. “This cut is perfect for clients who want to keep their length while adding shape, softness, and more styling versatility,” adds Rodger.
To get the look, he recommends asking your stylist for grown-out, “shattered layers” around the face, “soft graduation” through the lengths, and plenty of movement throughout — all without sacrificing too much density. This cut by Yuri Ponte Cabeleireiro Em Sobral is perfect.
The Riviera Bob
Both STIL salon’s Rodger and Nick Stenson, brand founder and CEO of Nick Stenson Beauty, are championing the Riviera bob this season. “This is a soft, relaxed bob that sits somewhere between the jawline and collarbone with natural texture and movement,” says Rodger. Think of it as the Italian bob’s more laid-back cousin: still featuring chunky ends and subtle layers, but with an even more effortless feel. At its core, it’s a softly layered bob with plenty of choppy movement through the ends, and both Rodger and Stenson believe it taps into the easy European summer aesthetic we’re all craving right now.
Rodger reports that the cut works particularly well on naturally wavy or textured hair, and Stenson says it’s beautiful on fine to medium hair textures. “This is because the cut creates fullness and bounce without feeling heavy,” he adds. Styling is key for a je ne sais quoi finish. Rather than reaching for a blow-dryer, both Rodger and Stenson recommend letting hair air-dry. “The glamour comes from the confident ‘undoneness’ of the cut,” Rodger says. “It’s perfect for anyone wanting something low-maintenance yet still chic and fashion-forward.” This cut on makeup artist Lydia Fowler is stunning.
The Modern Shag
The choppy, mussed-up shag will always have its appeal, but the modern version is a little more polished than its rock-chick predecessor, like this cut on Liv Bowsky. “The shag is evolving into an everyday, less edgy look with airy layers and soft volume,” says Stenson. “It boasts effortless texture and movement while working with natural hair patterns, making it ideal for those with medium to thick hair or anyone who wants volume without constant styling.”
We also love this curly shag on Shaynis.ksu. For the cut itself, Stenson recommends asking for long, feathered layers with curtain bangs and soft texture around the crown. Styling is just as important: “Finish with a texture spray to further elevate this look and to perfect that lived-in texture,” says Stenson. For a similar effect, try Nick Stenson’s Texture Finishing Spray, which is buildable yet easy to brush out.
See-Through Layers
Celebrity hairstylist and colorist Dimitris Giannetos predicts that “see-through layers” — which add subtle movement, rather than a step-like effect — are set to become one of the biggest trends of the summer. We’re obsessed with this cut by @beautyby.mirandaa on Instagram.
“Ask your stylist for ultra-fine, wispy razor-cut layers sitting throughout the perimeter of the hair with soft face-framing pieces throughout,” says Giannetos, adding, “The effect adds airy texture, dimension, and movement while maintaining the overall fullness and length of the hair.” To keep your layers in place, he suggests finishing off with a generous veil of L’Oréal Paris’ Elnett Hairspray.
The Luxe Crop
The luxe crop is the polished evolution of the pixie cut. “A sleek short crop is becoming really popular because people want styles that feel bold, clean, and low-maintenance for summer,” says Dublin, who pinpoints Olandria as inspiration. “Opt for a wig if you don’t want to commit to a chop,” she suggests. “It’s perfect for anyone wanting a dramatic refresh without a lot of styling time.”
For those ready to brave the scissors, Dublin recommends asking your hairstylist for a soft, cropped cut with texture and shape. The result is a versatile style that can be worn sleek and blown out or left natural for an easy wash-and-go finish.
Ultra-Long Lengths
Stenson has noticed a major resurgence of long — but, crucially, healthy-looking — hair for summer. “We’ve already started seeing this look in action, most notably with the ultra-long blonde extensions Nicole Kidman debuted at the Met Gala,” he says.
The key is movement, like this cut by Tampa-based hairstylist Sophie. “It consists of long, blended ‘invisible layers’ with dense, blunt ends to achieve the look,” says Stenson, adding, “It’s great for anyone who already has naturally long hair and wants movement without sacrificing thickness, or those looking to experiment with extensions.”
To keep the style looking polished, invest in a good smoothing crème and concentrate it through the mid-lengths and ends. “This will help to maintain that glossy, milky shine,” says Stenson.
The C-Curl
This cut is defined by a subtle inward bend at the ends, says Giannetos, created by cutting the hair at an angle. “It gives hair a polished blowout effect while still feeling effortless and airy,” he says. To get the look, Giannetos recommends asking for a feathery, mid-length blunt cut (Ryenne Snow always nails them). “Style using a round brush with extra focus on curving the ends inward to emphasize the signature ‘C’ shape,” he says. For added length, Giannetos looks to Great Lengths’ Tape-In Extensions.
The Layered Press
“A shoulder-length layered silk press is trending because it gives movement and versatility while still feeling elegant and easy to maintain,” says Dublin, who adds that it’s ideal for those who switch between straight styles and their natural texture. It’s all in the face-framing: “Ask for long layers with shape around the face that still works beautifully with natural curls or an afro,” suggests Dublin. We love this look on Michaela Coel.
The Grown-Out Bixie
The bixie has become a firm fixture in salons — especially at STIL — but this summer’s iteration feels a little more lived-in, like this cut by Naoki Sakon. “This is a modern mix between a pixie and a bob, with softer edges and grown-out texture,” says Rodger, who has noticed a renewed appetite for shorter hair as the weather warms up. “That said, clients still want softness and versatility rather than sharp, severe crops, so this look is great for those who like a statement haircut that feels wearable and feminine,” he says.
Rodger recommends asking your stylist for a “textured pixie shape” with longer layers through the crown and bangs. “This will keep the finish soft, piece-y, and easy to style,” he adds. “Just make sure that the perimeter of the shape has enough length to keep it soft, and that it’s easy to play with and tuck behind the ears.”
The De-Marilyn Bob
“The de-Marilyn bob is a voluminous, sexy cut that delivers old-Hollywood glamour — but with a modern finish,” says Giannetos, who adds that it’s all about soft body, bouncy movement, and brushed-out texture. “It’s inspired by iconic bombshell hair, but updated for 2026 with a lighter, effortless feel for summer.” We love this cut by Suzi.
It starts with a mid-length chop. “Ask your stylist for a rounded, shoulder-length cut with long bangs and minimal layers,” says Giannetos. To finish the look, he always recommends Kerastase Elixir Ultime Serum (also an R29-favorite) for added shine.
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