Fun & Flattering Cuts for Summer
There’s little that’s new under the sun when it comes to summer haircuts and hairstyles: everything old is new again. And that’s a good thing, a) because summer evokes nostalgia and it’s fun to rework decades past, and b) anything goes. Regardless, your summer hair look – and any season’s choices – should be trend-proof and always suit you, your personality, and most important, your lifestyle. As we welcome warmer weather up here in the northern half, living an al fresco lifestyle is what summer is all about, right?
Rather than focus solely on cutting, this summer we suggest you also think about growing. That is, think ahead and plan a haircut that will grow out well into the season’s dog-days, and that gives you options along the way. “When you find the styling opportunities at each stage, it puts you in the driver’s seat,” says master haircutter and Hairstory Creative Director Wes Sharpton. At the same time, think about going shorter than you normally would to give yourself more time between cuts.
Think ahead and plan a haircut that will grow out well into the season’s dog-days, and that gives you options along the way.
To help you envision your future, here is a selection of cuts that transform over time and can take you in good style right into Autumn.
The Bob: Revisit a Classic
The bob is always current. There’s a reason it pops up in trend reports every year; it never gets old, and the beauty of the bob is that no two ever need be the same. And, it’s the perfect canvas for a cutter’s signature in the form of details, layers, bangs, and all the bob’s ‘bits.’
“Bang trims are usually a quick 5-minute service, but this might not be an option during COVID. You have a few choices: Trim them at home; Grow them out completely or go the curtain bang route which is longer and needs less trimming,” cautions Sharpton.
Long live the Lob.
Trend-speak for bobs on the longer side, the ‘lob’ is a haircut that grazes the shoulders and frames the clavicle and summer decolletage, rather than the jawline the shorter version emphasizes. Granted, the right-hand image is hovering just above ‘shag’ territory (more below). Maybe it’s time for a new coinage: shlob anyone?
“I love the textured razor-cut lob; it requires minimal maintenance,” says editorial stylist Jennifer Covington-Bowers. Sharpton agrees: “Blunt lines tend to be trickier to maintain.”
Should you Shag?
The images above are variations on the shag by curl specialist Jikaiah Stevens, of the San Francisco school of shags. Face-framing layers are the star feature – inspired by Brigitte Bardot, Jane Fonda, Stevie Nicks, and Patti Smith – and where they stop depends on how much length you start with.
A shag lets curl spring to life after being weighed down by length; it’s generally easy to style and is an excellent long-term grow-out cut. “I love the bits that fall out when the rest is swept up, says Stevens who adds, “And make the most of those curls!”
Summer Hairstyles
Summer hairstyles should be cute, fun, and informal by definition. They should also be fast, easy, and sweat-resistant because practicality is key; what you really need is a way to get your hair off of your neck and face without looking like you couldn’t care less.
Give summer braids a go.
French braids, halo braids, double-dutch braids, whatever – don’t worry about what to call it; just get your fingers busy and give it a try. Braiding someone else’s hair is always easier, but practice makes perfect, though imperfection in the form of a few loose strands or a looser plait gives a braided style its charm.
Amp up the accessories.
Pinterest searches for clips are up by 930%, while scrunchies are up a staggering 6309%. Bring out your best scarves, ribbons, or these pearl-studded clips to keep hair under control this summer. And don’t forget a great hat when you go out in the sun.
what you really need is a way to get your hair off of your neck and face without looking like you couldn’t care less.
Reach for styling products.
Since you won’t be blow-drying or heat styling much during the warmest months, choose styling products for your summer looks that help enhance your natural texture while weathering humidity or getting in touch with your inner surfer. Here are your summer hair essentials:
Hair Balm is a great product if you have curly, coarse, or color-treated hair, and just may be the most versatile product you’ll ever own. It moisturizes, keeps frizz at bay, gives the ultimate curl definition, and adds a subtle degree of control to any hair type. If too much summer fun leaves hair scorched, reach for Hair Balm to soothe and revive it.
Undressed is a refined evolution of the ever-popular salt sprays that lend a sense of summer all year long. This salt-free hair texture spray gives you that beachy texture without the usual grit or drying effects and will enhance any natural wave you might have. Fine-haired types love it to add body, and even use it as a sort of setting lotion: Spray throughout the hair, and loosely twist or braid, air-dry or use a diffuser if you’re in a rush, and you’re all set.
