Now that we’ve officially entered the dog days of summer, we tend to tuck away our high-maintenance heels and leather statement pieces in favor of comfortable linens and easy footwear. And the same rule of thumb is true for this year’s hair trends (what a blessing). This year, celebrities are setting the tone for the season with easy-to-transition hair colors, natural texture, and perfectly undone updos to take you from day to night. Discover the ten hottest hair trends of the summer — from cold brew blonde to baby ponytails.
Copper Hair
It seems like every celebrity is taking a page from Phoebe Dynevor’s book this summer and opting for subtle, copper-red locks. Not only is the shade super on trend for summer 2022, but it’s also a great way for those with blonde or gray hair to test out a deeper hue without committing to a shade of full-blown brunette. Typically, your stylist can use all-over color or opt for a low-lighting technique on light hair to create more of a blended, strawberry blonde look.
Sleek and 90’s-Inspired
The grip that Jennifer Aniston’s iconic Friends character Rachel Green has on our hairstyling preferences is still very real. The late ’90s and early 2000s are having a comeback, which means sleek styling, bouncy layers, and ends tucked under are all having a moment. Try putting a modern take on the look by trying out a bold color for summer, like Megan Thee Stallion’s lilac locks with aqua, face-framing highlights.
Polished Shag
Messy shags have been trending since New York Fashion Week last September, but the TikTok-viral look is getting an upgrade for summer. From red carpets to casual street appearances, we’re seeing celebrities sport a more polished take on the classic shag. The result is more intentional styling, from carefully placed bends in the ends of the hair to collarbone-grazing layers that make the jawline pop.
The Pamela Anderson
No Y2K revival is complete without iterations of Pamela Anderson’s classic updos. One of our favorites takes on the trend is Kim Kardashian’s platinum hair for sister Kourtney Kardashian’s wedding. The look was crafted by celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, who pinned Kardashian’s hair into a messy interweave of curls with long, undone layers cascading down the sides of her face.
Cold Brew Blonde
The full foils and hand-painted balayage blondes that dominated Instagram feeds last summer are no longer. Instead, people opt for more muted (and rooted) shades of blonde. The result is a low-maintenance look that grows out softly and is relatively easy to transition to lighter or darker come the end of the season. (It also perfectly complements bronzy makeup and bright summer neons.)
Hair Mask-Friendly
This summer, we’re making our hair work for us. Try using your favorite hair treatment to your advantage for those early mornings and office days that will no doubt transition to rooftop happy hours. Conditioning masks, hair oils, and intensive bond-building treatments can all be used to create a sleek, slicked-back style that improves the health of your hair while you wear it.
Long Curls
Long, natural texture is always a good idea. If you’ve found yourself going heavy on the highlights and heat styling, try embracing your natural hair color and texture this summer for a casual, effortless look that pairs perfectly with the “clean girl” aesthetic.
Baby Ponytails
A baby ponytail (or two) is an incredibly effective way to A) conceal greasy hair and B) give the appearance of volume. This half-up, half-down hairstyle, as seen on Dua Lipa, creates glamorous, Old-Hollywood level volume and — pro tip — means you only have to heat-style the bottom half of your hair.
Expensive Brunette
“Expensive” brunette — vibrant, richly pigmented shades of brown with pops of natural-looking highlights around the face — started trending last fall, and it’s here to stay. If your hair is naturally brown and you’re looking for an easy way to mix things up this summer, the “expensive” brunette is for you. Ask your colorist for a gloss treatment to boost shine and pigment, or book a partial highlight appointment for some “money pieces” around the face.
Jaw-Grazing Waves
If dealing with long hair in the heat of the summer sounds like your worst nightmare, you’re in luck. Low-maintenance, jaw-grazing hair is having a moment right now, and this look on Jennifer Hudson is catching our eye. To get your version of the look, embrace your natural texture and work your hair into an over-directed part. Or, if you’re working with stick-straight locks, try a triple-barreled curling iron to create beachy waves.
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