Sunny weather and longer days are on the way, which means it’s time to delve into summer hair trends.
And while it’s common for the mind to conjure images of salty beach waves and/or sweaty top knots (summer isn’t kind to us all) when the season rolls round, this year’s trend predictions couldn’t be more different.
Blame it on the return of our social lives or (more likely) the return of our hairdressers, but low-maintenance isn’t really on the menu.
From vibrant, glossy colours to a hair straightener revival, here’s what you can expect…
7 summer hair trends for 2021
#1 Expensive brunette
Think chocolate with caramel and honey swirls. ‘Expensive brunette’ is all about depth and dimension, added to a brunette base. It’s dubbed so because it’s not something one can typically achieve with an at-home box dye. Although, funnily enough, the trend emerged from celebrities having grown out their roots and deciding to keep it that way (eg. Blake Lively, Hailey Bieber). The key is to avoid a flat, one colour all-over, and instead ask for your colourist to place in sections of light and dark to flatter your cut.
#2 ‘60s volume
If the Batsheva and Moschino shows at New York Fashion Week are anything to go by, ‘60s volume is back. And while you can of course go for a full beehive, the more modern take involves half-up half-down styling, with height focused at the back. J.Lo, of course, has been nailing the look for quite some time.
Need some help restoring hair thickness for such styles? Try the Toppik Hair Building Shampoo and Conditioner ($34.95 for set at toppik.com.au)
#3 Biscuit blonde
Post-lockdown, hair expert Scott Cornwall predicts blonde bases will become lighter than ever for summer. “Many people have healthier, stronger hair that can take additional lightening,” he says. “Platinum, cream and ivory blondes will obviously be popular, but other blonde hues will include deep biscuit golds, roses, blue silvers and ultra-cold ash. Accent colours can be interchangeable, but the key will be retaining a crisp light base.”
The key to maintaining any blonde colour? An effective at-home toner. Try Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum ($10.20 at Woolworths).
#4 Y2K straight
Pull your straightener out of retirement and get ready to rock a centre part, we’re going back to the ‘00s. Avril Lavigne-like hair was spotted on the runways at both the Chanel and Loewe shows at Paris Fashion Week, and hair tool stockist AMR has reported a 197 per cent increase in the category from April to September. If we’re going to do one thing differently this time, though, it’ll be diligent application of a heat protect spray.
In the market for a new straightener? Check out the Silver Bullet Euphoria IR Titanium 220 Infrared Hair Straightener ($189.95 at AMR) or ghd unplugged ($475 at The Shaver Shop).
#5 Pretty in pink
Pink has become as much a part of the hair colour palette as blonde, brunette, black and red these days. But if you thought it was only blondes who could play in this arena, Scott Cornwall says that “brunettes will see more variety in shades, [including] galactic pink sheens.” Damn, doesn’t that sound pretty?!
#6 Retro accessories
Claw clips and hair slides have certainly had a moment, but retro hair accessories aren’t about to slow down. Velvet and cord hair scrunchies, ‘60s style headbands and ribbons will be your best hair assistants this summer, helping you get from beach to bar quickly.
Our new fave? The Stay X Velvet Scrunchie ($4.99 at stayx.co)
#7 The long fringe
The curtain fringe has been a popular style all year. But because there’s nothing worse than having a fringe stuck to a sweaty forehead in summer, a slightly longer take on the cut is set to soar in popularity. Cut (or grown out) strategically, the face-framing layers are long enough to blend in with the rest of your length when un-styled, but provide definition and shape when styled with a wave and bend.
FYI, hot air brushes make styling fringes a breeze.
Are you thinking of a hair change for summer? Which of these trends is your favourite?
Always love Y2K straight because that’s how my hair naturally is, no work needed!
My fave too!
I am glad a bit more fullness is in as I have very thick hair
I love biscuit blonde and the pink hair!
Yes sound very cool the trends of summer hair style are very attractive …
I love Expensive brunette.
Some of these are really lovely. A few I’m not over fussed about but whatever is right for the individual is fine with me.
very pretty looks
Love these looks!!
I love the Biscuit Blonde….even though this says it was for last year.
I like the ‘Biscuit Blonde’ #3 – it looks naturally pretty.