THE LOOK
Summer Hair Trends
Like clothing and accessories, hairstyles also follow seasonal trends and much like fashion, hair also recycles and takes inspiration from the past. And with summer’s arrival, it’s time to start thinking about changing up your look.
As you head to the beach for that summer splash, to a club in SoHo or to a friend’s for a backyard BBQ, remember that hair is the ultimate accessory. Inspired by a few different decades, this season you can expect to see a common thread in how we sport our hair – it will be all about ease and looking effortlessly stylish.
THE BOB
If you caught last month’s issue, our cover star Carrie Preston was a foreshadow of this month’s style report. Her look was an easter egg similar to those from the White Lotus, revealing what is going to be one of the hottest looks for the summer.
With Mike White’s five-star drama we were shocked, amused and perhaps even upset at the characters but the true breakout star of the season came via the bob hairstyle’s starring role as seen on Leslie Bibb and Carrie Coon. Let’s be honest – those monologues wouldn’t have been quite as iconic if they were sporting any other style. They both proved that this classic cut whose origins can be traced to the early 1900’s has made a return and is much more versatile than we thought. A full century and a quarter later, it’s very much relevant and proving to be one of the most popular styles of the year. Whether A-line, clean cut, layered or messy, it’s a very easy and practical style to sport. A little Kérastase gold hair oil and some Oribe texturizing spray or curl cream and you’re set. It’s a style that flatters all hair colors and textures and is perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle.
NINETIES VOLUME IS BACK
Going short however isn’t an option for all and that’s understandable, hair is a journey. For those who are fans of longer locks, we have two words for you, ‘nineties’ volume.’ Blowouts have always been popular but nonquiet like that of Cindy Crawford. Who can forget her iconic mane both on and off the runway, which catapulted her to become the style icon of a generation. Whether straight or wavy, adding volume completely transforms your hair, and the once daunting task of blowing out your own hair at home has now become much easier thanks to a variety of heat tools now widely available such as Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer or the countless hair air brushes you can find at any beauty retailer. You can now be your own stylist and create volume in a matter of minutes versus sitting in a salon chair for hours. I guess that means reruns of MTV House of Style and Beverly Hills 90210 are on order for those rainy Sunday afternoons!
BOHO CHIC
Now if a bohemian aesthetic is more your style, we’re happy to report that the boho-chic renaissance we’re seeing in fashion also is shaping hair this summer. Relaxed, tousled, messy waves are very much in and if you want to get creative and have fun, you can add a few different-sized braids to fit your attire or occasion. What makes Boho-chic hair popular this summer is that it’s easy and low maintenance to style. The key to pulling this look off is keeping your hair hydrated and healthy, which can also apply to all other hairstyles. Hair masks will be your best ally especially during the warmer months when hair can easily dry out.
GUYS MAKING WAVES
For guys, if you have length, this summer will be about embracing the curls as waved textures are very much in. This is the summer to let it grow. If medium, longer hair is an option for you, embrace your SoCal seaside dreams as surfer hair is very much on the forecast.
If longer hair is not an option for you, resist the urge to cut, at least on the top. Neo-quiffs a la Pedro Pascal and undone pompadours as seen on David Beckham are a great stylish option for the summer that allow you to stay light and cool thanks to their shorter sides and longer tops. However, contrary to the way we were introduced to these styles in the ‘50s, both are now meant to be messier and more relaxed. We’re not looking for a classic Elvis Presley hair silhouette – instead we’re channeling Elvis’ hairstyle on a lazy Sunday or a day at the beach. Ditch the extra-hold hair gel for a lighter and moldable hair cream or pomade. You want your hair to lightly hold while retaining some movement – this combination will be your recipe to pulling off an effortlessly cool look.
Whether you’re staying in the city or setting out to experience your own White Lotus journey this summer, don’t skip on channeling your inner Vidal Sassoon along the way. Summer is the time to have fun and take risks in leveling up your style, beginning with your hair.