Summer Hair Trends of 2026: Colours, Cut & Styles

Summer is soon to grace our presence, and it’s coming with a whole new … of hair trends that feel softer, glossier and more effortless than ever. We’re talking creamy blondes that catch the sunlight perfectly, warm brunette tones that are rich and glossy, as well as haircuts that are super stylish with softer shapes. And for styling? Summer 2026 is all about bringing back glamour, but in a more relaxed way. Let’s jump into the summer hair trends that are about to dominate salons and your social media feed in 2026.

 

Icy, platinum blonde is nowhere to be found this summer, and instead, it’s all about the trending blonde shade, Ethereal Blonde. This creamy, airy blonde shade is one of the softest blonde trends we’ve seen this year, combining seamless dimension with subtle brightness. And for summer, it just makes total sense.

Unlike a harsher blonde that comes right up to the root, Ethereal Blonde focuses on softness, dimension, and being lived-in. With fine, delicate weaves of lightness that seamlessly blend together, paired with a deeper, lived-in root, it creates a much more natural and effortless finish. The halo-like brightness around the face adds to the ‘ethereal’ vibe, creating a glowing, light-reflecting effect that clients want throughout summer.

Ethereal Blonde is the softest, dreamiest hair colour, and the result looks just like summer, but in hair form!

 

Summer only means one thing for our brunette clients… it’s time to go lighter! Brunettes, especially warmer-toned brunettes, are having a major moment this new season, and Brown Butter Brunette might just be the most luxurious, delicious brunette trend of the season.

This colour combines rich, chocolatey brown bases with super seamless ribbons of caramelised butter throughout the hair to create that expensive-looking, sunlit finish clients crave throughout summer. It feels glossy, rich and most importantly, dimensional, while still keeping the warmth soft and wearable rather than overly golden.

There’s definitely a touch of the Y2K influence creeping back in with this trend too, bringing back those warm, glossy brunette tones that feel nostalgic in the best way.

 

If there’s one hairstyle that’s dominating summer 2026, it’s Waterfall Waves. These soft, flowing waves sit perfectly between a glam, Hollywood-style curl and an undone wave. It creates the perfect balance of effortless but still styled. Unlike a tighter curl or structured Hollywood-shaped ‘S’ curl, Waterfall Waves are softer, looser and have a lot more movement.

The Waterfall Waves blend into one another to create a fluid shape throughout the hair, which gives that romantic, glossy finish that catches the light in all the right places. They’re relaxed enough for everyday wear but still glamorous enough for summer occasions. And that’s exactly why they’re becoming one of the season’s most requested salon styles.

Want to know how to recreate the trending Waterfall Waves hairstyle with your clients? Click here to find out…

 

The side parting is officially back, and it’s here to be one of the trendiest hairstyles of 2026. After years of centre partings being the main event, summer 2026 is bringing back the side part with a much more elevated and glamorous feel.

And this isn’t just the dramatic side fringe that we saw in the early 2000s; instead, it’s a soft, voluminous and super polished look that is extremely on-trend. Inspired by red carpet styling and old-Hollywood glamour, the modern side part creates instant volume and sophistication while framing the face beautifully.

And the best part? The side part can be paired with almost any hairstyle, such as a bouncy blowdry, soft curls, or even the style of the summer, Waterfall Waves. It adds a touch of luxury to any style, and we’re here for it!

 

Short hair is the ultimate move for summer, and the Butterfly Bob is leading the way. Combining the softness of the famous Butterfly Cut with the structure of a classic bob, this haircut creates movement, shape and volume while still feeling wearable and low-maintenance.

Defined by soft layers and face-framing pieces that sit between the cheekbone and jawline, the Butterfly Bob gives the hair bounce and body without looking overly layered or choppy. The beauty of this cut is how versatile it is, as it can be styled with a round brush for that blowdry effect, creating a super bouncy and polished finish. It’s super soft, feminine and perfect for clients wanting to go shorter for the summer without losing any movement.

 

For clients who aren’t quite ready for a full bob or cutting their hair too short, the Flirty Girl Lob is becoming the ultimate in-between summer haircut. Sitting just above the collarbone, this playful long bob feels soft and romantic, with that effortless cool-girl energy. Popularised by trendsetters like Hailey Bieber, the Flirty Girl Lob works beautifully when worn sleek, softly waved or flicked out through the ends for that subtle 90’s-inspired finish.

It’s the perfect haircut for clients wanting a fresh summer change, without committing to going too short. Plus, the slightly longer length still allows for versatile styling, making it ideal for clients who love to change up their look for a new season.

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For summer 2026, hair is becoming less about perfection and more about creating styles and colours that are healthy and full of movement, but also giving that cool-girl, effortless vibe that screams summer chic. So, if your clients want a summer refresh or complete seasonal transformation, you know exactly where to get your inspiration from…