Forget 'new year, new me' because our mid-year mindset (read: mantra) is 'new season, new hairstyle' – and with summer fast approaching, we're all for a sunkissed glow-up. But don't let me dictate what cut and/or colour you should switch up your current look for; instead, I sought out expert advice from some of the industry's most notable hairstylists to share their predictions on summer 2024's biggest hair trends.
Intrigued? Well, keep scrolling for all of the best trends, from what celebrities have been wearing to what's been spotted on runways, and even what TikTokers are bringing to our social media feeds...
Latté brunette
Multidimensional shades of rich blonde and brunette tones are in and as a result, “we’re going to see more people dyeing their hair darker this season,” says celebrity hairstylist Mitchell Ramazon. The hybrid look fuses the best of both worlds, resulting in a blended latté look.
Pro tip: Go one to two shades lighter than your natural colour – it's a good rule of thumb for upkeep and also what will look best against your complexion.
Vintage glam bouffants
Last year saw a rise in the sleek ballerina bun, but this season is all about undone 60s glam, Ramazon predicts. Think: big bouffants, romantic soft curls and tousled half up, half down ‘dos. Basically, go big or go home.
Pro tip: A small tooth comb is going to be your BFF for teasing extra height and volume into the hair.
My Little Pony
Instead of the super long ponytails that have dominated lately, this pony is a bit shorter and bouncier. “This style is whimsical, retro and the perfect marriage between the Barbiecore and Mob Wives aesthetics,” says celebrity hairstylist Clay Hawkins. Bonus points if you wrap the elastic in velvet or ribbon.
Pro tip: Lather the ends in a nourishing hair oil for extra shine and a doll-like finish. We recommend the Hair by Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Shine Oil.
The Tumblr side part
Inspired by our blogging foremothers of the late 2000s and early 2010s, this style is all about parting your hair as far to the side as you possibly can. As Clay Hawkins puts it: “Teen YOLO vibes are just what the doctor ordered!”.
Pro tip: When changing your parting, use a trusted texturising spray to help create tonnes of volume and hold. We recommend the Living Proof Dry Volume & Texture Spray, £31.
Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray 238ml
Pastry hair
What happens when you mix origami, croissants, pretzels and hair? Well, you get a hair-a-gami style that’s good enough to eat, of course! Not only are these sculptural updos show-stoppingly good, they’re also an elevated take on the classic (and somewhat overdone) chignon.
Pro tip: Use a strong-hold hairspray that’s workable and leaves no residue or flakes behind. We recommend the Andrew Fitzsimons HARD Strong Hold Hairspray for Maximum Control, £10.
Andrew Fitzsimons HARD Strong Hold Hairspray for Maximum Control, 200ml
Feathered layers
Staying strong through the summer season are feathered layers, confirms hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith. The style not only offers a flattering face-framing finish, but is combined with practicality for minimal upkeep. “Trimming and keeping the delicate hairline area tidy makes this look the perfect, natural-looking choice for those with hair breakage and/or regrowth," Tom says.
Pro tip: Start with feathering the layers from the collarbone down to try the style out with minimal commitment.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
