Just the other week, I took a picture of my own hair from behind and briefly understood why Victorian women kept fainting onto chaise longues. Somewhere between expensive bob and slightly damp scarecrow, my ends had ballooned like the working end of a forgotten paintbrush... the sort that hadn't seen a jam jar filled with stale paint water in months. Not good. Which is why summer hair trends in 2026 feel less about transformation and perhaps more along the lines of tactical refresh. I'm talking cuts that imply bone structure, colours that suggest you've nailed the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic, and styles that survive both the humidity and an ill-advised rooftop margarita.
This season, according to two very well-informed hairstylist experts, the mood is flattering, low-maintenance and simply cool (in both temperature and style). Read on for the cuts and colours set to dominate summer 2026...
Trending haircuts and colours for summer 2026
The airy bob
The bob's beauty evolution is one to rival Victoria Beckham's; we've seen everything from the French bob to the undone bob, and now David Connor, hairstylist and owner of Anti Gravity Salon, is dubbing the airy bob summer 2026's greatest hit. Softer, lighter and far less rigid than the ultra sleek bobs of years past, this version is all about movement and ease. "We're moving away from rigid, flat-ironed bobs," David explains, "toward shapes that can be air-dried while still maintaining beautiful movement." Think soft bends, dry texture spray and the sort of hair that belongs in Paris's 6th arrondissement.
And the best part about the airy bob is that because it can range anywhere from cheekbone length to collarbone length, it's highly versatile and can be tailored to individual face shapes. For round face shapes, however, David recommends "keeping the length below the chin to create a more elongating effect."
In terms of hair type, David says this style works best on "fine to medium hair density and anyone who appreciates a low-maintenance, natural-looking style."
Long elongated layers
Tired of the big bob renaissance? Well, forget fatigue because long hair is making a comeback! Though David tells me 2026's version has had a complete renovation. He explains this interpretation involves "less volume at the crown and more movement through the interior", creating hair that feels softer, sleeker and more mature – in the best way possible. Face-framing layers start below the collarbone to "dress the body", while the smoother surface keeps everything glossy rather than overly styled. The result? Hair that feels polished sans the emotionally taxing hours that come with navigating a Dyson Airwrap.
On a day-to-day basis, David says "it can often be air-dried thanks to its interior layering, making it a low-maintenance option." For hair textures that don't naturally hold shape, he recommends using a medium-heat curling wand to add movement. "Holding the wand vertically will maintain the elongated silhouette and keep the overall shape modern and effortless," David adds.
Linen blonde
As a former peroxide blonde, I can confidently say that nothing is worse than root regrowth after four business days – especially when you're a natural brunette. That said, this summer, we're ditching the high-maintenance, Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala-adjacent blonde in its place, and something a little softer arrives. According to Damien Gray, hair colourist at Hershesons, "linen blonde is replacing the overdone, heavy blonde because it feels softer and crucially, healthier." Sure, people still want brightness for summer, but ultimately, they don't want to be tied to six-week touch-ups, making way for this trend. "This is best suited for natural dark blondes or lighter brunettes as linen blonde is all about soft contrast and no heavy lines," Damien adds.
Gentle brunette
Calling all brunettes, because just like the blondes, your hair is getting a softer rebrand, too. Gone are the flat espresso tones that vaguely resemble synthetic wigs, and in their place comes "a soft, glossy brunette that can hold up after weeks in the sun," says Damien. "Highlighting subtly is also a great technique to use to achieve dimension without the colour feeling overly done," he adds. Finish the look with a few passes of your favourite straightener to reveal a sleek and shiny finish.
Apricot tea copper
While cowboy copper may have had its blockbuster moment back in autumn 2023, for summer 2026, the shade is staging a surprisingly chic resurrection – only this time, with a much "softer, glossier approach," as Damien says. The look focuses more on tonal warmth than a dramatic colour overhaul. Hair glosses play a huge role here, giving the hair that sheer, reflective finish. "Think of this as a lip gloss rather than an opaque lipstick," adds Damien – meaning the colour fades gently, leaving no obvious regrowth line and doesn't require a biweekly salon crisis.
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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.
