What colors, cuts, and accessories will be on the rise this season?
If your hair could text you, it’d probably say, “Can we chill this summer?” Stylists across the country are seeing the same thing: lived-in color, heatless styling, and haircuts that look like they belong on vacation year-round.
Summer 2025 favors glowy, effortless tones that play nice with natural light and don’t demand constant upkeep. Here’s what to try.
Sun-kissed, champagne, buttery, and honey blondes are shades mentioned by almost every stylist. “These hues add softness and dimension, catching the light beautifully and are perfect for the sun-drenched season,” says Sal Malafronte, artistic director at Salon Mario Russo in Boston.
If high maintenance of bright blondes has always scared you off, now you can take a soft launch into the trend with lived-in tones. “This summer, we’re seeing a big shift toward softer, more natural-looking blondes that grow out beautifully,” says Britt Carter, co-founder of Freehand, a luxury boutique salon in Dallas.
@the.milll
Brandon Wagner, owner of Tribeca ColorSalons in Tampa, Florida, notices a major uptick in expensive brunette requests, which he describes as “deep, reflective browns enriched with subtle caramel or café-au-lait ribbons, particularly around the face.”
“We’re also seeing a surge in ‘recession bronde’ – a blend of brunette and blonde tones that provides depth and dimension without the need for frequent touch-ups,” adds Brianne Windell, co-owner and lead colorist of TRIM NuLu.
@glamcatt
This shade pops up everywhere in lived-in and balayage styles, often topped with a gloss for extra shine and depth. For a softer take, try peachy or rose gold shades.
@balayagelondonexpert
Nicole Henry, an expert colorist, stylist, and founder of Nicole Henry Salon, notices her clients gravitating toward “low-maintenance color with high impact,” with techniques like multi-tonal balayage, face-framing foils, root smudging, and glossing treatments gaining traction.
@michellelzeller
Stylists are trading fussy for functional this season. Clients want cuts that move, grow out well, and don’t rely on heat tools to look put together.
“Textured bobs are back in rotation, offering structure without feeling overly styled,” says cosmetologist, beauty editor, and global hair educator Laura Dale. They’re stylish, effortless, and just right for beating the summer heat without sacrificing flair. Wagner points out that chin-length cuts “grow out gracefully and handle humidity well.”
@whiteopalhairco
A consistent favorite for soft structure, curtain bangs with frontal layers have never truly left the scene. Henry recommends them for a “quick way to update a look without a drastic change.”
@dianaojedahair
“Clients want movement without the weight, and styles that grow out well with low maintenance,” says freelance hairstylist and salon owner at Fedora Salon, Kristine Murillo, explaining the popularity of airy, layered styles.
@jamesplainhair
“A standout directional trend we’re loving is the hime cut,” notes Wagner. Straight from Japanese street style, this haircut has a blunt fringe and cheek-length sidelocks. “We’re adapting it for Western wearability by softening the silhouette – often with a blowout or soft waves – to balance edge and elegance,” he says.
@moefoils
Headbands, giant clips, and zero heat – styling this season is all about smart shortcuts. It’s practical and built for sweaty days.
Jumbo claw clips and silk scrunchies are universally cited for function and flair. “They’re not only practical for summer weather but also offer a playful way to express personal style,” says Wagner.
@everydayscrunchie
From sporty headbands to silk scarves, there are hundreds of stylish ways to keep your hair out of your face and shield it from UV rays. “I’m also seeing more guests incorporate scarves and silk wraps into their styles, whether tied around a ponytail, woven into a braid, or worn as a headband,” says Dale.
@twistheadofficial
If we had one dollar for every time a stylist says heatless styling and air-dried texture are all the rage, we’d be sipping cocktails by the pool with our not-so-hard-earned money by now. “Clients are prioritizing wearable glam that feels authentic and sustainable,” says Henry.
@ellepearls
Before you call your stylist, peek at our summer beauty tips for keeping your hair happy, and don’t miss our guide to pairing hairstyles with summer outfits.
