Hair trends to try before summer is over

It may be a cliché that everything feels better in summer, but it’s true. The days stretch longer, skin catches the sun just right and freedom hangs thick in the sea breeze. We may be in August, but — according to Instagram stories — plenty of jet setters are squeezing in last-minute trips before the golden hues of summer turn into the ambers of autumn. But, before hopping on a plane to chase golden hour (for pictures, of course) and claim a spot at the table for alfresco drinks, there’s one decision that lingers: what to do with your hair. Sure there’s nothing quite like salty sea-soaked waves but there’s also something to be said for going a little off script. Leaning into spontaneity and pushing past your usual routine adds a certain thrill — and really isn’t that what summer’s all about?

So, if you’re feeling daring we’ve put together a list of our favourite hairstyles to try out before summer’s over.

Poolside bob

There’s something to be learned from Florence Pugh who’s been spotted multiple times rocking a sculpted wet hairstyle. The English actor’s version features a shoulder-length look swept back from her face in a sleek, polished way. But this wet-look styling can be interpreted in lots of other ways — think: razor-sharp for a classic silhouette, or taking it up a notch by slicking it back behind the ears. If you’re after more length, go for something skimming past the shoulders with flicked-out ends just like Julianne Moore in Sirens.

If you have an oval or square face shape this hairstyle is definitely one for you. It can accentuate your jawline and give you that fox-eye illusion people pay good money for with tweakments. For a professional take on the look, you might want to pop into one of Buller and Rice’s London-based salons to get your ‘poolside bob’ makeover. Alternatively, for an at-home transformation comb through a mist or oil while damp — Davines Shimmering Mist or Oi Oil serum work well for this — tuck behind the ears and let it dry naturally for that soft slick finish. For a sharper version, blow-dry with a round brush and use Davines Smoothing Perfector on the ends.

The roadie

Leaning into natural hair never gets old. There’s no better feeling than hearing the words ‘I love your hair’ when you’re embracing your natural curls despite their frizz. The Roadie is all about that attitude. There’s a hint of early 2000s nostalgia here, with a taste of the Olsen twins in their “I don’t give a fuck” era thrown in. Think: slightly dishevelled hair, well-worn clothes, smudged eyeliner and old handbags with a bit of history.

For texture, you’re looking for stringy and slightly wild strands that channel soft grunge rather than elegant beachy waves. Essentially, you’re just letting your hair do what it wants, but with a bit of help. To do that, you can opt for a medium-to-long layered cut and face-framing for volume. Colour-wise, dirty blondes and dimensional tones are ideal. Although a fringe is optional (it’s a big commitment, we get it), it can add that cherry on top. 

But the best part of this cut is that styling is a low effort ritual. Work a salt spray (Davines Salt Spray will do) into damp hair, scrunch and let it air dry. For lift and grit dust some dry shampoo at the roots. The aim is to look like you have done nothing at all.

The FitPix

If you have the face card to support a cropped, shorter style, you might want to try out the FitPix (named because it’s just so bloody perfect). Just like American actress Michelle Williams in Dying for Sex rocked a sharp blonde crop, this style is for those seeking practicality over complexity. It’s short, textured and doesn’t require long hours of styling — it’s ideal for those always on the go or the fitness fanatics. You’re in an even more advantageous position if you have thicker hair that can hold shape but it also works with finer textures if the cut is structured well. And speaking of, Crab Salad (there’s salons in Peckham and Highbury) is the place to go for a cut with plenty of texture — but don’t be afraid to share your personal preferences for length around the ears and neckline. Zhuzh it up at home with a texturising serum.

Bit of Jen

Everyone’s been through a phase of obsessing over Rachel Green when re-watching Friends, either thanks to her effortless ’90s fits or her emblematic crop. Channel your inner Jennifer Aniston by opting for a modern take on her signature hairstyle. Amp up the elegant shoulder-length straight cut with exaggerated face-framing. Inspired by Aniston herself, this layered style features soft textures and an edgy side fringe. Radio hair salon — which has locations in King’s Cross and Shoreditch — is the place to go for this. Ask for highlights or a balayage to further accentuate the different layers and add more volume to your hair. It’s a bit of Jen and a bit of you — arguably the perfect new persona to try out before the end of summer.