Switching up your hair is by far the easiest way to refresh your look. And the best way to choose a new color or cut? Try one of the ten newest hair trends for summer 2022 down below. I mean, sure, you might be the same ol’ you, but sometimes a few little changes—like a new summer nail design, a fun makeup trend, or, ahem, a whole new hairstyle (modern shag haircut, anyone?)—are the exact ~vibe~ changes we need.
1. Red Hair Shades
“Different shades of copper hair are really popular right now,” says celebrity hair colorist Felicia Dosso. And the best thing about red, she points out, is that there’s a shade for every season. “As we go into spring and summer, we’ll see those shades lighten up again. Instead of being deep auburn, you’ll see strawberry red,” she says. And if Sydney Sweeney can’t convince you to go red, nothing can.
2. Platinum Hair
Dosso predicts platinum blonde will be everywhere. “Blondes will lean into more of a brighter, solid blonde,” she says. But platinum blonde isn’t exactly a low-maintenance color, so stock up on a purple shampoo to counteract brassiness and treat your potentially damaged hair with a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
3. Dressed Up Ponytails
“Ponytails are such an easy trend, and not only that, but you can actually dress them up and embellish them—and they can look effortless,” says celebrity hairstylist Nai’vasha Grace. “It can work for a red carpet look or for the bodega.” To get a super-straight ponytail like Winnie Harlow, prime your hair with a hair straightening cream before using your flatiron.
4. Sun-Kissed Balayage
“A sun-kissed balayage will be really popular for brunettes,” says Dosso. “It’s ideal for people who want a low maintenance, beachy style.” Think beach waves. Ask your colorist for a rooty, blended balayage that will let you go for as long as you want between touch-ups. It’s so flexible—if you want to touch it up, you can, or you can just let it grow out and do its thing.
5. Strawberry Highlights
Just want a touch of warm hues in your color this year? Opt for a strawberry highlight look, which Dosso says will be a major trend in 2022. It’s a soft change that won’t demand getting touch-ups every four weeks.
6. The Modern “Shag”
“I’m seeing a lot of variations on the modern shag haircut,” says celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. “You can modify it for your hair type, and I think it can be really flattering.” The key to the perfect modern shag? Ask your hairstylist for lots of short layers to add volume and choppy texture.
7. Mid-length bob haircuts
Rubenstein and celebrity hairstylist Marwa Bashir both say the ’90s will continue strong in summer 2022. First up: the mid-length bob. Longer than a short bob but shorter than a long bob, this haircut falls somewhere above the shoulder and below the chin and will be a hit for summer 2022, according to Rubenstein. “I’m seeing a mid-length, blunt, ‘90s-style bob,” Rubenstein says. “Think Kourtney Kardashian’s latest chop.”
8. ’90s layers
Bashir says long ’90s layers will be making a strong comeback. A layered haircut is great for adding volume, movement, and shape, and framing the face, so if your current style could use a little bit of all of that, incorporate layers that suit your hair type and texture into your look.
9. Blunt Bangs
Grace and Campbell say blunt bangs are trending. “There’s just something about the bangs that give you more of a refined look,” Grace says. Heads up, though, bangs are kind of high maintenance, so you have to really want them. But if you’re already doing the whole bang thing, and you’re ready to go even bolder, try heavy bangs. Campbell predicts a heavier, straight across, blunt bang will be super popular this year.
10. Bouncy Blowouts
“I’ve been seeing the 90’s blow out a lot,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko. “It’s ideal especially if you have shoulder-length hair.” Valles particularly loves curtain bangs with a really pretty blowout instead of beach waves. “Make room for your jumbo hot rollers,” she says.