From bohemian waves to sleek ponytails and ballerina buns, the best summer 2023 hair trends feature a range of versatile styles that not only help beat the heat, but also embrace the elements of a warmer season (here’s looking at you, frizz). And when it comes to popular hair colours over the next few months, brunettes are diversifying their tones with a hint of red, while blondes are leaning toward icier, ash shades.
For an inside scoop on some of the most popular looks they’re spotting just about everywhere—from the Met Gala to Coachella Festival—we asked celebrity stylists in the know, Sally Hershberger and Jen Atkin, for their thoughts on what’s next in hair. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of the best summer 2023 hair trends to keep bookmarked, along with some key products for each to add to your rotation.
Related article: The Braided Tendril Is Summer’s Most Coveted Hair Trend
Ballerina Buns
Putting your hair in a bun during summer months may seem like a no-brainer, but this season’s polished ballerina bun trend takes the neck-cooling look to another level. “A bun works for all hair types,” Hershberger tells BAZAAR.com. “It’s a strong look that’s cool and polished.”
Ballerina Buns
Singer FKA Twigs paired her sleek bun with a center part and sculptural hair accents on the red carpet at this year’s Met Gala.
Ballerina Buns
We’re loving Sofia Richie Grainage’s seemingly effortless, yet perfectly coifed updo.
GET THE LOOK
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
Hershberger typically opts for a hair oil and hair spray combination to craft a sleek ballerina bun style with plenty of hold. “It’s more pliable,” she continues. “You want to keep it clean but get that shine. That’s all I use: Hairspray and dry oil, but sometimes I’ll add mousse as well.”
GET THE LOOK
Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies (6-Piece)
A snag-free set of hair ties, like this satin pack from Slip, ensures a stylish, yet comfortable bun.
Finger Waves and Spirals
Celebrity stylist Lacy Redway previously told BAZAAR.com that the spiral trend offers a modern take on classically vintage hair styles. During Creed III‘s press tour, she worked closely with actress Tessa Thompson to design a series of signature looks adapted from French surrealistic artist, Claude Cahun.
Finger Waves and Spirals
We’ve already noted that hair spirals seem to be everywhere these days, including at the 2023 Met Gala. Supermodel Ashley Graham paired vintage-inspired finger waves with a flipped up bob for a sophisticated beauty look.
Finger Waves and Spirals
Also seen at the Met Gala, actress Lily Collins’s sculpted bob was accented by a subtle hair spiral for a more romantic finish.
GET THE LOOK
Living Proof Control Hairspray
After framing Collins’s face with spiral accents held in place by flat clips, stylist Gregory Russell used Living Proof’s Control Hairspray and let it set in for 20 minutes.
GET THE LOOK
Nexxus Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist
If you want a softer curl appearance, Redway advises to select a small section of hair and smooth it over with a flat iron. Next, she recommends using the Nexxus Comb Through Finishing Mist Hairspray to shape your desired piece of hair onto your forehead.
Crimson Brunette
Create new depth for brown hair by adding a tinge of red to your base colour, as seen on Little Mermaid star, Halle Bailey.
Crimson Brunette
Actress Riley Keough’s all-over cinnamon tone provides the perfect amount of warmth and subtle vibrancy.
Crimson Brunette
We’ve already added Chrissy Teigen’s transformative crimson brunette colour to our summer inspiration board.
GET THE LOOK
dpHue Glossy Glaze in Copper
This temporary gloss from dpHue stays put for up to three washes—which means you don’t have to fully commit to this hair trend to try it.
Imperfect Waves
What’s new in waves? According to celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, this season is all about “bendy, imperfect waves in the hair that have a sense of undone texture.” She adds the look is reminiscent of the early 2000s, which harkens to the era’s trend of seamless hairstyling. “We saw a lot of natural texture or imperfect, slept on textures,” Atkin says. The stylist’s new brand, Mane by Mane Addicts, has a jumbo curling iron perfect for nailing this cool-girl wave.
Imperfect Waves
Actress Simone Ashley’s side-parted, breezy waves look even better when blowing in the wind.
Imperfect Waves
Shakira has been a master of the cool-girl waves for years now, and doesn’t show any signs of letting up.
GET THE LOOK
Balmain Hair Couture Women’s Standard Texturizing Salt Spray
“Let some sections not be as wavy,” Atkin says. “Pick out some super small sections at the end to add more definition with the waver. Shake it upside down, then give it a good spray.”
GET THE LOOK
amika High Tide Jumbo Deep Hair Waver
According to experts, when using a three-barrel waver like this one from amika, it’s best to work in sections to style your hair for a more uniform finish. But, don’t feel obligated to make sure it all looks exactly the same.
Blunt Bobs
Since we spotted the blunt bob hair trend take off this spring, it only makes sense that the look will gain momentum in the summer. Here, Sabrina Elba pairs an angular bob with bangs for a haircut that will never go out of style.
“I like that people are opting for something fresh this year,” Atkin continues. “After a few years of many people growing out their hair, it’s fun and refreshing. This style looks great without doing too much, as well.”
Blunt Bobs
We love style expert Aimee Song’s take on the blunt bob at this year’s Coachella festival, showcasing her natural waves with a center part.
Blunt Bobs
And for the 2023 Met Gala, Euphoria actress Maude Apatow’s stylist combined multiple hair trends in one, crafting a deep side part with a lightly curled bob.
GET THE LOOK
Ouai Super Dry Shampoo
To get the seasonal look, Atkin suggests spraying Ouai Super Dry Shampoo through hair starting in the middle to build volume and accentuate the bluntness of your ends. And if your hair naturally has straight or wavy textures, “Twist large sections while blow-drying them to create soft texture,” Atkin notes.
Volume on Volume
The heat and humidity of summer months makes curls especially voluminous. We’re obsessed with rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s bountiful, layered curls, which are accented by a bouncy fringe.
Volume on Volume
Supermodel Iman Hammam leaned into hair height at the 2023 Met Gala with soft, brushed out waves.
Volume on Volume
To give yourself a break from the heat, try a voluminous, curly updo. We love this updo, complete with a braid, by stylist Nikki Nelms on Peter Pan and Wendy star, Yara Shahidi.
GET THE LOOK
Ouidad Coil Infusion Styling + Shaping Gel Cream
This gel-cream hybrid styler from Ouidad helps lock in hair hydration while shaping the definition of your curls as they dry (without the crunch).
GET THE LOOK
Pattern The Blow Dryer
We previously tested Pattern’s monochromatic blow-dryer, which includes four different attachments—from a diffuser to a wide-tooth comb—that make stretching your curls a literal breeze.
Cool Blonde
While platinum blonde has had its moment, the cool blonde colour trend is starting to pick up steam. Actress Margot Robbie’s deeper blonde shade offers a slight departure from her role as Barbie, as it features traces of brown low-lights.
Cool Blonde
Supermodel Gigi Hadid’s take on the cool blonde trend includes an overall icier shade that’s accented with visible brown roots.
GET THE LOOK
Moroccanoil Colour Depositing Mask in Platinum
If your hair is already strawberry blonde, Moroccanoil’s temporary Colour Depositing Mask is a great option for cooling down its vibrancy while boosting moisture.
GET THE LOOK
IGK Mixed Feelings
Blondes only need to mix in a few of these tonal drops from IGK into your shampoo and conditioner or leave-in to cancel brassiness and improve shine.
Baby Bangs
Another 2023 summer hair trend beloved by Met Gala attendees are baby bangs, as modeled by Emily Ratajkowski.
Baby Bangs
Actress and Charlotte Tilbury ambassador Lily James also styled her Met Gala beauty look with a barely-there bang, which stood out next to her sleek yet slightly messy bun.
Baby Bangs
Another celebrity fan of baby bangs at the Met Gala this year? Singer Lizzo, who paired hers with a tower of cascading curls.
GET THE LOOK
Bellami Hair Cleopatra Clip In Bangs Off in 1B
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to commit to the baby bangs trend, this human hair fringe can save you some time before making a final decision.
Tousled ’90s Updo
Just like fashion trends, what’s popular in beauty is also cyclical: Which is why it’s no surprise that the tousled, ’90s updo is back in a major way this summer. Featuring loose tendrils and plenty of height, Nicola Peltz Beckham’s messy bun serves retro realness. “I prefer it a little messier,” Hershberger says. “A little more sexy than severe.”
Tousled ’90s Updo
Actress and producer Keke Palmer’s sultry updo steals the show when it comes to her latest red carpet beauty look.
Tousled ’90s Updo
At the 2023 Met Gala, singer Anitta stunned with a glamorous, undone style complete with a number of delicate side tendrils.
GET THE LOOK
Deborah Pagani Women’s Large Sleek Gold-Plated Hair Pin
Use this easy, stylish hair pin to expertly wrap your hair into a sophisticated chignon or messy bun in minutes—just don’t forget to leave a few pieces out to frame your face.
GET THE LOOK
Anthropologie Lou Claw Hair Clip Set
You’ll get three different claw clips (the key to ’90s hair trends), in this accessories set to help keep your hair secure.
Boho Braids
It’s no surprise that protective styles are a mainstay for those with natural hair year-round, and especially during the summer. For 2023, stylists are favoring a style they’re calling boho braids.
Similar to tried-and-true box or knotless braids, boho braids are braids that feature sections of exposed hair. For the 2023 Met Gala, celebrity stylist Larry Sims created this stunning, wavy look, worn by actress Gabrielle Union-Wade.
Boho Braids
Celebrity stylist Susy adds even more dimension to a set of knotless braids by weaving in lighter synthetic extensions over dark brown hair.
Boho Braids
Actress and singer Janelle Monáe has been spotted out and about promoting her new album, The Age of Pleasure, wearing gorgeous long braids with loose, wavy ends.
GET THE LOOK
Alrence Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair (8-Pack, 30-Inches)
If you’re looking to try the above braid looks at home, you can get an eight pack of these popular 30-inch bundles for 16 percent off right now at Amazon.
Super Short Cuts
If you dream of cutting all your hair off in the summer, you’re not alone. But for those who actually do, it happens to also be a popular seasonal beauty trend. We previously shared that actress Florence Pugh buzzed her hair ahead of the 2023 Met Gala, for an edgy look that ups the cool factor in more ways than one.
Super Short Cuts
For more short hair inspiration, look no further than actress and singer Teyana Taylor’s wavy pixie cut.
GET THE LOOK
Tweezerman Tweezerman Stainless 2000 Styling Shears, 5.5″
For those capable enough to cut their own hair, take Hershberger’s advice. “When looking for scissors, it’s important for them to have a sharp blade no matter what the price point,” she previously told BAZAAR.com. “For those on a budget, I recommend Tweezerman Stainless 2000 5.5-inch Styling Shears. They’re sharp and easily glide through hair for seamless cuts.”
Sleek Ponytails
Whether they’re styled high or low, a ponytail—like Mindy Kaling’s center part version created by stylist Marc Mena for this year’s Met Gala—is always on trend. Similar to their cousin the ballerina bun, shiny, sleek ponytails are a timeless beauty look in hot summer months and beyond.
Sleek Ponytails
Actress Melissa Barrera’s ponytail was packed with volume and accented with a hair flip and side bangs ahead of the New York premiere for the film Carmen.
Sleek Ponytails
Our editors loved supermodel Karlie Kloss’ Met Gala baby bump reveal just as much as her center-parted wavy ponytail.
GET THE LOOK
SexyHair Healthy Re-Dew Conditioning Dry Oil and Restyler
To add shine to Barrera’s high pony, celebrity hair stylist Clayton Hawkins sprayed in SexyHair’s Healthy Re-Dew Conditioning Dry Oil and Restyler and gave it a quick brush.
GET THE LOOK
Dyson Corrale
Celebrity stylist Irinel de León created waves in Kloss’s ponytail for fashion’s biggest night using Dyson’s Corrale flat iron at a 410 degree setting.
Why trust Harper’s BAZAAR?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.
