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When the weather heats up, it’s handy to have a few uncomplicated summer hairstyles lined up. Take inspiration from actress Lily Collins and make a sleek bob your seasonal haircut of choice, or copy singer Dove Cameron and keep your tresses off your neck with playful space buns. Wispy bangs are also a stellar, low-maintenance choice in the heat, while timeless afro blowouts are effortlessly chic. Nothing beats an easy, breezy hairdo at this time of year.
Here, British Vogue rounds up the chicest summer hairstyles to try in the balmy weeks to come.
1. Bora Bora braids
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The ultimate goddess braid upgrade, Bora Bora braids are achieved using human (rather than synthetic) hair extensions to create an effortless hybrid of wavy sew-ins and wispy pick-and-drop micro-braids. To maintain the curls, separate your hair into two bunches every night before bed, creating loose twists. Next, wrap your hair with a silk scarf, which will prevent unwanted flyaways.
2. Pigtails
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When you’re stuck for ideas, go for chunky pigtails. To master this hairstyle, brush out your hair and part it down the middle. Plait down each section, securing it with a scrunchie so that it doesn’t unravel. For a romantic touch, let a few face-framing front strands fall loose around the face.
3. Two-tone braids
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When the sun comes out, so too does the French curl braiding hair. To elevate this summer hairstyle, add another hair colour into the mix. We recommend asking your hairstylist for a brighter colour at the front for definition, or to the back for a fun “peekaboo” effect.
4. Mini bunches
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Pixie cuts are one of the most popular summer looks, and it doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to tying your hair up. To replicate this hairdo, part your tresses into four or five equal sections and fasten each one with a thin hair tie. You can repeat the pattern all over your hair, or opt to only style the top half, leaving the bottom half down.
5. Corkscrew curls
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Changing up your hair texture is an easy way to transform your look. Corkscrew curls are a great choice for a big event, either worn loose or styled into a bouncy ponytail. To perfect the look, don’t forget to prep your hair with a heat protectant spray. Wrap small sections of your hair around a curling wand (opt for a thinner tool to make it easier), and pin with clips for maximum hold. Allow your curls to cool down before gently running your fingers – or a brush – through your hair for added texture. Spritz it all with a hairspray to finish and lock the style in place.
6. Romantic curtain bangs
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If floaty and feminine hair is your vibe, then you’ll love romantic curtain bangs. You don’t have to use round brushes and blow dryers to get this right – instead, let your hair dry naturally and add volume with velcro curlers.
7. Angel wings
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Styling a lob – a long bob in layman’s terms – can be hard work during the summer. Simplify your life with angel wings, which are a bouncier version of space buns. Part your hair at the centre, and take a small section in line with the middle of your eyebrows on either side. Secure with a smaller hair tie to create a wing effect.
8. Wispy bangs
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Bangs have continued to be all the rage this year – especially the floatier, gappier kind. Loved by A-listers Alexa Chung, Keke Palmer and Sabrina Carpenter, “wispy bangs add definition and angularity to the face, without having to commit to a blockier fringe”, Lucy Jones, a hairstylist at Larry King, previously told British Vogue. “They add a sultry ’70s aesthetic to your look (think Suki Waterhouse), and can be worn with straight, curly or coily hair.”
9. Space buns
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Space buns are ridiculously easy to do but still look sleek. Two bunches are popular, but you can double them up on either side to shake things up a little. Secure each section with a scrunchie to dress up the look.
10. Bouncy ’fro
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For those with textured hair, afros are one of the best loose hairstyles. Start by stretching your hair out with a blow dryer or afro comb. Next, spritz some styling spray on your fingers and gently “bump” the ends into shape with your hands. Braid-outs can also be a brilliant afro alternative. Plait your hair into eight to 12 braids using a small amount of styling wax or cream – the more braids, the tighter the curls will be. Leave the hair to set overnight for the best results, and unravel in the morning for bouncy and defined ringlets.
11. Butterfly cut
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Butterfly haircuts are always a popular summer choice. The fluffy layers need little to come alive, really just a quick blow-dry and moisturising cream applied throughout. (This is what keeps it looking voluminous and shiny!) For extra body, Jake Wanstall, a hairstylist at Larry King, suggests using a curling tong to define each layer.
12. Scrunch it up
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The scrunchie is a summer essential, especially when the heat robs all your energy. A messy bun or thrown-up ponytail is just what the season calls for. No stress if a few strands fall loose; it’s all part of the charm. Accessorise with barrettes and bobby pins for an edgy finish.
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13. Afro blowout
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Perfect for summer, the afro blowout is an incredibly low-stress option. Achievable without the help of relaxers or keratin treatments, all you need to master the look is a round bristle brush, blow dryer, and a mist for added shine.
“Clients with shoulder-length natural hair love that bounce and sleek finish,” hairstylist Charlotte Mensah previously told British Vogue. To dress up the style, try twisting two front sections of the hair and decorating with beads, or add a headband for a minimalist ’90s take.
14. Relaxed low pony
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If you’re a fan of tying up your hair during the hotter months but want to avoid a tension headache, consider the relaxed low pony. The key to mastering this hairstyle is to position the hair tie just below the nape of your neck, which allows the front of your hair to sit loosely around your ears. You can elevate the light and breezy style with hair clips at the front, or accessorise with a dainty headband.
15. Sleek bob
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Carefree and easy to style, the sleek bob requires minimal effort. Leave your chin-grazing cut as it is and use a small amount of mousse to tame any flyaways. If you have naturally straight hair, gently flick the ends with a heated tool to give the cut even more volume and bounce.
16. Not-so-messy bun
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Start by creating defined curls – either using a heatless method or a curling wand – then part your hair down the middle. Next, grab a claw clip and twist your tresses around two to three times (depending on how thick your hair is), until the curls appear at the top and fall effortlessly. As a finishing touch, tame any flyaways with a small amount of styling cream and pull out a face-framing strand or two.
17. Mermaid braids
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Another protective hairstyle of the pick-and-drop variety, mermaid braids are super silky and straight. To have even more fun with this style, opt for human hair, which can be straightened even further or curled when you want to switch things up a little.
18. Plaited pony
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Why have one braid when you could have three? Scrape your hair up into a ponytail and part it into three sections. Braid each section down, taking care to secure it with a thin hair tie at the bottom. Gently pull each braid outwards to create the illusion of thicker and chunkier braids. Finally, slick the top down with a small amount of styling wax.
19. Heatless curls
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Maintaining the health of your hair during the summer is extremely important – hot weather can be harsh and extremely drying. So it’s a great time to do away with hot tools where possible. We recommend dividing your hair into plaits after an evening shower, or purchase a silk heatless curling rod and simply wrap your hair around it. Unravel your hair the next morning for lasting results!
20. Low half-up half-down
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When in doubt, a half-up, half-down hairstyle is always chic. Take inspiration from actress Nico Parker and stick to a low set ’do, with face-framing front pieces for added definition. The trick to mastering this style is using the tips of your ears to guide how much hair you should section off for the top half, and how much to leave for the bottom half.
21. Romantic bun
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Elevate a simple bun by adding loose, romantic curls. Twist the top of your hair into a tousled bun and then pull out slightly thicker strands towards the back, before securing them down with thin bobby pins to create a floaty effect.
22. Wrap it up
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Inspired by Old Hollywood stars such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Lena Horne, silk scarves are here to stay. Not only are they an easy and practical choice for the summer, but they also help to keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. “The fabric’s texture reduces friction and helps hair to retain its natural oils,” hairstylist and textured hair expert Charlotte Mensah shared with British Vogue.
23. Tousled ponytail
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The tousled pony looks great on both good and bad hair days. Tease your tresses with a comb to amp up the texture and throw it up into a high ponytail. Part it down the middle and leave a few strands out at the front.
24. Slicked-down pixie
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A pixie cut is a timeless yet rebellious summer haircut. Sharp and lightweight, “it’s perfect for anyone looking for a fresh, modern look that doesn’t require hours of styling,” Domenico Casella, art director at Neville Hair and Beauty, previously shared with British Vogue. “Plus, it’s highly adaptable – whether you prefer a polished finish or a more tousled, casual vibe, this cut delivers.”
25. Flicked bob
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The best way to elevate your bob? Flick it. Start by combing out your hair and spritzing it with some heat protectant, then gently curl the ends away from your face with a hair straightener. Pro tip – use your jawline as a guide. Take a small amount of hairspray, styling mousse or cream to lock the look in place.
26. Mussed-up pixie
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While meticulously cut, gamine crops will always be chic, summer 2026 is all about mussed-up pixie cuts. For a casual, tomboyish cut like Emma Chamberlain’s, find a great hair paste. Hair designer at Neville Hair and Beauty, Domenico Casella, recommends SachaJuan. “It’s perfect for achieving that piece-y, effortless look,” he previously shared with British Vogue.
27. Bombshell curls
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Bombshell curls deliver volume, movement and drama all at once. Switch your narrow curling tong for a wider-barrelled one, wrapping small sections of your hair around the wand, starting from your temples. Sculpt the very top of your hair with some styling cream and spritz on some hairspray for hold – use a small amount to keep the style lightweight and stop it from feeling sticky in the sun.
