Prepare yourself: Warmer weather is on the g’damn horizon. And with warmer, breezier (and, fine, sweatier) temps comes a whole new crop of hair trends that you’ll definitely want to have on your radar. And, lemme just tell you, the summer 2021 hairstyles, cuts, and colors are kiiinda the prettiest thing to grace your Instagram feed in a minute. This year, you can expect to see everything from bendy beach waves to accessorized braids—and some of your favorite celebs (hellooo, Yara Shahidi and Hailey Baldwin) are already trying them out now. So to make sure you’re ready for the new season, I went ahead and found 10 summer 2021 hair trends that you absolutely don’t want to miss, ahead.
QQ: Want access to all our beauty trends and tips? Yeah, do yourself a favor and join Cosmo Unlocked today.
A post shared by Hung Vanngo (@hungvanngo)
Yeah, fine, say what you will about side parts, but there’s no denying Julia Garner’s curls are pretty enough to wear all summer long. Swoop your hair to the side and rake a curl cream through your ends for extra definition.
A post shared by Larry Sims (@larryjarahsims)
Soft, bendy waves = the absolute move when it comes to summer 2021 hairstyles. Follow Laura Harrier’s lead with a sleek middle part, flat-iron waves, and a shiny-as-hell finish (a dollop of Color Wow Pop & Lock High Gloss Shellac should do the trick).
A post shared by Laura Polko (@laurapolko)
You know those bangs you DIYd during quarantine? Yeah, by summer 2021 they’ll def have grown out into softer, fringier layers. Style your new look like Dixie D’Amelio by running a flat iron through your hair for a sleek and blunt finish.
A post shared by Yara (يارا) Shahidi (@yarashahidi)
Sry, but can we take a sec to appreciate how damn pretty this updo is? Yara Shahidi’s hairstylist Nikki Nelms intertwined her curls with turquoise blue thread for a look that’ll be beyond cool for summer. Bonus points for coordinating your eyeshadow with the thread.
A post shared by pooʍ pɐɥɔ (@chadwoodhair)
Everything about this hair color screams “summer” to me. Perfect for natural brunettes, ask your colorist to add in a few warm highlights around your face to brighten up your entire look. Style your new color with a voluminous blow-out and a blast of finishing spray.
A post shared by Nine Zero One (@ninezeroone)
The easiest celeb-approved hairstyle for summer? A lived-in ponytail with loose layers and plenty of body. Spritz a texturizing spray through your hair before you gather it into a ponytail—it’ll help add some grit.
A post shared by SALEM (@salemmitchell)
Pull a Salem Mitchell this summer and wrap your box braids into two space buns at the top of your head—it’ll give you a nice excuse to get your hair off your neck during the warmer months, while also looking really effing cute in the process.
A post shared by Nine Zero One (@ninezeroone)
Summer is basically the perfect time to switch up your hair color, so why not recreate Sarah Hyland’s vibrant red hue? It’s equal parts warm and shiny and it’s full of dimension. Just make sure you have a color-safe shampoo on hand for maintenance.
A post shared by KRISTIN ESS (AND LOTS OF DOGS) (@kristin_ess)
Warning: You won’t be able to watch this IG video without replaying it 100 times. This summer, add a few glitzy hair clips and slides to your braids as an easy, low-maintenance style that looks anything but.
A post shared by Amanda Lee Hair (@amandaleehair)
Tired of wearing the same ol’ ponytail everyday? As Hailey Bieber knows, you can’t really go wrong with sleek and shiny pigtails. Make your style look extra cool with a blunt middle part and wavy ends.