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The Best Summer 2023 Hair Trends to Show Your Stylist
Including blunt bobs, major curls, and the sleekest ballerina buns.
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 colors 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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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 color, 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 color to our summer inspiration board.
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.
Balmain Hair Couture Women's Standard Texturizing Salt Spray
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."
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.”
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
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