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Long French C-Curls
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Sleek Lob
Springy Curls
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If you, like me, have been living for the
loosely undone, lived-in
haircut that requires minimal effort and upkeep for the past few seasons, I feel you. But it's time to stop stretching the time between our trims and book a capital-C Chop ahead of summer 2026. "More intentional haircuts are sneaking their way back in and elevating day-to-day looks," explains
Bri Springer
, a hairstylist at New York's Pearlita salon. "
Bobs
are having a major moment; we're seeing soft fringes,
bixies
,
butterfly cuts
, and different versions of layers are having a resurgence, too."
Celebrity hairstylist
Sally Hershberger
, whose New York salon is known for the most cutting-edge cuts, definitely agrees. "Think less boho and less undone, and more sleek, polished, and refined for summer cuts," she says. "A slicked-back bob with a little
flip
at the bottom, a sleek pony tucked into a knot at the nape of your neck, and shiny hair parted to the side or pushed back with a nice hair oil in it brings a more Saint Tropez elegance to hair."
While many wait til the end of August to do a big chop to trim away all the split ends, frayed bits, and summer damage, there's a lot to love about a pre-summer cut: it takes the weight off (literally) to help cool you down, and it's easy to figure out your go-to styling techniques against heat and humidity. Before you click "confirm appointment" at the salon, take a peek at what expert hair stylists are calling the most flattering haircuts of the summer season to guide your next chop, and shop styling essentials to help you cut look its best.
Long French C-Curls
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Those with longer lengths can add some body and lift with this classic C-curl style that focuses on adding roundness at the ends. "It feels feminine and polished," says Hershberger. "It gives the hair shape and bounce, but still looks clean and modern."
Dyson
Airwrap I.d.™ Multi-Styler
La Bonne Brosse
The Protective Oil
Swingy Bob
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A photo posted by on
If if feels like everyone's gone for the scissors, it's not just you. The best part of a
bob
is that there’s a million different ways to reinvent it. And a
flippy little bob
is hotter than ever. "A really sleek bob with a slight flip at the bottom is going to feel big this season," says Hershberger. "It has shape, it feels modern, and it works perfectly with summer dressing."
Dae
Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream With Taming Wand
La Bonne Brosse
Small Brush N02
Sleek Lob
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Sleek,
shiny
, and skimming right at the shoulder,
the lob
is the grown-out version of a bob. It's ideal for those who might want to lose a little length, but aren't really ready for a full-on short style yet. "A lob is a great way to dip a toe into a shorter hairstyle," says Springer. "Add shape and lift with
volumizing spray
at the roots and textured volume throughout with a wave or soft, polished curl at the ends."
Chris McMillan
The Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray for Frizz
T3
Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe
Springy Curls
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A photo posted by on
"Soft layers that let the curl move naturally always look great," says Hershberger. "Especially when the cut feels fresh and controlled and not too heavy—that way the curls feel airy, bouncy, and defined." To emphasize the movement, shape, and sculpt your curls, a moisturizing cream styler or
gel
works beautifully.
RŌZ
Evergreen Style Cream
CÉCRED
Moisture Sealing Lotion
Butterfly Cut
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Even though the
butterfly cut
has choppy layers throughout, it doesn't feel stark or blunt. "The best thing about a butterfly cut is the movement and shape it naturally creates," says Springer. "It flows beautifully and can frame the face and add so much life to hair."
Crown Affair
The Smoothing Air Dry Hair Styling Cream
Redken
Big Blowout Heat Protectant Jelly
Feathered Fringe
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According to Springer, curtain bangs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon—but they may be getting less blunt

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Source: https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/hair/haircut-trends-summer-2026/