What’s hot in hair right now? “The big summer trend is embracing texture and imperfection,” says Kristin Booker, TODAY.com contributor and editor of Fashion.Style.Beauty. “From pixies to lobs, tousled texture is where it at — unless you just want to get your hair out of your way, in which case there are braids galore that can add instant chic relief in the summer heat!”
The best part about the latest looks? These ‘dos only look better as the humidity rises, so you don’t have to fuss over frizz or worry about fly-aways while you're enjoying a rooftop bar or dancing at that late August wedding.
The sideswept bob
Jennifer Lawrence has worked her much-copied bob every which way, from slicked back to pinned up. Our favorite iteration? This touchable, sideswept style, which reminds us of a modern-day flapper. Drag a 1-inch barrel curling iron through small sections to achieve the same tousled, piecey effect.
Bonus: “This is an ideal style if you’re growing out your hair,” says Booker. “You can blend things like growing bangs and uneven lengths and no one will know.”
The braided crown
Many of Katy Perry’s hairstyles require a team of stylists, and maybe even some scaffolding. Not this ethereally edgy style: It’s simply a length of golden tinsel woven through milkmaid braids.
The super-loose side braid
The key to this summer’s hottest braid, as worn by Vanessa Hudgens? A decided lack of concentration. Simply sweep clean hair over to one side, mist with firm-hold hairspray and start braiding below the jawline, repeating the braid only three to four times and leaving a long tail. Add extensions if you want more fullness, and cover your elastic with a small section of hair for a sweet finish.
The wavy lob
Kristen Bell’s summery style combines a blunt, one-layer cut with beachy waves — a perfect balance of hard and soft that flatters all face shapes. To get the look, work mousse through towel-dried hair and make a strong center part. Rough-dry hair using hands only, then grab a clampless curling iron to create loose waves starting at eye level, curling away from your face. Tip: Curled-under ends ruin the look, so make yours stay straight.
The tousled pixie
Summer’s freshest shorn styles do have a hair out of place, like Audrey Tatou’s windswept pixie. Get the look by sweeping your bangs to one side and raking on a touch of pomade.
Messy bombshell waves
Blake Lively proves that the sexiest hairstyles have a little imperfection — in this case, a messy part and haphazard mix of curls and waves. Starting with second-day hair, work dry shampoo through the roots for grip and volume and use a wide-barrel curling iron allover hair. Use fingers to make a messy off-center party and twirl smaller sections to break up the curls. Mist with firm-hold hairspray.
The headband updo
During a heatwave, upswept hair can keep you feeling (and looking) cool. Just ask Eva Mendes, who likes to accent hers with a variety of headbands, headscarfs and turbans. To recreate this retro look, work dry shampoo through roots and brush bangs forward. Sweep hair back into a high, messy bun, then slip on a stretchy, embellishment-free headband.
The wispy topknot
The perfect topper for Kate Hudson’s hot-weather couture? A decidedly non-fussy topknot. D.I.Y. it by misting hair with texturizing spray and pulling into a smooth high ponytail; secure with elastic. Pull the ponytail up through the elastic to create a small “bump,” then coil leftover hair and pin in place. Don’t worry if it’s a bit of center — that’s part of the charm! Pull down a few wispy side sections to finish.
The messy braid
Lea Michele has master the rumpled, just-rolled-out-of-bed braid. Starting with shiny, clean hair (dirty + messy = disaster), plait a classic braid over one shoulder. Next, pull out wisps and pieces all along the length of the braid.
The next-day blowout
When swimsuit icons like Chrissy Teigen are lining up to take inches off their long hair, you know mid-length cuts have fully arrived. To keep the length looking sexy rather than stern, blow-dry before bed for a slightly mussed finish.
The braided bun
Another proponent of adding texture to evening hair? Taylor Swift, who switched out her trademark long hair and bangs in favor of this intricate bun. Prep hair with dry shampoo and texturizing spray for grip and a subtle matte finish, create an off-center part and make two French braids, one thicker than the other. Coil braids around each other, using plenty of pins to secure. Avoid the temptation to smooth down the style — a little frizz is part of the look!