Summer 2024's Haircut Trends Include Short Bobs, Long Bangs, and Lots of Volume (2024)

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Bob Supremacy

Yes, bobs are still in. And the way things are going, you'll probably be seeing them through the fall and beyond. But do you know why they're so popular?

"As we have unfortunately learned, Covid has caused hair loss for many of us. I would say 90% of my clientele has experienced some degree of shedding post Covid infection," says stylist Jenda Alcorn, who recently gave Elle Fanning a very chic bob. "This bob trend feels very inspired by women wanting their hair to feel full and healthy again. Starting fresh feels like the all-around theme."

Adam Livermore, a hairstylist and global educator for Oribe, adds that bobs are a great palate cleanser; you can eliminate a lot of layers on a solid line.

"It’s kind of minimalist, and it’s great worn in a natural texture if there’s any wave there," he shares. "Chris McMillan recently cut Gigi’s hair off, and I love how it kicks out on the ends. It’s got a nice little wave to it and it looks great, but it's still very versatile."

As for summer 2024-specific bobs? Celebrity hairstylist Dana Boyer is personally loving a cropped moment that hits around the lip and (here's the big trend, if you haven't caught on) keeps some of the wearer's natural texture in motion.

Soft Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs aren't going anywhere anytime soon—they're just so flattering and easy. "The most popular bang right now is the soft curtain bangs around the eye to cheek bone level," says Cable.

"I would say the curtain bang is still having its moment, but for summer it’s a longer, more grown-out look," Alcorn adds.

The Sophisticated Mid-Length

Fluffy and forward-flowing, hairstylist and cutting specialist Jess Palombo says that anyone with medium-long hair should try out a Sophisticated Mid-Length cut, summer 2024's take on the lob. With clean ends and thoughtful face framing, it's wispy and flirty while still allowing for a ponytail if the summer heat gets... too hot.

"My coworker and I went to dinner, and we were like... what are we calling the lob? I feel like the lob has been around for years, and we need a name for this version," she says. "Sophisticated Mid-Length is going to be for your corporate girlies, but also what all the influencers are doing with that really heavy, cute curtain bang. You can dress it up, dress it down. It's your hit-it-all style."

Elfin Fringe

When it comes to bangs, Boyers and her fellow experts are still seeing a lot of curtains. However! "I think that we’ll start seeing these shorten a bit to almost give the appearance of a straight across fringe, but still with movement and texture," shares the hairstylist.

If you want to go with even more movement, I love the "elfin" look coined by stylist Jayne Matthews. Worn well above the brows and a little choppy (both ingredients for great grow-out styles), it's giving summer flower fairy.

Butterfly Haircut

Coined by hairstylistSunnie Brook, the butterfly haircut features both face-framing and long layers. With the short, choppy sections partitioned around the face, you get length, volume, and movement. Three words Palombo uses to describe the style? "Layered, sexy, and long."

"It's really accessible long hair, broken up to create that sexy volume that we all want," she shares, noting that at the end of a butterfly haircut she often throws her client's hair up in a claw clip so she can customize the face-framing strands to the their exact taste. "The butterfly haircut is period-ed for that look; you can wear it down, but when you throw it up it's not a mess. It's cute."

'90s Layers

We're still loving volume when it comes to styling, and this summer is going to be all about the round brush.

"I’m so happy to see your '90s classic blowouts with lots of volume and bounce," says Palombo, whose go-to for styling is a YS PARK round brush. "Boar bristle gives the best tension for that fluffy, beveled look. The ceramic you can get away with, but sometimes I think it heats up too quickly and can burn your forehead! I also see nothing wrong with a round brush blowdryer. And then you get to wake up with the memory of the round brush and rock it for day-two hair."

Another tip? "Styling your bangs with a round brush away from the face will give you the perfect crescent shape falling off the tips of your cheekbones."

Frizz-Forward

Palombo says that you should probably dig out your sea salt spray: "It seems to be that air-dried waves, texture, and frizz are making a comeback."

"I think the trend for summer is more natural and effortless hair, with people embracing natural textures and putting away those curling irons," Alcorn adds. "The curling iron-forward beachy wave look has been going strong for years and I think people are wanting a less overly styled look and leaning into relaxed, beautiful hair."

Livermore also notes that the humidity of summer makes it a perfect time to enjoy your natural texture. "With the right product regimen, curls and waves look great. I like Oribe Curl Gloss ($42) for just about any texture that has some wave. It seals the cuticle against humidity, makes hair shiny, and gives nice definition and medium hold. It’s perfect."

The Modern Shag

"A shag is great if you’ve got long length and you don’t want to lose it, but you want a change," says Livermore. "We can play with bangs, all kinds of layers. You can do it very soft with plenty of strength in the bottom, or take a bolder approach with lots of shaggy layers up top."

The best part? It looks good when you put it up and "gives instant style to a basic ponytail or bun"—a perfect choice for sweltering summer days.