Hot weather hair goals? We’ve got you covered
Moodboards at the ready: no matter what’s on your summer bucket list this year, we’ve got the hair inspo for you. From the clean girl sleek bun to mermaid waves, show your locks some love with our ultimate guide to trending summer haircare.
Read on to discover the most popular summer hairstyles – plus, our fave treats for your tresses…
Slick-back hair
A staple of the clean girl aesthetic, slick-back hairstyles are the perfect way to elevate any look while keeping your hair out of your face. Plus, they’re perfect for pre-hair wash days, since the slicked-back locks help hide any greasiness.
Whether you opt for a slick-back bun or half up half down, simply comb through your hair, making sure to brush out any knots or bumps. If you’re struggling to smooth your locks, you could try applying a pomade or hair gel.
Once your hair is slicked back, simply tie your hair into a tight ponytail. For a bun, twist your ponytail around itself, securing the bun with another hair tie.
Mermaid waves
Put a 2025 spin on the 00s crimped hair with this perfect-for-summer look. Unlike the classic loose curl, mermaid waves look more effortless – and, while they’re great for the beach, they’d also be a fab accessory for summer festivals and more.
Ready to take inspo from the fashionistas of the sea?
Best for: Even waves
Try: Mark Hill Pick N Mix Handle & Mermaid Waver Bundle
• Includes Pick N Mix Handle & Mermaid Waver Barrel
After applying your fave heat protection, clamp your hair inside the barrel, starting from the root, and hold for a few seconds. Continue the process down the length of that section, before repeating on the rest of your head.
Best for: Heatless waves
Try: Boots Mini Fabric Ponybands
• Mixed colours
• Pack of 50
If you’re looking for a heat-free alternative, you can try overnight mermaid waves. To do this, French braid your hair, before securing the end with a ponyband. For tighter mermaid curls, section hair into two or more pieces, before French braiding these separately.
Best for: Your finishing touches
Try: Umberto Giannini Boho Beach Waves Coconut Oil Texture Spray
• Size: 200ml
• Light coconut scent
Umberto Giannini’s texture spray creates the beachy texture of your dreams – without the sea water salt (your hairdresser will thank you!) Spray to dry hair, scrunching into your locks to make hair look effortlessly tousled.
Claw clips
Who doesn’t love a claw clip? A cute alternative to a hair tie, claw clips are the perfect way to accessorise your look – especially in the summer months when you want your hair out of your face.
Whether you want to take your slick-back bun to the next level, or accessorise your half up half down, claw clips are a must-have hair accessory. No matter your vibe, there’s one for every outfit, from flower claw clips to holographic styles.
Our life hack? Check out the hair clips in the kids section for some extra cuteness – these mini flower hair clips are perfect for an early 00s vibe!
Half up half down hairstyles
A tried-and-true favourite, you can never go wrong with a half up half down.
Slick-back half up half down
Combine two trends with this sleek half up half down.
Section the top half of your hair, carefully smoothing into a half-ponytail at the back of your head using a comb.
Our top tip? For extra shine, spritz some hairspray into the top section before tying it into a half-pony, combing through before the hairspray dries.
Boho half up half down
Boho and cowboy-inspired looks are taking over fashion this summer, and this messy half up half down is a super stylish way to complete your look. Plus, this style works perfectly with thick hair or natural curls.
Loosely gather the top half of your hair, combing through with your fingers. Then, use a hair tie to secure your hair into a half-ponytail. Use your fingers to carefully loosen the half-ponytail, before tightening again. While this sounds a little silly, doing this helps to add volume to the half-ponytail, while giving your hair a messier, boho look.
Want to take this look even further? Before making your half-ponytail, get a front section from each side of your head, plaiting these separately. Then, gather these with the rest of the hair for your half-ponytail.
Hair products to beat the heat
Jetting away this summer? Look after your hair during hot weather with these top picks.
Best for: Fighting frizz & protecting from heat
Try: OUAI Hair Oil – St. Barts
• Size: 45ml
• Notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose & musk
Meet your one-OUAI ticket to healthy-looking hair. Alongside reducing frizz, this hair oil can protect hair against up to 232°C – plus, the tropical St. Barts scent is perfect for evoking holiday vibes from home. You can even get a matching hair and body mist, too!
Best for: Nourishing locks
Try: Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
• Size: 150ml
Get Sabrina Carpenter-level locks with Redken’s professional bond repair range. This leave-in treatment works to intensely condition and help reduce hair breakage, making hair look and feel healthier. It’s a fab way to nourish hair after a long day in the sun.
From sleek buns to half up half down, our picks of trending hairstyles are sure to make your hair the talk of the party – or the pool, or the beach, or whatever you’re up to this summer! And, if you’re looking for more haircare inspo, discover our low-down on healthy hair, plus our tips for looking after textured hair.
