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Spring is in the air, and with the change of season, this may be a good time to get a new haircut. Here are some of the strongest hair trends you will see this Spring/Summer, with styling suggestions and expert instructions for keeping it healthy.
I met Johan Hellström, CEO of Björn Axén, in London's Soho to discuss the latest summer trends. Johan had just returned from styling the hair for some of the couture shows at Paris Fashion Week.
I first asked him about his personal journey, and he told me that he began his hairdressing career in 1984 as an apprentice at Björn Axén's salon in Stockholm, the same year Björn was awarded the Royal warrant to The Court of Sweden. But when he had finished his training, Johan left to pursue a career as a musical dancer. Eight years later, after performing in The Phantom of the Opera, he decided to go back into hairdressing and was planning to open his own hair salon. That same summer, however, in 1993, Björn Axén was found dead at his home, aged 55. A week later, his lawyer called Johan and asked him if he was sitting down. "Are you aware that you are the sole universal inheritor of Björn Axén's life achievements?" she said. Johan was 27 when he inherited the business, something Björn had never told him about. It was a huge gamble, but Johan rose to the challenge. Today, as it was then, the brand is known for its heritage. It is respected for combining tradition with a contemporary aesthetic and for keeping a fresh, modern take on traditional styling. "We come from craftsmanship," says Johan.
We talk about how one of the strongest trends gracing the red carpet at the Golden Globes, and more recently at the Oscars, is the Hollywood wave. "The mise en plis is back, where you put the hair in rollers to create the perfect waves," explains Johan. "What a big trend. Think Marylin, Madonna, but now". We're also seeing big volume in the way hair is styled. Of course, this style requires some prepping, such as using rollers to set the shape, and if you're dying your hair, the colors used for this look are solid, leaning towards warm red and orange shades.
Daisy Evans, lead of Lush hair & hairlab, confirmed this and told me that waves will also be seen in a less formal setting. She explained that the wave of shags, mullets, and wolf haircuts has given people the confidence to embrace their own natural texture, and that confidence is growing. Daisy predicts that this summer we'll see a softer, more romantic take -- longer lengths, airy layers, and movement that feels effortless and whimsical. "It's about working with your hair, not against it," she says.
The perfect ponytail, tight and impeccable, is another example of a style that adheres to the glamour evoked by the classic Hollywood era that Johan Hellström pointed out. It also embraces the essence of the look. Much of this was seen in the 1990s, a decade that is making a comeback in the fashion and beauty worlds and is returning in hairdressing
The short bob, a haircut in which the hair length typically aligns with the jawline, is making a comeback. This chic style is often associated with French cinema (think Jeanne Moreau in The Bride Wore Black, 1968 and Audrey Tautou in Amélie, 2001). "Most people don't have much time," says Johan, "and this is low-maintenance." It's short enough to feel cool, making it a great choice for summer. Variations on this style can include a fringe or a side parting, and it will suit most face shapes as it can help define one's bone structure.
I contacted celebrity hairdresser James Lear, who told me over email that the short bob is the ultimate summer haircut and that over the past couple of years, different micro trends have evolved within the short bob category, including the French bob, the Italian bob and the Scandinavian bob. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Kiera Knightley, Zendaya, Cate Blanchett and Selena Gomez have recently showcased various bob styles, adding their unique style to the classic cut.
"Chic and lightweight, effortlessly cool on summer days -- whether you go for a sleek, polished finish or a more tousled, beachy vibe. Plus, it works with many face shapes and hair textures, making it a go-to for a fresh, modern summer look. Low-maintenance yet super trendy!" he added.
Framing your face is another excellent style we will see this summer, particularly the traditional long fringe in the style of the iconic Jane Birkin. "It has a romantic and carefree feel, also a robust trend," says Johan Hellström. Her long bangs softly frame the face, adding a feminine dimension to the otherwise one-length style. This is a great option if you have long hair and want to keep your length but want a change.
And as James Lear explains, it provides instant elegance with a touch of vintage cool. Adding layers can also add body and movement to your long hair, making your daily haircut more interesting and versatile.
Two-tiered cuts are another strong look you'll be spotting in 2025. This option will suit those who are adventurous and looking to make a statement. Examples include the jellyfish cut, where there is a solid 'bob' with longer strands at the bottom. Johan Hellström tells me that you see this amongst younger generations, sometimes displaying three-tiered layers, very short fringes and intense colors.
James Lear agrees that the jellyfish haircut is a bold and edgy take on summer hair and tells me that with its layered, structured shape, it's a perfect mix of futuristic cool and playful movement -- ideal for those who want to make a statement this season. "Think Miley Cyrus at the 2025 Grammys. Plus, the versatility of the style means you can keep it sleek or add texture for a more effortless, beachy vibe. Definitely a fresh and artistic choice for summer!" he adds.
Beach hair is also predicted to be big this summer. This carefree, slightly sun-kissed, natural-looking style may be layered to achieve added movement. Small braids also fit this category and can add an interesting texture to a low-maintenance look. "They are almost like hair but become a different texture," says Johan. The wet look is also very popular, and many styling gels and sprays can help you achieve it, including Björn Axén's Salt Water Spray.
To avoid frizzy waves, hydrating your hair regularly will give you the best results. I spoke to Nate Bigger, the founder and CEO of MONPURE, who explained that hydration is essential for preventing frizz and maintaining healthy hair year-round. "One of the key causes of frizz is high hair porosity, often due to damaged cuticles that become open and exposed, allowing vital moisture to escape," he said. This leads to dry, brittle strands that are more prone to frizz, so using products designed to restore damaged hair, lock in hydration, and seal the cuticles is advantageous -- such as their Ceramide Complex Bond Repair range.
Regarding hair color, this style suits darker blonds and light brunettes, hues that are taking over from lighter highlights, adding depth and richness to the tresses. Deep shades of red are also very much in vogue. Johan explains that we are moving towards warmer tones, which are easier to maintain because they look great if they are naturally bleached by sunlight.
When I spoke to Daisy Evans about barbering, she told me this follows the same shift. "We're stepping away from the traditional short back and sides and leaning into longer silhouettes inspired by the '70s, '80s and '90s," she said. "Think cool, undone, and full of personality."
She also told me that it's not just about the style and that more people choose haircare products that align with their personal values, such as natural ingredients, minimal waste, and ethical sourcing.
Fun in the sun, sea, and chlorine wick away moisture from the hair and scalp, so it's all about restoring moisture levels and avoiding excess heat. Many products can keep your hair and scalp healthy, and Johan Hellström tells me that it's essential to incorporate these into your weekly hair routine.
"My advice would be," says Daisy, "to give heat styling a holiday -- summer is the perfect excuse to ditch the straighteners and let your natural texture shine. A good cut and the right products will do all the work for you."
James Lear agrees and adds that great products are essential, including supplements such as Hairbust's Advanced+ Formula, which can help protect against UV and heat damage. He suggests taking them if you want to nourish yourself from within.
Having healthy hair will ensure that whichever look you go for looks fantastic on you this summer.