From the Riviera bob to golden hour blonde, five summer hair trends for a new season refresh

With sunnier months now in full swing, the perfect opportunity for a sophisticated summer hair transformation has arrived. This year, we’re taking cues from star-studded red carpets and exclusive summer events, embracing the season’s most coveted hair trends, from sun-kissed hues to timeless vintage styles. Whether you're seeking a fresh colour glaze, or want an elegant yet elevated crop to simplify your everyday routine, these are the very best tones and trims to redefine your signature style for summer 2025.

Leading our summer hair forecast is expert hairdresser Tom Smith, who is renowned for spearheading numerous colour and cut trends, from sunflower blonde to the tucked bob. Read on for his curated selection of the top five summer hair trends to embrace now...

5 of the best summer hair trends

The Riviera bob

Bobs have long been one of summer’s most sought-after hairstyles; they’re chic, flattering, and effortlessly stylish. This season’s must-have cut? The voluminous Riviera bob, a sophisticated evolution of the iconic Italian bob.

'Ideal to thicken and enhance finer or thinning hair types, this year's update on the Italian bob combines a volume-enhancing bob shape with subtle thickening layers that add movement in a carefree yet luxurious looking way,' explains Smith. 'Hair tends to be finer around the face, so the gentle shaping that characterises this cut lends itself well to making the hair look healthier and fuller.'
 

Consult your stylist for a bob that sits just below the chin, with the option to extend down to graze the very top of your shoulders, depending on your face shape.

'Style with the larger attachments on your Dyson Airwrap or use a large ceramic round brush for blow-drying,' Smith suggests. 'Once you've finished drying, ruffle your hair with cold air and allow it to settle into place for an effortlessly glamorous look. Finish with a light texture spray like Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Hair Mist.'

The Stepford set

Glamour is non-negotiable for red carpet hair this year, with a vintage pin-curl aesthetic gradually making its way into the mainstream. The result? The Stepford set.

'The absolute height of glamour, this style offers XXL volume, lift and poise,' says Smith. 'It's perfect for those who like a perfectly coiffed ‘do, as it shows off shine and gloss in the hair too.'

As you might expect, consulting a stylist for this look is essential, especially if you're planning to wear it for a special occasion. 'They should use a pin curl set or rollers to set your bouncy blow-dry in place,' he says. 'Alternatively, a curling iron will work. Brush through and allow the hair to settle; you’ll need plenty of hair spray to keep things in place.

'Smith advises that a side parting works best for this look, as it aids root lift and volume. 'Consider subtle asymmetry like tucking one side behind the ear to modernise the look.'
 

Golden hour blonde

Opting for a blonde colour in summer might feel clichéd, but a gilded tone is essential for enhancing that radiant post-holiday glow.

'Golden tones are known for lifting the complexion and offer intense shine and glossiness on even the most dehydrated hair,' says Smith. 'An intentionally golden deep blonde looks very different to the yellow or brassy tones we’re all trying to avoid.'
 

To achieve the look, ask your stylist to add a golden gloss at the end of your usual blonding appointment, he says. Remember, sharing specific images of your preferred tones with your stylist will ensure a more precise and accurate finish.

'Consider a golden or caramel toned conditioner to use at home to keep things topped up between salon visits,' he adds.

Muted auburn

Though copper hair may seem like a bold choice for mature hair types, Smith emphasises its numerous flattering benefits, particularly for disguising formerly grey strands.

'If you’ve found your hair colour has gotten darker and darker with an increase in frequency of salon visits (which can be a risk when seeking to cover an increase in grey hair), this is a great option to help you transition to a softer, richer and warmer option that warms and lifts the complexion,' he explains. 'Very dark hair can be quite harsh against the skin unless you know high contrast beauty looks work best for you, and muted auburn is an almost universally flattering shade for those who are more used to the deeper end of the hair colour spectrum.'

He also advises asking your colourist for a copper toned light brunette, with plenty of natural and earthy brunette undertones and soft golden copper top notes. 'This hair oozes health and vitality and it sure to add glow and energy to your look and feel,' notes Smith.

Mocha bronde

For fans of Kate Middleton's signature brunette, this lighter alternative is perfectly tailored for summer.

'Bronde hair has some of the highest online interest at the moment, so it makes sense its getting some of the pantone colour of the year treatment with this mocha moment,' Smith says. 'Interestingly mocha bronde tones are far more neutral in tone than the caramel chestnut and toffee tones we’ve been seeing for the last two years.'

'Ask your stylist to keep warm golden or chestnut tones at bay, instead opting for cool mushroom earthy tones which will flatter those who tend to have amore pink undertone to their complexion,' he advises. 'These shades tend to fade warmer over time and the use of a violet or blue shampoo (very infrequently) can be a good way of keeping things in theneutral/cool territory that this shade requires.'

All images: Getty Images

This article originally appeared on Harper'sBazaar.com


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