They say the grass is always greener… and that’s definitely true for 2022’s summer haircut trends. Where winter was about long layers, full, chunky curtain fringes and heavy bobs, this season is heavier on the pruning.
Lots of us are looking for a fresh-slate haircut that feels light, airy and ready for the sunshine, which is why some of our favourite classics have had a breezy twist. For instance, the fringe remains as popular as ever, but we’re seeing softer, more delicate renditions, with wispy bangs taking the lead.
Brave, bad-ass cuts are still on the menu if you’re ballsy enough for a radical statement chop. The Mixie, a hybrid between the mullet and a pixie, started off as an underground cool-girl cut, but it’s picked up fans and even won over TikTok. Hence you’ve probably already spotted it on your feed a bunch of times already. But since it’s a sliding scale you can go as soft or choppy as you like to dial the attitude up or down. Likewise shag haircuts are still reigning strong, but we've seen softer takes on the trend that offer up phwoar layers without leaving the ends looking limp.
One exception to the pruning rule? Rather than getting shorter, one of summer's biggest bob cuts has gained an inch or two, according to Adam Reed, UK Editorial Ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel, which is perfect if you want to grow your bob-length hair longer, or cut long hair shorter. The collarbone length bobs and lobs give versatility since they can be tied up and out the way when the weather comes through. But if you're itching to go shorter the cute but cool '90s crop bob may be more your vibe.
Here are the biggest summer haircut trends for 2022…
The mixie
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Hybrid hairstyles are a trend all on their own. It's why the bixie (or bob, meets pixie cut) is another trend to have on your radar. For something a little more alternative, though, the mixie hair cut is a really fun, edgy hair cut we’ll see coming through for summer. “It's a cross between the mullet and a pixie; short at the front, longer and choppier at the back,” says Adam. “The look is a renaissance of the wolf or shag retro hair cut which we’ve seen come through this year and this look is ideal for those looking to experiment with short hair. If you’re thinking of going for this look, the most important part is ensuring you have a thorough consultation with your stylist on how the look can work for you," Adam advises. “The beauty of the mixie is how versatile the look is for every hair type. You can make it smooth or funkier, you can have it tucked down or tuck the back bits away. With the mixie, you would initially go shorter at the top and longer at the back; however, I would keep it looking longer and softer to really bring out the versatility of the look.”
Birkin bangs
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We predicted wispy bangs would go big last year, and they're set to be everywhere for summer, thanks to offering a lighter more airy rendition. “Nail that effortlessly chic look by adding wispy bangs to your look,” says Adam. “This can add amazing softness and movement to all types of lengths. I always cut wispy bangs to eyebrow height then let them grow out naturally for that cool off duty look.” The idea is that they look a little see-through and can be swept to the side, or up into an updo, or left loose for a subtler statement.
Bye bye curtain bangs.
Choppy layers
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Layers are still a major trend, but they're getting shorter and choppier. “We’ll continue to see people embracing their natural texture this summer and I think with this, we’ll see a lot more layers being cut into the hair to perfectly personalise every individual,” says Adam. “Be it choppy layers to pop out when being styled, to shorter face-framing pieces that are almost like a longer curtain bang. These styles are beautiful on all hair textures and incredibly easy to maintain,” he says.
We've all had them at some point, but here's how to really the style.
Luxury lob
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It may seem counterintuitive to opt for a longer bob as the weather gets warmer, but it actually offers more styling options if you want to tie it up and off your face, so it's a smart and chic choice. “A long bob with layers is definitely a trend we will see this summer,” says Adam. “Layering the lob creates a new whole dimension to the hair which is extremely versatile when it comes to styling.” He's dubbed the cut the Luxury Lob. “Your stylist will blend layers into the hair seamlessly to eliminate any harsh choppiness for a more modern look,” Adam explains.
The soft shag
The shag shape sees layers feathered at the crown and sides of the hair to boost volume on top, but softer nods to the cut are a cool way to add attitude without going overboard. The trick is to ensure bottom layers keep their body and aren't thinned out too much. Plus intentional layers can bring out beautiful hair texture by lopping away some weight.
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Shag haircut inspiration for every hair type and length.
The '90s crop bob
A new spin on the boyband bobs that made us melt back in the '90s, the androgynous cut has had a cool revival. Cropped a little shorter than the average bob, with blunt ends and face-framing strands, we keep spotting it styled with a trad centre-parting of flicked casually to one side.
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The modern Rachel
And still on the theme of nineties nostalgia, Rachel Green's heavily layered chop is giving us major inspo for 2022. The cut works best on shoulder-length hair with lots of long layers and alongside giving body, the layers surround the face in a heart shape, framing it perfectly.
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For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
