The 4 Hottest Summer 2011 Hair Trends
Summer is in full swing. While the weather is beautiful, the humidity that comes with it often leaves most of us in a hairstyle rut. Ponytails and buns are cute, but can become repetitive, so read below for some summer hairstyle inspiration.
1. Braids
Braids are everywhere this season and for good reason – they work with any hair type or length, and are the perfect way to keep hair out of your face while participating in your favorite summer activities.
The latest braids trend is the fishtail style. The simplest explanation for a fishtail braid compared to a basic braid is that the hair is split into two sections instead of the traditional three sections. For tips, see this helpful tutorial: How to Fishtail Braid.
However, don’t limit yourself to just the fishtail style this summer; consider braiding along your hairline a la Lauren Conrad above (great when growing out your bangs) or try adding a few thin braids using pieces from the underneath section of your hair so they peek out and add interest to a low ponytail or bun.
2. Beachy Waves
Curls and waves are always in for summer because they are a great way to work with the natural texture of your hair. The whole point of this hairstyle is not to overdo it. All summer hairstyles are about simplicity and staying away from blow dryers and heat styling tools.
For starters, apply mousse and a salt spray to freshly washed hair. (I recommend Garnier Fructis’ Surf Hair and Herbal Essences’ Tousle Me Softly products.) Scrunch the hair with your hands and let it air-dry. If you don’t have the time – or patience – for air-drying, go ahead and blow dry, using a diffuser attachment.
For an in-depth guide with more tips for getting this style, see our post on how to create beachy waves.
3. Bright Highlights
Color is in this season! From hot pink lips to neon nail polish and the mermaid-red hair dye trend, bright colors have been everywhere recently.
Instead of taking the plunge with an all-over permanent hair color, try adding bright highlights or streaks of color to your tresses. (If you have dark hair, you may need to bleach your hair first before coloring – see this post for tips!) I suggest shades of blue, purple, pink, and red to achieve an eye-catching look.
To keep the look from being overwhelming, only dye a few strands that frame your face, choose to dye strands in the mid-to-lower layer of your hair, or just dye some of the ends of your hair, like Lauren Conrad did in the picture above.
If you’re going to try this trend, I recommend Manic Panic hair dyes because the colors are so bright and the products are animal-friendly.
4. Feathers + Flowers
Feathers are a new hair trend, while flowers are a classic hair accessory – and both are super hot for summer. While the feather hair trend will likely continue to be popular throughout the fall and winter, flowers are most appropriate during the summer, so take full advantage of this look while you can.
Loving the feather hair trend as seen on Selena Gomez? Inexpensive feather hair extensions can be found online, or you can pick up a headband with feathers at Forever 21.
If you want to try the flower look, flower hair accessories are also available at retail stores, but it’s so much easier to pick a fresh flower yourself. Flowers look adorable tucked behind your ear or placed in a side-bun.
What do you think?
What’s your go-to summer hairstyle? Have you tried any of these trends recently? And which one is your favorite? Would you be bold enough to dye your hair a bright color? We love to hear from you, so be sure to leave a comment!
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Posted on on July 12, 2011 / Filed Under: Beauty & Hair / Tags: Braids, Featured, Hair, Hairstyles, Lauren Conrad, lea michele, Marisa Miller, Selena Gomez
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Lizzy
I love beachy hair in the summer because it’s supposed to be messy so you don’t have to worry about it too much =)
Ash
I love all of these looks! I think my favorite is Lauren Conrad’s dip dyed ends, though. Not sure if I’d be bold enough to try it myself, but I love how it looks on her hair.
Casey - University of Cincinnati
@ Ash – I know what you mean about Lauren Conrad’s look. I love it, but I’m not sure if I could pull it off like her. I’m looking into some hair dyes that wash out really quickly in case it’s too much for me.
Adriana
the beach wave one is my fave, followed by braids. Personally, I like a casual, natural look in the summer…It’s too hot for blow drying and styling sometimes. Also a fan of loose buns and updo’s with lots of bobby pins. Highlights are always a great way to brighten hair during summer. What do you recommend for shorter hair styles?
Casey - University of Cincinnati
@ Adriana: I definitely think beachy waves work for short hair. I used to have hair that was just past my ears and whenever I’d wear it wavy I would either keep my bangs straight or pin back the front. A headband would work well too.
I did also find this video on Elle.com called a “5 minute bohemian updo” that was created by a girl with rather short hair. It’s really cute – I plan on trying it on my longer hair even.
Adriana
Thank you so much! That video was cute. That’s pretty much what I try to do to my hair everyday…pin it up in twisties. I made the mistake of cutting my hair really short right before summer and now I’m trying to grow it out. Any tips for making hair grow?? Or what to do during that awkward “in between” stage? Thanks!!
Maria
I absolutely love the feathers idea!! It’s something that I have not previously ever done but now I really want to try the look. I am definitely looking for some type of feather head accessory the next time I go shopping!
Thanks for the idea!
Cara
I am also at that awful ‘in-between’ stage of hair growth. I always end up just shoving it into pigtails or a pony tail and sooo want something interesting to do/a way of getting to the long hair stage instead!
Casey - University of Cincinnati
I”ll definitely look into trying to find tips for growing out hair for the two of you.
Also, what do you consider the “in-between” stage of hair growth? Any certain length or does it just depend on the person?
I think pigtails are are adorable, I definitely can get in a ponytail rut myself, especially during school. For ponytails I just try to mix up the texture of my hair. You can do a sleek ponytail that is either low or high. Try adding volume to your crown before you pull it back for another look. Or do a low side ponytail with some curls. Or even sleek hair pulled back up high with the hair in the ponytail really messy & wild.
You can change the look by how you part your hair too. A deep side part with a sleek ponytail can be really pretty. Or even try putting it in a classic bun.
Let me know if that helps!
Adriana
@Cara – I can totally relate…just feels like my hair will not grow fast enough! Mine is too short for pony/pig tails, so I resort to pins
@Casey – Thanks for the tips! I wish I could do any of those, but my hair is still too short. The “in between” length for me is in between chin and shoulders. That’s pretty much where my hair is now and I want it to be long again! It is also quite choppy in the back, so there are lots of layers to work with The front is about chin length (no bangs). I really like the wavy, natural look, but my hair is pretty straight (and on the thicker side), so it’s hard to pull off…any advice??
Maria L.
Ugh im trying to grow my hair out too and it is such a pain! I think it depends on the person, right now my hair just hits my shoulders and since I have curly hair and don’t want layers i have this awful triangle shape happening because my hair isn’t heavy enough yet for gravity to help me out. Tips would be great!
Elizabeth - University of Missouri
I am seriously considering trying out that LC look- does anyone have a picture of how it looked from the front??
Alyssa Pritchett
I adore the effortless style of braids especially Lauren’s. Summer is all about being easygoing and carefree and I feel braids fit the part to a T.
Casey - University of Cincinnati
@ Elizabeth.. That’s the only picture I could find of the LC look– I’m hoping Perez Hilton or some celeb blog will have a picture of her from the front. It’s soo pretty
Danielle
All of these are adorable! The feathers, though, I think look best when they blend in fairly well with someone’s hair color.
Casey - University of Cincinnati
@ Adriana – maybe try some pomade or shaping balm (short sexy hair makes some called “quick change”) for different textures and to bring out the choppy layers. I remember some girl I had a class with had pretty short hair but she always used a lot of volume with the choppy layers and would keep the front sleek & pulled back with a headband.
I actually think your hair sounds really pretty. You could also do some online searching of what celebs are doing with bob & lob (long-bob) hairstyles for inspiration.
Melissa
I’m trying to grow my hair out as well! It’s just a little past shoulder length now – I so miss my long hair! I’m trying to grow it out to match LC! It’s strange there aren’t any other pictures of her highlighted hair
Adriana
I’ll definitely try the shaping balm while my hair grows out. I use healthy sexy hair mousse right now when I want to bring out the layers. I’m thinking of putting in more highlights, too…just hope it grows quickly!
Casey - University of Cincinnati
I found an article with tips for growing out hair. I just submitted it for Hautelinks so make sure to check it out this week. Should be up by Thursday I believe :)
Ashley
Check out thebeautydepartment.com (lc’s awesome website) to get info on how to do her bright colored tips.
Jordan
Ah! those highlights are so cute- I’m for sure doing that. And I’ve always wanted to try the feather look its aborable but I think I’d just look dumb- do you have any tips so its more subtle. OOhh your wave tips a good! :)
haruogagawa
Omg! Selena has the same hair extension as me X)
Aly W
I really wish you’d stop promoting the feathered hair extensions… although they’re cute, the feathers come from roosters and they have to kill the roosters to get the feathers. Lots of girls don’t know that, and I don’t think hurting animals in the name of beauty/fashion is okay. :P
Casey - University of Cincinnati
@ Aly W: That’s an interesting point. I don’t think anyone at College Fashion or myself would want to promote the use of fur, leather, feathers or anything that is harmful to animals.
I’ll look into the link that was provided for feather hair extensions to see where they are getting the feathers from, but I would definitely have to say I’m only for either faux feather extensions or ones that are made through a harmless process.
@Jordan you can definitely find feather extensions that are close to your natural shade and place them under the top layer of your hair so that they aren’t as obvious.
Bianca
I want to get feathers in my hair but I don’t know how they would work with my almost waist length curly hair. I was thinking of getting some at the edge of my hair -like in the layer right next to my bangs – because the hair there is generally just kind of wavy. Has anyone else with curly hair gotten the feather extensions?
kelly
hii :) ive got curly hair which is usually a hige prob , expecially since it frizzes out in summer , i nearly never find any arcticles about curly hair , i love this website so could you please try and do one , on summerish hairstyles or things that might be helpful for us curly haired girls :) thankyou
xoxo
Lou
As a girlfriend of a fly fishermen, these roosters are already being killed for fly fishing purposes. However, since so many people are doing it now that it’s ‘trendy’, they are killing so many more roosters each week so that they can meed the high demand…. and leaving fly fisherman basically cut and dry because boutiques are buying them for a MUCH higher price and in huge quantities than the norm.
They have to come from the roosters if you want to have it where they can be curled, blow-dryed, etc without harm. Unless you use clip on completely fake ones, you’re going to be putting something in your hair that came from a rooster that was specifically slaughtered for its feathers.
I love trends as much as anyone, but just think twice if it’s really worth it.
Samantha
I think the bright highlights are cool, but Lea Michele’s hair looks like a mess and the feather trend seems a little pointless to me. You can barely even see the feathers.
Casey - University of Cincinnati
Hey All,
I definitely take all comments into consideration. So I searched online for synthetic & vegan friendly feather hair extensions. It looks like you can find some online at Etsy.com.
And here’s two other links that appear to offer synthetic feather extensions though I’m sure it’s necessary to pay attention to individual items offered:
http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/synthetic-feather-hair-extension.html
http://www.veganhealth.com/?keyword=hair-extensions&node=206&rt=3&pageNum=1&rattr=hairpieces_and_wigs-price_range_0_10-store_ebay_4134392&mattr=&show=10&sort=
I guess I wrongly assumed that most feathers were synthetic to begin with or that it wasn’t harmful to the birds to pluck them. Thank you for sharing- I definitely learned something.
Casey - University of Cincinnati
@ Maria L and Kelly– I will definitely try to come up with an article for curly hair! My hair’s naturally curly so I’ve got some experience.
Cortney
As echoed by others, I’m in the horrible in-between stage right now too. Only problem is I’m growing out an a-line bob, so the back is really short while the front is long! I can’t wait for it to all grow…
I love the braids and beachy waves for summer. I definitely need some salt spray…
Katy
I love LC’s dye job, as opposed to a lot of celebs I see promoted with dyed streaks, where it looks really faded and gross. With her, at least it’s got a Lady Lovelylocks vibe. I used to dye my hair a lot, and it fades really fast, especially blue, so I’m just done with it, though I will always appreciate it in others.
There is NO way I would put on feather extensions.
Jane
I recently high lighted and damaged my hair. It’s really long. Is there any way I can save it?
beckysmith
I love the feathers idea! It’s something that I have not previously ever done but now I really want to try that look. I am looking for some type of feather head accessory, the next time I go shopping..
steffie
I like a casual, natural look in the summer…It’s too hot for blow drying and styling sometimes. Highlights are always a great way to brighten hair during summer.
Leslie
I love the feathers… I just made an appointment here in Austin, Texas to get them today haha. I think they look so chic and adds a nice bit a color to my dark hair.
Paige Keller
dyed my hair like LC’s – everyone LOVES it…including myself. I have been a blonde my whole life and have never done anything like this…. deff not regretting anything.
lacewigs
Thanks for your good post.
Braid is my choice in this summer.I think it is very beautiful.
Jocelyn
My hair is cut into a pixie and I love it- until I saw the feather extensions. I bought feather earrings but it’s not the same.
So jealous.
Nina
i am going dye my hair..like the last picture, something like that… :-)
Casey
@Nina: Awesome! Several of my friends have been considering the Lauren Conrad look. Let me know how it goes and if you have any advice on the dying procedure. I’m thinking of trying it myself in the fall as part of a back-to-school look.
Andrea
Feathers and beach waves are amazing! I hate braids though, they are not amazing.
Séarlait
Dip dyeing hair is very big in England at the moment! You should maybe do an article on that? What colour complements your hair colour eg. Pink and blue for Blonde hair, blonde for brown hair and purple for black/dark hair. Would be good!