The Best Summer Hair Trends Frame Your Face in 2021

Curtain bangs may be the hair trend that defines the decade. This fringe has proved it is here to stay. “Curtain bangs are a fantastic way to reinvent yourself without cutting your hair off ,” says Redken Brand Ambassador Rodney Cutler. Mark Townsend, Dove hair stylist, agrees, calling the trend the most versatile form of bangs. Townsend says an easy way to style this trend is by pairing curtain bangs with a messy topknot, as seen on Elizabeth Olsen.

According to Townsend, a “grown-out shag” is a more wearable version of the hyper-edgy mullet trend that stars like Miley Cyrus and Rihanna have been spotted sporting. “So many of trends we’re seeing right now are inspired by late ’60s, early ’70s,” says Townsend. On TikTok, many creators are turning this cut into Farrah Fawcett-esque styles with hair like this — but it’s also easy to wear in loose waves, like Priyanka Chopra.

This looks combines trends from both the ’70s and ’80s for a voluminous take on the shag cut. Perfect for anyone with curly hair, this style keeps curls the star of the show by cutting tons of layers and full bangs. Tracee Ellis Ross effortlessly rocks a curly shag.

SHOP CURL CREAM

“We’re finally embracing reds in the hair,” says Townsend. After many years of icy blondes and ashy brunette, many people are starting to embrace warmer tones again. Townsend’s favorite take on the red hair craze that’s sweeping the summer? Auburn, a reddish brown hue that looks good on everyone. SZA shows just how wearable the color is.

Curtain bangs aren’t the only type of fringe you’ll be seeing this summer. Full, forehead-grazing bangs like Dakota Johnson’s will also be all the rage. Not only do they look flattering on everyone, “bangs are an instant hairstyle,” says Townsend. “You can spend 5 to 10 minutes on your bangs and you have a complete hairstyle.” The secret to wearing full bangs even in the dead heat? Plenty of dry shampoo to prevent oil, says Townsend.

SHOP DRY SHAMPOO

While ultra-cropped styles come to mind when you think of a pixie cut, the modern take on this hairstyle can be anything you want it to be. “The pixie right now comes in all shapes and sizes,” says Cutler. “It’s about exposing and bringing out your features.” Take Selma Blair’s hair for example — adding the bang trend to a pixie can elevate your features.

This take on the bob haircut is as simple as it gets — think minimal layers and no angling like an A-line bob would have, like Kristen Bell. This style works best on finer hair, as it may end up looking too triangular on thick hair. This is an easy style to add bangs to for some extra dimension.

One trend from 2020 has staying power — bright colors will continue to reign in the summer of 2021. Kaia Gerber’s pink ombré is an easy way to try out the trend, but you can also try more daring experimental colors, like baby blue or jewel-toned emerald.

Chunky highlights are back — but don’t worry, they’re not the clunky streaks of the early 2000s. Cutler says that money piece highlights will continue to trend the summer, calling them a “luxurious, rich pop of color here and there.” If that doesn’t convince you, maybe Beyoncé’s honey-toned money piece highlights will.

Want a fun, daring take on a classic? Try an asymmetric bob like Taraji P. Henson. Keep the lengths different on either side for cool dimension and texture. Bonus if you try a rich maroon hair color, like Henson.