Looking to revamp your summer style? A fresh haircut could be just what you need. We tapped into the expertise of celebrity hairstylists and haircare gurus to learn more about six trendy, volume-enhancing haircuts and styles that are perfect for the sunny season. These looks are not only low-maintenance for those over 40 but also radiate an air of effortless chic.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Rodrigo Galvao, professional hair stylist at Gem House in Brooklyn, NY, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports, Davis Feliz, owner and creative director at Davis Feliz Salon and Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago.
6 Chic Volume-Boosting Haircuts & Styles To Try This Summer
1. Asymmetrical Bob
A textured asymmetrical bob (as seen here on Rosamund Pike) can flatter multiple hair textures and types, and it is a "terrific choice" for "anyone facing thinning hair" this summer. Rivera explains that this is because it’s a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says.
"Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal." When it comes to styling, Rivera notes that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well."
2. Long, Feathery, Face Framing Layers
"Longer side bangs" and "face framing pieces" a la Jennifer Aniston can "also result in a more radiant appearance by drawing the eye to the appealing facial features," Rivera explains. "In general, this provides for a fresher and more youthful look."
If you want to keep your hair longer and go for an anti-aging effect as the weather gets warmer, Rivera says it is imperative to add layers and/or or face-framing pieces to avoid looking "weighed down" and dull. She points out that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture by "adding subtle layers to soften."
3. Wavy Lob with Wispy Curtain Bangs
If you are experiencing hair loss at your crown, you're noticing your part widening or just want a simple way to make your hair look fuller this summer, Abdullah suggests adding a fringe and subtle layers. Adding curtain bangs to a layered bob can "make your hair appear thicker, and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair," she says.
The style, as seen on Kerry Washington, works well for "women who want to hide thinning hair in the front," she emphasizes, as it creates "a soft, natural looking wave at the top of the head." Abdullah also swears by curtain bangs to especially conceal signs of hair loss and thinning, as she notes that "they add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling."
Abdullah adds that they are incredibly versatile and "can be worn short or long, curled or straight," and that the key is to "keep the bangs long enough to cover the eyebrows and frame the face and eyes."
4. Bixie
If you can't decide between a bob or pixie, we have good news. You don't have to! A 'bixie' (or bob-meets-pixie) like Jane Fonda's is very in for summer and can be a very flattering and chic choice, Guerrero explains. There are elements of both styles to play with here in this social media-fave cut, and summer is a great time to find what works for you.
"The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie," she says. "The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference."
5. Italian Bob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian bob cut. This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Salma Hayek opt for.
The Italian bob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky. It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is. Udoh says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type." The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes.
"This ever-popular bob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.
6. Angled Chin-Length Bob
According to Feliz, the ultimate "low-maintenance style that never loses is appeal" is an angled, chin-length and "classy bob" like Keira Knightley's. He says that "for this style, a bit of undercutting in the back allows for easier manageability, creating a natural bend for easy wash and wear."
Galvao notes that the "very defined linear design" of the cut can bring "a more modern and sophisticated look with a minimalist style." Feliz adds that "longer faces may need more framing and layers," when it comes to their center-parted, angled, chin-length 'do, while "round faces require less." The more you know!
