It might not seem like an ideal time for a new haircut in the midst of summer, but with the heat and humidity of it all, a fresh new hairstyle might be just the thing to throw off any summer doldrums.
Let’s explore the types of bobs, pixies, and shags for a mid-summer hairstyle pick-me-up.
First up, the bobs! There are all sorts of variations on the classic bob.
For a light and breezy version, consider what some stylists are calling the aero bob, which has a less rigid shape and is ideal for fine-to-medium hair. This looser cut is looking to enhance natural movement without heavy styling, a fairly low-maintenance type of cut that can also work with waves and curls to hit anywhere between the chin and collarbone.
An even more relaxed take on the bob is the Riviera or Italian bob with its ruffled, blunt-cut style. This cut works well for thicker hair types when cut as a straight bob hitting below the chin, then adding some soft, longer layers.
For curly hair, there’s the shaped bob with rounded ends and plenty of layers to define curl patterns.
Another popular bob for summer is the off-duty bob, which is a graduated cut flipped at the bottoms for everyday wear that’s effortlessly chic.
Or the poolside bob that ends at the jawline for a classic and sharp cut ideal for wet styling. Slick this bob back and tuck behind your ears for a modern, low-effort look.
Enough about bobs; let’s go short with pixies. The pixie’s the moment in summer when a shorter crop takes on a more whimsical feel, especially with soft layers that hug your head with longer pieces around the face. For the really sweaty days, you can style this with a headband to push back those face-laying pieces.
Another pixie type to explore is the bixie, a style that blends the bob with a pixie cut boasting longer face-framing pieces and choppy bangs. Think of 1990’s Winona Ryder. In fact, grab some pics of her to take to your stylist for this cut.
A second pixie-meets-bob style is the power crop, which is a sharp shape defined by clean lines that hit at cheekbone level. It should also feature subtle undercutting and texture, allowing it to grow out seamlessly as summer turns to fall. This cut can definitely be a confidence booster if you can handle the sleek and bold edge of this look.
A third pixie to think on is the fitpix, a practical, unfussy, cropped style with texture that doesn’t need a lot of styling. Low-maintenance cuts are my preference for summer when you’re active, out and about, and do not want to deal with any hot styling tools amidst the summer heat. With plenty of texture, this cut can be styled sharp and clean while still being feminine.
Next up are the shags of it all. This season, the power shag is a reimagined, super-luxe take on the classic shag. Meant to be edgy but wearable with serious volume and movement, this sculpted cut features tailored face-framing pieces, which are ideal for longer-haired ladies interested in a more dynamic look. You can also shag it out with fang-style bangs, which are shorter with sharper face-framing pieces. Be warned, this is an unapologetic haircut that is not for the faint of heart.
Another great option for really long-haired girls is the butterfly-bang shag, with its soft romantic layers creating movement throughout your hair. This style lends itself to the wash-and-go, air-drying days of summer and gives very beachy vibes even if you’re land-locked. But while this cut doesn’t require much styling, it can require maintenance. Depending on your hair texture and how fast it grows, you may need a few follow-up cuts to keep up the butterfly effect.
As with any new hairstyle, do some research. Get some images ready to share with your stylist, and make sure you agree on how they’ll proceed. You can also schedule a consult before your actual appointment to talk through your options and think things over. And for the tech-savvy, experiment with an AI hairstyle changer or “try on” virtual bangs to get a feel for whether or not any of these cuts will suit you.