I'm After a Low-Maintenance Haircut—A Hairstylist Bookmarked These 6 Summer Styles for Me
From a new fringe to a bob, these are the low-effort summer haircuts you'll want to take to your next salon appointment.
With summer finally here, I'm meticulously planning my next haircut. And as a beauty editor who studies hair trends for a living, it's easy to get swept up in TikTok hair trends. You see, I'm a low-effort hair person, and so I want a low-maintenance haircut that will see me through the season with minimal styling. Because when it's sunny out, I want to spend less time hairstyling and more time enjoying the weather whilst it lasts. And on a practical level, when it's hot, the last thing you want to do is be styling with your hair dryer for hours.
So, if you, too, are looking for some summer hair trend inspo for your next haircut, you've come to the right place. I asked Jonny Eagland, hairstylist at Nicola Clarke Salon, for all the summer haircut ideas to take to the salon.
1. Soft Layered Bob
Bob haircuts aren't going anywhere for summer 2026, and a soft, layered bob is the perfect cut if you want something low-maintenance and versatile. A soft layered bob gives softness and movement, and is short enough that you won't need to tie it up in the heat, and stunning when blow-dried," says Eagland. "In the salon, ask for a bob with soft internal layers to create shape, keeping the outline clean for the classic bob look," he says. "At home: blow-dry with a round brush for volume, or leave to air dry for an effortless finish." If you're thinking of going for a bob hairstyle, then summer is the perfect time to go for the chop.
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2. Modern Mullet
If you want a different short haircut, then don't overlook the mullet, which is getting a modern twist for 2026. "The mullet is back— longer at the back, shorter on the sides and front," says Eagland. "It's edgy, without being too committed to change if someone wants to try something new," he says. It's a great cut to go for if you're growing out a pixie cut, too. "In the salon, ask for a disconnected cut with length kept through the nape and a textured, cropped finish up top," says Eagland. "At home style using a light matte paste for definition, or leave it undone for a relaxed feel," he says.
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3. Choppy Shag
"For those who want low-effort with styling, the textured shag is the cut of the summer," says Eagland. "This cut works beautifully for everyone, especially for those growing out a pixie who are craving something longer, and messier hair is having a real moment right now," he says. "In the salon, ask for soft, shaggy layers with plenty of texture throughout. And to style at home, spritz through some salt spray on damp hair, leave to air dry and you're done."
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4. '90s Layers
Wanting to keep your longer lengths? '90s face-framing layers are the haircut to bookmark for your next salon visit. "90s layers offer pure nostalgia," says Eagland. Think face-framing layers and angles at the front with a blunt finish at the bottom, which creates seamless movement. It's gorgeous worn sleek or with a voluminous 90s blow-dry," he says. Eagland recommends using a large round brush to create the bounce, but you can also get the look with a hot brush if you want to dry and style at the same time.
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5. Shaggy Layers
If a shag haircut feels like too much, opting for shaggy layers is a way to add more movement and body to your hair. "Shaggy layers were made for summer, and this cut is perfect for those who want minimal effort and a lot of movement on medium and long hair. It's perfect for air-drying on hot days, beach trips, or holidays, too," says Eagland. "In the salon, ask for lived-in layers with a choppy, undone finish. Then at home, scrunch in a styling cream or salt spray on damp hair and let it air dry. Or enhance your air-dried hair with curling tongs for a bit more of a polished finish," he says.
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6. Wispy Fringe
Thinking of a fringe for summer? Eagland tells me that it's a great way to tweak your style without undergoing a drastic change. "There are two fringe options that transform your look without changing your entire haircut," he says. "A curtain fringe is perfect for summer, and you can wear your hair up, and you still have a style with the fringe down. Or, wispy fringes sit shorter at the brow for a chic edge," he says. "In the salon, ask for either a centre-parted curtain fringe, or a feathered fringe cut shorter at the centre, sitting at the brow," says Eagland. "At home, a quick blow-dry of the fringe alone and you're polished in minutes."
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