I’ve switched between long and short hair more times than I can count, and I can tell you this: summer is where short hair really has its moment. It’s not just the obvious time-saving perk in the mornings, but the pure relief of not having sweaty strands clinging to your neck, whether you’re commuting in the heat or heading out for a low-key date night.
And I’m not the only one keen to embrace the chop; more people are cutting off inches to beat the heat, with short styles already taking over social media feeds and salon chairs ahead of summer hair trends really coming into their own.
“Shorter hair for summer inspiration is really hair that looks naturally beautiful rather than overly styled or controlled,” confirms celebrity hairstylist Larry King, founder of Larry King Salons.
That being said, with so many trending short hairstyles out there, what cuts can we actually expect to see in the coming months? From textured crops to sleek bobs, if you’re looking for a sign to go shorter this summer, this is it. Below, King reveals the must-know short summer hair trends of 2026, plus the styling tricks and essential products that make each look feel effortlessly chic.
6 Short Hair Trends for Summer 2026
1. The Trixie
This textured pixie crop has been seen everywhere, from Zendaya and Teyana Taylor to Jessie Buckley and Emma Stone. According to King, its popularity lies in the way it hits the sweet spot between low-maintenance ease and fashion-forward feel. “It’s all about removing weight, creating airy movement and allowing the texture to develop organically,” says King.
Redken
One United Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray
King’s spray choice, this keeps the hair healthy and lightweight and helps to create that lived-in finish.
Dyson
Supersonic r Hair Dryer Straight + Wavy
King‘s top tip for this cut? “Diffuse with the Dyson Supersonic to keep the movement soft and natural.”
2. Blunt Bob
“Even with stronger silhouettes like the blunt bob, the trend now is towards softness and movement rather than overly polished finishes,” reveals King. “The shape still feels clean and elevated, but the internal texture stops it from looking rigid. We’re seeing people want glossy, healthy hair that still has personality and movement,” he adds.
Oribe
Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm
Air-dry creams help to create soft definition without weighing it down.
3. Asymmetric Bob
This style is perfect if you don’t want to lose too much length. It’s easy to wear as you don’t need to do too much to it. “The movement feels natural rather than overly styled,” explains King. Simply use a texture spray through the lengths to give it a little grit while still keeping it touchable and lightweight. For a sleeker look, opt for finishing serum to help boost shine.
Davines
Heart of Glass Sheer Glaze
This lightweight leave-in serum shields strands from stress and creates that expensive-looking shine.
4. French Bob
“The French bob trend this season is all about softness and natural texture. People want hair that feels chic without looking too ‘done’, and this cut works beautifully because it evolves naturally over time,” reveals King. Use a curling tong to create subtle bends in the hair and follow with a texture clay to create movement and separation without stiffness.
Larry King
Velvet Texture Clay
This versatile clay lets you shape and rework your hair, delivering flexible hold without leaving it greasy.
GHD
Curve Soft Curl Tong (32mm)
This GHD curling wand is great for creating loose, soft waves.
5. The Modern Pixie
“This modern pixie works so well because it balances softness and edge in a really effortless way,” says King. “People want shorter styles that still feel feminine, touchable and versatile, and this cut gives exactly that. The layering creates natural movement and separation while maintaining fullness around the face,” he adds.
Living Proof
No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream
This cleverly fights frizz so that your crop looks soft and silky for days.
6. Shaggy Bob
The shaggy bob really reflects where hair trends are moving right now, towards cuts that feel naturally beautiful, slightly imperfect and full of movement. “Soft layering around the face creates an airy shape that develops beautifully over time”, adds King. “Texture sprays are essential for creating grit, separation and that perfectly lived-in texture without losing softness,” he says.
K18
Hair Astrolift Reparative Volume Spray
If your hair is on the finer side, start with a volume spray at the roots.
Hair by Sam Mcknight
Cool Girl Barely There Texture Hair Mist 250ml
This gives long lasting hold without dulling shine.
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