They say nothing spurs a hair transformation like a breakup does. It’s (quite literally) life-changing, stemming from a desire to gain control of one’s life once again. The second most probable source of motivation for that salon trip? The inescapable wrath of a balmy summer. Heartbreak or not, the relentless heat spares no one and sometimes, the big chop seems just as desirable as your next summer fling.
This heat-induced mood is no doubt reflected across our starry celebrity set—who, one by one, have also been flaunting various renditions of the summer chop. Take Gigi Hadid for example, whose recent ‘been summering’ photo dump came accompanied with casual beach shots and proof of the way she’s been wearing her blonde locks recently: loose and bobbed. Meanwhile, eternal muse Rihanna has entered the chat once again with yet another business venture, the release of Fenty Hair.
View this post on Instagram
On the day of its launch, said multi-hyphenate came trotting in and graced her fans all over with a rare look at her luscious, natural, golden-brown coils–cut super short and deliciously lathered in her latest products of course. Beyond layered bobs and super short styles, the textured, wet shag à la Emma D’Arcy or Kristen Stewart is also an edgier option for the season; its careless, louche style is perfect for those who wish to keep some of their length whilst giving their tresses shape despite the humidity. But why take our word for it when you can see it all for yourself? Below, a compendium of some of the most cop-worthy summer hairstyles worn by the biggest names around the globe, just so you can prepare for your own trip to the salon.
1 / 16
The kicked bob: Gigi Hadid
A simple, subtle flick upwards—and outwards—is all you need to ace this fuss-free style as worn by Gigi Hadid. First the chop, then consider the five-minute combination of a hair straightener and some helpful hair spray every morning to achieve a dressier alternative to the cut à la Anok Yai and Emma Myers.
2 / 16
The kicked bob: Anok Yai
3 / 16
The kicked bob: Emma Myers
4 / 16
The big chop: Rihanna
If you’re going back to the basics, then opt for the factory reset—especially if you’ve got a gorgeous set of natural curls like Rihanna and Lupita Nyong’o do. Nourish your mane with even more texture with some defining curl cream or a hair styling cream and there you have it: a hairstyle as good as new.
5 / 16
The big chop: Lupita Nyong'o
6 / 16
The side-swept, layered bob: Saoirse Ronan
Embody the laid back ease of summer with a bob that speaks for itself. Cut with layers in mind that’s meant to be thrown over your usual parting, this look—as perfected by Saoirse Ronan and Tyla at the Met Gala—carries with it an inimitable vibe of casual confidence.
7 / 16
The side-swept, layered bob: Tyla
8 / 16
A wet, textured mullet: Kristen Stewart
Plenty ways to wear a layered shag, and in the case of Kristen Stewart and Emma D’Arcy, the cut is as strong as the attitude of its wearer. Cue the former’s longer mullet style with frizzy bangs, or carelessly-slicked locks as seen on the latter.
9 / 16
A wet, textured mullet: Emma D'Arcy
10 / 16
A wet, textured mullet: Greta Lee
11 / 16
Super short bob: Hanni of NewJeans
Simple, chic and absolutely summer-proof. If you’re looking for an ultra-short style that’s still got a feminine kick to it then go for a bob that sits right under your ears. Whilst a retro, sleek style like Joey King’s might be a more elegant choice for those who prefer a neat look, Wendy and New Jeans’ Hanni make a case for more louche alternatives to the cut. Looking to add a playful touch? Adorn your locks with a simple hair accessory or two.
12 / 16
Super short bob: Joey King
13 / 16
Super short bob: Wendy of Red Velvet
14 / 16
The '70s blowout: Ayo Edebiri
Soft, flouncy blowouts à la the ’70s are also an ideal look if you’ve got a voluminous, longer mane that you’ll like to keep yet have it positioned away from your face. Whilst it’s definitely dependent on how you style it than how you cut it, adding layers to your mane will transform it into its lighter and bouncier cousin when you crank up on the heat and put in a statement-making hairband à la Nicola Coughlan or Zendaya.
15 / 16
The '70s blowout: Nicola Coughlan
16 / 16
