"As summer approaches, one thing’s clear: Low-maintenance hair isn’t just a trend, it’s the season’s ultimate luxury. The most coveted looks of 2025 are moving away from overly sculpted styles and toward something softer, simpler, and much more wearable. Think easy-to-maintain cuts, sunlit color that grows out gracefully, and lived-in texture that can survive heat and humidity. The guiding principle? Hair should move, breathe, and be as effortless as summer itself.
turns out, you don't have to spend all of your free time cleaning
It’s essentially a return to natural beauty, with an intentional edge. From tousled shags and sleek low ponies to sunlit blonde and glossy brunette, the vibe is relaxed yet refined. These are styles and cuts that don’t need perfect weather, professional tools, or constant maintenance—they’ll keep up with all your summer plans.
To help you embrace the season’s easygoing aesthetic, we’ve curated the top hair trends across three categories: color, cut, and style. Each one channels maximum impact with minimal effort, because this summer, hair should feel as carefree as the days ahead.
Hair colors for summer 2025
Bright sunlit-blonde
Sunlit blonde is the shade of summer: warm, golden, and ultimately effortless. Soft highlights add brightness, while diffused lightness through the ends creates a sun-drenched glow. And, a deeper root gives it that lived-in, just-back-from-vacation look. The best part? It grows out nicely, meaning fewer salon visits and less harsh regrowth lines. Pro tip: Add a shine-boosting gloss every few weeks to keep it bright.
Apricot
Meet summer’s sweetest color. Apricot consists of a warm, peach-toned hue that blends soft copper with hints of coral and gold. Its warm undertones make it flattering across a range of skin tones, and its soft hue means it fades gracefully, making it surprisingly low-maintenance. Plus, as it fades, it might even turn slightly pink, depending on how much sun you soak in.
Recession bronde
An indicator of a looming recession? A new hair hue, of course. Recession bronde is as low-maintenance as it sounds: a lived-in blend of brunette and blonde that’s both chic and budget-friendly. Think of it as the perfect middle ground: not too bright, not too dark, and oh-so cool.
Chocolate brown
Chocolate brown is making a major comeback this summer. This dimensional shade adds instant depth and shine, making hair look healthier and more polished with zero effort. Since it doesn’t rely on lightening, it’s gentle on the hair and incredibly low-maintenance. Ask your colorist for a single-process chocolate tone or switch up your natural shade with a cocoa-toned gloss for a fresh finish.
Toasted blonde
Simply put, toasted blonde is the cool-girl answer to platinum. It’s soft, sun-warmed, and so tasteful. It blends beige, honey, and golden tones for a multidimensional look that’s less noticeable than icy blonde, but still delivers a punch of brightness. To keep the tone balanced, ask for a root melt with hand-painted highlights and refresh with a gloss every six weeks.
Haircuts for summer 2025
Birkin bangs
Birkin bangs are back, and they’re 2025’s hottest trend. Inspired by Jane Birkin’s perfectly undone style, these soft, wispy bangs skim the lashes and blend into the rest of the hair for a low-key look. Unlike blunt bangs, they grow out well and require little styling—perfect for air-dried, summer hair. Pair them with tousled layers or a simple pony for that French-girl insouciance that never (ever) goes out of style.
Heavy fringe
As they say, what’s old is new again, and heavy fringe is making a comeback. These bold, eye-catching bangs frame the face while adding an edge to even the simplest hairstyles. Despite their impact, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance.
The Italian bob
The Italian bob is quite simply it. This sleek, chin-length cut has subtle layering that creates casual movement and shape. Inspired by the classic styles favored by Italian icons, this bob balances polished sophistication with just the right amount of undone charm.
Wispy bangs
If you’ve never tried wispy bangs, now is the time. Ideal for those who want a subtle change without the commitment of a full fringe, this look is fun, carefree, and always stylish.
Fairy cut
What’s soft, layered, and has feathered ends? The fairy cut, of course. Lightweight and textured, it’s designed to upgrade your hair’s natural flow without needing hours of styling. Perfect for all hair types, this cut embraces an ethereal vibe (thank you, Sabrina) that feels fresh, modern, and super wearable. Just air-dry, tousle, and go.
Shaggy lob
The shaggy lob is the perfect balance between edgy and effortless. Textured layers add movement and volume, without needing to put in much work. Plus, this cut thrives on a lived-in look that’s ideal for both summer and its humidity.
Hairstyles for summer 2025
Beachy curls
Tried and true, beachy curls are a timeless classic. Use a diffuser or sea salt spray and let your natural texture do the rest. Whether at the beach or beyond, this hairstyle is a fan favorite for good reason.
Low pony
Fear not, a low pony won’t make you look like George Washington. This summer style is the epitome of sleek simplicity when done right. To add an extra touch, try tying a silk scarf or ribbon around it.
Barely-there waves
Less is more this season. Barely-there waves add just enough texture to keep hair voluminous without looking too styled. Add a few spritzes of sea salt spray and give your strands a tousle, and you’ll be ready for any summer activity.
Bedhead texture
You might’ve already noticed, but the theme of this summer is ‘undone,’ and bedhead texture is just that. This look is all about natural volume and grit, and less about perfection. By embracing your hair’s unique texture, you won’t have to fight against the elements (read: humidity, heat, sweat).
Braided ponytail
A braided ponytail is summer’s answer to keeping hair looking nice while also staying in control. Quick, easy, and versatile, it keeps hair polished whether you’re at the beach or the bar. To take it up a notch, slick your hair back and try a fishtail braid.
Lauren Harano, Contributing Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Lauren Harano is a Southern California native turned New Yorker with a passion for all things beauty, travel, and lifestyle. She has over seven years of experience in the journalism industry, and her work can be found in between the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online at Glamour, InStyle, Teen Vogue, Esquire, POPSUGAR, and various food and travel sites.
Feature graphic images credited to: Rachel Snow | Dupe, Ajaila Walker | Dupe, Katie Hopkins | Dupe, Brittaney Mepham | Dupe, Georgie Forgave | Dupe, Ilaria Cosentino | Dupe, Kaylee Blackman | Dupe, Margaret Molloy | Dupe, Kristina Manner | IG, Ajaila Walker | Dupe, Alexis A. | Dupe