Make Way For The New Wave Of Summer Hair Makeovers — They're Coming In Hot

It's a familiar cycle at this point: As the weather thaws and social plans commence, hairstylists are up to their ears in bookings. A fresh chop here, a few buttery highlights there—the experts are no strangers to the tidal rush of summer hair transformations. After months of braving the chill and stuffing our poor strands under hats, parkas, and scarves, we hope to gingerly emerge from our winter caves with a brand-new style (and no evidence of dehydration from the previous season). 

Summer hair makeovers are not new—they're clockwork! And yet, this year's class feels immensely different: New looks still command the scene and populate our Instagram feeds, but they're charged with a layer of hope, excitement, and a pinch of liberation. Essentially, they feel much more complex than mere warm-weather inspiration. 

As COVID restrictions ease across the country, many are gearing up to reenter their social circles—and they want to do so with an updated look. "A return to life and all the excitement and fun to be had is even more thrilling when you've unveiled something new to your look," says celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis, brand ambassador for new natural brand Better Natured. Like you're reintroducing a 2.0 version of yourself: stronger, wiser, and emotionally resilient—with a bold hairstyle to match. 

Not to mention, the monotony of the last year and a half may have people itching for something—anything!—to express their personalities and switch up what they see in the mirror (or their webcams) every day. "It's a great way to break the boredom we all felt during quarantine and experiment with new and exciting looks," says celebrity hairstylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor. 

That boredom is very much real (some even call it "Zoom fatigue"); although, it makes sense why you might yearn for a noticeable chop, as opposed to, say, a wardrobe overhaul—after all, the screen only captures you from the neck up.

It's also not uncommon to crave a brand-new look after a major life event. In fact, psychotherapist Annette Nuñez, M.S., Ph.D., says big makeovers represent big life changes—be it a breakup, a new job, a new baby, etc.

Oftentimes, that urge to start anew is provoked by stress or trauma: "People want to create a new persona for themselves, and they often do it with makeovers, like cutting their hair drastically," she explains. "COVID is a traumatic, highly emotional event, so it has the same motivation." It's like by shearing off inches, you can shed some of the emotional weight associated with said life event—a cathartic release as each strand floats to the floor. 

And after such a challenging, uncertain time period, even something as small as a new hair hue can help you cultivate a sense of control over your life. "We love immediate reinforcement," Nuñez adds, and a fresh hairstyle is a relatively easy, tangible way to take back ownership. Taylor seconds the sentiment: "It can feel incredibly empowering to have control over what you do with your hair," she says.

The urge to refresh your hair when warm weather rolls around is not a new one—but it is buzzing with a different energy. Not only are we long overdue for a summer debut but there's also a sense of control and relief associated with the style change.  

That's not to say you must opt for a big chop, fantasy color, or chunky highlights (which are back and better than ever; don't come for me). For some, a summer makeover might not entail some huge metamorphosis: Maybe it's a few '70s-inspired layers or root retouch. Or maybe you've stowed the hot tools, coddled your hair back to health, and want to show off your thriving, shiny locks. 

"We want to see ourselves evolving," says Francis. "Even if the change isn't drastic, like adding more layers, the day-to-day styling will be slightly different." No matter the makeover: If it's new to you, it's a big deal!