Cover These expert-approved hair trends will make you stand out from the crowd this season (Photo: Getty Images)

From colours to cuts and styling, we’re listing the coolest hair trends for spring/summer 2021 to inspire your next look

With warmer weather rolling around, it’s the perfect time to try out a new hairstyle for a fresh look to embrace the brighter days ahead. After a year of adapting low-maintenance cuts and colours, there’s excitement around getting a new ’do as things are starting to look up now. Whether you’re planning to get a major chop for a style that will keep you cool in the summer heat, or experiment with different colour options, there’s no denying a new hairstyle will make you look and feel good.

To get you inspired, we spoke to experts from Hong Kong’s top hair salonsBruneblonde and Love Hair—to find out the trendiest hairstyles and colours for spring/summer 2021. From chic bobs to playful pastels, scroll down to discover the biggest hair trends to try this season. 

See also: 6 Luxury Hair Salons In Hong Kong

Warm brown chocolate

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Bruneblonde

This beautiful, soft shade of brown is trending for SS21. Believe it or not, warm brown chocolate coloured hair is about to make a huge comeback and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon—who says coating the hair with one single shade will result in a look lacking visual interest?  

“As the temperature starts to rise, we’ll be seeing more warm brown tones applied in a one-dimensional form to brunette hair in the warmer season,” says David Gouygou, co-founder of Bruneblonde. “Perfect for anyone who wants a stylish colour upgrade without being too showy, the tone will still look flattering as it fades and give you a gorgeous sun-kissed look through the summer months.” To ace the style, hair care will be the key—be sure to add quality shampoo and serum to your routine for extra shine.  

See also: How To Care For Asian Hair In Hot And Humid Weather, According To Trichologist Andrea Clark

Classic bob

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Bruneblonde

The warmer season is all about the bob. The classic chin-length cut is a consistently popular option for the hot summer days, which allows you to wear your hair comfortably in the most stylish way.

“There’s no better season to try a bob cut with razor-sharp edges,” says Gouygou. “This style can be tricky to maintain as it requires constant trims, but it’s one that’s full of personality, which works especially well on black or dark brown hair.”  

Contrast blonde balayage

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Getty Images

Balayage with baby blonde tones will take centre stage as one of the top hair trends of SS21, according to Gouygou. “For the ladies who aren't sure a full head of blonde is for them, why not pick a few contrasting warm blonde tones to create balayage highlights for some amazing dimension? This hair colour idea is perfect for those who want something fun and eye-catching,” he says.

Soft, feminine beachy waves will complement the colour’s aesthetic, placing you in perfect vacay mode. 

See also: The Best Designer Beach Bags For Spring/Summer 2021

Modern shag

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: @nancae_/Instagram

As the weather starts to heat up, Toni, the founder of Love Hair says it’s time to adding more movement and lightness to your hair. “We have seen the strong blunt haircuts in the limelight for some time and they will continue to be huge this year. However, one of fashion’s most iconic haircut, the shag, as characterised by soft heavily layered shapes—are making a major comeback with modern twists,” she says. 

This year’s iteration of the ‘70s shag is expected to give your hair instant dimension and wow factor, which includes soft, undone waves rather than voluminous curls for a chic, lived-in look. Tatler tip: elevate the modern shag style with textured, soft and choppy bangs for a more feminine look.  

Bubble ponytail

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Love Hair

Forget your regular ponytail and splurge on some beautiful hair accessories—think bandanas, scrunchies and clips—to recreate this simple yet utterly adorable hair trend in the summer months. “The classic ponytail has always been an easy-styling hairdo to keep your hair out of your face, which never really had the reputation of being the most audacious of styles,” says Grace Blackburn, hairstylist at Love Hair. “More recently, fashionistas are confirming ponytail has evolved into a more versatile, stylish option to step up that hair game. The trend has been flooding all over our Instagram lately, with the most eye-catching example being the bubble ponytail,” she explains.

This style is such an easy, super fun trend to get on, which is perfect to wear for any occasion—be it a beach date, cocktail party or other formal events. It is also a great way to keep cool and look good in the hotter months.

Pastels

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Love Hair

You can’t go wrong with pastel shades for spring/summer days. Classic yet trendy, just like this beautiful design by Ellen Walker, hairstylist at Love Hair, is a wonderful way to stand out from the crowd. “If you’re itching for a new look and a gorgeous hair colour that will instantly boost your mood, pastel shades are a must-try", says Walker. “From lavender to cotton candy, ocean blues and turquoise hues there’s a pastel to compliment every skin tone.” 

Not quite ready for a full-on colour shift? Balayage, money piece highlights and dip-dyed ends are perfect solutions. Pastels require a very light base first to sit on, so when you’re at the salon, Walker suggests asking your stylist to apply a quality hair care product (such as Olaplex treatment and other hair rebonding products) to minimise damage during the bleaching process. Don’t forget to always use sulphate-free products to increase the longevity and shine of the colour as well.  

See also: 10 Of The Best Hair Masks For Dry, Damaged Strands

Strawberry blonde hues

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Love Hair

Head-turning shades of strawberry blonde ranging from copper, gold, pink and peach will continue to be popular throughout the warmer season just like year, and the colour trend isn’t showing any signs of dying down.

“What says spring and summer better than a strawberry blonde hue?” says Jack Broady, hairstylist at Love Hair. “Featuring a gorgeous mix of light red shades and warm blonde tones, this colour not only works well for blondes who want to add new life to their signature shades, but also for brunettes looking to switch things up without having too far out of their comfort zone,” she explains. Keep up on the maintenance with toning appointments in between to avoid fading and prolong that summer glow. 

See also: The Best Heat Protection Sprays For All Hair Types

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