Beach waves, short cuts, bobs: A look at this season's favoured hairstyles
Summer is around the corner in some parts of the world, but here in Malaysia, it’s always hot and humid.

This makes adopting western countries’ hot weather seasons popular hair styles much easier; so check out what’s currently making waves in the world of tresses.

Get your frizz on

According to Byrdie.com, air-dried waves and textured locks are making a comeback, so if you have naturally frizzy hair, it’s time to embrace and enhance it.

One of the best ways to do so is by breaking out the sea salt spray to add body to your natural waves.

Thanks to our tropical climate, where textured hair naturally frizzes up, the humidity could even work in your favour, with the right products and techniques – check out glossing gels that give naturally curly hair definition and hold, without that harsh hairspray feel.

Read more: Treat yourself to a vibrant, healthy look with the 'sunset blush' makeup trend

The glamorous bob hairstyle is reminiscent of Old Hollywood, and best styled by a professional. Photo: Instagram/Penelope CruzWaves and curls

Put down your straightening irons because in 2024, all curls are welcomed, be they defined, loose or messy.

Whether you have tight ringlets or loose, fine curls, there are tonnes of products to help bring out the most of your waves.

Wavy styles worth checking out are short, curly fringe hairdo, longer tendrils that frame the face when you slick your hair back into a ponytail or bun, or full-on romantic curls like the one sported by Blackpink’s Rose in a recent Instagram post.

Some styles look best with maximum volume, so head to your hairstylist to find out how best to enhance your curls.

Bob to the beat

Does the heat ever make you just want to chop all your hair off? If your answer to this is yes, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of shorter bobs to adopt.

British Vogue listed the emo bob and the beachy bob as two popular hairstyles that have been seen on red carpets and celebrities’ social media posts.

The emo bob is defined as a grungy option that draws inspiration from a more gothic look, in the form of super-straight hair separated by a clean parting for a more structured, sleek finish.

A popular look for summer, the beachy bob is a windswept style that exudes sun-kissed holiday vibes.

The short style is defined by tousled waves and blunt ends, according to Vogue.

Another bob to try out – the sleek bob – is perfect for those with naturally straight hair, as it requires very little maintenance.

It’s basically an even chop around the jawline or higher, with or without bangs, and it requires hair to be left as natural as possible.

For a night out, this bob can be styled into a more glamorous version, like the style sported by Penelope Cruz at the recent Met Gala. Reminiscent of Old Hollywood, this trend is best styled by a professional, as it requires some coiffing and products with hold to make it last throughout the evening.

A relatively new hairdo is called the “hydro-bob”, a term coined by Tom Smith, international artist in residence at London’s Billi Currie hair salon.

Waves are in, like these full-on romantic curls. Photo: Instagram/RoseIn an article on elle.uk, he defines the cut as “an androgynous and editorial look that’s drenched in gloss and moisture”.

Similar to the boy bob, it can be shaped according to the individual’s facial features, to create a length that sits between the lips and mid-neck.

This look requires the use of styling products that give definition and provide hold, making it a great cut for anybody who likes their hair to feel both controlled and refined.

"I love it tucked behind one or both ears, and I think it looks great combined with a side parting,” he adds.

The butterfly effect

Yes, this layered style is still in fashion, even after being named the most popular hairdo in 2023.

Based on the shag haircuts of the 70s and 90s, it involves cutting your hair in descending layers that sort of sweep away from your face.

In short, the effect of the layers mimic the fluttering wings of a butterfly.

The best part? This style is low maintenance, meaning your visits to the salon are reduced as it doesn’t require a lot of touch-up.

Not much styling is needed for people with naturally wavy hair, and if your hair is flat, the layers will give your hair a lift, shape and movement.

Read more: When it comes to skincare, applying sun protection is simply non-negotiable

Pixie cut

Vogue reported that searches for this style spiked by 350% in the first few months of 2024, and the hairdo has been spotted on stars like Zoe Kravitz.

It’s not a new hairdo, as actresses Halle Berry, Demi Moore and Winona Ryder have all rocked this in the past, in different variations.

From the classic pixie cut to more edgy versions with long, sideswept bangs or super-short fringe, this trend is here to stay.
beauty,trends,haircare
Summer is around the corner in some parts of the world, but here in Malaysia, it’s always hot and humid. This makes adopting western countries’ hot weather seasons popular hair styles much easier; so check out what’s currently making waves in the world of tresses.