Summer 2018 was a season of vibrant self-expression in the world of hair, where bold color experiments met effortless, natural textures. The trends moved away from the cool, ashy tones of previous years and embraced warmth, glow, and movement that looked as good in sun-drenched holidays as it did in the urban jungle.
The Rise of the Sunkissed Glow
The pursuit of a natural, sun-kissed radiance defined the summer landscape. Instead of harsh highlights, the focus shifted to subtle balayage and sombré techniques that created a seamless gradient of color. Warm caramel, honey blonde, and rich chocolate browns were woven through longer layers to emulate the effect of consistent, healthy UV exposure, providing depth and a healthy sheen without looking artificial.
Color Techniques: Balayage and Beyond
The dominant coloring method was balayage, due to its ability to create a soft, blended look that requires minimal maintenance. The technique involved painting color onto the mid-shafts and ends, leaving the roots cooler to allow for a natural regrowth appearance. This resulted in a tousled, piece-y texture that captured the light beautifully, perfectly complementing the loose, beachy waves that were ubiquitous.
Statement-Making Shades for the Brave
While the sunkissed trend dominated, summer 2018 was also the perfect time for adventurous individuals to experiment with vivid, saturated colors. These bold hues were not just for the young; they were a statement of confidence and a way to inject personality into a classic summer look.
- Vibrant Reds: Think classic cherry red and deep berry tones, moving away from the blue-based reds of the past toward warmer, more luminous versions that evoked a sense of retro glamour.
- Rich Plum and Violet: These deeper, jewel-toned shades offered a sophisticated alternative to traditional bright colors, providing a dramatic pop of color that was both edgy and elegant when paired with sleek, straight styles.
- Sunshine Blonde: For the truly daring, a creamy, lemony blonde became a popular choice. This look required significant lightening but resulted in a striking, head-turning appearance that felt quintessentially summer.
The Texture Revival: Waves and Volume
Hairstyles in 2018 prioritized movement and volume over rigid, sleek straightness. The era of the pin-straight, bone-straight blowout was challenged by the return of the natural wave. The goal was to achieve a look that appeared effortlessly tousled, as if the wind had created the perfect texture.
Curling irons were used to create loose, large-barreled waves that started at the chin or cheekbone, rather than tight ringlets. Root-lifting sprays and volumizing mousses were essential tools for creating a full, bouncy crown that added height and drama to long hair. This focus on texture provided incredible versatility, allowing the same hairstyle to look polished one day and playfully messy the next.
The Practical and the Polished: Low Maintenance, High Impact
A key theme of the summer was the "undone" aesthetic, where high-fashion looks were made to appear low-effort. This was a practical response to the heat and humidity, as tightly controlled styles were difficult to maintain. The solution was to embrace the natural texture of the hair.
Finger-combing through damp hair to create separation, or using a texturizing salt spray to give the illusion of beach-worn locks, were go-to methods. This approach allowed for a cool, edgy appearance that was also forgiving; it hid imperfections and grew out more gracefully than precise lines or severe parts.
Accessorizing the Mane
Accessories played a crucial role in completing the summer 2018 hair looks, serving both a functional and stylish purpose. They allowed for quick transformations and added a touch of personality to any outfit.
| Accessory | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cellophane Wraps | Translucent or colored plastic wraps used to secure braids or twists. | Protecting styles while adding a subtle, retro boho element. |
| Silk Scarves | Large, colorful silk squares tied under the crown or at the nape of the neck. | Adding a pop of color and securing fringes or loose strands. |
| Statement Barrettes | Oversized metal or enamel clips in bold shapes and finishes. | Pinching back a section of hair for an instant, chic upgrade. |
Ultimately, summer 2018 was about breaking free from rigid beauty standards. It was a season where the hair became a canvas for creativity, blending effortless natural waves with daring color choices, allowing every individual to curate a look that was uniquely their own under the sun.
