Summer Hair Trends 2026
The Wella Professionals Edit
The colours, cuts, styling looks and Wella Professionals products we’re loving this summer at Finn & Co, Northampton
Summer is certainly here to stay for a good while longer, and if there’s one thing we’re noticing at Finn & Co, it’s that summer hair in 2026 is all about looking effortlessly gorgeous while keeping the hair in fantastic condition.
The big shift this year is away from hair that simply looks good and towards hair that looks healthy, glossy, touchable and expensive. Think luminous blondes, rich brunettes, dimensional reds, glossy finishes, natural texture, sleek ponytails and colour that looks beautifully lived-in rather than over-processed.
And, of course, the right professional haircare makes all the difference.
As a Wella Professionals salon in Northampton, we’ve put together our summer edit of the colours, styles and products worth knowing about this season.
1. Glossy, healthy-looking hair is THE summer accessory
If there’s one overarching hair trend for summer 2026, it’s shine.
Whether your hair is blonde, brunette, copper, red, curly or naturally grey, beautifully reflective hair instantly makes a colour look more luxurious.
This is where professional colour and professional homecare really come together. A beautiful salon colour needs the right maintenance routine at home to keep it looking vibrant and glossy.
One of our favourite Wella options for coloured hair this summer is the new ULTIMATE COLOR collection. Wella says the four-product regimen is designed to help maintain colour vibrancy for up to 10 weeks, while leaving hair revitalised from the first wash.
For anyone investing in their colour, it’s a brilliant reminder that your salon appointment is only part of the story. What you do between appointments can have a huge impact on how your colour looks.
2. Butter blonde is still having a major moment
Move over ultra-icy blonde — buttery, creamy and golden blondes are beautifully relevant for summer 2026.
Wella Professionals describes butter blonde as a warm, creamy blonde with soft golden undertones, giving hair a luminous, sun-kissed appearance. It can work beautifully as an all-over colour, balayage or carefully placed highlights.
For a softer summer blonde, we love the idea of:
- Creamy butter blonde
- Golden blonde balayage
- Champagne blonde
- Beige blonde
- Soft honey blonde
- Bright blonde with a natural root
- Vanilla and pearl blondes for cooler skin tones
The key is dimension. Rather than one flat block of blonde, strategically placed tones can create movement and make the hair appear fuller and shinier.
And if your blonde tends to become brassy between appointments, Wella’s Color Fresh Mask in Pearl Blonde can be used as a quick at-home colour refresh. Wella recommends applying Color Fresh Masks for around 10 minutes, with the lighter and more porous areas of hair generally showing the tone more noticeably.
3. Expensive-looking brunettes aren’t going anywhere
Brunettes are having their own glossy summer moment.
Rather than harsh, flat dark colour, we’re seeing more interest in rich, dimensional brunette shades — think chocolate, caramel, mocha, toffee, warm espresso and beautifully blended brunette balayage.
The secret is keeping brunette hair reflective.
A little warmth and strategically placed lighter pieces can create that gorgeous “is that your natural hair?” effect, while a professional gloss can give the finished look even more shine.
For brunettes wanting to refresh their colour between salon appointments, Wella’s Color Fresh Mask Chocolate Touch is designed to enhance chocolate brown hair and add temporary pigment and conditioning.
4. Reds and coppers are still turning heads
If you’re tempted to go red this summer, you’re definitely not alone.
From soft copper and strawberry blonde through to cherry, mahogany and deeper red-wine shades, red remains one of the most exciting colour families around.
Wella Professionals’ current colour content is showcasing everything from bright reds to deeper red-wine shades, demonstrating just how versatile the trend has become.
The important thing to remember with red hair is maintenance.
Red pigments can fade more quickly because of the way colour molecules behave in the hair, so your homecare routine really matters. Wella recommends colour-refreshing products such as Color Fresh Mask for maintaining vibrancy between professional appointments.
For warmer reds, Copper Glow can help refresh the tone, while Red is an option for more vivid red shades.
5. Summer texture: embrace your natural hair
Summer is the perfect time to stop fighting your natural texture.
Loose waves, natural curls, tousled movement and softly undone styles all feel beautifully effortless this year.
Instead of trying to make every strand perfectly straight, we’re loving hair that has movement and personality.
For waves and curls, Wella’s Nutricurls range is designed to provide moisture and definition, while products such as Curlixir Balm can help enhance the appearance of the curl pattern.
And if you’re heading somewhere hot, embracing your natural texture also means less reliance on heated styling tools — which your hair will thank you for.
6. Sleek, glossy ponytails are the polished alternative
Not every summer style has to be beachy.
One of the standout polished looks associated with the SS26 season is the sleek, low ponytail.
Wella Professionals worked with hairstylist Anthony Turner on the sleek ponytails for Victoria Beckham’s SS26 show, creating a nape-hugging style that was described as strong, feminine, polished and effortless.
It’s a fantastic summer hairstyle because it works for everything from weddings and evenings out to office days and those mornings when you simply don’t want to spend 45 minutes styling your hair.
For a beautifully smooth finish, Wella’s ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum is a great styling companion. Wella describes it as helping to nourish, smooth frizz, add shine and provide protection against UV and heat styling.
7. Don’t forget about UV, heat, chlorine and salt water
Summer can be wonderful for us — but it’s not always quite as kind to our hair.
Sun exposure, swimming, heat styling, salt water and chlorine can all contribute to dryness, fading colour and increased breakage.
One of our biggest summer haircare tips is therefore simple:
Protect your hair before the damage happens.
Wella recommends several summer-friendly options, including:
ULTIMATE REPAIR Protective Leave-In
Ideal for hair that needs extra protection, this leave-in cream helps protect against concerns including breakage, frizz, mechanical damage, UV exposure and heat styling.
EIMI Thermal Image
If you prefer something lighter, EIMI Thermal Image is a weightless heat-protecting mist that also adds shine.
EIMI Glam Mist
For a beautiful glossy finish, Wella’s EIMI Glam Mist offers shine with UV protection — perfect for summer styling.
ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue
If your hair has already started feeling dry, fragile or overworked, this is one to know about. Wella states that Miracle Hair Rescue is designed to repair hair damage in 90 seconds and reduce breakage.
8. Going swimming? Here’s a little trick you’ll thank us for
If you’re heading into the pool or sea, wet your hair with fresh water before swimming.
Why?
Hair can only absorb a certain amount of water. Saturating it with clean water first can reduce how much chlorinated or salty water it absorbs.
Wella also recommends protecting hair with a hat, scarf or swim cap where possible, particularly during prolonged sun exposure.
And if your hair is coloured, this little bit of preparation can make a real difference to keeping your colour looking fresh.
9. Summer is the perfect time for a hair repair routine
If your hair has been through highlights, balayage, bleaching or regular heat styling, summer is a good opportunity to give it some extra TLC.
The Wella Professionals ULTIMATE REPAIR range is designed around repairing the inside of the hair while replenishing the outer layer. Its formulas use AHA and Omega-9, with Wella reporting visible repair benefits from its regimen.
For a weekly treatment, ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask is particularly useful for hair that feels dry, damaged or difficult to detangle. Wella recommends using it in place of conditioner approximately once a week.
10. Want to experiment? Try a temporary colour refresh
Summer is also the perfect excuse to have a little fun.
If you don’t want to commit to permanent colour, Wella Color Fresh Mask offers a way to refresh an existing colour or experiment with a temporary tint at home.
There are shades ranging from natural colour refreshers through to more playful tones, including Pearl Blonde, Golden Gloss, Caramel Glaze, Chocolate Touch, Rose Blaze, Copper Glow, Red, Pink, Blue and Mint.
The masks are designed to give visible results in around 10 minutes and can be used weekly.
However, a little professional advice goes a long way.
The result of a colour-depositing mask depends heavily on your existing colour, porosity and condition. Particularly on blonde or pre-lightened hair, the result can be much more noticeable.
So if you’re unsure which shade is right for you, ask your Finn & Co stylist before reaching for the tube!
Our Summer Hair Rules at Finn & Co
If we could give you just five pieces of advice for gorgeous summer hair, they would be:
1. Choose shine over dullness.
A glossy finish instantly elevates any colour.
2. Protect your colour.
Invest in colour-specific professional haircare rather than waiting for your next appointment.
3. Protect against heat and UV.
Especially if you’re using heated tools or spending lots of time outside.
4. Treat your hair weekly.
A good mask can make a huge difference to the feel and manageability of dry summer hair.
5. Don’t be afraid of your natural texture.
Summer is the perfect season for waves, curls, movement and effortless styling.
Fancy a Summer Hair Refresh?
Whether you’re dreaming of butter blonde balayage, glossy brunette, a rich copper, a vibrant red, a fresh cut, effortless waves or simply healthier-looking hair, summer is the perfect time to switch things up.
At Finn & Co in Northampton, we’d love to help you find a summer look that works with your hair, lifestyle and personal style — and recommend the right Wella Professionals products to help you maintain it at home.
Because the best summer hair isn’t just about the colour or the cut.
It’s about hair that looks and feels incredible.
Ready for your summer refresh? Book your appointment with Finn & Co and let’s find your perfect summer hair.
Product recommendations should always be personalised to your individual hair type, colour, condition and styling routine. Your Finn & Co stylist can advise you on the most suitable Wella Professionals products for your hair.
