This year’s red carpets have confirmed what I’ve been suspecting for a while now: Short cuts are BACK, baby.
The momentum toward tighter crops began ahead of awards season, with stars like Zendaya and Emma Stone debuting fresh new cuts. It has since continued with A-listers such as Nicole Kidman dropping jaws at this year's Met Gala, dramatically transformed by the shortest hair she's ever had.
Rooted in the classic pageboy of medieval times, revived as the flapper bob of the Jazz Age, and reimagined as the gamine or starlet cut of the 1950s, short hair on women has long served as a symbol of independence and self-definition.
Today, short hair continues to evolve as women embrace a return to structured shape and refined silhouettes.
It's a choice that champions modern femininity as it shifts the focus to the face and neckline.
Summer 2025's Trendiest Cuts
The most-requested cut this summer is the O.G. bob — the iconic hairstyle claimed by women in the 1920s who wanted to defy gender rules. Bobs offer multiple variations that can suit nearly every hair type and face shape.
Among its best iterations: the Italian bob, introduced in the 1960s by Sophia Loren.
Sophisticated, with full body and soft curls, it’s going hand-in-hand with the retro styling we’re seeing lately with roller sets, big bouncy curls and blow outs.
Meanwhile, the “chic boy” look marks summer’s most dramatic trend.
It can be achieved through a pixie with versatile bang styles, volume and height, as Emma Stone and Brie Larson have lately been rocking.
Another “chic boy” look is a super-short wedge cut, a shape made iconic by Vidal Sassoon and recently reimagined on Nicole Kidman.
Defined by varying lengths along the front hairline, the wedge cut offers softness and texture, which can be enhanced by razor-cutting techniques for a lived-in, airy finish.
The ease and versatility of these cuts offer a break from over-styling, allowing for healthy growth.
Encourage clients to go for a bold transformation that accentuates their natural bone structure! As always, conduct a thoughtful consultation to gauge their comfort level with short styles, and design the final look to intentionally frame and elevate the face.
Give Hair Some Summer Salvation
If you haven’t chopped off all their damage, your clients need a repair regimen to strengthen hair and revive dead ends before heading into summer and the heat, humidity, and UV rays that come with it.
My current go-to to combat damage is tgin's Miracle RepaiRx line, especially the CPR Protein Treatment, Deep Hydrating Mask, and Anti-Breakage Serum.
Personally, I'm obsessed with the short-cut comeback. It’s always fun to give clients a big glow-up with a fresh, chic chop. What better vibe for Hot Girl Summer?
David Reid is a master stylist, salon educator, and tgin brand ambassador.