These Brushed-Out Curls Are the Glam Hair Trend Taking Over Summer
Our take
The pendulum in fashion, as it always does, has swung. For years, we've witnessed a reign of precision – meticulously sculpted hairstyles, defined textures, and an almost clinical approach to beauty. This shift towards "brushed-out curls" as a major summer trend feels like a necessary exhale, a move away from striving for an unattainable perfection and towards embracing a more natural, effortless aesthetic. It’s a welcome return to softness, mirroring a broader cultural movement towards authenticity and a rejection of overly-produced imagery. This aligns beautifully with the current mood; the desire for ease and a sense of lived-in luxury is palpable, and this trend perfectly encapsulates that feeling. Consider how this resonates with the enduring appeal of a well-chosen, timeless piece; just as we’ve seen with the resurgence of interest in classic staples like the [I Tried On The M&S Dress Everyone’s Searching for Right Now—Finally, I Understand the Hype], effortless style is proving to be a powerful draw. The shift away from rigid structure allows for a more personal expression, a quieter confidence that doesn’t require constant validation.
The beauty of this trend lies not just in the hairstyle itself, but in what it represents. It echoes a larger movement in fashion – a move away from overtly trendy pieces and towards timelessness and quality. We’ve been observing this for some time, particularly with the embrace of relaxed silhouettes and understated elegance, as seen in the popularity of styles like those featured in [Move Over, Bermudas! Here Are 5 Ways to Wear The Shorts Trend Fashion People Are in Love With This Summer]. This isn't about abandoning style altogether; it's about finding beauty in imperfection, in the way a curl falls naturally, in the subtle texture that reveals a sense of ease. The "less is more" philosophy isn't new, but its contemporary interpretation prioritizes self-assuredness and a quiet understanding of personal style. It’s a rejection of the pressure to constantly reinvent oneself, and an embrace of the beauty found in embracing one's natural state. This ties into the broader conversation around mindful consumption and a desire for pieces that feel both luxurious and lived-in.
The implications for the beauty industry are significant. We can anticipate a continued focus on products that enhance natural texture rather than attempting to completely transform it. Think nourishing oils, curl-defining creams that work *with* the hair's natural wave, and styling techniques that prioritize movement and softness. It's a move away from heavy-duty products and styling tools and towards a more holistic approach to hair care. Moreover, this trend underscores the power of visual storytelling. The rise of "brushed-out curls" isn’t just about a hairstyle; it’s about a feeling—a sense of freedom, of ease, and of authentic beauty. It’s a mood that resonates deeply with a generation seeking a more genuine connection to style and self-expression. The way this trend is being showcased – often in images that evoke a sense of sun-drenched days and carefree moments – is as important as the hairstyle itself, echoing the sophisticated simplicity we see in pieces like [Cropped Flared Jeans Are Trending—This Elegant Shoe Trend Makes Them Look Chicest].
Ultimately, this trend feels like a natural progression, a response to a collective desire for a more grounded and authentic aesthetic. It’s a departure from the meticulously curated perfection of the past and an embrace of a softer, more intuitive approach to beauty. As we move forward, it will be interesting to observe how this shift influences not only hair styling but also broader fashion and beauty trends. Will this relaxed sensibility endure beyond the summer months, or will we see another pendulum swing? And, perhaps more importantly, how will brands adapt to meet the evolving desires of consumers who increasingly prioritize authenticity and ease over overtly polished appearances?
There’s a noticeable shift happening with hair trends this year. After years dominated by sleek finishes, deliberately polished styling and ultra definition, we’re swinging back towards softness. Rather than hair that feels obviously styled, summer in particular has seen a wave of laidback styles that feel less controlled and more instinctive, with movement, texture and an inherent sense of ease taking precedence over precision.
The shift is evident in the haircuts that people are asking for in salons right now too. Forget blunt bobs and coiffed pixie cuts; it’s styles with fluidity—think waterfall layers, lazy bobs and pared-back shags—that are proving popular. And it’s this shift that has put brushed-out curls firmly on the agenda.
What Are Brushed-Out Curls?
Rather than perfectly sculpted curls or immaculate mermaid waves, brushed-out curls have an airy, almost cloud-like texture that manages to feel both relaxed and effortlessly elegant. “I’d describe this look as soft, brushed-out glamour with a modern feel,” explains STIL Salon Style Director, Neale Rodger. “The curls are there, but they’re not the main event—it’s more about the movement, volume and silhouette they create once they’re brushed out. I would say there’s definitely a nod to old Hollywood hair, but it also feels very current.”
Rodger points to Olivia Dean’s voluminous, bouncy curls that she wore recently on her The Art of Loving tour as the epitome of this trend. “Dean wears brushed-out curls beautifully because it never looks too polished or overly done,” he says. “It sits somewhere between natural texture and glamour, which is exactly where a lot of hair trends are heading right now.”
Brushed-Out Curls Inspiration
Mika Abdalla's brushed-out beachy waves are giving summer mermaid vibes.
How beautiful are Chase Infiniti's voluminous, glam curls?
The queen of the brushed-out curl, Olivia Dean's tousled hair always looks effortlessly chic.
I love the pairing of soft, feathery fringe and retro waves on Emma Laird's lob.
Brushed-out curls don't come cooler than Jade Thirlwall's ultra-long style.
Chappell Roan channels that old school glamorous feel with her blown-out, fluffy curls.
How pretty do Ayo Edebiri's curls look with their softly, combed-out ends?
How to Get Brushed-Out Curls
Part of the appeal of brushed-out curls is certainly their versatility. The softly diffused finish works just as well with a T-shirt and jeans as it would a wedding guest dress, making it a versatile option for everyday styling and a special occasion ‘do. But does the trend work for every hair type? Rodger certainly thinks so, but you need to tailor how you approach the styling depending on whether you have textured or naturally straight hair.
“For textured hair, I’d focus on enhancing what’s already there rather than fighting against it,” Rodger explains. “Using a diffuser, some curl-defining products and gently brushing out once the hair has completely cooled can create a really beautiful version of the look, while still maintaining the hair’s natural character.”
“However, for naturally straight hair, you will need to build the shape first,” Rodger says. “I’d use a large barrel tong or rollers to create soft curls throughout the hair and then leave them to cool completely before brushing through.”
The biggest mistake that people make when attempting the brushed-out curl trend, according to Rodger? “Stopping when the curls look perfect. Don’t be afraid to brush the curls out,” he says. “Most people spend ages creating curls only to leave them exactly as they are. The magic actually happens once you brush them out and let everything blend together into one soft shape, giving that effortless, expensive-looking finish that everyone’s obsessed with right now.”
The Best Products for Brushed-Out Curls
"Product-wise, I love anything that encourages movement rather than stiffness," says Rodger. "A lightweight mousse before styling can help create hold."
While Rodger doesn't think that the specific tools you use matter too much, he does recommend a large barrel tong—and this 38mm one from GHD is perfect for getting those large, oversized curls.
Once you've created those curls it's time to brush them out. "Use a wide tooth comb and brush through the mid-lengths and ends to shape a flawless, brushed-out curl," says Ryan Wilkes, Hairstylist at Hershesons Belgravia
"Using the right products and tools is essential for achieving brushed-out curls," says Wilkes. "Apply a smoothing heat protection spray and Hershesons Almost Everything Cream to finish." This multitasker adds shine and smooths flyaways while enhancing natural texture too.
A look that's all about the texture means a texture spray is inevitable. Finish the look with a spritz of this lightweight one. "A texture spray or soft finishing spray afterwards keeps everything airy and touchable," explains Rodger.
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