“The shag is really popular right now”: this Parisian celebrity hairstylist reveals the haircut that will dethrone the pixie in this summer’s hairstyle trends.

This summer 2026, hair trends are all about movement and naturalness. Before succumbing to a style spotted on Pinterest or Instagram, it’s best to take the time to consult a professional. Celebrity hairstylist David Mallett shares his tips for choosing the perfect cut.

The modern pixie: a short cut that’s still a must-have

Among this season’s hairstyling trends, the pixie retains a special place. We see it in a more grown-up version, with soft, slightly frayed contours. There’s also a more daring interpretation, with a mullet-like nape.

This short, assertive style appeals to many celebrities. Zoë Kravitz, for example, wears a pixie with a “flipped” effect at the back. Halle Berry popularized the messy version in the 2000s. Úrsula Corberó opts for a pixie with bangs.

“To define how a haircut works with your face shape, you need to consult a real professional. It’s never just a question of hair: it’s also a question of hair combined with face shape, your expectations and your lifestyle. That’s the only way to make the right choice.”

The shag: the layered cut seducing the new generation

Yet another cut is making a comeback: the shag. This layered cut is highly versatile. It works on straight, wavy or curly hair.

David Mallett confirms this trend: “Shag is really popular right now at the salon.” Figures like Jenna Ortega, Suki Waterhouse and Matilda Djerf have made it a summer signature. This loose, textured cut perfectly embodies current hair trends.

• The pixie with soft, frayed contours for grown-up style
• The pixie with mullet neck for the most daring women
• Shag on straight hair for a natural effect
• Shag on wavy or curly hair for volume
• The tapered square for easy-going style

The tapered bob: a sure thing this season

Another mainstay of summer hair trends: the tapered bob. Supple and slightly unstructured, it adds movement. What’s more, it’s easy to live with all summer long.

This type of cut is reminiscent of the looks worn by many celebrities. Kaia Gerber epitomizes the tapered bob. Jessica Chastain opted for a very short version. Margot Robbie prefers a mid-length bob.

These different variations illustrate the flexibility of this cut. It adapts to every morphology and lifestyle. As a result, it’s perfect for those looking for a less restrictive hairstyle.

The importance of dialogue with your hairdresser

Whatever hairstyle you choose from these trends, one thing remains fundamental. The dialogue between the customer and her hairdresser determines the success of the result. Every face has its own particularities to take into account.

David Mallett insists: “These are decisions to be made between the person and the hairdresser, taking into account hair density, movement, face shape and the customer’s expectations.” So copying a cut seen on a celebrity is no guarantee of a satisfactory result.

How to choose your haircut for summer 2026

Summer is synonymous with change, and hairstyles are often among the first transformations. Swapping your long winter hair for a short, light cut becomes a ritual for coping with the heat. This season’s hairstyling trends offer many options.

Rather than copying, it’s better to opt for a completely personalized cut. After all, every head of hair has its own density and movement. A cut that looks great on one person can be a disservice to another.

David Mallett concludes with a simple piece of advice: “Always seek professional advice.” This recommendation applies to all hair trends, whether it’s a bold pixie, a textured shag or a tapered bob.

• hairstyling trends