“The shag is really popular right now”: this Parisian celebrity hairstylist reveals the haircut that’s dethroning the pixie this summer.

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a time of movement and naturalness in hairstyling. Square, shag or pixie: short haircuts are back in vogue. Before stepping through the salon door, a celebrity hairstylist shares his advice on how to make the right choice.

Why opt for a short cut this summer

Summer is synonymous with change, and the first change usually comes to our heads. Trading in our long winter hair for a short, lightweight cut that can stand up to the heat remains a popular ritual. This desire for freshness is driving many women to dare the short cut.

What hairstyle forsummer 2026? Looking at the stars, some styles are becoming more recurrent than others. One thing’s for sure: rather than copying a style, opt for an entirely personalized cut.

Celebrity hairstylist David Mallett insists on this point in his cozy Paris salon. The cut must be adapted to each face, each lifestyle. This is the key to a successful result.

“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 pixie is still a must

Among the cuts that are making their mark in salons, the pixie remains a classic. We see it in a more grown-up version, with soft, slightly frayed contours. A more daring interpretation, with a mullet-like nape of the neck, appeals to the more daring.

Personalities such as Zoë Kravitz, Halle Berry and Úrsula Corberó have all adopted this short, assertive spirit. All have adopted variations on the modern pixie. As a result, this haircut crosses generations without taking on a wrinkle.

• Zoë Kravitz’s “flipped” pixie back effect
• Halle Berry’s messy pixie in the 2000s
• The pixie with bangs by Úrsula Corberó
• Soft, slightly frayed contours for a grown-up look
• A mullet neck for the most daring women

Shag takes center stage

While the pixie has retained its place, another cut is making a strong comeback: the shag. This layered cut is particularly appealing to the new generation. Extremely versatile, it works equally well on straight, wavy or curly hair.

David Mallett confirms: “Shag is really popular right now at the salon.” This loose, textured cut offers a relaxed style, perfect for summer days. What’s more, it’s low-maintenance on a daily basis.

This signature style can be found in figures such as Jenna Ortega, Suki Waterhouse and Matilda Djerf. These personalities have made it their trademark. As a result, the shag is this season’s signature cut.

A style to suit all textures

Unlike the pixie, which requires regular maintenance, the shag offers greater freedom. It adapts to both fine and thick hair. Its gradient adds volume and natural movement.

This versatility explains its success with customers. It allows you to maintain a certain length while gaining in lightness. For summer, it’s the ideal compromise between practicality and style.

The tapered carré: a sure bet

Another strong trend this season: the tapered bob. Supple and slightly unstructured, it adds movement while remaining easy to live with. This type of cut perfectly embodies the effortless aesthetic sought after in summer.

Kaia Gerber‘s style is also very contemporary, with a tapered bob. Jessica Chastain recently adopted a very short version. These looks prove that the bob can be adapted to any face.

As with the pixie or shag, the final choice depends on a number of criteria. Hair density, natural movement and face shape all come into play. David Mallett insists on the importance of dialogue with his hairdresser.

Her final advice sums up the process well: “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. Always seek professional advice.

• pixie