2 Outdated Hair Trends That Are Aging You For Summer 2026 (& 2 You Should Try Instead)

As we're well into this calendar year, we pretty much have a firm grasp on what's trending, hair-wise. The soft, lived-in look is totally all the rage, and one of the hair trends that is woefully outdated in 2026 is the super-straight style. While you may have rocked that look during the Y2K era, after over two decades, you'll be better off with a bit more volume during the warm weather months. Following certain hair trends may have served you well during your younger years, but after your 40s, it's best to go with ones that give you a more youthful appearance.

When it comes to summer colors, many go for a dramatically light shade, but the alternative to dated platinum blond hair is a more blended look. Not only do silvery strands age you, but it's so 2015. If you're going for a more youthful and updated style this year, there are some trends you need to let go of, and other alternatives that will have you looking like a refreshed queen.

Since the onset of pop culture, celebs like Cher and Jennifer Aniston have inspired many to grow out their hair (or get extensions) to achieve smooth, down-to-their-waist locks. There was something so boho and carefree about that look, but while super-long extensions were back in style a few years ago, they're definitely out for mature women. Celebrity hairstylist Cody Renegar exclusively shares with Glam, "I think for so long the trends were long and one-length with just the loose waves, and people are looking for a lot more personality in their style and cut these days."

As explained by Dress Like a Queen, the reason long hair ages you when you get older is that your face loses elasticity and your features become sharper. "Long, shapeless hair can make those changes more noticeable than necessary. When the hair just falls straight without movement or volume, it's not helping. It doesn't frame the face, highlight the beautiful parts, or soften what we may prefer not to emphasize," the content creator shares. The solution? A fresh cut with layers can instantly brighten up your face, while still keeping the length you desire.

One-note haircuts are firmly outdated this year and are making room for their more voluminous counterparts. "People are starting to let go of their hair extensions and embrace full, bouncy 'dos. A lot of times when people get these layers, it releases some of their natural wave and curl, so a lot of the styles this summer are scrunched and lived-in layers," Los Angeles hairstylist Cody Renegar exclusively tells Glam.

If you want to keep your hair long, there's no reason not to, even at a certain age. It's all about creating movement and softness around your face that feels natural, instead of stiff. "Jane Seymour has a soft fringe graduation around the face and great color, while Michelle Pfeiffer's hair is soft and wavy, always worn slightly tousled. All of these women look great for their age, without trying to look like they're 20," hair expert Paul Edmonds points out, per Vogue. For a hot take on layers in summer 2026, head straight to your salon for a French C-curl. "It's a classic French blowout, but with a nice bend and 'C' shape at the ends. Instead of a flat-ironed straight hair look, this is a beautiful blowout with a gorgeous bend," stylist Dimitris Giannetos explains to Harper's Bazaar, noting that this will look exceptionally great with curtain bangs

So long, platinum blond! This overly bleached look is on its way out for summer 2026, and your hair will thank you, especially if you've been processing it for years. Going for a more natural color means a lot less maintenance, which is easier on mature strands. "People are starting to go back to their natural color tones for less upkeep. The platinum blond and over-bleaching days are over," Cody Renegar exclusively tells us.

When determining your hair color, it's best to go back to your roots, and we mean that literally. "If you're a dark brunette, don't stray too far from rich tones. If you're a warm blond like Christie Brinkley, keep to the golden hues that add depth. If you introduce a completely new color, your natural shade will fight it until it oxidizes and turns brassy orange," color expert Louis Licari shares with Allure. He adds, "A shade or two lighter [than your natural one] can be very flattering, especially because skin gets more sallow with age, and a few streaks can wake it up. But going too light can be just as aging as going too dark."

Long layers will be everywhere this summer, but those who have thin hair or simply prefer a short cut can always turn to a timeless bob. "If fine hair won't support the layers, then the bob is always on trend. It works well without the extensions and layers, but keeps the life and movement in the hair," hair guru Cody Renegar notes in an exclusive chat with Glam. 

As women age, their strands naturally thin, so going for a short, blunt style will add the illusion of volume. "Shortening up the hair will instantly make it appear fuller. Your strands will also become less weighed down from the length of the hair, and you will more easily be able to create volume. Thin hair tends to have wispy ends. Cutting them off will instantly make the hair look healthier and denser. A bob will make thin hair look more intentional," hairstylist Chezney Schulz explains to InStyle.

The best thing about bobs is that there are myriad ways to rock them. From cool French bobs to shoulder-grazing lobs, the world is your oyster when it comes to this style. This summer, try a more structured version to be on-trend. "A really sleek bob with a slight flip at the bottom is going to feel big this season. It has shape, it feels modern, and it works perfectly with summer dressing," celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger tells Marie Claire.