With new hair trends and styling tricks popping up every day, #hairtok never ceases to both inspire and intimidate me. I mean, how many intricate braid looks and complex updos is one expected to know? Thankfully, my fellow editors and I are on the same page when it comes to styling our hair for the summer—it needs to be easy, quick, and most importantly, cute. So I asked them to show me four foolproof hairstyles that fit the criteria. Not only did they share the steps needed to re-create these styles, but they also shared the trusty Sephora products they use for each one. From multitasking blow-dryers to TikTok’s favorite styling cream, these hardworking products make these styles achievable no matter your skill level.
“Soft curls will never go out of style, but summer is the perfect time to rely on this low-fuss look. Since my natural texture is quite wavy and prone to frizz, a soft, tousled curl enhances my strand pattern while smoothing out any rough cuticles so my hair looks shiny and bouncy.” — Jamie Schneider, senior beauty editor
“After towel-drying my hair and before blow-drying it, I run Oribe’s Supershine Moisturizing Cream through my strands. I immediately notice a difference in my hair’s vibrance when I use this product—the softness and shine this product gives is unmatched. Then I section my hair in half and use my Shark FlexStyle Multi-Styler’s Oval Brush and Auto-Wrap Curlers to create soft, swoopy curls. This tool smooths, dries, and curls my hair all at the same time—it literally cut my styling time in half. Once my hair is all curled, I give it a spritz with Moroccanoil’s Luminous Hairspray. I receive so many compliments on how good my hair smells when I use this, and the hold lasts all day. I love that these soft curls are airy, bouncy, and defy frizz—for me, that’s the trifecta when it comes to summer hairstyles.” — Schneider
Shop Jamie’s Hairstyle
“Lately, I’ve been so inspired to embrace my curly hair. Some of my favorite influencers and celebs are putting the hot tools down and rocking their natural curls and waves. I like to think of this trend as going back to the basics and adopting a sort of ‘less is more’ approach to beauty. I cut my 10-step makeup routine in half for the summer, and I want to do the same for my hair. It’s so freeing!” — Aniyah Morinia, editor
“When styling a wash-and-go, I always start with wet hair. My hair has low porosity and it’s usually difficult for water and product to seep into my strands for full moisture, so I add about three pumps of the Pattern Palo Santo Curl Mousse and distribute from root to tip. With this product, I can immediately see a difference in both hydration and definition. My curls and ringlets go from puffy and undefined to smooth and coiled. I’m incredibly impatient when doing my hair, so if I can get instant results like this, I’m happy. Plus, the scent is absolutely divine. To finish off the look, I add the Ouai Anti-Frizz Hair Styling Cream, which protects my hair from NYC’s brutal heat and humidity. I love this style because my hair isn’t weighed down by a bunch of products and pins. Wearing my natural hair out feels like an opportunity to show up authentically, and I can’t think of anything better than that. It’s the key to a carefree summer.” — Morinia
Shop Aniyah’s Hairstyle
“When I’m not air-drying my hair, I’m embracing a full ’90s blowout. Who doesn’t like feeling like a supermodel with bouncy hair? I may not be skilled in the hair department, but I can ace this style with my eyes closed. And if I can, anyone can.” — Caitie Schlisserman, group executive director
“Before any hot tools are used, you gotta prep your hair. After towel-drying, I spray the Fable & Mane Moisturizing Volume Spray all over, which helps thicken my hair and adds natural volume. It smells like a warm spicy hug—it’s intoxicating. Once my hair dries, I section it off and run the Mane It’s Giving Body Round Brush through it. I start at the roots, hold the brush there for a few seconds, then continue down the length of my hair. This brush is very intuitive, and I love that it doesn’t feel like I’m damaging my hair. Once I finish, I spray the Amika Rising Star Volumizing Finishing Spray on my roots to give my hair more bounce.” — Schlisserman
Shop Caitie’s Hairstyle
“Every hot girl has a slick-back hairstyle in the summer, and I’m right there with them. It looks so chic. I like this style with hair that’s not freshly washed—when my hair gets greasy, I know it’s time to slick it back.” — Anneliese Henderson, senior editor
“I love how easy a slick-back style is, but I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error to find the best products to make it work. This Dae Styling Cream is the perfect option. It moisturizes, tames frizz and flyaways, and smells absolutely divine with notes of dragonfruit and prickly pear. I add a generous amount throughout my scalp and brush it all back into a ponytail holder. I run a bit more through the pony itself, and with what’s left of my arm strength, I braid the ends.” — Henderson