If you've ever envied the effortlessly cool, beach-ready hair of stars like Karol G, Demi Lovato, Ciara, or Jenna Ortega, chances are César DeLeon Ramirez had something to do with it. The iconic celebrity hair stylist, known for turning red carpet moments into trendsetting hair history, dedicated some of his busy schedule to HOLA! to spill the secrets, the trends, and the summer switch-ups he's making on the biggest names in the business.
With over two decades in the industry, César has styled everyone from Beyoncé to Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez to Normani, and he's not slowing down. His work has graced magazine covers, major fashion runways, and a whole lot of your Pinterest boards. But when it comes to summer 2025, he's laser-focused on a few key cuts.
So, what haircuts will be making headlines this summer?
"For this summer, 2025 the biggest haircut trends I'll be creating on my clients will be the French Bob for anyone who is bold and who loves to be stylish," he said.
Adding: "The one length Lob for those who want to feel trendy but aren't really ready to take the leap and also curtain bangs with short to long layers for the girls who just love their length but still want to feel trendy and different."
The French Bob and Bixie (that's Bob + Pixie, FYI) are taking center stage. They're the Goldilocks of summer hair, short enough to feel fresh, long enough to still play around. If you're not ready to go full pixie, these cuts are your sweet spot.
But what actually makes a cut "summer-friendly?" It's not just about going short. "What makes a haircut summer friendly is a cut that pairs well with summer-esque fashion whether it's a bikini and a wrap or a flowy gown, it must easily go from day to night, beach to dinner party. It's got to be easy to style and must also look good with natural textures," DeLeon Ramirez shared.
And yes, your beachy lob needs to look as good by the pool as it does at a rooftop bar. Flexibility is the name of the game.
Need a go-to cut that flatters everyone? César DeLeon Ramirez got you. "A cut that is flattering for most face shapes is a cut that frames the face well, that might be a wispy long curtain fringe that can be pulled into a messy updo in the back or shorter face framing lengths that feel ethereal when they naturally wave up," he told HOLA! while inviting people to go for movement, face-framing layers, and lightness. It's about enhancing your vibe, not changing who you are.
Let's talk bangs—still in or out for summer?
"Bangs are always a moment in my opinion, but I'm bias, they are my favorite. For summer it's about having these shorter bits and pieces framing the face that look like they fell out of your messy or even sleek bun. It also gives "bad-ass" when you have bangs on curly or wavy hair," the hairstylist says.
So, not only are bangs still in, but they're kind of the main character. Think undone, wind-swept, and just rebellious enough to look like you didn't try (even though you absolutely did).
Now, we all know that keeping that salon-fresh cut looking sharp through heat, salt, and sun can be a challenge. But Hair Wizard César (yes, we are calling him that!) has a few suggestions. "My tip to keeping summer cuts looking sharp all summer is products. Investing in a great shampoo like PREMIÈRE BAIN DÉCALCIFIANT RÉPARATEUR REPAIRING SHAMPOO by Kerastase is great for removing calcium build-up while deeply repairing broken bonds in the hair," he says. "Keeping sun burnt hair moisturized with a mask like DISCIPLINE MASQUE OLÉO-RELAX HAIR MASK by Kerastase for its heat and anti-humidity benefits."
The proper tools are a must when styling hair. "Also using the right styling tools like L'Oréal's AirLight Pro hair dryer for its multiple custom settings that can help anyone achieve any desired texture with less damage plus the UV light tech cuts down on styling time because no one wants to waste beach time on fussing with a slow dryer," César assures.
Hot girl summer starts with hot tools—and the right aftercare. But what if you live somewhere that feels like a steam room in July? "In humid climates I strongly suggest embracing natural textures. There's nothing on the planet yet that can fully battle the humidity so embracing waves and curls is a must."
DeLeon Ramirez said that using the full Gloss Absolu line by Kerastase can help you control frizz for up to four days. "The glaze drops smell incredible and can be applied to beach waves multiple times throughout the day, add shine to a sleek pony, or scrunch it in for a sexy wet look," he said, assuring it leaves the hair "bouncy and glossy."
Forget fighting humidity; make it your aesthetic
And if your hair is naturally curly or textured? Don't sit this one out. "I would still recommend the same trending shapes for textured hair but I would account for shrinkage so leaving the cut 2-3 inches longer is the key. With curls it's really about personalizing the cut once the hair is fully styled," César says.
So yes, you can absolutely rock a curtain bang or lob, just with a curly-conscious approach.
Despite all the great haircut suggestions, César has an underrated cut he wishes people would take a chance on. "I wish more people would try a Bixie cut. It's underrated but it's like having the best of both worlds. It's short but still has enough length to play with. It can be worn slicked back, blown out straight or wavy. It even looks great with headbands or hair accessories and also pinned up into a faux updo," he said.
Think of it as the dark horse of summer haircuts, ready for its comeback moment.
This summer, hair is having a main character moment. Whether you're embracing a fearless French bob, flirting with fringe, or finally going for that Bixie you've saved 200 times on Instagram, César's advice is simple: cut with intention, style with ease, and let your hair do the talking.