If you haven't heard, it's Brat Summer - don't know what that means? Let us explain...
#bratsummer has taken social media by storm since the release of Charlie XCX's new album - Brat. This year it's goodbye to the pink hues of 2023's Barbiecore and so long to the clean girl aesthetic as we usher in a new era of the messy, party girl.
What Exactly is Brat Summer?
Searches for 'what does brat summer mean?' have surged by 110% in the UK; described by Charlie XCX as a "pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra", Brat is also a slime green colour - and that includes everything from fashion to hair... think Billie Eilish's 2019 green roots but also more creative looks like this green and purple brat summer hair transformation from Elissa Wolfe.
@vialsss brat girl summer with fresh hair from @elissa wolfe 💚💜 #greenhair #purplehair #hairdye #haircolor #hairsalon #hairtransformation #360 #brat #bratsummer ♬ 360 - Charli xcx
Daniele de Angelis, TONI&GUY London, tells us: "Brat girl summer hair is all about rocking bold and fun hairstyles that scream confidence and individuality. Think vibrant colors, edgy cuts, and styles that make a statement. It's like giving your hair a rebellious makeover for the summer, embracing your unique style with a carefree attitude."
It's not just green highlights, or a full head of colour that characterises brat summer. It's all about a grungier, bedhead-inspired look, like a messy shag with bangs or a wolf cut. Charlie XCX's brat girl summer hair aesthetic is underpinned by messy beauty and hair, adding more volume and texture - more is the answer to a brat girl summer. "For day-to-day styling I am seeing clients wear hair more messy, toussled hair that's less 'done' or tonged. It's more of a diffused and twisted, half-up, half-down, rolled in from a night out kind of vibe," says freelance stylist, Harrison aka @hairy.sons.
The pop brat is all about embracing curly, bouncy texture so consider this with your trend-focused clients who are living their best brat summer this year. Not only can you tailor your service menus to brat summer vivids but consider upgrading your retail to include texturising salt sprays and volumising curl creams.
"Brat girl summer hair has sparked so much creativity for me and my clients. It's like a burst of energy, inspiring us to try out bold colors, edgy styles, and unique looks that show off our personalities," shares Daniele, adding: "It's all about having fun with our hair and embracing our individuality in a whole new way." For clients and stylists alike brat summer is all about letting your creativity break free and, most importantly, having fun. So, grab your colour palette and get messy!
