Summer 2026 was the season of the chop. The bixie cut, the bob, the shag, the girls were going all in with lighter, low-maintenance styles this summer. These easy-going cuts were perfect for the summer months, but as we near fall and our hair starts to grow out, we’re faced with an important decision; to grow or not to grow. For those of us that are ready to see some hair growth progress, whether it’s growing out layers or learning how to style an uncharted hair length, there are several ways to style and protect your hair during the in-between phase.

Braids

Braids can be an excellent protective style for hair of all lengths. While traditional french or fishtail braids can keep hair from tangling and are great when hair oiling, tiny, interesting, and seemingly random braids can add interest to an otherwise normal hair day. Trendy styles include small, micro braids amongst washed hair or pulled back into a claw clip or high bun.

Hair Clips

It seems that trends are shifting from the large claw clip to smaller, micro clips. Using hair clips of any variety to pin hair up and out of the face is a trendy style that reduces breakage from rubber bands or hair ties. This look is great for those growing out bangs or face framing layers. Tiny clips framing the face are reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s trends, like the butterfly clips we decorated the crowns of our heads with as children, or the ones Lizzy McGuire famously wore. Whether it’s pinning back growing microbangs or adding intrigue to a mid length cut, clips are certainly a useful hair accessory for every length. 

Bandanas and Headbands

Bandanas and head scarves like the ones worn by your summer camp counselor or a Hollywood icon on her trip to Monaco are another accessory perfect for those wanting to prioritize hair protection. Not only are bandanas, headbands, and head scarves excellent ways to accessorize an outfit, they can cover a head of hair that’s days away from its last shampoo. Reducing the frequency of hair washing promotes natural oil production, avoiding a dry scalp and hair and preventing future hair breakage, yet it isn’t always a glamorous look. Hair that hasn’t been washed in days can be greasy and appear unkept, regardless of the style. Using a bandana or other hair covering can hide the remnants of product or a far off wash day while still protecting hair, a solid win. 

Protective Practices

Regardless of the style or length, growing out an old haircut requires gentle, protective practices that will promote a healthy, moisturized head of hair. Popular protective measures include reducing, or altogether avoiding, the use of heat on hair. Several styling tools and methods exist that don’t require subjecting damaging amounts of heat to our roots and ends, many of which have had their respective moments on social media. While these trends seem to come and go, some really are worth the attention. Any heatless curling tool, like the Dyson Hair Wrap and the plethora of products offered by other, more accessible brands, create far less damage than a traditional blowout or curling iron. Sock curls and rollers also produce bouncy, wavy hair without the heat. Finding tools and methods that work for your particular hair pattern is key to achieving damage-free styled hair. 

Hair oiling is another practice that seems to ebb and flow in popular beauty and self-care content, yet the practice has persisted for hundreds of years. Castor oil, rosemary oil, and oil blends are excellent products to massage into your scalp, roots, and ends, promoting hair growth, a healthy scalp, and shiny appearance. These oils also can soften hair, making breakage from washing or hair brushing less prominent. After massaging the oil into the scalp and hair, it’s recommended you let the product sit for 15 minutes to an hour before washing. Shampooing twice is recommended to eliminate any build up and leave hair looking and feeling smooth, silky, and healthy.

Regardless of what your hair goals are, employing practices that keep hair moisturized and protected is the basis to maintaining a healthy head of hair for any style you choose to create. 

What do you think of these hairstyles for growing out hair? Let us know your favorites in the comments!