News flash: right now is the most popular time to change the cut and colour of your hair. As spring inches closer to summer and party season awaits, there’s no better time to book in for a refresh. Acclaimed hair stylist and Philips HairCare ambassador Paloma Rose Garcia of Oscar Oscar Paddington schooled us on the hair trends set to dominate your Instagram feed this season – pick one, or pick them all.

Go lighter

But not in an obvious way. “Hair always goes lighter and softer in summer – in winter, we always see more solid colour,” Garcia says. “I’ve been cutting in the salon all day and everyone wants their hair lighter.”

Go longer

The lob’s reign may be over – according to Garcia, hairstyles are getting longer again. “Everyone’s had their lobs, and now they’re growing out and women are wearing their hair anywhere between the collarbone and an inch above the breast,” she says. “It’s the new long hair. That kind of length used to be no-man’s land, but now it feels so fresh.” 

Consider a fringe

“Fringes are still massive – women are growing out the fringe they had in winter to form a centre part curtain fringe that sits somewhere on the top of the cheekbones,” Garcia explains. Read our curtain fringe hair guide to see if the style suits you.

Go back to your roots

You heard it first from Kendall Jenner’s hairstylist – the ombre look is over. “Hair painting [aka balayage] is still huge, but gone are the days of mid-lengths and ends only,” Garcia confirms. “Hair is being painted with lighteners from the roots now, for a more seamless, natural effect – none of that obvious ombre demarcation.”

Pick up a brush

The one thing every hairdresser wishes more women would do to their hair? Brush it. “Healthy hair starts at the scalp,” maintains Garcia. “Think of the benefits you get from exfoliating your face – the same happens when you exfoliate the scalp by brushing.” She recommends brushing your hair every night before bed to promote hair growth and remove dead skin cells – try the Philips Ionic Styling Brush.

Need more hair inspiration? Then check out the best celebrity hair transformations of 2017.

Thinking of changing your hair for summer? Let us know what style you're leaning towards in the comments below.

Image credit: Getty 

This article originally appeared on marieclaire.com.au