Without a doubt, short hairstyles reigned supreme at the start of 2026. But if celebrities are anything to go by, a strong case is being made for longer lengths to swiftly dethrone bobs and crops this summer.
Among the first supporters of the ‘anti-bob movement’ were the likes of Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Kate Moss at the annual Met Gala back in May. Last week followed Victoria Beckham, who debuted cascading, waist-skimming waves, and now? Emma Watson has got the memo.
Making a rare appearance at a business forum for The Royal Foundation’s United For Wildlife yesterday, the actress wore what seems to be her longest hair yet. Accompanying an elegant, monochromatic combination of a scoop-necked black shirt and tiered white skirt, Watson wore soft, flowing curls with a sun-kissed golden copper colour.
Hairstylist and STIL Salon style director Neale Rodger calls Watson’s length a ‘flattering sweet spot’ between mid-length cuts and extra-long tresses. ‘It’s long enough to create softness and movement around the face, but not so long that it overwhelms her features,’ comments Rodger. ‘Subtle layers help to maintain shape and bounce, while extra length beautifully elongates Watson’s neck and enhances her bone structure.’ The result, says Rodger, feels elegant and timeless rather than trend-driven.
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As for the increasingly A-lister approved shift towards long hair over short, Rodger observes that in Watson and Beckham’s cases, long hair is re-gaining a glamorous status, but in a more effortless way than before. ‘Rather than ultra-polished lengths, celebrities are embracing texture and healthy-looking hair which feels perfectly relaxed enough for summer.’
For those looking to emulate Watson’s style for the warmer months, Rodger notes that considered cutting and dimensional colour are equally important. For the former, he emphasises that the key is ‘keeping the length below the shoulders and incorporating long, invisible layers throughout the mid-lengths and ends,’ to encourage movement without sacrificing density – which is vital for those with fine or thin hair types.
As for colour, Rodger observes that Watson’s weaves subtle variations of warm copper, apricot and golden undertones throughout, rather than relying on a single flat tone. ‘This gives it incredible depth and shine – so ask your colourist for a natural-looking, multi-tonal copper with plenty of gloss.’
With regard to day-to-day styling, gently cascading curls are effortlessly achieved using a medium-barreled curling iron to wrap larger sections away from the face. Rodger recommends allowing each loose curl to cool completely, before gently brushing through with a soft bristle brush to create a ‘flowing effect’. Finish with a lightweight shine spray for a look which feels polished, but not stiff.
Whatever your hair type, consider recreating Watson’s deep side part to elevate the look even further. For fine hair, Rodger explains that volume is instantly created at the root when a parting is switched. For thick or naturally textured hair, ‘it softens the face beautifully and complements loose waves by creating that sweeping movement across the front of the hair.’
For a simple summer refresh, look no further.
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