20 Summer Hairstyles That Beat the Heat in Style

Summer hair has a different set of demands than any other season — heat, humidity, chlorine, salt water, and UV exposure all conspire against your style. The best summer hairstyles work with the elements rather than fighting them, embracing texture, keeping hair off the neck, and protecting your hair from sun damage simultaneously. Whether you spend your summers at the beach, in the city, or somewhere in between, these styles keep you cool and looking great.

This guide covers twenty summer hairstyles from effortless everyday looks to event-worthy options, with specific product and technique tips for surviving the hottest months. For protecting your hair health through summer, see our healthy hair handbook and scalp care guide.

1. Beach Waves

The quintessential summer hairstyle — loose, tousled waves that look like you just stepped off the sand. Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair, scrunch upward, and let the sun do the rest. Beach waves work on every length from a bob to waist-length hair and are the most forgiving style because imperfection is the aesthetic.

Beach waves embrace humidity rather than fighting it — the moisture in the air actually enhances the textured, lived-in effect. This is the lowest-effort summer style because it requires zero heat tools and improves as the day goes on. For straight hair that does not wave naturally, a light application of mousse and overnight braids create beautiful heat-free waves by morning. See our heat-free curls guide for overnight techniques.

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2. The High Messy Bun

All hair gathered loosely at the crown — off the neck, off the shoulders, and out of the humidity. The messy high bun is the most practical summer updo because it cools you down, takes thirty seconds, and looks intentionally styled. Pull pieces free at the face and nape for a softened, lived-in quality.

Use a silk scrunchie in a bright summer color — the scrunchie becomes a seasonal accessory while protecting the hair from elastic breakage. The messy bun works on every texture from straight to coily and every length from a bob to ultra-long. Day-two hair creates the best messy bun because the natural oils and grip add texture that freshly washed hair lacks.

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3. Side Braid

A loose side braid draped over one shoulder — romantic, practical, and keeps all hair contained and off the back of the neck. The braid prevents tangling in wind and humidity while looking beautiful all day. Pancake the braid by pulling each loop outward for a thick, relaxed appearance.

The side braid works at every summer event from a beach picnic to an outdoor wedding. Add a flower tucked behind the ear for a tropical touch. The braid also protects the lengths from friction and environmental damage — salt water, chlorine, and UV exposure all damage loose hair more than braided hair. On wavy and curly hair, the braid has natural volume and texture.

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4. Wet-Look Slick Back

Hair slicked back with a strong-hold gel while still wet — the summer version of the sleek look that works with damp post-swim hair rather than requiring a full styling session. The wet look is refreshing, modern, and takes under a minute. Apply gel to wet hair, comb straight back or to one side, and let the air do the drying.

The slick back is the ultimate pool and beach style because it works with wet hair rather than against it. Coming out of the water, smooth the hair back with gel and you have a styled look rather than a messy post-swim tangle. This works on short to medium-length straight hair and creates a fashion-forward, editorial effect.

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5. The Claw Clip Twist

All hair twisted and secured with a large claw clip — the five-second updo that clears the neck and looks intentionally styled. The claw clip is the quintessential summer accessory because it holds hair up without the commitment of elastics or pins and can be repositioned in seconds as the day changes.

Choose a claw clip in a bright summer color — coral, turquoise, citrus yellow — that coordinates with summer outfits. The claw clip twist works on medium to long hair and is the most popular poolside-to-dinner transition style. No other summer hairstyle offers this speed-to-impact ratio.

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6. Protective Summer Braids

Box braids, cornrows, or knotless braids installed for the summer season — lasting four to six weeks of pool days, beach trips, and outdoor events without daily restyling. Protective braids keep hair completely contained, reduce UV exposure to the hair shaft, and eliminate the daily battle with humidity.

This is the best summer strategy for coily and curly hair because the braids protect the fragile texture from chlorine, salt water, and sun damage while looking stunning. Moisturize the scalp every two days with a lightweight oil to prevent dryness under the braids. Rinse braids after swimming to remove chlorine and salt.

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7. The Headscarf

A silk or satin scarf tied as a headband, turban, or full head covering — the most stylish summer hair protector. The scarf shields hair from UV damage, conceals humid-weather frizz, and adds color and pattern to any outfit. Choose lightweight silk or satin rather than cotton, which absorbs moisture from the hair.

The headscarf works over any hairstyle underneath — over a bun, over braids, over loose hair that needs a rest day. It transitions from beach to restaurant by simply retying in a different style. Scarves are one of the most versatile summer accessories for every hair texture and are particularly useful for protecting colored hair from UV-induced fading.

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8. Low Ponytail With Scarf

A low ponytail with a silk scarf tied at the elastic — the trailing scarf adds color and movement while the low ponytail keeps hair contained and off the neck. The scarf elevates a basic ponytail to a summer style statement that works from pool to patio dinner.

Choose a printed scarf in a summer palette — tropical prints, bold stripes, or sunset colors. Tie the scarf in a bow or let it trail down with the ponytail. This is the perfect summer style for hiding post-swim or humidity-affected hair because the scarf does the styling work while the ponytail does the practical work.

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9. Natural Curls Embraced

Summer is the season to let natural curls and waves do their thing — humidity enhances curl patterns rather than fighting them. A wash-and-go with a curl cream and gel, scrunched and left alone, produces the most defined, bouncy curls of any season because the moisture in the air acts as a natural curl enhancer.

Stop fighting humidity — work with it. The best summer curl routine is simpler than other seasons: apply leave-in conditioner and gel to wet hair, scrunch, and air-dry. The summer air adds moisture that enhances curl definition. Use a UV-protective leave-in to prevent sun damage to the curl pattern. See our curly hairstyles guide for the complete wash-and-go technique.

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10. Space Buns

Two buns at the crown — playful, face-clearing, and the most fun summer updo. Space buns keep all hair off the neck and face while creating a youthful, festival-ready silhouette. They work on every texture and every length and take under a minute.

Space buns are the quintessential summer festival and beach-day hairstyle. On coily hair, they create dramatic, voluminous puffs. On straight hair, they create clean, geometric shapes. Add a colorful scrunchie at each base for a summer pop of color. Space buns are also practical — they survive swimming, wind, and all-day outdoor activities.

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11. Bubble Braid

Elastics tied at even intervals along a ponytail with each section pulled outward for a bubble effect — the most creative, eye-catching summer braid that requires zero braiding skill. The bubble braid keeps hair contained and off the neck while looking like an advanced braiding technique.

Use colorful elastics for a summer statement or clear elastics for a seamless look. The bubble braid works on every texture and length and is one of the most photographed summer styles because of its sculptural, three-dimensional quality. Pull each section gently outward after tying for maximum bubble volume.

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12. The Pineapple

Curly and coily hair gathered into a loose high ponytail with the curls fountaining out from the top — the pineapple is both a protective nighttime technique and a stunning summer daytime style. The curls cascade upward and outward, creating a dramatic, voluminous crown that showcases natural texture.

The pineapple keeps hair completely off the neck and shoulders, making it one of the coolest summer styles for thick, dense hair. Use a satin scrunchie to prevent breakage. The pineapple works on type 2C through 4C textures and doubles as overnight curl preservation. See our curly hairstyles guide for detailed technique.

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13. Half-Up With Seashell Clip

The top half gathered and secured with a decorative seashell, coral, or mother-of-pearl clip — the summer-specific accessory that transforms a basic half-up into a seasonal statement. The clip does the styling work while the flowing bottom half moves freely in the summer breeze.

Choose clips that evoke the ocean — natural shell, pearl, or coral-colored acetate. The seashell clip half-up works on every texture and length from a bob to long hair. This is the easiest way to make any summer outfit feel coordinated and intentional.

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14. Boxer Braids

Two tight Dutch braids from hairline to nape — the most practical summer sport and activity hairstyle. Boxer braids keep all hair contained, distribute weight evenly, and hold through swimming, running, hiking, and dancing without loosening. They work on every texture and can be worn for two to three days.

Apply a light gel along the part line before braiding for a clean separation that resists humidity. Boxer braids also create heat-free waves when unraveled — braid on day one, wear braids on day two, unravel for waves on day three. This is the most versatile three-day summer hairstyle.

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15. Messy Fishtail

A loose, pancaked fishtail braid — the relaxed, bohemian summer braid that looks more complex than it is. The fishtail's herringbone pattern adds visual interest while the loose, pulled-apart texture adds the summer-appropriate casualness. This works best on long hair where the full fishtail pattern is visible.

The messy fishtail looks better as the day progresses — the loose pieces and slightly undone quality improve with wind, activity, and natural movement. It is the ultimate beach-to-dinner braid because it looks intentionally undone at the beach and romantically tousled at dinner. No touch-ups needed.

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16. Wet Curls After Swimming

Coming out of the pool or ocean with wet curly or wavy hair — immediately scrunch in a curl cream and gel while the hair is saturated, then let the sun and air dry it into defined, beach-perfect curls. Swimming day becomes wash day, and the curl definition that results from saltwater or freshwater styling is often better than a standard wash-and-go.

Keep a travel-size curl cream and gel in your pool or beach bag for this technique. The water provides the saturation that curls need for product application, and the outdoor air-drying produces natural, relaxed curls. This turns post-swim hair from a problem into a styling opportunity.

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17. Bandana Style

A cotton bandana tied as a headband, a hair wrap, or a ponytail accent — the most casual, classic summer hair accessory. The bandana adds Americana, bohemian, or vintage charm depending on how it is tied and what pattern you choose. It also absorbs sweat at the hairline.

Tie the bandana as a headband pushing the hair back for face-clearing function, or fold it into a triangle and tie at the nape for a retro-classic look. The bandana works on every texture, every length, and every summer setting from a barbecue to a farmers' market.

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18. Summer Bob

A fresh bob haircut for the summer season — shorter hair dries faster, stays cooler, and requires less maintenance during the hottest months. The summer bob at chin to collarbone length is the most practical warm-weather cut because it air-dries in minutes, needs minimal product, and looks effortlessly styled with just a texturizing spray.

If you have been thinking about cutting your hair shorter, summer is the ideal season. The summer bob is liberating — lighter, cooler, and faster to manage than longer summer hair. The bob also shows off summer color like balayage or sun-lightened highlights more prominently because the concentrated length puts the color on display.

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19. Crown Braid

A braid wrapped around the head like a crown — all hair up, off the face and neck, and secured in a beautiful, structural arrangement. The crown braid is the most elegant summer updo and works for outdoor weddings, garden parties, and any summer event that calls for polished hair.

The crown braid keeps everything contained through heat, humidity, and activity while looking regal rather than practical. It holds flowers naturally within the braided surface for a summer-garden aesthetic. The crown braid works on medium to long hair and looks most dramatic on curly and coily textures where the braid has maximum volume.

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20. The Summer Scrunched Style

Scrunch a wave-enhancing mousse or curl cream into towel-dried hair after washing, then let the summer air dry it naturally — the simplest styled look that works exclusively because summer air and humidity do the finishing work. The scrunching encourages the natural wave or curl pattern while the product provides hold and definition.

This is the one-product, one-minute summer style that works on type 2A through 3B textures. The summer humidity sets the wave pattern more firmly than indoor air-drying, creating better definition with less effort. No diffuser, no round brush, no heat — just product, scrunch, and sun. See our wavy hairstyles guide for the best scrunching technique.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I protect my hair from chlorine?

Rinse hair thoroughly with fresh water before entering the pool — wet hair absorbs less chlorine than dry hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil as a barrier before swimming. Rinse immediately after swimming and use a clarifying shampoo once a week during swim season. See our healthy hair handbook for a complete swimmer's hair-care routine.

How do I fight summer humidity frizz?

Stop fighting humidity and embrace texture instead. Use a gel or anti-humidity serum on damp hair, or switch to braided and updo styles that keep hair contained. For curly hair, humidity actually improves curl definition — apply gel while wet and do not touch while drying.

Should I cut my hair short for summer?

Shorter hair dries faster, stays cooler, and requires less summer maintenance. A bob or lob is the most practical summer length change. However, long hair pulled into braids and updos can be equally practical — the choice depends on your styling preferences.