Summer hairstyles are your ticket to looking fresh and staying cool when the heat is doing its best to ruin your vibe.
From effortless waves to sleek ponytails, every style here is designed to keep you chic without the sweat.
Scroll through, because these ideas might just save your summer—and your sanity.
Easy Summer Hairstyles
1. Beach Waves
By Instagram @hairbyshanicearnold
This is the “I woke up like this” of hairstyles.
Grab a curling iron or sea salt spray, twist some sections, and boom—effortless waves that scream summer goddess.
Works for all hair types and lengths because we love an inclusive queen.
2. Mermaid Waves
By Instagram @thedollslounge
Think beach waves but with a touch more drama.
Use a big curling iron, alternate curl directions, and loosen them up with your fingers.
Add some hairspray so they don’t flop by lunchtime. It’s low-key glam for those lazy summer days.
3. Sleek High Ponytail
By Instagram @ecaterinaciuciulete
Pull it high, pull it tight—instant facelift without the surgery bill.
Smooth it out with serum, wrap a strand around the base to hide the elastic, and decide if you’re feeling sleek or sassy (waves optional). Perfect for when it’s hotter than Hades outside.
4. Messy Bun
By Instagram @juliadamro
The “I didn’t try but still look amazing” bun. Twist your hair into a loose knot, secure it with pins or a tie, and let a few strands do their thing.
It’s casual chic that works whether you’re brunching or binge-watching.
5. Curly Ponytail
By Instagram @marinapalcu.hairstylist
Gather those curls into a ponytail and let them bounce freely.
If your hair isn’t naturally curly, fake it with a curling wand—no one will know. Add accessories if you’re feeling extra. This one’s cute for both errands and dates.
6. Romantic Braid
By Instagram @stylingwithvon
A soft braid that whispers “I’m sweet but have my life together.”
Keep it loose, tug at the loops for volume, and let some strands frame your face. Bonus points if you add flowers or pins because why not?
7. Dutch Braids
By Instagram @twistsnmoree_
These are like French braids’ cooler cousin. The trick is crossing the strands under instead of over for that raised look.
Do one braid or two—it’s your world. Keeps your hair off your neck while looking like you put in effort (even if you didn’t).
8. Boho Braids
By Instagram @felipe_lima_preto
Messy but make it fashion. Add small braids randomly throughout your hair or mix them with waves for that carefree vibe.
Throw in beads or ribbons if you’re feeling artsy. Works best on longer hair but hey, rules are made to be broken.
9. Top Knot Bun
By Instagram @muskanmanhas_artistry
High bun, don’t care. Twist your hair into a knot at the crown of your head and pin it in place.
It’s polished yet practical—perfect for when it’s too hot to deal with anything else.
10. Half Up, Half Down Hairstyle
By Instagram @sh_brautstyling
The mullet of hairstyles: business on top, party on the bottom.
Pull the top half back into a clip or tie while leaving the rest down.
Add waves if you want to be fancy or keep it straight for simplicity.
11. Wavy Ponytail
By Instagram @tonyastylist
12. Bubble Ponytail
By Instagram @pamdz_hairstylist
13. French Twist
By Instagram @starr.hairdressing
14. Fishtail Braid
By Instagram @shylaredekopbraids
15. Pigtails
By Instagram @xprincess_fletcherx
16. Braided Bun
By Instagram @hairandmakeup_bygabby
17. Micro Braids
By Instagram @espaco_afroqueen
18. Bantu Knots
By Instagram @kaycescreations
19. Crown Braid
By Instagram @blushartistrytx
20. Half-Up Hair
By Instagram @rhiannoneva.hair
21. Braided Bohemian Hairstyle
By Instagram @hairbydanielletranter
22. Space Buns
By Instagram @creativebeautybynadya
23. Half-up Topknot
By Instagram @emanihairsalon
24. Butterfly Cut
By Instagram @lily_scissorhands
25. DOUBLE DUTCH BRAIDS
source: pinterest
Double Dutch braids are literally my go-to for every season of the year. They are suitable for all hair types and will be gorgeous with any outfit you wear. If you don’t know how to do Dutch braids, you can search for an easy tutorial on YouTube. You can also practice on someone else and learn how to do it on your own hair (it’s how I learned).
26. BUBBLE BRAIDS
source: pinterest
27. USE CLAW-CLIPS
source: pinterest
28. MESSY BUN
source: pinterest
29. HALF UP HALF DOWN
source: pinterest
A quick and easy hairstyle you can do for summer is a half-up half down. Not only is this super simple, but it goes with any outfit you choose (casual or formal). All you need to do to recreate this hairstyle is tie up half of your hair, that’s it! You can also leave a few pieces of face-framing hair out.
30. TWO SMALL FRONT BRAIDS
source: pinterest
his hairstyle is perfect for the beach. Create two small braids on the front and leave the rest out. You can curl or crimp the hair to create beach waves. If you don’t like to use heat on your, you make two braids to create the same style. Make it tighter or looser depending on your preference.
31. MESSY PONYTAIL
source: pinterest
onytails are a classic that everyone knows how to do. All you do is tie up your hair with a scrunchie or rubber band. If you’re going for a messy look, leave some pieces of your hair out and make sure the ponytail isn’t perfect. If you want, you can also wrap a small piece of your hair around the scrunchie and secure it with a bobby pin.
32. SLEEK BRAID
source: pinterest
33. TWISTED LOW PONY
source: pinterest
34. PIGTAILS
source: pinterest
Pigtails are another great option for summer hairstyles. You can create beautiful beach waves before tying your hair up. You can tie two pigtails in the front and leave the rest of the hair down or tie all of it up. If you decide to tie all of your hair, it will ensure that your neck can breathe and won’t be sweating as much in the summer heat.
Final Thoughts
Summer hairstyles are all about balance—looking great while keeping things practical.
You don’t need a full glam squad or hours in front of the mirror to pull off styles that work for the season.
The key is finding what suits your hair type, lifestyle, and let’s be honest, patience level.
The beauty of summer hair is in its versatility. You can go from casual beach waves to a polished French twist without much effort if you know the basics.
It’s also the perfect time to embrace natural textures and experiment with accessories like claw clips, scarves, or even a bold braid. These little touches can elevate any look and make it seem like you’ve got your life together—even if you’re just winging it.
Humidity and heat don’t have to be your enemies. With a little prep, like using lightweight styling products or UV protectants, you can keep your hair healthy and stylish all summer long. And don’t forget hydration—your hair needs it as much as your skin does during these warmer months.
Actionable Tips for Summer Hairstyles
- Keep it simple: Go for low-maintenance styles like messy buns, braids, or ponytails that don’t require constant touch-ups.
- Use the right products: Invest in sea salt sprays, lightweight mousses, or anti-frizz serums to work with the season’s challenges.
- Protect from damage: Use UV-protectant sprays to shield your hair from sun exposure and prevent dryness or fading.
- Embrace accessories: Claw clips, headbands, and pins are lifesavers for quick fixes and add a stylish edge to any look.
- Hydrate regularly: Use deep conditioning treatments or leave-in conditioners weekly to keep your hair soft and manageable.
- Work with texture: Let your natural waves or curls shine instead of fighting them with heat tools—summer is all about ease.
With these tips and styles in your arsenal, you’ll be ready for anything summer throws at you—beach days, BBQs, or just surviving the heat in style. Keep it cool, keep it chic, and most importantly, keep it simple.