Bring on the sun, the salty air, and all the cute summer hairstyles your feed can handle! When the heat is high and you’ve got beach plans, concert nights, and road trips calling your name, your hair has to keep up. Enter this line-up of trendy, breezy, and entirely swoon-worthy summer hairstyles. We’re talking beachy hairstyles, simple hairstyles, effortless updos, party-perfect ponytails, and easy vacation looks that always bring the vibe. Scroll for the lowdown on spicy braids, dreamy buns, and wavy styles—plus tons of inspiration for your next photo dump.
Disclosure: Please note that several of the images in this article were created using AI technologies made through ideogram.
46+ Summer Hairstyles You Need To Try
Braided Beauty
Braids are the MVP of cute, easy hairstyles for summer. From the classic French to goddess, fishtail, Dutch, and box braids, these styles are protective, versatile, and look flawless from pool to after-party. Want a quick hair hack? Mix a braid into a ponytail or bun for instant polish. Here’s your braid lookbook for the season:
1) Dutch Braid Curl Cascade
2) Double Dutch Tendril Twist
3) Double Dutch Into One Braid
4) Cornrows & Box Braids Underneath
5) Classic French Braid
6) Side French Braid
7) Goddess Braids
8) Bubble Braid Pigtails
9) Voluminous Pull-Through French Braid
10) Festival Dutch
PRO Tip: Keep it fresh by using braids as the base for updos or ponytail perfection (more on those below).
Updo Icons
Updos = the ultimate move for staying cool, comfy, and chic under the sun. Whether you’re rushing to brunch or heading to an open-air concert, go for updos that are casual, glitzy, or anything in between. Braids, buns, twists, scarves, and claw clips keep the look summer-friendly and full of energy.
11) Curly Space Buns
12) Slicked Back High Bun
13) Space Bun Babe
14) Messy Bun Magic
15) Claw Clip Crush
16) Scarfed Bun Bomb
17) Messy Bun & Chic Bangs
18) Crown Braid Dream
19) Braided Bun
20) Messy Curly Updo
21) Low Bun & Flowers
22) Twisted Chignon Bun
23) Sporty Bun
24) Messy Bun & Bandana
25) Messy Curly Updo
Insider Secret: Updos double as pool-proof and workout-ready styles. Dress them up or down with hair jewelry or silk scarves.
Ponytail Perfection
A ponytail is never just a ponytail in summer. High, low, bubbly, or braided, these looks combine simplicity with a splash of sass. Plus, they’re clutch for keeping your hair off your face in peak heat or humidity.
26) Low & Loose Curls
27) Double Trouble
28) High Natural Waves
29) Slicked Back Queen
30) Dutch Braids Into Low Curly
31) Wrapped Scarf High Pony
32) High Messy Wave Rider
33) Braided High Pony
Quick Fix: Blend in a side braid or bubble sections for that elevated, Instagram-ready moment.
Half Up, Half Down Vibes
This style is the G.O.A.T. of Beach Hairstyles and vacation looks! You keep strands off your face, but still get to show off your texture and length. Plus, adding braids or clips brings the drama without the effort.
34) Half-Up Mini Twist
35) Claw Clip Remix
36) Half-Up Top Knot With Natural Curls
37) Boho Half-Up Braid
38) Dutch Braided Crown Half-Down
39) Bubble Accents & Down
40) Mini Braided Headband Look
41) Half Up Vacation Spirals
42) Pony Half-Down
43) Waterfall Braid With Volume
44) Slightly Messy Pull Through Half Up Bun
45) Half-Up Side Accent Braids
46) Top Knot Loose Curls
47) Soft Waves & Butterfly Clips
Friendly Reminder: Many of these are cute, easy hairstyles you can master with just a few hair accessories, like bobby pins, clips, bands, and a little texturizing spray.
Beach Wave Obsession & Natural Curls Bliss
If summer had a signature style, it would be effortless, tousled, beachy waves. They give off big “just walked off the sand” energy even if your closest beach is your shower.
Now, for those of you with naturally curly hair, summer is an ideal time to embrace your curls and let them shine! The heat and humidity in the summer air make going curly an absolute go-to for me personally!
But don’t worry if you weren’t blessed with mermaid-esque waves or naturally curly hair. With the help of some styling products and tools, you can easily achieve these sought-after looks.
Beachy Waves…Here’s your go-to guide:
- Salt Spray Sway – Loose waves amped up with sea salt spray for that real OG beach hair effect.
- Mermaid Tousle – Deep, S-shaped waves with sun-kissed highlights that look made for vacationing.
PRO Tip: Sleep with damp hair in braids for major beach hair the next day; no heat needed. Or try bandu knots overnight.
Bouncy Curls…Here are your go-to guides for products and styles:
- 35 Curly Hairstyles That’ll Make You The Mane Attraction
- Curly Hair Must-Haves: 12 Hair Products Absolutely Worth The Hype!
Summer Hairstyles: Your Next Signature Look Awaits
Summer is the best time to play with your style and try something new—from braided beauty and updos, casual curls to vacay-perfect beach hair. Whether you want cute summer hairstyles for a festival, beach hairstyles for your next trip, or simple hairstyles you can master in five minutes, these ideas have you (and your feed) covered. Save your faves and tag us when you try them!
Related Articles:
- 28 Stunning Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles You’ll Want to Try ASAP
- 35 Curly Hairstyles That’ll Make You The Mane Attraction
- The Ultimate Date Night Beauty Guide: 11 Tips To Slay Your Look
- Best Summer Makeup Looks & Products We’re Totally Obsessed With!
- Summer Nails Inspo: Sizzle In Style With These Must-Try Trends!