20 Effortless Summer Hairstyles You Can Master in Minutes
From beachy waves to braided buns, discover easy and chic summer hairstyles designed to keep you cool and stylish all season long.
The summer heat demands fuss-free, breathable hair—without sacrificing style. Whether you have pin-straight, coily, or wavy locks, these easy summer hairstyles will upgrade your routine and keep you looking cool all season. From textured waves and chic bandanas to protective braids and playful barrettes, here’s your blueprint for low-maintenance, high-impact summer hair.
Why Choose Easy Summer Hairstyles?
- Beat the heat: Hair off your neck or easily styled means less sweat and more comfort.
- Frizz-fighting: Embrace humidity with styles designed to stay put—even when the temperature soars.
- Less styling, more enjoying: These looks are fast, freeing up more time for summer fun.
1. Half-Up Braided Bun
For those with box braids, twist the top half into a loose bun, letting the rest flow down your back. It’s stylish, keeps hair away from your face, and can be dressed up with accessories for any summer occasion.
2. Loose, Beachy Waves
Give your hair a break from the flat iron. Instead, use a curling wand or braid your hair overnight for soft, effortless waves. Finish with sea salt spray for extra texture and let your natural movement shine.
3. Sleek Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail keeps flyaways and frizz in check. Start with a high or mid ponytail, spritz a texturizing spray for hold, and braid tightly down. Finish with a bit of hair oil or gel to smooth any stray hairs for a polished look.
4. Bubble Ponytail
Add some playful volume with a bubble ponytail. Divide your hair into two pigtails or a single ponytail. Tie small elastics every 2–3 inches down the tail, then gently tug at each section to create the bubble effect. It’s a stylish way to keep hair controlled under a sun hat or during outdoor adventures.
5. Bobby Pin Patterns
Upgrade your curly or wavy hair days with a crisscross bobby pin pattern. Not only does it keep strands off your face, but colorful or metallic pins add a fashion-forward touch. Try crossing two or three pins over each other at the temple for visual interest.
6. Bandana Half-Bun
Stay cool with a handkerchief or bandana tied around a messy half-bun. This look protects your scalp, adds a pop of color, and helps absorb some sweat. Ready for the pool or park in under five minutes!
7. Long Braids
Invest time in long, traditional or box braids at the start of the season and enjoy virtually maintenance-free styling for weeks. Wear them loose, pinned back, or twisted into updos—perfect for vacations and busy schedules alike.
What others are reading
8. Messy Topknot
A summer staple, the messy topknot gets even better when you pull out a few wispy, face-framing layers. This ensures a soft, effortless vibe (and means one less sunburned part to worry about!).
9. Metal Barrette Accents
When forehead sweat threatens to ruin your fringe, part your hair down the middle and pin bangs back with bright metal barrettes. Choose geometric designs or chunky clips for a grown-up, on-trend look that’s more chic than schoolgirl.
10. Twisted French Bun
Combine the effortless charm of a messy bun with a Parisian twist: pull your hair into a French-twist-topknot hybrid. Leave the ends and some face-framing sections loose for a carefree, not-too-done finish.
11. Sleek, Wet-Look Hair
On extra muggy days, go for a slicked-back, wet look. Use styling cream to sweep hair away from your face for a fashion-forward effect that embraces sweat and humidity as part of your style.
12. Low Scarf Bun
Take advantage of all those cute summer scarves by working one into your low bun. Thread the end of the scarf through your elastic, then twist hair and scarf together and pin into a soft chignon. Let the scarf tails hang loose for bohemian flair.
13. Flirty Ponytail
Emulate red carpet vibes with a high, flirty ponytail. Smooth hair up high, secure with an elastic, then wrap a small section of hair around the base for a seamless finish. For extra glamour, curl the tail and tease for volume.
14. Sky-High, Curly Ponytail
Gather your natural curls or coils into a voluminous ponytail at the crown. Use a soft, fabric scrunchie for less breakage. This keeps curls contained yet bouncy, framing your face and making a statement.
15. Stacked Double Buns
Create visual intrigue with stacked buns: split hair horizontally, twist each section into a bun (one above the other), and secure. The result is playful, chic, and keeps hair off your neck on sweaty days.
16. Coiled Topknot
Upgrade the classic bun by tightly coiling your ponytail around itself for a neater topknot. Pin in place for a sleek, poised appearance that works from brunch to beach.
17. Lemonade Braids
Channel pop star energy with side-swept cornrows (aka Lemonade braids). This protective style keeps hair secure for weeks while adding modern edge—plus, it’s incredibly versatile for accessorizing or styling with hats.
18. Soft, Crimped Waves
Get retro Hollywood glamour with crimped waves. Use a wide three-barrel curler or alternate flat iron motions to create S-shaped waves. Set with a light hairspray for movement and touchable hold.
19. Classic Low Ponytail
A slicked-back, low ponytail is the definition of understated elegance. Ideal for dressier events (or taming strands on humid days), smooth with a lightweight serum or oil for high shine and flyaway control.
20. Playful Accessories
No matter your hair length or texture, summer is the season to embrace bold accessories. Experiment with oversized hats, beaded pins, patterned scrunchies, and flower clips—the only limit is your imagination.
Tips for Fuss-Free Styling
- Use heat-protectant stylers and let hair air dry when possible to minimize damage.
- Carry mini hair products—serum, salt spray, or gel—to refresh your style during the day.
- Embrace imperfection: Slightly undone looks are both fashionable and forgiving.
- Opt for protective styles like braids when swimming often or spending long days outdoors.
Summer Hairstyles by Hair Type
| Hair Type | Suggested Styles | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Topknots, Sleek Low Ponytails, Half-Up Braids | Metal barrettes, Scarves |
| Wavy | Beachy Waves, Messy Buns, Crimped Waves | Bandanas, Statement hairpins |
| Curly/Coily | Braided Ponytail, Lemonade Braids, Sky-High Pony | Scrunchies, Colorful elastics |
| Short Hair | Wet Look, Bobby Pin Patterns, Barrette Accents | Decorative clips, Mini scarves |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I make my summer hairstyle last all day?
A: Use products designed for humidity (like anti-frizz cream, texturizing spray, or strong hold gel). Start with completely dry hair to help your style hold. For updos, secure with multiple pins and strong elastics.
Q: Which summer hairstyles are best for protecting my hair from UV damage?
A: Braids, buns, and head wraps cover more hair and minimize sun exposure. Finish with a leave-in conditioner or an SPF spray made for hair to shield strands from UV rays.
Q: How can I fight frizz in humid weather?
A: Avoid heavy oils that can weigh hair down and attract more humidity. Instead, apply lightweight serums or anti-frizz sprays, and consider hairstyles that work with your hair’s natural texture rather than against it (like waves, buns, or slicked-back looks).
Q: Are braids suitable for all hair types?
A: Yes! Classic three-strand braids, French braids, and variations like Dutch or fishtail can be adjusted for any hair texture and length. Protective styles like box braids or cornrows are also options for coily and curly hair.
Pro Stylist Secrets for Effortless Summer Hair
- Texturizing powder adds grip to clean, slippery hair—key for holding intricate buns or braids.
- Dry shampoo isn’t just for second-day hair; use it to boost volume and soak up sweat along your scalp mid-day.
- When wearing hats, prep with a low braid or bun to prevent dents and maintain shape after you remove your hat.
- Hydrate weekly with a deep conditioning mask to restore softness after sun, salt, and chlorine exposure.
Trending Summer Hair Accessories
- Printed scarves for buns, ponytails, and as headbands—instantly elevate any style.
- Chunky barrettes and statement clips to control bangs or add a hint of sparkle.
- Colorful elastics and scrunchies that won’t snag or damage hair (bonus points for silk options!).
- Bucket hats and wide-brimmed sun hats for extra UV protection and a dose of nostalgia.
- Decorative bobby pins with pearls, stars, or geometric shapes to create custom patterns.
Stay Cool, Stay Chic All Summer
These 20 easy summer hairstyles are proof you don’t need to spend hours—or fry your hair—to look fabulous when it’s sweltering outside. Experiment with textures, embrace your natural hair, and top off every look with accessories that make you smile. With these styles in your arsenal, you’re ready for every poolside party, weekend road trip, or sun-soaked selfie—and you’ll stay cool the whole way through.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g1086/easy-summer-hairstyles/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/9916-18-cute-hairstyles-thatll-get-you-out-of-your-summer-hair-rut
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/hairstyles-youre-going-to-see-everywhere-this-summer
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/beauty-trends/a60883602/summer-hair-trends/
- https://www.hercampus.com/school/cabrini/i-tried-cosmopolitan-s-super-easy-hairstyles-lazy-girls-and-here-s-how-it-went/
- https://www.sazan.me/blog/7-genius-hair-hacks-with-cosmopolitan-mag
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
