17 Trendy Summer Hairstyles & Ideas to Keep You Cool and Cute All Season

17 Trendy Summer Hairstyles & Ideas to Keep You Cool and Cute All Season

Summer is here, and so is the sweat. If you’re constantly asking, “What do I do with my hair in this heat?”—you’re in the right place. This post rounds up 17 trendy summer hairstyles that are perfect for all-day style, beach trips, brunches, and everything in between.

Expect step-by-step how-tos, cooling styles, and inspo to save to your phone. Let’s dive in, babe 🌞

1. Beachy Waves

Effortlessly undone, like you just stepped off the sand.

Use a salt spray on damp hair, scrunch it up, and let it air dry—or use a diffuser for added volume.

Actionable Tips:

• Add texturizing spray after drying for all-day waves.

• Sleep in loose braids for overnight waves.

Picture This:
Soft, tousled waves cascading over your shoulders as you sip a cold drink in your favorite sundress. Sun-kissed, natural, and totally dreamy.

2. Slicked-Back Bun

Chic, clean, and sweat-proof.

Start with damp hair, apply gel or styling cream, comb back into a tight mid or low bun.

Actionable Tips:

• Use a boar bristle brush for a sleek finish.

• Add statement earrings for that “model off-duty” look.

Picture This:
A polished bun paired with oversized sunnies and gold hoops, walking confidently into the summer sun.

3. Bubble Ponytail

Fun and full of flair.

Secure your hair into a high ponytail. Add hair ties every 2–3 inches, gently pulling each section to create bubbles.

Actionable Tips:

• Wrap a small section of hair around each tie for a polished look.

• Works best on medium to long hair.

Picture This:
A bouncy bubble pony swinging behind you at a rooftop party, catching the light just right.

4. Braided Crown

Boho goddess meets beachside brunch.

Part hair down the middle. French braid each side and pin across the crown.

Actionable Tips:

• Add flowers or baby’s breath for an ethereal vibe.

• Great for keeping hair off your neck.

Picture This:
A romantic halo of braids framing your face as you twirl through a garden party or sunset picnic.

5. Claw Clip Twist

'90s nostalgia with zero effort.

Twist hair up and clip with a large claw clip. Leave some pieces loose for a messy-chic look.

Actionable Tips:

• Use a textured spray for grip.

• Looks great on layered hair.

Picture This:
An oversized claw clip keeping your twist up as you lounge at a cafe in denim cutoffs and a crop top.

6. Messy Top Knot

When it’s too hot to care—cute still wins.

Gather hair into a high pony, twist, and loosely wrap into a bun. Secure with pins or scrunchie.

Actionable Tips:

• Pull out face-framing pieces.

• Add dry shampoo at the roots for volume.

Picture This:
A carefree top knot bouncing as you bike through town, iced coffee in hand.

7. Half-Up Scarf Tie

Vintage vibes with modern flair.

Pull the top half of your hair into a pony or bun and tie a scarf around it.

Actionable Tips:

• Choose a colorful silk scarf for contrast.

• Works beautifully with curls or waves.

Picture This:
A patterned scarf fluttering in the breeze as you walk barefoot on the boardwalk.

8. Wet Look Waves

Red carpet glam meets poolside cool.

Use gel and styling cream to slick hair back and define your waves.

Actionable Tips:

• Use a comb for sharp definition.

• Great for short to medium-length hair.

Picture This:
Glossy, wet-look waves catching the sun as you sip sangria poolside.

9. Side Braid

Simple, sweet, and heat-friendly.

Do a loose braid over one shoulder and secure with a scrunchie or ribbon.

Actionable Tips:

• Pancake the braid (gently pull it apart) for volume.

• Add clip-in extensions for fullness.

Picture This:
A relaxed side braid draping over your tee as you stroll through a summer market.

10. Space Buns

Playful and perfect for festivals.

Part hair down the middle and create two high buns on either side.

Actionable Tips:

• Wrap them in braids for texture.

• Add glitter or hair cuffs for flair.

Picture This:
Two bouncy buns sparkling with glitter as you dance under fairy lights at a backyard concert.

11. Low Twisted Bun

Elegant but easy.

Twist both sides of your hair back and join into a low bun at the nape.

Actionable Tips:

• Use bobby pins to secure ends.

• Spritz with light hairspray for hold.

Picture This:
A soft, twisted bun paired with a backless dress, ideal for al fresco date night.

12. French Twist Ponytail

A twist on the classic.

Create a French twist at the crown and secure into a ponytail instead of a bun.

Actionable Tips:

• Tease the roots first for volume.

• Use decorative pins for detail.

Picture This:
Sleek and sculpted at the top, casual at the ends—perfect for rooftop happy hour.

13. Boho Braids

Tiny braids for big impact.

Scatter 2–4 small braids throughout loose hair.

Actionable Tips:

• Weave in charms or beads.

• Works great with naturally wavy hair.

Picture This:
Sunlight catching your braided strands as you sway to beach tunes in your sundress.

14. Slick High Pony

Sporty, sleek, and stays in place.

Pull hair up high, apply gel, and secure tightly.

Actionable Tips:

• Flat iron for added sleekness.

• Wrap hair around the base for polish.

Picture This:
A high pony in motion as you power through a sunny hike or spin class.

15. Soft Curtain Bangs with Waves

Framing your face while letting you breathe.

Style with a round brush or flat iron to flip the ends, and let the rest of your hair go free and wavy.

Actionable Tips:

• Use a lightweight serum for shine.

• Pair with a middle part for balance.

Picture This:
Breezy bangs lifting in the breeze, giving you effortless French-girl energy.

16. Low Bubble Braid

Perfect for long hot days.

Gather hair into a low ponytail and add elastics every few inches.

Actionable Tips:

• Tease each section for fullness.

• Secure with a satin ribbon.

Picture This:
A cascading bubble braid swinging behind you on a hammock with lemonade in hand.

17. Headband Halo

Quick fix with major style points.

Add a wide fabric headband or wrap to loose or tied-up hair.

Actionable Tips:

• Go bold with prints or metallics.

• Hide flyaways and frizz with ease.

Picture This:
A colorful headband peeking out from under your sunhat, paired with breezy linen and sandals.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hitting the beach, headed to brunch, or just trying to survive a heatwave with style, these 17 summer hairstyles are here to help you shine—without the sweat. Pin your faves, try something new, and most of all—have fun with your look.