When it‘s sweltering outside and your strands are sticking to the back of your neck, the last thing you want is a high-maintenance hairstyle. But that doesn‘t mean giving up on looking polished or feeling good in your skin.
The right summer hairstyle can keep you feeling cool and pulled-together — whether you‘re headed to the office, an outdoor party, or just trying to survive a heatwave with grace.
From low-effort updos to chic braids and styles that work for every texture, these easy hairstyles for summer are great for long hair, short hair, natural hair, any hair color, and everything in between.
Ahead, find 26 smart, stylish summer looks to help you outlast the dog days in style.
Reviewed by Sara Perkins
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1. French twist
When it comes to summer hairstyles, the French twist is timeless for a reason — but it doesn‘t have to be fussy or too precious. With the help of a claw clip, you can create a relaxed, effortless version of this classic updo in seconds.
It‘s a chic way to keep your hair off your neck while still looking put-together, whether you‘re heading to brunch or just trying to stay cool at your desk.
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2. Headband
Need to tame your bangs? Or want to keep face-framing layers out of your eyes? Maybe you want a little polish on a humid day. In any case, a headband is an easy go-to. It lets you wear your hair down without sacrificing comfort and works just as well for lounging as it does for heading out.
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3. Hair clips
You can opt for other hair accessories — like bobby pins or even butterfly hair clips — for a playful twist or to secure stubborn flyaways.
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4. Bandana
Bandanas and hair scarves are having a well-earned style revival, and summer is the perfect time to get in on it. Beyond being undeniably chic, they‘re practical and great for keeping sweat out of your eyes or shielding your scalp from the sun.
Depending on how you tie it and the fabric material, a bandana or scarf can feel casual and functional (ideal for yard work or beach days) or totally glamorous, like you‘re channeling a ‘60s movie star on the French Riviera.
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5. Classic bob
If you‘ve been flirting with the idea of a big chop, summertime is a great time to go for a classic bob. It‘s breezy, low-maintenance, and easy to style — especially if you‘re experiencing summer hair shedding.
Whether you prefer a sleek, straight look or want to show off your natural texture, a bob is where it’s at. Bonus: It works beautifully across hair types and always looks intentional, even when you just roll out of bed.
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6. Long bob
Not quite ready to part with your length? Try a lob — a longer take on the bob that gives you the best of both worlds. It feels lighter and more manageable for hot days but still long enough to pull back when needed.
Plus, a long bob is endlessly versatile and flatters just about every face shape and hair type, whether you have pin-straight or naturally curly hair.
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7. Pixie cut
If you‘re ready to go all-in on short hair, the pixie cut is as low-maintenance and high-impact as it gets. It keeps hair completely off your neck — ideal for sweltering days — and makes getting ready a breeze.
Not only that, but a pixie cut highlights your features and looks effortlessly cool with minimal styling. This summery haircut is good for straight hair, but wavy locks can rock it too.
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8. Half-up, half-down
The half-up, half-down look lets you have it both ways: Your hair stays off your face, but you still get that flowing, styled feel. You can keep it soft and natural, add curls for volume, or go sleek with a hair straightener. It‘s one of the most adaptable styles out there, and it works on almost every hair texture.
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9. Messy bun
Messy buns are effortless, functional, and — let‘s be honest — kind of a lifesaver. This unpretentious hair look is perfect for those hot, humid days when the thought of doing your hair feels laughable. It keeps everything up and off your neck, requires almost no effort, and still manages to look undone in a chic, intentional way.
Bonus points if a few face-framing pieces fall out (on purpose or not). Keep it piecey with a few strands (also known as “prom tendrils” — throwback!) framing your face if you have layers.
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10. Top knot
Think of this as the polished cousin of the messy bun. A top knot keeps hair high, tight, and out of the way, which is ideal for sweaty days or when you need a bit more structure.
If you‘ve got long or thick hair, grab a second hair tie or a few pins for extra hold. Sleek or tousled, the top knot is a summer hairstyle that works just as well for errands as it does for an al fresco dinner.
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11. Beachy waves
There‘s no better time for beach waves, whether you‘re spending time by the sea this summer or simply channeling that energy.
If you have naturally wavy hair, lean into those bends. A good wave spray and some strategic scrunching on damp strands can bring out the texture beautifully. Reach for a hydrating conditioner to keep it soft, not crunchy, and feel free to let it air-dry. No beach required.
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12. French braid
Equal parts practical and polished, a French braid is great for keeping frizz and flyaways in check, especially on sweaty summer days or when you‘re off the grid (hello, camping).
It‘s sleeker than a standard three-strand braid, thanks to the way it incorporates hair from the sides and top of your head. This keeps everything neat and off your face for days.
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13. Fishtail braid
A little more intricate than your standard braid, the fishtail braid weaves small sections of hair into a pattern that mimics — you guessed it — a fishtail. It‘s an easy way to make a braid feel more elevated, whether you wear it as one dramatic statement down your back or split it into two for a playful boho look.
It‘s a bit harder to do if you aren‘t a seasoned braider, but after a few attempts and a good hair tutorial, you‘ll get it down!
The fishtail braid is also considered a protective style for natural hair, if you want to switch things up from box braids or cornrows.
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14. High ponytail
Sleek, simple, and endlessly versatile, a high pony gets your hair up and out of the way. It’s the perfect summer hairstyle for hot-weather activities and workouts.
Go casual with a bit of texture and volume, or slick it back for a polished, elevated finish that works just as well for a dinner date as it does for running errands.
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15. Twisted side braid
For a low-key, laid-back take on a braid, just twist your hair to one side and secure it with a hair tie. It‘s quick, easy, and perfect for summer days when you want to look put-together without trying too hard. Add a fun scrunchie or ribbon for an extra style touch.
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16. Pigtail braids
A nostalgic style with practical perks, pigtail braids help distribute the weight of your hair more evenly, which can be a relief on hot, heavy-haired days. Not into the full pigtail vibe? Opt for two low braids instead — still functional, but a little subtler.
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17. High pigtails
If you‘re feeling playful, high pigtails are a nostalgic throwback that can be surprisingly chic. They‘re a great way to switch things up and take some pressure off your scalp by dividing your hair into two lighter sections instead of one heavy ponytail.
Bonus: High pigtails look just as cute and sleek when slicked back as they do tousled and soft. Play around with both until you land on something you like.
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18. Low pigtails
Low pigtails are an easy, no-fuss way to keep your hair tied back. They’re just the thing for hot days when you also want to throw on a baseball cap or bucket hat for sun protection.
Low pigtails sit comfortably at the nape of the neck and work well with most hair textures, making them a solid go-to for summer errands, hikes, or beach days.
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19. Braided bun
Elevate the classic bun by braiding your hair first. It adds texture and polish, making it ideal for everything from casual errands to important work meetings, all with minimal effort.
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20. Double low buns
This playful, youthful style — also sometimes referred to as “space buns,” thanks to Princess Leia‘s iconic hairdo — is a fresh twist on the classic bun.
Sitting low on either side, double buns add a bit of fun while keeping your hair neatly styled and off your neck. Perfect for warm days when you want to feel a little lighthearted but still put-together.
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21. Slicked-back look
This style works for short hair and longer hair alike, whether slicked back and worn down or pulled into a bun or ponytail. You‘ll just need the right products, like a good pomade, wax, gel, or mousse, to create a chic “wet” look.
The slicked-back look is equally as suitable for special occasions and day three of skipping a wash when you want your hair to look intentionally styled and sleek — but it‘s starting to look a little greasy. Finish with hairspray to keep everything in place.
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22. Baby braids
Face-framing baby braids are having a moment, mostly thanks to Hailey Bieber. While often a popular look for music festivals like Coachella, they‘re actually a chic way to add subtle detail to any look, any day of the summer.
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23. Curtain bangs
This summer haircut is a good way to cash in on the bang trend — or if bangs are extra flattering on your face shape — while still being able to tuck your bangs behind your ears to let your forehead breathe.
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24. Pineapple updo
This protective style is perfect for curly or coily hair, letting natural texture shine while keeping things practical and pulled-together.
Gather your hair high at the crown with a scrunchie or hair tie, leaving the curls loose to fall forward, just like the top of a pineapple. The pineapple updo is fun, expressive, and great for minimizing frizz on hot, humid days.
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25. Braided crown
This romantic, boho-inspired style looks more complicated than it is. All you have to do is create two braids (one on each side) and pin them across the top of your head to form a crown.
The braided crown is an excellent way to keep your hair off your neck and forehead on hot days while still feeling polished and a little bit whimsical.
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26. Bubble braids
This playful style is a fun twist (literally) on the traditional braid. Start by parting your hair into two ponytails, then tie additional elastics down the length of each one, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
Gently tug at each section to create a rounded “bubble” effect.
This is a particularly cute and easy summer hairstyle for long hair — plus, it holds up nicely through heat and humidity.
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Healthy hairstyles and hair care for summer
One thing to note is that with any tight hairstyle, like a high ponytail or small braids, you could put extra tension on your scalp. If you do this a lot, it can contribute to hair loss in the form of traction alopecia.
Want a little more help building a hair care routine for summer and beyond? Check out our expert-backed guide to creating a healthy hair care routine for shinier, stronger, and thicker hair.
- Related: Stress and Female Hair Loss: What You Need to Know
- Related: Hair Types: What They Are and Care Tips
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