Tame the frizz with these 20 genius summer hair hacks! Keep your locks smooth, shiny, and under control even on the hottest, most humid days.
Summer’s arrival means sun-drenched days, outdoor adventures, and the desire for hairstyles that are as effortless as the season itself.
But let’s be real: battling heat, humidity, and poolside splashes while trying to look put-together can be a challenge.
The right summer hairstyle can be a game-changer, keeping you cool, minimizing fuss, and ensuring you look fabulous from beach day to backyard barbecue.
It’s all about finding styles that work with the elements, not against them.
Choosing your go-to summer looks involves thinking about your hair’s natural tendencies, your daily activities, and how much effort you’re willing to put in when the temperatures soar.
A little planning can lead to a whole season of great hair days.
While many of these styles are DIY-friendly, don’t forget that a good summer haircut or pre-season conditioning treatment from your stylist can set the perfect foundation.
Finding Your Perfect Summer Style: Key Questions to Ask
Before you dive into these summery styles, take a moment to consider your hair’s needs and your warm-weather lifestyle.
This will help you pick looks that are not just cute, but also practical for you.
How does your hair typically behave in heat and humidity?
Will you be swimming frequently (chlorine and salt-water exposure)?
What’s your tolerance for hair touching your neck on a scorching day?
Are you looking for quick, five-minute fixes or something a bit more styled for summer evenings?
Answering these questions will guide you toward the most comfortable and manageable summer hairstyles.
Essential Summer Hair Prep & Seasonal Protection
Great summer hair starts with the right prep and protection to combat common seasonal woes.
Think sun damage, frizz from humidity, and dryness from sun, salt, and chlorine.
Always shield your strands: UV protective sprays are non-negotiable for preventing color fade and sun damage.
Hydration is key: Use lightweight leave-in conditioners and weekly hydrating masks, especially if you’re swimming or spending lots of time outdoors.
Fight the frizz: Anti-humidity sprays or serums will be your best friends. Apply to damp hair before styling.
Clarify regularly: If you’re a frequent swimmer or use a lot of products, a clarifying shampoo once a week can prevent buildup.
These simple steps will keep your hair healthy, manageable, and ready for any style you choose.
20 Effortless Summer Hairstyles for a Cool Transformation
Here are twenty fabulous hairstyles, perfect for keeping you cool and stylish all summer long.
Each offers a unique blend of practicality, warm-weather chic, and easy-to-achieve charm.
1. Sleek High Bun: Effortless Elegance
The Look & Feel
A polished bun secured high on the head, keeping every strand neatly off your neck and face. It’s sophisticated yet refreshingly cool.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Ideal for medium to long hair, straight or wavy. Fine hair might need a donut for fullness.
- Lifestyle: Perfect for scorching hot days, workouts, or when you need to look put-together instantly. Great for formal summer events too.
How to Achieve
Smooth hair back, gather into a high ponytail. Twist the pony and coil it around its base, securing with pins. For extra sleekness, use a fine-tooth comb and a touch of gel.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Apply a smoothing serum before styling. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to tame flyaways.
Effort: Low to Medium.
Summer Perks
Maximizes coolness by keeping hair completely off your neck. Looks chic even when it’s melting outside.
2. Messy Beach Waves: Just-Off-The-Sand Vibe
The Look & Feel
Tousled, undone waves that scream “I just had a fabulous day at the beach.” Effortlessly cool and full of texture.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Works well on most, especially naturally wavy or fine-to-medium textures that hold a wave.
- Lifestyle: Ideal for casual days, beach outings, festivals, or any time you want a relaxed, carefree look.
How to Achieve
Spritz damp hair with sea salt spray, scrunch generously, and let it air dry. For more definition, loosely braid damp hair and undo when dry.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Don’t over-brush, as this can cause frizz. Refresh with a bit more spray on day two.
Effort: Low.
Summer Perks
Embraces humidity and looks better slightly undone. Minimal heat styling required.
3. Effortless Fishtail Braid: Intricate & Cool
The Look & Feel
A beautiful, intricate-looking braid that’s surprisingly easy to master. It’s a step up from a regular braid, offering a touch of boho charm.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Best for medium to long hair. Highlights look amazing in this style.
- Lifestyle: Great for active days, outdoor events, or when you want your hair securely plaited but stylish.
How to Achieve
Divide hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the other. Repeat on the opposite side, continuing down. Secure with an elastic.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Gently pull the edges of the braid (“pancake”) for a fuller, more relaxed look. A bit of texture spray beforehand helps.
Effort: Medium (once you get the hang of it).
Summer Perks
Keeps hair neatly off your back and stays put all day. Looks impressive.
4. Half-Up, Half-Down Knot: Breezy & Cute
The Look & Feel
A playful and practical style where the top section of hair is pulled into a mini bun or knot, leaving the rest flowing.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Works on almost all hair lengths (bob and longer) and textures.
- Lifestyle: Perfect for keeping hair out of your face while still showing off your length. Great for casual outings or even a relaxed workday.
How to Achieve
Section off the top half of your hair, from temples back. Twist into a small bun or knot and secure with pins or a small elastic.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Can be sleek or messy. For a messier look, pull out a few face-framing tendrils.
Effort: Low.
Summer Perks
Offers the best of both worlds: hair off your face but length still visible. Easy to do on the go.
5. Textured Top Knot: Ultimate Cool-Girl Chic
The Look & Feel
A high bun with a deliberately “undone” and voluminous finish. It’s the chicer, slightly edgier cousin of the sleek high bun.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Great for medium to long hair, especially with some natural wave or texture. Fine hair benefits from texturizing products.
- Lifestyle: Ideal for hot days when you want an effortlessly stylish look. From brunch to running errands.
How to Achieve
Flip your head, gather hair into a high ponytail. Don’t pull the tail all the way through on the last loop, creating a bun. Alternatively, twist and pin loosely, embracing imperfections.
“A great top knot isn’t too perfect. A little ‘lived-in’ texture makes it modern,” says celebrity stylist Maya Jones.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Dry shampoo is your best friend here for grip and volume. Pull out a few strands around the hairline.
Effort: Low.
Summer Perks
Super quick, keeps you cool, and looks incredibly stylish with minimal effort. Hides second-day hair like a dream.
6. Side-Swept Curls: Romantic Evening Glam
The Look & Feel
Soft, flowing curls gathered to one shoulder, creating an alluring and romantic silhouette.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Best on medium to long hair that holds a curl.
- Face Shapes: Asymmetrical styles like this are flattering on most face shapes.
- Lifestyle: Perfect for summer weddings, date nights, or any evening event where you want a touch of glamour.
How to Achieve
Curl your hair using a large barrel curling iron or hot rollers. Gently brush through the curls for softness. Sweep all hair to one side and secure discreetly with bobby pins at the nape if needed.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Use a flexible hold hairspray to keep curls bouncy, not stiff.
Effort: Medium.
Summer Perks
Keeps most of your hair off your neck on one side, offering some coolness. Looks elegant for warm evenings.
7. Low Braided Bun: Classic & Composed
The Look & Feel
An elegant bun at the nape of the neck, incorporating one or more braids for added texture and interest.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Suitable for medium to long hair. Works well on most textures.
- Lifestyle: Ideal for more formal summer occasions, like garden parties or weddings, but also chic for a polished everyday look.
How to Achieve
Braid a section of your hair (or all of it) and then twist or wrap the braid(s) into a low bun. Secure with pins.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Can be made sleek or slightly messy by pancaking the braid before coiling it.
Effort: Medium.
Summer Perks
A sophisticated way to keep hair entirely off your neck. The braid adds a pretty, summery detail.
8. Double Dutch Braids: Sporty & Playful
The Look & Feel
Two striking braids that sit on top of the hair, running from the forehead to the nape. Fun, youthful, and super practical.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Works best on medium to long hair. Easier to grip on hair that isn’t freshly washed.
- Lifestyle: Perfect for active summer days: beach volleyball, hiking, festivals, or just keeping cool while looking cute.
How to Achieve
Part hair down the middle. Create a Dutch braid (inside-out French braid) on one side, then repeat on the other. Secure ends with elastics.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
A little pomade on your fingertips can help with grip and reduce flyaways while braiding.
Effort: Medium to High (requires braiding skill).
Summer Perks
Keeps every single strand out of your face and off your neck. Stays put through almost any activity.
9. Slicked-Back Wet Look: High-Fashion Edge
The Look & Feel
Hair is combed back off the face, appearing wet and glossy. It’s a modern, minimalist, and slightly edgy statement.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Works on most hair types and lengths (even shorter bobs). Particularly striking on straight or wavy hair.
- Lifestyle: Great for evening events, poolside parties, or when you want a fashion-forward look that tames frizz in high humidity.
How to Achieve
On damp hair, apply a generous amount of strong-hold gel or hair wax from roots to mid-lengths (or just at the crown). Comb back smoothly. Let it air dry or diffuse on a cool setting.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Ensure even product distribution for a consistent “wet” look.
Effort: Low to Medium.
Summer Perks
Turns humidity into an advantage! Looks intentional and chic, especially when you’re actually a bit sweaty or damp from the pool.
10. Voluminous High Ponytail: Power & Playfulness
The Look & Feel
A high ponytail with added oomph at the crown and a bouncy, full tail. Confident and energetic.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Best on medium to thick hair for natural volume, but fine hair can achieve it with teasing and product.
- Lifestyle: Versatile for workouts, casual days, or dressed up for a night out.
How to Achieve
Gently tease the hair at the crown for lift. Gather hair into a high ponytail and secure. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic for a polished finish.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Use a texturizing spray for extra body in the ponytail.
Effort: Low to Medium.
Summer Perks
Keeps hair off the neck while making a stylish statement. The height adds a touch of drama.
11. Boho Messy Braid: Free-Spirited Charm
The Look & Feel
A loose, relaxed braid (French, Dutch, or simple) with plenty of texture, flyaways, and an “undone” quality.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Ideal for wavy or curly hair, or straight hair prepped with texture spray. Medium to long lengths.
- Lifestyle: Perfect for festivals, beach days, casual hangouts – anywhere a carefree, artistic vibe is welcome.
How to Achieve
Create your chosen braid type, but keep it loose. Once secured, gently pull apart sections of the braid and pull out face-framing pieces.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Don’t aim for perfection; the messier, the better. Sea salt spray can enhance the boho feel.
Effort: Low to Medium.
Summer Perks
Works well with summer humidity and looks effortlessly chic. Great for keeping hair controlled yet stylish.
12. Flirty Curled Ponytail: Fun & Bouncy
The Look & Feel
A simple ponytail elevated with soft curls or waves through the length, adding bounce and a playful touch.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Works on most hair types that can hold a curl. Medium to long lengths.
- Lifestyle: Great for summer dates, brunches, or when you want to add a bit of feminine flair to a casual look.
How to Achieve
Curl your hair first, then gather it into a mid-height or high ponytail. Gently finger-comb the curls in the ponytail.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
For lasting curls in humidity, use a curl-setting spray.
Effort: Medium (due to curling).
Summer Perks
Keeps hair off the neck while still looking styled and fun. The movement of the curls is eye-catching.
13. Sleek Low Ponytail: Understated Chic
The Look & Feel
A perfectly smooth ponytail secured at the nape of the neck, often with a sharp center or side part. Minimalist and sophisticated.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Best on straight or straightened hair for maximum sleekness.
- Lifestyle: Excellent for a polished office look that transitions to an elegant evening out, or for looking put-together in humid weather.
How to Achieve
Apply a smoothing serum or cream. Comb hair meticulously into a low ponytail, ensuring no bumps. Secure with an elastic and consider wrapping a strand of hair around the base.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
A fine-tooth comb and anti-frizz spray are essential for this look.
Effort: Medium.
Summer Perks
Looks incredibly chic and intentional, keeping hair neatly managed and off the neck. Resists humidity well if prepped correctly.
14. Playful Space Buns: Fun & Quirky
The Look & Feel
Two identical buns placed high on either side of the head. Youthful, fun, and definitely a statement.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Works on medium to long hair. Can be adapted for most textures.
- Lifestyle: Ideal for festivals, concerts, theme parties, or just a fun day out when you want a quirky, cool style.
How to Achieve
Part hair down the middle. Create two high pigtails. Twist each pigtail into a bun and secure with elastics and pins.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Can be sleek or messy. Add glitter to the roots for extra festival flair!
Effort: Low to Medium.
Summer Perks
Keeps all hair off your neck and face in a really fun way. Expresses personality.
15. Twisted Chignon: Elegant Simplicity
The Look & Feel
A classic, elegant bun at the nape or side, created by twisting sections of hair. Softer and often more romantic than a simple bun.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Suitable for all hair types, medium to long. Fine hair might need some backcombing for volume.
- Lifestyle: Perfect for summer weddings (guest or bride), elegant dinners, or any occasion calling for refined style.
How to Achieve
Gather hair into a low ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two or three sections, twist each section, then wrap and pin them into a chignon shape.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Can be adorned with small flowers or decorative pins for an extra touch.
Effort: Medium.
Summer Perks
A timelessly elegant way to keep cool. Looks sophisticated even in warm weather.
16. Loose, Wavy Lob: Effortless & Modern
The Look & Feel
A long bob (lob) styled with soft, undone waves. It’s chic, modern, and incredibly versatile.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Particularly flattering on fine to medium hair, as waves add volume. Works for straight or naturally wavy textures.
- Lifestyle: An everyday hero style for summer. Easy to manage, looks good for work, play, and everything in between.
How to Achieve
Use a curling wand on mid-lengths and ends, leaving the roots natural. Alternate curl direction for a more tousled look. Finish with texture spray.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
A slight bend is all you need; avoid perfect ringlets.
Effort: Low to Medium.
Summer Perks
Shorter length is cooler than long hair, but still long enough to tie back if needed. Waves embrace a bit of summer texture.
17. Stylish Hair Wrap or Scarf: Instant Upgrade
The Look & Feel
Using a silk scarf, bandana, or fabric strip to tie around your head, ponytail, or bun. Adds color, pattern, and personality.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: All hair types and lengths!
- Lifestyle: Perfect for bad hair days, protecting hair from sun, adding a pop to a simple outfit, or keeping hair off your face at the beach.
How to Achieve
Countless ways: Tie it as a headband, wrap it around a bun or ponytail, or wear it bandana-style.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or silk for summer.
Effort: Low.
Summer Perks
Protects scalp from sun, manages frizz, absorbs sweat, and looks incredibly chic with minimal effort.
18. Diffused Natural Curls: Embrace Your Texture
The Look & Feel
Enhancing and defining your natural curl pattern using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. Results in soft, bouncy, frizz-free curls.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Specifically for naturally curly and coily hair (Types 2c-4c).
- Lifestyle: Perfect for anyone wanting to celebrate their natural texture while minimizing heat damage and frizz.
How to Achieve
Apply curl-defining cream or mousse to wet hair. Gently scrunch. Use a diffuser on low heat and low speed, cupping sections of hair until mostly dry.
“A diffuser is a curly girl’s best friend in summer. It sets your curls beautifully without causing excessive frizz,” notes curl specialist Aisha Reed.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Avoid touching curls while drying to prevent frizz.
Effort: Medium.
Summer Perks
Allows you to wear your natural texture beautifully, even in humidity, if prepped with the right products.
19. Loose Waves with a Curling Wand: Beachy Glam
The Look & Feel
Soft, flowing, natural-looking waves created with a curling wand. More defined than air-dried beach waves, offering a touch more polish.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Works well on most hair types, medium to long.
- Lifestyle: Great for a day-to-night look, from casual outings to dressier evening events.
How to Achieve
Wrap sections of hair around a clipless curling wand, holding for a few seconds. Leave the ends out for a more modern, beachy feel. Shake out curls when cool.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Alternate the direction you wrap hair around the wand for a more natural look. Finish with a light texturizing spray.
Effort: Medium.
Summer Perks
A beautiful way to wear hair down that still feels summery and relaxed. Can withstand a bit of humidity.
20. Sleek Straight Hair (Humidity-Proofed): Polished & Defiant
The Look & Feel
Glass-like, super-smooth straight hair. A chic, polished statement that defies summer frizz.
Best Suited For
- Hair Types: Best achieved on naturally straight or wavy hair that can be easily straightened.
- Lifestyle: For when you want a sharp, sophisticated look, especially for evenings or events where humidity is a concern.
How to Achieve
Apply an anti-humidity heat protectant. Flat iron small sections for maximum smoothness. Finish with an anti-frizz shine serum or spray.
Styling Tips & Effort Level
Use a fine-tooth comb to chase the flat iron for extra sleekness.
Effort: Medium to High (depending on natural texture).
Summer Perks
When done right with humidity-blocking products, this style can stay sleek even when it’s sticky out, offering a cool, polished alternative to textured looks.
Product Essentials for Summer Hair Success
Having the right arsenal of products is crucial for achieving and maintaining these summer styles.
Focus on lightweight formulas that protect and control without weighing hair down.
Invest in a good UV protective spray to shield from sun damage.
Sea salt spray or texturizing spray is a must for beachy waves and undone looks.
An anti-frizz serum or cream will be your savior against humidity.
Lightweight leave-in conditioner for daily hydration and detangling.
Dry shampoo to absorb oil and add volume on hot, sweaty days.
Flexible-hold hairspray to keep styles in place without stiffness.
Don’t forget bobby pins, clear elastics, and a collection of cute scarves or hair wraps.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Signature Summer Style
Summer is the perfect time to play with your hair and embrace styles that are as carefree and vibrant as the season itself.
It’s a chance to give your hair a break from heavy styling and let its natural beauty shine, with a little help from these cool ideas.
From quick updos that beat the heat to breezy waves that channel vacation vibes, there’s a perfect look for every summer mood and moment.
Consider your hair type, your summer plans, and the level of effort you’re up for.
Chat with your stylist about any cuts or treatments that could enhance your summer hair game.
Now go ahead, try a new look, and enjoy every sun-filled day with fabulous, fuss-free hair!
Ready to rock your summer look? Share your favorite style or tag us in your creations!