Summer is here, and with it comes long, sunny days, beach trips, music festivals, and spontaneous outdoor hangouts. It’s that time of year when your hairstyle not only needs to look good, but also help you beat the heat. If you’re tired of rocking the same basic ponytail or just throwing your hair into a messy bun every day, we’ve got you covered.
This season is all about fresh, flirty, and easygoing hairstyles that keep your hair off your neck, withstand the humidity, and still look Insta-ready. Whether your vibe is casual, glam, or somewhere in between, these cute summer hairstyles are perfect for the season and hard to miss.
Let’s dive into the must-try looks that will keep you cool, comfortable, and super chic.
1. Beachy Waves with Braided Crown
This hairstyle captures the very essence of summer with its carefree, tousled texture and subtle bohemian flair. Beachy waves are known for their effortless, sun-kissed look that mimics the natural bends and curls formed after a day in the ocean. To add an enchanting twist, a braided crown is woven around the top of the head, acting almost like a floral halo. It not only keeps your hair away from your face but also adds a romantic, festival-ready vibe. Ideal for outdoor events or sunset walks on the beach, this hairstyle works wonderfully on medium to long hair and pairs beautifully with maxi dresses and natural makeup. Use a texturizing spray or a salt spray for extra grip and volume, and finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold everything in place.
2. Messy Bun with Scrunchie
An iconic and unfussy look, the messy bun with scrunchie is both nostalgic and modern. The beauty of this hairstyle lies in its imperfection. You simply gather your hair into a loose bun, allowing a few strands to fall around your face for a relaxed, laid-back effect. The scrunchie—whether velvet, silk, or cotton—adds an instant throwback charm and comes in endless colors and patterns. From tropical prints to pastel tones, it gives your bun personality. This is the ideal hairstyle for those hot, humid days when you want to keep your neck cool while still looking effortlessly chic. It’s also a great option for second- or third-day hair when you’re between washes.
3. Half-Up Space Buns
Half-up space buns are playful, edgy, and full of character. They take the classic half-up hairstyle and give it a cosmic twist, splitting the top half of the hair into two mini buns that sit at the crown or slightly above. This look is popular at summer music festivals and is perfect for those who love a quirky, youthful style. It works on straight, wavy, or curly textures, and you can even braid the sections before twisting them into buns for extra detail. The half-up style keeps the rest of your hair flowing freely, allowing you to showcase volume and movement. It’s a flirty and energetic look that always turns heads and photographs beautifully under the summer sun.
4. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is a stunning yet simple style that gives the illusion of complexity. It’s created by weaving together small sections of hair into a tight, intricate plait that resembles the tail of a fish. This braid can be worn sleek and polished for formal occasions or pulled apart for a more voluminous, boho look perfect for daytime adventures. Whether you start it at the crown or lower near the nape of your neck, the fishtail adds instant elegance to your look. It’s especially flattering on longer hair and holds up well in the summer heat, making it a practical and pretty choice for both casual and dressed-up moments.
5. High Ponytail with Ribbon
Classic meets chic with the high ponytail adorned with a ribbon. This elevated version of the everyday ponytail adds height and volume, giving your profile a sleek silhouette. The ribbon tied around the base acts as both a practical and decorative element, concealing the hair tie and introducing a pop of color or texture. Ribbons made of satin, lace, or cotton add different vibes—from romantic to sporty. To really emphasize the high ponytail’s lift, you can tease the roots slightly and smooth the hair over for a polished finish. This style works well for all hair lengths and is especially striking with a pair of statement earrings or bold sunglasses.
6. Braided Pigtails
Braided pigtails have grown up. No longer just for childhood photos, this style has made a strong comeback among fashion-forward adults looking to embrace a cute, structured look with a little edge. It’s playful, easy to do, and highly versatile. Whether you go for classic three-strand braids, fishtails, or rope twists, braided pigtails frame the face and keep hair secure all day. Perfect for bike rides, beach games, or picnics, they give you a youthful energy while keeping your look tidy and fresh. Add accessories like colorful clips, clear elastics, or tiny flowers for extra seasonal flair.
7. Curly Bob with Headband
The curly bob with headband is a vintage-inspired look with a modern, summer twist. Shorter hair gets a boost of personality with natural curls or soft waves, and the addition of a headband brings the whole style together. Whether you’re using a bold printed fabric, a soft knotted design, or a sleek minimalist band, the headband adds structure and draws attention to your face. This style is perfect for both casual day outings and chic evening dinners. It’s especially flattering on round and heart-shaped faces, and it gives your hair a healthy, voluminous appearance with minimal effort. Use a curl cream or diffuser to define curls and finish with a shine serum for a radiant touch.
8. Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is an enchanting hairstyle that flows as gracefully as it sounds. It’s a partial braid that allows strands to fall through the braid, creating a cascading effect—hence the name. This style is ideal for special summer occasions like weddings, dates, or garden parties. It pairs perfectly with soft curls or waves and looks beautiful when accessorized with tiny flowers or decorative pins. Though it may seem complex, it’s manageable with a bit of practice and creates a look that’s both dreamy and refined. The waterfall braid is especially effective on medium to long hair and works well on both straight and wavy textures.
9. Top Knot with Bangs
The top knot with bangs is a modern, chic hairstyle that provides the best of both worlds: practicality and style. The knot itself keeps your hair off your neck and face, making it perfect for scorching summer days, while the side bangs add softness and frame the face beautifully. This look can be sleek and smooth for a more elegant aesthetic or messy and voluminous for a relaxed, casual feel. It transitions easily from day to night and complements both casual wear and more dressed-up outfits. To style it, use a strong-hold elastic and a few bobby pins, then use a round brush or flat iron to shape your side bangs just right.
10. Low Braided Bun
The low braided bun is a timeless and elegant hairstyle that offers both grace and structure. Positioned at the nape of the neck, it combines the beauty of a braid with the sophistication of a bun. It’s ideal for formal summer events like weddings, garden galas, or dinner parties but is simple enough to wear to work or a classy brunch. You can create a single braid and wrap it into a bun, or form two braids on either side and pin them into a chignon. Add a few face-framing tendrils or a floral pin to give it a summery finish. This hairstyle is also heat-resistant and can last all day with the right hold.
Conclusion
Summer is a season to embrace change, fun, and all things effortless—and your hair should be no exception. These cute summer hairstyles not only help you beat the heat but also give you an opportunity to experiment with different looks and textures. Whether you’re going for something flirty like Half-Up Space Buns or something graceful like the Low Braided Bun, there’s a perfect summer hairstyle for everyone.
Switch things up throughout the season and don’t be afraid to play with accessories like ribbons, scrunchies, and headbands. They not only make your hair look more interesting but also add a touch of your personal style to every look.
So, next time you find yourself reaching for a plain ponytail out of habit, consider one of these easy yet stunning styles instead. After all, summer only comes once a year—why not make every day a good hair day?