Summer brings sunshine, adventures, and the perfect excuse to switch up your hair game! With rising temperatures and humidity levels, finding the right hairstyle becomes essential for both comfort and style.
Let’s explore some amazing summer hair options that will keep you looking fabulous – plus a few looks you might want to think twice about.
1. Beachy Waves with Sea Salt Spray
Effortless and carefree, beachy waves capture summer’s essence perfectly. Spritz damp hair with sea salt spray, scrunch gently, and let air dry. The result? Textured waves that look like you’ve spent the day by the ocean, even if you’re miles from shore.
2. High Messy Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
Beat the heat with this practical yet chic coiffure. Gather hair loosely at the crown, twist into a bun, and secure with pins. Pull out a few strands around your face for a soft, romantic effect that keeps your neck cool while looking effortlessly stylish.
3. Braided Crown for Humid Days
Humidity-proof your look with an elegant braided crown. Part hair down the middle, create two braids, and wrap them around your head. Secure with bobby pins and mist with hairspray. This regal style keeps hair off your neck while looking polished throughout scorching days.
4. Sleek Low Ponytail with Scarf Accent
Sophistication meets practicality in this timeless summer style. Smooth hair back with a brush and secure at the nape. Wrap a colorful silk scarf around the elastic for an instant elevation. The result is polished enough for office days yet perfect for evening outings.
5. Textured Pixie with Highlighted Tips
Short-haired beauties, rejoice! A textured pixie with sun-kissed highlights offers the ultimate low-maintenance summer look. Apply texturizing paste for piece-y definition that won’t wilt in humidity. This cut stays put through beach days, pool parties, and everything in between.
6. Half-Up Space Buns for Festival Vibes
Channel your inner festival goddess with playful half-up space buns. Section off the top portion of hair, divide into two parts, and twist into mini buns. Leave the rest flowing freely for a fun-meets-functional style that keeps hair out of your face while dancing under the sun.
7. Slicked-Back Wet Look
Embrace the heat with this runway-inspired style. Apply gel to damp hair and comb straight back for a sleek, just-out-of-the-pool vibe. The wet look works for all hair lengths and textures, offering a bold statement that’s surprisingly practical when temperatures soar.
8. Twisted Side Braid with Colorful Accessories
Add playful charm to summer days with a loose side braid adorned with bright accessories. Start with a deep side part, then create a relaxed French braid. Weave in colorful clips or tiny flowers for a whimsical touch that celebrates the season’s vibrant energy.
9. Curtain Bangs with Loose Waves
Frame your face beautifully with this ’70s-inspired summer look. Curtain bangs open like drapes to highlight your features while loose waves add breezy movement. A center part keeps things balanced. This style works wonderfully with hair’s natural texture, requiring minimal heat styling.
10. Bubble Ponytail for Pool Parties
Elevate the classic ponytail with this Instagram-worthy style. Create a high pony, then add elastic bands every few inches down the length. Gently tug at each section to create “bubbles.” This playful look stays put while swimming and transitions perfectly to evening festivities.
11. Bandana-Wrapped Top Knot
Beat the heat with this retro-cool updo. Gather hair into a high bun, then wrap a colorful bandana around the base, tying at the front. The bandana absorbs sweat while adding vintage flair. Perfect for keeping cool during outdoor activities or disguising day-three hair!
12. Natural Curls with Defined Coils
Summer is prime time to showcase your natural texture! Apply curl-defining cream to damp hair and scrunch gently with a microfiber towel. Allow to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat. The result? Bouncy, defined curls that celebrate your natural pattern while minimizing frizz.
13. Asymmetrical Bob with Bold Color
Make a statement with an asymmetrical bob in a vibrant summer hue. The shorter length keeps you cool while the uneven cut adds edge. Consider a wash of pastel pink, teal, or lavender for a seasonal refresh. This bold choice pairs perfectly with summer’s carefree attitude.
14. Face-Framing Butterfly Layers
Butterfly layers create gorgeous movement while framing your features. These face-flattering cuts feature shorter pieces around the face that blend into longer lengths. The result is a breezy, ’90s-inspired look that moves beautifully in summer breezes and requires minimal styling.
15. Sleek Glass Hair
Ultra-shiny, pin-straight locks create a striking contrast to summer’s casual vibe. Apply heat protectant before straightening, then finish with shine serum. The glossy finish reflects sunlight beautifully. This sleek style makes a sophisticated statement for evening events after beach days.
16. Bleached Platinum Blonde
Warning: This dramatic summer transformation requires serious commitment. Going platinum means frequent touch-ups, deep conditioning treatments, and potential damage. Sun exposure can further dry out bleached strands. If you’re not ready for intensive maintenance, consider highlights instead of this all-over color.
17. Ultra-Tight Braids or Cornrows
While protective styles are summer staples, overly tight braids can damage your hairline. Tension at the roots causes traction alopecia, leading to permanent hair loss. Opt for looser braids that don’t pull painfully on your scalp. Your edges will thank you for choosing comfort over excessive tightness.
18. Frequent Hot Tool Styling
Daily flat ironing or curling creates a double threat when combined with summer’s natural stressors. Heat tools strip moisture from already sun-exposed hair. This combination leads to breakage, split ends, and dullness. Give your locks a vacation by embracing heat-free styling methods during the hottest months.
19. DIY Drastic Color Changes
At-home rainbow dye jobs often lead to summer hair disasters. Box dyes combined with chlorine and saltwater create unpredictable color shifts and severe damage. That vibrant purple could turn muddy green after one pool day. Save major color transformations for professional salons that can properly prep your hair.
20. Neglecting Sun Protection
Just like skin, hair needs UV protection during summer months. Skipping protective products leads to color fading, brittleness, and dry, straw-like texture. Invest in UV-filtering sprays or wear stylish hats. These simple steps prevent damage that can take months to repair once summer ends.