Heading out for a day on the water? Nothing ruins boat day fun faster than hair whipping across your face or tangling into impossible knots.
The right hairstyle can make all the difference between enjoying the sea breeze and fighting with flyaways. These boat-friendly hairstyles combine practicality with style so you can look fabulous while sailing the open waters.
1. Braided Crown
Create a regal look that withstands windy conditions with this elegant style. Two braids wrap around your head like a crown, keeping hair secure and off your face.
Bobby pins tucked discreetly underneath maintain the structure even through choppy waters.
2. Nautical Bandana Wrap
Channel your inner sailor with this classic maritime look. Fold a colorful bandana into a triangle, wrap around your hairline, and tie at the nape.
The fabric shields your hair from salt spray while adding a pop of vintage style to your boating outfit.
3. Low Twisted Bun
Sophistication meets practicality in this timeless style. Gather hair at the nape, twist until it coils naturally, then secure with spin pins rather than elastics.
The lower placement prevents hat interference while maintaining elegance throughout your nautical adventure.
4. French Braid Pigtails
Sporty yet stylish, these dual braids offer maximum security without sacrificing cuteness. Begin braiding at your crown and continue all the way down for a wind-resistant style.
Salt spray actually improves the texture, giving these trecce better grip throughout your boating adventure.
5. Coda di cavallo lisciata all'indietro
Sleek and sporty, this high-shine style beats humidity while maintaining elegance. Apply gel to damp hair, comb backward, and secure with a snag-free elastic high on the crown.
The smooth finish prevents flyaways even in strong gusts across open water.
6. Sailor’s Knot Bun
Inspired by nautical rope work, this twisted bun sits securely at the crown. Split your ponytail in two, twist each section, then wrap them around each other before pinning.
The interlocking design creates natural stability against ocean winds and spray.
7. Beach Waves with Bobby Pins
Embrace natural texture while keeping strands from your face with strategic pinning. Create loose waves, then twist small front sections back and secure with decorative pins above each ear.
This half-up approach balances bohemian style with practical wind resistance.
8. Fishtail Side Braid
Elegant yet unfussy, this intricate-looking braid stays put through rough waters. Sweep hair to one shoulder, create a fishtail pattern, and secure with a covered elastic.
The tight weaving pattern prevents strands from escaping even during windy sailing conditions.
9. Top Knot with Headband
Playful yet practical, this high bun stays secure with help from a sporty headband. Twist hair into a messy bun at your crown, then add a wide fabric headband at the hairline.
The dual-security approach prevents both flyaways and bun collapse during active boating.
10. Bubble Ponytail
Fun and youthful, this segmented style turns a basic ponytail into something special. Create a high ponytail, then add hair ties every two inches, gently pulling each section for fullness.
The multiple elastic points prevent hair from completely unraveling in strong winds.
11. Trecce olandesi doppie
Athletic and secure, these inverted braids keep every strand controlled. Begin braiding underneath rather than over, creating two parallel braids from forehead to nape.
The snug fit against your scalp prevents any loose strands from whipping in ocean breezes.
12. Twisted Headscarf Updo
Channel vintage glamour with this scarf-secured style perfect for yacht days. Twist hair up into a loose chignon, then wrap a silky headscarf around your head, knotting it decoratively.
The scarf provides both wind protection and sun coverage for your part line.
13. Coiled Rope Braid
Mimicking nautical themes, this circular braid creates a secure, flat style against your head. Braid hair in a traditional three-strand pattern, then coil and pin it against your head like a sailor’s rope.
The flat profile fits perfectly under sailing caps or sun hats.
14. Waterfall Twist
Romantic yet practical, this half-up style keeps front sections controlled while celebrating length. Create a horizontal twist across the back of your head, dropping strands as you go for a cascading effect.
Secure with strong clips at each temple for wind resistance.
15. Knotted Scarf Ponytail
Elevate a simple ponytail with a colorful scarf that prevents tangling. Create a mid-height ponytail, then weave a thin scarf through and around the elastic, knotting decoratively.
The scarf weighs down the ponytail just enough to minimize wind whipping.