Summer brings sunshine, beach days, and the perfect excuse to try new hairstyles. But not all hot-weather hair trends deserve a spot in your seasonal rotation. While some styles wilt faster than ice cream on asphalt, others thrive in the heat and humidity. Let’s explore which summer hairstyles to avoid and which ones will have you looking fabulous all season long.
1. DON’T: Super-Tight Braids
Tension from overly tight braids can damage your hairline and cause breakage. The summer heat only intensifies discomfort, potentially leading to headaches.
Your edges deserve better treatment during these warm months!
2. DON’T: Unprotected Beach Waves
Combining salt water, sun exposure, and heat styling creates the perfect storm for dried-out, brittle hair. Without protection, those beachy waves come at a steep price.
Summer damage can take months to repair.
3. DON’T: Heavy, Thick Extensions
Heavy extensions trap heat and sweat against your scalp during hot days. This creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and irritation.
Your natural hair can suffer from the extra weight and moisture.
4. DON’T: Straight Across Bangs
Humidity transforms neat bangs into a frizzy nightmare that sticks to your forehead. Sweat only compounds the problem, creating an uncomfortable, high-maintenance situation.
Nobody wants constant bang-adjusting all summer long.
5. DON’T: Excessive Hairspray Updos
Stiff, over-sprayed updos look dated and feel uncomfortable in summer heat. The product buildup attracts dirt and makes hair feel brittle and unhealthy.
Plus, nobody wants that crunchy, immovable helmet-head look!
6. DO: Effortless Messy Bun
The perfectly imperfect messy bun keeps hair off your neck while looking stylishly undone. It works for every hair texture and length past the shoulders.
Best part? It actually looks better as the day goes on!
7. DO: Sleek Low Ponytail
Sophisticated yet simple, the sleek low ponytail transitions seamlessly from beach to dinner. A lightweight serum tames flyaways without heaviness.
Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for an elevated touch.
8. DO: Textured Pixie Cut
Nothing beats the summer convenience of a tousled pixie cut. Wake up, add a dab of texturizing paste, and you’re ready to go!
The short length keeps you cool while the textured style adds personality.
9. DO: Half-Up Top Knot
The half-up top knot offers the best of both worlds—hair off your face but still showing length. It’s perfect for second-day hair and hides oily roots.
Works beautifully on curly, wavy, or straight textures.
10. DO: Beach Waves with Protection
Unlike unprotected waves, these come with heat protectant and UV spray applied first. The result? Gorgeous texture without the damage.
Sea salt spray on damp hair creates natural-looking waves without actual ocean damage.
11. DO: High Pineapple Puff
Curly-haired beauties rejoice! The pineapple puff showcases your natural texture while keeping you cool. It lifts curls away from your neck and shoulders.
Use a silk scrunchie to prevent breakage and maintain curl definition.
12. DO: Side-Swept Curtain Bangs
Unlike straight-across bangs, side-swept curtain bangs work with summer humidity instead of against it. They frame your face without sticking to your forehead.
The longer length allows for versatile styling options too.
13. DO: Loose French Braid
A relaxed French braid keeps hair contained without the tension of tight styles. The looser technique creates a fuller-looking braid perfect for fine hair.
Pancake (gently pull) the braid for even more volume.
14. DO: Slicked-Back Wet Look
Embrace humidity with this editorial-inspired style. Apply styling gel to damp hair and comb backward for an intentionally sleek finish.
The look transitions perfectly from beach to evening without any touch-ups needed.
15. DO: Bubble Ponytail
This playful style creates the illusion of length and volume by sectioning a ponytail with multiple hair ties. Gently tug each section outward for the bubble effect.
Works on straight, wavy, and curly textures alike.
16. DO: Bandana Wrap
Channel vintage vibes with a colorful bandana that absorbs sweat while adding style points. It hides greasy roots on no-wash days and protects hair from sun damage.
Fold into different widths for versatile looks.
17. DO: Twisted Low Bun
More sophisticated than a messy bun but equally easy, the twisted low bun stays put all day. Simply divide hair in two sections, twist, then wrap around each other.
Secure with spin pins for a no-bump finish.
18. DO: Face-Framing Tendrils
Add softness to any updo by leaving out face-framing pieces. These tendrils create a romantic, windswept look that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Curl or wave the pieces for extra dimension around your face.