20 Cute Summer Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Warm and Sunny Days
These ideas are a breeze!
Throughout winter, we long for the warm temperatures accompanied with the summer season! All those days spent in the sun wearing cute dresses and comfy sandals can never come soon enough. Then the dog days of summer hit and things get, well, sweaty! At that point, it seems that no amount of trips to the pool or summer cocktails will help beat the heat—and it's hard to enjoy a cookout when your hair is fighting against the humidity and your bangs are sticking to your forehead. Insert: the best summer hairstyles for women that will help keep you cool (and looking cooler).
If your go-to summer hairstyle is throwing your locks up into a ponytail or bun, we don't blame you! That's why this list has a variety of updos for you to try out. Enhance your typical look by adding a braid or two. You can even get creative with styles like wrap ponytails or bubble ponytails. There's also easy and breezy options for keeping your hair down! After all, beachy waves are basically the signature summer style.
Whether you're looking for hairstyles for long hair or opt to chop it all off and go for a short haircut, there's something here for you. We've even added a few accessory ideas like straw hats! No matter what you choose, just be sure to keep your mane healthy with the best hair sunscreens. And if you really want to heat things up, consider a new summer hair color, too!
Braided Pieces
So effortless yet so charming, baby braids are a simple way to enhance your everyday look. Just braid a few strands on either side of your face like Margot Robbie to achieve this one.
Low Ponytail
A classic ponytail is the answer to everything—especially this understated option on Jessica Alba. It's pulled up right above the nape of her neck with added volume at the top for a little extra oomph.
French Bob
Can we get an ooh la la for Zendaya? The French bob is everywhere right now—and for good reason! Not only does it look so elegant, but it's generally low maintenance and will keep you cool thanks to the shorter length.
Beachy Waves
If you ask us, beachy waves are basically the signature summer style! As seen on Jennifer Lawrence, they're easy to do and scream days spent in the surf and sand. But if you won't be near the ocean anytime soon, you can replicate them by using a curling iron or grabbing a salt water texture spray.
Long Braid
If you want to bring your go-t0 ponytail up a notch, take a cue from Anya Taylor Joy and pull your long locks back into a pretty center-parted plait. Her hair was left naturally textured then secured at the base of her head.
Loose Waves
As seen on Beyoncé, loose waves have a bit more shape than beachy waves while maintaining the aura of an easygoing day spent in the sun. You can use a curling iron or straightener to get this style—but make sure you run your fingers through the curls to loosen them up.
Pixie Cut
So you're tired of dealing with your thick mane and just want to chop it all off? Might we suggest a pixie cut with side-swept bangs similar to this one on Kerry Washington? The choppy layers add the perfect amount of volume!
Accessorize with a Straw Hat
Leaving your hair natural doesn't have to be boring—just ask Anne Hathaway! Her textured waves are only accentuated by the stylish straw hat she threw on. Talk about summery!
Messy Curls
Okay, we're deeming this mermaid hair! The extra voluminous and bouncy textured curls on Blake Lively embody seaside whimsy. After you curl your hair, tousle the ringlets for this breezy look.
Straight and Sleek
Like Vanessa Hudgens, you don't have to sacrifice your chic style when the hotter months roll around. The key to straight hair in the midst of seasonal humidity (along with a good flat iron) is a high-quality anti-frizz spray.
Side Twist
Another lowkey look to copy as things heat up is Emma Stone's carefree side twist! It's not difficult to recreate but looks like you spent so much time getting ready. We're loving all that volume! Plus, face-framing airy wisps work with the humid elements, rather than against them.
'70s Shag
You know the style: choppy bangs and tons of jagged layers for an effortlessly cool vibe that will complement all of your warm-weather outfits. On Chloë Grace Moretz, sun-kissed highlights throughout her tresses just make it even better.
Messy Bun
Sometimes all you want when the temps rise is to throw your hair up and forget about it. That's why this messy bun on Halle Berry is a no-brainer summer style. It's laidback and still super cute. Bangs are optional!
Wrap Ponytail with Braid
The simplest way to take a ponytail from drab to fab is to cover the hair tie by wrapping a piece of hair around it. Chrissy Teigen takes her updo even further with a braid along the side of her head. Hello, day-to-night 'do!
Accessorize with a Head Scarf
One more beloved summer accessory is the head scarf! Whether you want to polish up your ensemble like Sydney Sweeney, protect your hair from the rays or hide a bad hair day—this adornment will do the trick. There are so many different ways to style them, too.
Textured Lob
A long bob, also known as a "lob," is just right for those of you who don't want to commit to an extreme cut, but still want to get rid of some length. On Lily Collins, slight curls add texture to her tresses while a subtle dark to light ombré allows for eye-catching dimension.
Long Layers
Swishy, layered hair is beyond beautiful no matter the season! Layers create a nice shape, bring in the volume, and make thin locks look fuller. If you add shorter layers around the face like Sara Sampaio, it'll accentuate your features and keep your strands from bothering you on sweaty days.
Bubble Ponytail
Here's a super fun way to make your ponytail pop! Just like Ariel Winter, after you gather your hair into a ponytail, you'll just grab a few clear hair ties then wrap them around the length of your pony— spacing them out to get your desired look.
Braided Headband
It might be a blast from the past, but we never stopped thinking about this dazzling 'do on Jennifer Aniston! To create your own braided headband, start by taking a section of your hair from your side part down to your ear then braid it moving downwards from your partline towards your ear. Continue to braid like a normal three-strand braid, adding in hair as you go to create a woven headband.
High Ponytail
A voluminous high pony is a foolproof way to keep you neck cool without sacrificing any fabulousness. Just look at Rihanna! Bonus points: It'll look great on any hair type or texture and expertly masks your second-day or third-day hair.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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