Hot, humid and unruly hair. While summer is a wonderful time to go to the beach, enjoy summer nights outdoors and hit all the local ice cream spots, it isn’t such a wonderful time for our hair. Most of us give in to our messy mane, throw together a basic ponytail style and call it a day. What if we told you that we have a few simple summer hairstyles that are just as practical as a traditional pony, but are substantially more fashion forward?
If summer brings so much fun and enjoyment why should we all give up on our sense of fashion to bare the intense summer rays? These summer hairstyles are sure to boost your confidence, keep you cool and will definitely get you a ton of compliments.
How We Reviewed
The following summer hairstyles were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros and Cons, Level of Difficulty, Compatible Hair Types, and Occasions to Wear. We wanted to give our readers a list of easy-to-do styles that are sure to turn heads.
We asked several women with various hair types to try these gorgeous summer hairstyles at home. We wanted their honest opinions of the level of difficulty and where they would wear these styles so we could get the best feedback for our readers.
Overall Level of Difficulty of These Styles
We all have those friends that dread getting ready in the morning, and then we have others that spend hours primping and priming. We asked our volunteers just how long these summer hairstyles took so you could determine if the style is right for you and your schedule.
We rated these summer hairstyles from one to five. One being the easiest and five being the most difficult. We also took into consideration the amount of technique involved in each style.
Mermaid Scales
Features
This stylish hairdo is simple to do and easy to put together before an evening out. Start pinning your hair back on the sides while hiding the bobby pins underneath the hair. This will create a decorative fish-scale effect once set with plenty of hairspray.
PROS
- Easy to do
- Unique
- Can be customized with colored bobby pins
CONS
- Hair must be worn down
- Could end up looking a mess if done wrong
- Bobby pins could move
- Level of Difficulty: 3
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
For this one it may look simple at first glance, however, there is a lot of technique involved. The bobby pins must be placed just right to give that fish scale effect and if they are not placed properly, the scales could end up looking like a huge disaster. Practice this style a few times before you decide on wearing it out.
This hairstyle is perfect for any hair type. However, those with soft and fine hair may want to spray a thin layer of dry shampoo to make the hair easier to style and then should spray the bobby pins before they are set into the style.
This style was originally worn by Bebe Rexha as a going-out look. We think you could rock these mermaid scales during a night out on the town or to an informal party.
Half-Up Half-Down
Features
We all remember the classic half-up half-down hairstyle. However, this is a perfect relaxed style to show off your facial features. This style can showcase some of your best features and will also help you stay cool during the summer months.
PROS
- Customizable
- Doesn’t need much product
- Can be formal or casual
CONS
- Could look too youthful on some women
- Could be too warm for some summer days
- Clips, bobby pins, or hair ties need to be placed just right
- Level of Difficulty 2
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
This hairstyle is fairly simple but is also customizable. If you want a loose breezy look, use bobby pins and pull the hair back to the desired point and set it with a light hairspray. Step it up and make it sleek by pulling the hair straight and setting it with a pomade and stronger hairspray.
The breezy look works best with women with thick and coarse hair because it naturally appears effortless. Women with fine and soft hair may find it difficult to create volume with ease and may want to go for the sleeker, more formal look.
The easy-to-wear pulled back look is great for any day. However, the sleek and modern look could be a great option for clubbing or even a summer night wedding.
Wet Look
Features
This chic look will make you look like you just stepped out of the ocean. With this style, the hair is normally pulled away from the face or worn behind the ears. This trendy hairdo can be worn by pulling a high-gloss pomade through the hair until you get it exactly where you want it.
PROS
- Easy to do
- Perfect for everyday and nights out
- Great for any hair type
CONS
- Could make hair appear greasy
- Could make hair too flat
- Product could get on clothes throughout the day
- Level of Difficulty 2
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
This look received a level two in difficulty because, while it may be fairly simple, using the right amount of product is key. We suggest you style your hair as normal and then start with a tiny amount of pomade and add more if needed.
This hairstyle can work for any hair type, however, individuals with thin or flat hair may find that this may not be a flattering look for them.
We love this style because of how versatile it is. You can wear it with some ripped jeans and a tight-fitted tank during the day or with a trendy night-out dress.
Sporadic Braids
Features
Looking to add some whimsy to your summer hairstyles? Then this one is perfect. These random braids can be worn thin or thick. If you really want to go wild, then why not add some of both!
PROS
- Can be worn in conjunction with other styles
- Great style year-round
- Easy to upgrade to for an easy night look
CONS
- You need to know how to braid hair
- Hair could appear untidy
- Must style the hair first
- Level of Difficulty 2
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
Using sporadic braids to add texture and charm to your normal-day hairstyle can give you that variety you are looking for. It requires that you style your hair as normal and then add in random braids until you achieve the look you envisioned.
Great for any hair type and is easy to perform on anyone.
We love the ideas of wearing your hair throughout the day and being able to run home, add in a few braids and then hit the town. However, this summer hairstyle is great for getting coffee with a friend, enjoying the beach, or getting drinks with friends.
Bob
Features
Having a structured style can really make you stand out from the wavy, relaxed summer hairstyles. Go for a blunt bob above the shoulders and add high-gloss pomade to give it a sleek and sharp style.
PROS
- Rare summer cut
- Will keep you cool
- Will shape and frame your face
CONS
- Not very versatile
- Hair must be styled every day
- Short hair doesn’t look great on everyone
- Level of Difficulty 3
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
While this look may look easy enough to handle, the one thing we love about summer hairstyles is how effortless they can be. While a short bob can help you stand out, you will need to style your hair every morning before heading out the door.
Any hair type can look great set in a blunt bob. However, face shape really is what can make or break this cut. Try searching the Internet to see if a bob cut would fit your face frame.
With this cut, it naturally becomes your every-day look. This can be a great option for those who prefer to perfect one style they love and then wear it on a daily basis.
Side Pony
Features
Tediously styling your hair into submission in the summer can prove unproductive. This relaxed side-pony will take your typical summer updo and make it something brand new. Sweep the hair to the side of choice, use a silk hair tie to secure the style and pin any loose hairs into place.
PROS
- Great for any hair type
- Hair accessories can be added for style
- Effortlessly stylish
CONS
- Shorter hair could fall out of place
- May need a lot of hairspray for the back
- Must style bangs and face-framing hair to blend into the style
- Level of Difficulty 1
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
We all know how to do a simple ponytail. This take on a classic hairstyle will add variety to your look and make it fairly simple.
This hairstyle works perfectly for all hair types.
This style is great for an every-day look and is perfect for hitting the beach or laying poolside.
Top Knot
Features
This style has quickly become almost every girl’s favorite summer look. The hair is completely off the neck, keeping you cool, and is a cute and functional go-to style.
PROS
- All the hair is off the neck
- Little hair product is needed
- A silk hair tie can be used
CONS
- Does not work for short or medium-length hair
- Hairs by the neck may need to be sprayed and pinned
- Common style
- Level of Difficulty 2
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
Most of us know how to do a basic bun. So for this style, pull the hair high on top of the head and form a bun to create a top knot. Hairs above the neck may need to be sprayed and pinned so they stay in place. Feel free to adjust the hair in the front until it looks like it was styled with ease.
All hair textures will work for this style, however, women with short or even medium-length hair may want to attempt a different style on this list.
Great for running errands, sunbathing and surviving those powerful summer heat waves.
Low Bun
Features
Add a little drama to a typical bun style by doing this low bun with a deep side part. This will make this otherwise casual look significantly chicer. Curl in some beach waves, use a few inconspicuous hairpins and rock this look almost anywhere.
PROS
- Great for short and medium-length hair
- Style will keep you cool
- Uncommon and playful
CONS
- A decent amount of hair product needed
- Hair should be curled before styled
- Difficult to see the bun while styling
- Level of Difficulty 3
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
After finding your perfect part, this style is fairly simple. We rated this a three due to the pre-work that needs to be done. Essentially, you will need to loosely curl your hair before you can work on the perfect low bun.
Women with longer hair may find it difficult to do the perfect low bun due to the amount of hair that is left hanging from the bun. They can try to pin this hair into place or may want to stick to the top knot style.
What we love about a good low bun is the versatility. Wear it to summer school, to lunch with your girls, on a date and just about anywhere else.
Fishtail
Features
Most of us have strayed away from the single-braid hairstyle from our youth. Learning how to fishtail braid is a contemporary take on the classic braid hairstyle. The braid can be worn in various ways and gives off a hipster vibe.
PROS
- Unique and fun
- Keeps hair in place all day
- Versatile style
CONS
- Fishtail braiding is difficult
- Braid could look uneven
- Difficult to see your work
- Level of Difficulty 5
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
Don’t let this level-five summer hairstyle scare you away. While, yes fishtail braiding is difficult, once you have learned the skill it will not be nearly as challenging. Try looking up videos online to learn this trendy and modern take on braiding.
All hair types will look great in this style, however, long hair is always easier to braid. If you have short or medium-length hair, try using a fishtail braid to pull your bangs away from your face and then placing the rest of the hair in a cute, low bun.
Fishtail braids are one of the more casual summer hairstyles we have on this list. So, when you are looking to take it easy, but still want to look fashionable, give this style a try.
Double Top Knot
Features
Want a grown-up version of your daughter’s or little sister’s adorable space buns? Then try this fashion-forward double top knot. The style is exactly what it sounds like, two top knots. Part the hair horizontally, mid-way across the back of the head. Then simply create one top knot and one lower bun.
PROS
- Fashion forward
- Requires little work
- Hair stays styled all day
CONS
- Buns may be very small for thin hair types
- Difficult to see and style lower knot
- Hair may be too long for lower knot
- Level of Difficulty 3
- Compatible Hair Types
- Occasions to Wear It
While doing one top knot is very simple, parting the hair evenly may be a little more difficult for this style. This style won’t look very polished if the horizontal part separating the two knots is uneven.
This is a perfect look for all hair types, however, women with short or thin hair may get very tiny buns as a result.
This is a fun and flirty look that will look amazing with streetwear or a cocktail dress.
Summer Hairstyles and Haircare FAQ
We often get questions relating to summer hairstyles and summer hair care from women everywhere. They want fun and sassy styles that are easy to do and also want to protect their hair from the excessive heat the summer seasons brings. Here are a few frequently asked questions that may help you out this summer.
1. What Products Should I Use?
We get this question all the time and thought you all would be interested to know the best thing you can do for your hair is protect it! Summer weather, pool water, and ocean water have the tendency to dry out hair. Using a quality leave-in, sun-protecting conditioner while walking around outside or spritzing the hair after a dip in the pool can work wonders.
If you want to take things a step further, you can also perform deep conditioning treatments with products from the store or you can look up some DIY ones to throw together during your lazy nights spent at home.
2. Can My Scalp Get Burnt?
Yes! While we know you won’t want to ruin your daily hairdo by lathering it up with thick suntan lotion, there are products that can help you protect your delicate scalp without messing up your style.
Check out a local makeup store and ask a friendly employee about their hair and scalp SPF options. Specifically, ask which products will not leave a greasy residue. You may have to try one or two before you find the perfect fit.
3. Is There Anything Wrong with Wearing a Top Knot All Summer?
Absolutely not! We want our readers to be themselves and love their summer hairstyles. However, we know that we women love variety. We want a plethora of shoes, several tops that differ in pattern and style and different shades of denim. So why wouldn’t we want to mix things up for our summer hairstyles?
If you feel perfectly comfortable wearing your go-to, top knot or ponytail style, more power to ya! This article is for those of us who may be looking for a little more diversity in our routine summer dos.
4. Will My Hair Ties Damage My Hair?
This is where we want our readers to take extra caution. In summer we typically wear our hair up a lot, even at night. When you can, use a gentle hair tie. This will have to be on a day when extra-strength bands that hold in your summer hairstyles aren’t required.
Sleeping with an old-school scrunchie in your hair and using silk hair ties on low-maintenance hair days will help prevent your hair from breaking where your hair-tie line is. This is important so your hair is ready to be worn down after the summer heat cools off.
5. Do I Need to Switch My Shampoo and Conditioner?
If you are using a paraben-free, quality shampoo and conditioner, then no. These products do a great job at cleansing the hair and keeping it moisturized. However, you may need to step it up with a scalp SPF, a few new silk hair ties, and should consider deep conditioning your hair if you notice a difference in texture or appearance.
The Verdict
While defaulting to your routine ponytail isn’t always a bad thing, sometimes you may want to feel and look a little more glamorous. These summer hairstyles are sure to get you some compliments and give you some extra confidence.
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