Summer is officially here, and the weather seems to be running the gamut from mild to OMG-it’s-SO-HOT depending on where you live.
If getting ready for a summer event feels more stressful than stylish, your current routine might be working against you.
So I’ve put together a few easy, trendy hairstyles to take some of the fuss out of getting ready. Here are 15 ideas to help you look fresh and polished, no matter what your thermometer reads.
1. Pinned To Perfection
It is absolutely no secret that jumbo hair clips placed right at the hairline are having a major moment this summer.
This is an effortlessly cool way to elevate any hairstyle, and you will definitely see this aesthetic all over your Instagram feed right now.
If you are looking to stay on-trend, pearl barrettes and statement pins are the must-have accessories to reach for.
McKenna Mitchell demonstrates a few fun ways to style these jumbo clips. You can even make them work on short hair. Just go for it.
2. Timeless Beach Waves
Could we even write a post about summer hairstyles without mentioning beach waves? Seriously, this look is the absolute epitome of the season.
This classic style is easily achieved by using a curling iron or wand to create loose curls. Finish the look by lightly spritzing with some dry texturizing spray and tousling it with your fingers.
Brad Mondo (one of my all-time favorite YouTube hair gurus) has a phenomenal tutorial that breaks down multiple ways to get that beachy wave look.
3. Simple Waterfall Braid
Let’s start this list with a summer hairstyle that is adorably chic and never goes out of style: the waterfall braid.
While the internet is full of intricate braid ideas that might feel a bit daunting to most, I personally love incorporating a basic waterfall braid into an everyday look. It is the perfect way to add a little something special to your hair.
The only catch is that mastering the technique takes some practice. 😩😩😩
HOWEVER… I recently found the most amazing hair hack! Did you know there is a super simple way to turn a basic braid into a waterfall braid using a Topsy Tail?
This tutorial from Beauty Tips by Karla demonstrates exactly how effortless it is!
4. The Perfect Messy Bun
Summer is ultimately about embracing a laid-back vibe. You really should do everything possible to enjoy life without stressing over the small details.
That is exactly why the messy bun is such a staple for summer. With this cute hairstyle, you can look effortlessly put-together while focusing your energy on having fun.
💡TIP: Use a sock bun for some extra volume! Or if you find yourself lacking enough hair, you can simply enhance your top knot with a hair wrap! No one will even know.
Kathryn Ann shares the absolute best tutorial for achieving that perfect messy bun. It even works on super fine hair.
5. Voluptuous High Ponytail
A high ponytail is my go-to look for when the weather heats up. It keeps your hair off your face and is incredibly easy to pull together. You can even let your hair air dry beforehand to minimize heat damage.
However, there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to do a ponytail, and if you execute it correctly, you will look insanely chic. Don’t worry… it is still quite simple to do.
Rachel Vitullo’s tutorial is basically perfection.
6. Boho-Chic Updo
Bohemian messy updos are one of my absolute favorite summer styles because you can basically do whatever you want, and it will still look amazing.
Add in some twists, braids, buns, or any other element to make your hair feel alive with movement.
The secret here is to make it look undone, lived-in, and full of texture.
Jess Gonzalez offers an awesome video tutorial to get you started. Remember that you can build on this concept and add your own flair. Anything goes with this look.
7. Bubble Ponytail
The bubbled-out ponytail is one of my favorite mohawk-style looks for women, and it is a perfect choice for summer!
It is fun. It is innovative. And you can pull the look together in just a few minutes.
Alex Gaboury has a great video that demonstrates just how easy it is to achieve.
8. Boxer Braids
If we are being honest, this is one of my favorite summer hairstyle ideas. It is incredibly simple and satisfying to do, but will still have you looking like a Kardashian.
To recreate this look, simply part your hair down the middle and braid each side.
Start with tiny braids at the hairline. Incorporate more hair as you go, taking bigger sections as the braids grow. This ensures the braids get thicker as they move down your head.
Follow an imaginary diagonal line from the bang area out to the crown, then move the braids back inward as they travel down the back of the head.
Look… it is easier to show you than to explain. On Hair With Erin has the perfect tutorial that shows you exactly how to do boxer braids at home.
9. Side-Wrapped Ponytail
This is probably the easiest cute summer hairstyle on the list… but don’t underestimate its power.
Finish off a low side ponytail with a small section of hair wrapped around the base.
You can even incorporate some braids or twists into the upper part of the style if you are looking for a little something extra.
Bebexo shares a cool trick for wrapping your hair around the ponytail without needing bobby pins.
10. Chunky Pull-Through Braid
You absolutely adore chunky types of braids but lack the coordination or patience to make them happen. Sound familiar? The struggle is real, girl.
Well, the pull-through braid is basically the best thing since sliced bread.
It is a super easy way to braid your hair using multiple ponytails that wrap around each other. You can even take a break in between or redo a section if you need to.
Loepsie has a fabulous tutorial on how to achieve this look on your own hair!
11. Mermaid Updo
XoMerlissa is my favorite mermadian influencer, so this hairstyle inspiration comes directly from her. There are several different “mermaid updo” ideas to choose from, but I think the double crown braids are the perfect fit!
SweetHearts Hair has an awesome tutorial that demonstrates how to create the same look.
12. A Twisted Half-Updo
Twisted half-updos are such an effortless way to add a little oomph to your hair. They are also the perfect way to rock beach waves while keeping your hair out of your face.
I love this video by laineymariebeauty. She does a great job describing the process.
13. Blinged-Out Festival Braids
With huge events like Burning Man and Coachella gaining traction, party-worthy hairstyles are becoming increasingly creative and fun.
It is a common trend to see girls cornrowing their hair or putting it in boxer-braids at these events (I mean… do you really want to deal with hair in your face on the playa?).
But to be truly festival-ready, you need to take it a step further than just that.
A fun and easy way to spruce up your braids is to feed in fake hair of all different colors.
It makes your braids look much thicker and longer, it works for all hair types, and it is really not that hard to execute. If you can French braid, you can probably achieve this look yourself.
The fake hair even makes this an easy style for shorter or mid-length hair.
Here is a fabulous tutorial by Lana Summer that demonstrates how simple it is.
If French braiding isn’t your jam, here is a crazy easy way to do the same thing with a pull-through braid. This tutorial by LOZNITSA is in Russian, but it still gets the point across.
To take things a bit further, sprinkle glitter all around your hairline, mix-match different braids, and put clips, jewels, or flowers throughout the braids.
I think this is a perfect summer hairstyle as it keeps your hair out of your face and also makes you look majestic AF.
14. Side Fishtail Braid
One of my favorite summer hair ideas is a side braid that wraps around your head and pops out on one side. Better yet… I particularly love it when this look is created with a chunky fishtail braid.
The fishtail braid just gives it a unique vibe and adds tons of volume to the hair.
Don’t know how to do a fishtail? Don’t worry… Shonagh Scott has you covered.
15. Infinity Braids
Since the dawn of Pinterest, braids have been slowly evolving into complex Daenerys Targaryen-style looks. With that come creative new ways to weave the hair together to produce different aesthetics.
One of the more popular types of braids this summer is the infinity braid (named because of its resemblance to the infinity symbol).
Don’t be deceived by its super intimidating appearance… it is actually quite easy to do. Here is a super helpful tutorial by Another Braid.
The difference between the diamond shape and normal braid has to do with how much hair you bring into the braid. HAU2 has a nice tutorial to teach you how to do a normally-proportioned version of this braid.
How is that for an incredibly cute hairstyle for summer?
Final Thoughts
Summer is a seriously fun time of year, but it won’t last forever, so enjoy it while you can.
Embrace the season by adding a little spice to your hair. Follow these simple summer hairstyle tutorials, and I promise you can’t go wrong.