Okay, bestie, listen up. We need to talk about your hair situation. I know, I know—summer is amazing, but the humidity? The sweat? The constant battle between looking cute and not melting into a puddle? It’s a struggle. But honestly, who has time for a 45-minute blowout when there are iced lattes to drink and pool days to crush?
Not us. That’s why I’ve rounded up the ultimate list of easy summer hairstyles that are actually easy. We’re talking main character energy with minimal effort. Think heatless waves, chic clips, and messy buns that look intentional, not like you just rolled out of bed (even if you did).
Ready to reclaim your summer hair game? These 13 looks are about to become your new best friends. Trust.
1. The Elevated Claw Clip Twist
Okay, but is it even summer without a claw clip? This isn’t your basic “running to get coffee” clip; it’s the “I tried, but not too hard” version. The trick is to gather your hair, twist it up, and secure it with a cute clip—think matte finishes or a fun pattern. Let a few face-framing pieces fall loose.
This style is a total lifesaver for second (or third…) day hair. If you’re dealing with a bit of frizz, a quick spray of dry shampoo at the roots adds volume and texture before twisting. It’s the perfect mix of messy and put-together.
People are obsessed with this because it literally takes ten seconds. It’s perfect for a beach day, a casual lunch, or honestly, just keeping your hair off your neck while looking effortlessly stylish. If comfort and style had a baby, it would be this look.
2. Bubble Braids for Days
If you want a look that scream viral beauty trend, this is it. Bubble braids are everywhere right now, and for good reason—they are impossibly cute and deceptively easy to pull off. All you need are a handful of those tiny, clear elastic bands.
Start by pulling your hair into a high or low ponytail. Then, tie another elastic a few inches down. Gently pull at the section between the elastics to create that soft “bubble” effect. Repeat all the way down. I tried this messy bun on a rushed Monday and somehow got more compliments than when I actually tried.
It works on all hair types but looks insane on longer hair where you can get a good stack of bubbles going. Add a playful touch with colorful elastics for a festival vibe, or keep it sleek with clear ones. This look is playful, heat-resistant, and perfect for when you want something more exciting than a standard braid.
3. The Beach Wave Half-Up
Is it really summer if you don’t have beach waves? This is the ultimate “California girl” aesthetic, but we’re making it even easier by only styling the top half. This look works best on hair with natural texture, but if you have straight hair, you can quickly add a few bends with a curling wand (or better yet, try heatless curls overnight).
Section off the top half of your hair and pull it back into a loose bun or ponytail. The beauty here is in the imperfection—don’t worry about making it too neat. It’s supposed to look like you just spent the day by the ocean. Chef’s kiss.
This hairstyle is incredible for adding volume and keeping your hair out of your eyes while still letting those gorgeous waves flow. Some people prefer slicking the top section down, but a looser, texturized half-up feels way more relaxed for summer IMO. Low-effort but high-impact ✨
4. The Messy Top Knot
If you haven’t mastered the 60-second messy top knot, are you even doing summer correctly? This is the undisputed queen of easy hairstyles. It works on every hair texture, every length (well, almost every length), and in every situation. Bad hair day? Not with this trick.
Flip your hair upside down, grab it into a ponytail at the crown of your head, and twist it into a bun. Secure it with a scrunchie—we love a silk one to prevent breakage. The key is to keep it high and loose. Pull out a few pieces around your ears and temples to soften the look.
This isn’t just a “chilling at home” look anymore; with the right accessories (hello, gold hoops), it can be totally chic. It’s practical, heat-proof, and gives off that vibe of someone who is far too busy having fun to worry about their hair. Honestly? Obsessed.
5. The Low Slicked Pony
Okay, this style is absolute main character energy. When you want to look instantly polished (or when your roots are just too greasy to handle), the low slicked ponytail is your go-to. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and incredibly easy to achieve.
Use a heavy-duty hair gel or styling wax to smooth everything down, parting your hair down the middle or on the side. Brush it back tightly into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. To elevate the look, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it.
This style is perfect for showing off your makeup and a killer pair of chunky rings or statement earrings. It’s waterproof (hello, pool party!), frizz-proof, and stays put all day long. Who doesn’t want hair that looks expensive and keeps you cool? Yes please.
6. The Textured Braid with a Scarf
This look just feels like a European summer vacation. It’s the perfect way to make a simple, messy braid feel incredibly intentional and stylish. Grab a colorful hair scarf or a fun bandana; this is where you can totally personalize the look.
Start a loose, texturized braid (side braids work great here!). About halfway down, weave the scarf into one of the three sections of the braid, or just tie it around the elastic at the end. Don’t worry about being too neat; a little texture makes it better.
This is a fantastic option for protecting your hair from the sun and adding an instant pop of color to any outfit. It works especially well on wavy or curly hair but adds instant dimension to straight hair too. It’s the ultimate “effortless glam” accessory move.
7. The Faux Hawk Bubble Braid
Okay, this one sounds way more complicated than it actually is. It’s basically just three small ponytails on top of your head, linked together to create the illusion of a cool-girl Mohawk. If you want high-impact with minimal skill required, this is your summer vibe.
Section the hair from your forehead to your crown and secure it into a small ponytail. Pull the hair from the sides into a second ponytail right below the first, and then do the same for a third. Voila! Instant dimension and edge.
This is a fantastic option for short hair or medium-length hair that’s too short for a standard braid but still wants to feel styled. It’s practical, slightly edgy, and perfect for when you want a break from the standard summer look. Plus, it holds up surprisingly well against summer humidity.
8. The Boho Side Braid
You know those Pinterest-inspired looks that just make you want to go to a music festival? That’s the exact vibe of the boho side braid. It’s messy, texturized, and full of effortless charm. The bigger and messier, the better.
If your hair is on the finer side, add a quick spritz of texturizing spray or use a large curling iron to add some waves before you begin. Start a loose, wide braid on one side and let it naturally fall over your shoulder. Pull apart the sections gently for maximum volume.
This style is incredible for adding a playful, relaxed touch to any summer dress. It keeps your hair contained and looks even better after a few hours of wear. If you’re a fan of low-maintenance glam, this is a must-try. Effortless hair that still looks put-together? Yes please.
9. The Textured Bob with a Hat
Short-haired girlies, this one is for you. A textured bob is already cute, but in the summer, it can be a challenge. The solution? A wide-brim hat. This is the ultimate accessory hack for looking incredibly stylish while protecting your face from the sun and covering any root drama.
To keep the look modern, add some quick waves with a flat iron or a curling wand. Don’t curl the ends; keep them straight for a more relaxed, texturized finish. Then, just throw on your favorite hat (straw for the beach, felt for the evening).
This look is practical, chic, and incredibly flattering. It’s perfect for travel, outdoor events, or honestly, just because it’s a Tuesday and you want to feel a little more sophisticated. The textured waves keep it airy and fresh, making it the ideal summer style.
10. The Slicked Low Bun with a Twist
This isn’t just your regular low bun; it’s a polished slicked low bun. We already know the power of a slicked pony, but twisting it into a tidy bun at the nape of your neck takes the elegance up another level. It’s perfect for the office, a summer wedding, or a date night.
Apply a generous amount of gel to your roots and brush your hair back tightly, securing it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail tightly into a rope, wrap it into a neat bun, and secure it with pins. Minimal effort, massive result.
This is a fantastic way to handle second-day hair, especially when it’s hot. It keeps your hair completely contained, is waterproof (pool day approved), and looks incredibly chic with some statement earrings and a red lip. Effortless style that still looks put-together? Yes please.
11. The Dutch Side Braid with a Ponytail
This is the ultimate sport-chic hairstyle for summer. If you want something that keeps your hair completely out of your face and off your neck while looking totally put-together, this Dutch side braid combo is your new go-to. It’s practical, slightly edgy, and perfect for when you need your hair to stay put.
Start a tight Dutch braid (an inside-out French braid) on one side of your head, right above your ear. Continue the braid only until you reach the crown, and then pull the rest of your hair up into a high ponytail. Wrap a section of hair around the elastic to finish.
This is incredible for long-haired girlies who need to look styled but don’t want to deal with a big messy bun all day. It’s perfect for the gym, a hike, or honestly, just because it’s a standard, sticky July day. It’s the kind of hairstyle that says, “I have my life together.”
12. The Loose Messy Pigtail Braids
Okay, but what is cuter than a pair of loose messy pigtails? They are playful, young, and the ultimate summer hairstyle for a relaxed, happy vibe. The key here is to not worry about making them look too perfect; a little texture is exactly what makes them modern and cool.
If your hair is very smooth, add a quick spritz of texturizing spray before you braid. Section your hair down the middle and create two loose braids. Secure the ends with clear elastics, and then gently pull apart the sections for maximum width and fluff. Voila! Instant charm.
This style is incredible for keeping your hair contained and adding a sweet, relaxed touch to any summer dress or denim cutoff. It’s perfect for travel, outdoor concerts, or honestly, just because you want to feel a little more playful. It’s the ultimate “effortless, beachy” aesthetic.
13. The Chic Half-Up Top Knot
And last but definitely not least, the classic half-up top knot. This is my ultimate “I don’t have time to wash my hair” lifesaver. It works on every texture, every length (even bobs!), and looks incredibly chic while pulling your hair off your face.
Section the top half of your hair and pull it back to the crown of your head, twisting it into a small, loose bun or knot. Secure with pins or a scrunchie. To add some extra vibe, pull out a few face-framing pieces around your temples.
This style is incredible for adding volume and keeping your hair contained while still letting your length show. It’s perfect for travel, a casual brunch, or honestly, just because you need your hair out of your eyes while still looking styled. Effortless hair that still looks put-together? Yes please.