Okay, bestie, pull up a chair (and maybe grab an iced matcha) because we need to talk about your hair. It’s officially sweating-my-makeup-off-before-I-even-leave-the-house season. And honestly, who has 45 minutes to blow dry in this heat? Not us. We need hair that says “I just casually rolled out of my bed looking like a beach goddess,” not “I spent an hour fighting frizz and losing.”
This list is our official summer survival guide. We’re talking trendy, effortless, Pinterest-board-material hair that actually takes less time to style than it does to decide what to order for brunch. These are the 15 simple summer hairstyles I’m obsessed with, and I promise you’re going to love them, too. Let’s get you ready for all those rooftop happy hours and spontaneous beach days.
1. The Undone Messy Bun
This is the ultimate “I woke up like this” energy, but, you know, actually looking cute. It’s the perfect blend of messy and intentional, which is my favorite vibe. The trick here is texture—I love blasting my roots with some texturizing spray or a little dry shampoo before I even start. It gives your hair that necessary grit to hold the style without looking slicked back.
To get the look, flip your hair, pull it into a loose ponytail, and on the last loop, don’t pull it all the way through. You’ll have a messy little loop, which you can then secure with bobby pins and tug at slightly until it looks perfectly imperfect. Don’t stress about making it symmetric or tidy—imperfection is the whole point.
I like to pull out a couple of super-thin strands around my face for that effortless, framing effect. This look is so versatile; wear it with a cute athletic set for errands or an oversized blazer and denim shorts for a casual dinner. I’ve literally used this bun to save myself on a rushed Monday, and I got more compliments than when I actually tried. It’s a classic for a reason.
2. The Sleek High Ponytail
When you need that “I mean business” energy but it’s too hot for anything else, the sleek high ponytail is the answer. It’s incredibly flattering, instantly snatching your face and giving you that polished, high-glam look with almost zero effort. I love this for summer nights out when you want to look chic but still feel a breeze on your neck.
The secret to a flawless high pony is all in the prep. Grab a firm-hold hair gel or a sleek hair wax stick and apply it to your roots, smoothing everything back with a boar bristle brush. Make sure you secure it high—like, higher than you think you need to. It should give you a subtle brow lift (bestie hack!).
For a super finished look, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to hide it, securing it underneath with a bobby pin. This simple step makes it look infinitely more expensive. Finish with a heavy mist of hairspray to lock everything in. Is it even summer without a sleek pony? No, the answer is no.
3. The Relaxed Beach Waves
Okay, this is the classic for a reason. Relaxed beach waves are the defining hair of summer, giving that perfectly undone, “I just swam in the ocean” texture that we all crave. The best part? They’re supposed to look messy, so there’s absolutely no pressure to be perfect. They are the ideal summer hairstyle.
I swear by a sea salt spray for this look. You can spray it onto damp hair and let it air dry for a very authentic, rugged texture, or use a curling wand (hold it vertically and leave the ends out!) on dry hair. If you use a wand, the most important step is to let the curls cool completely and then brush them out gently with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
This is my go-to for pretty much any daytime summer event—think outdoor markets, BBQs, or just lounging. It’s effortless hair that still looks put-together. If you’re like me and your hair is naturally straight, this spray is a total game-changer. Trust me, these waves are main character energy.
4. The Half-Up Claw Clip
Claw clips are the accessory of the 2020s, and they aren’t going anywhere. But this half-up variation feels softer and a little more romantic than the full twist-up. It’s perfect for those days when you want your hair out of your face, but you still want to show off your length and texture. This look is low-effort but high-impact. ✨
The technique is so simple: just grab the top half of your hair (from above your ears) and secure it at the back of your head with a cute, small-to-medium sized claw clip. Don’t pull it too tight—let it have a little volume and bounce. I love a claw clip with a matte finish or a fun tortoise pattern for this.
This hairstyle is ideal for transitioning from a morning coffee run to an afternoon poolside hang. It’s also a lifesaver when your beach waves (see above) are starting to drop but you’re not ready to wash your hair yet. If comfort and style had a baby, it would be this hairstyle.
5. The Slicked-Back Low Bun
Okay, the slicked-back low bun is officially the “it girl” hairstyle of the summer. It’s chic, sophisticated, and—best of all—utterly heat-proof. When you just can’t deal with your hair touching your neck and you need to look polished (think dinner at a fancy-ish place), this is your move. Bad hair day? Not with this trick.
The key to that mirror-like shine is using a heavy-duty hair gel or a specialized sleek stick (a total lifesaver, BTW). Part your hair precisely—a sharp middle part is very on-trend right now—and apply the product, smoothing your hair down and back into a tight low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Then, simply twist the ponytail into a neat bun and secure it with a few clear hair elastics or bobby pins. This look requires zero heat styling, which is the kind of math I like to do in July. I always pair this with some chunky gold hoop earrings to balance the sleekness. It’s practical, trendy, and so easy to imagine wearing to your next salon visit.
6. The Braided Headband
This one is for all my boho queens. A braided headband is a simple, sweet way to keep your hair back while adding a serious touch of detail. It works on all hair lengths, which is why I love it. It feels very folklore aesthetic and is perfect for festival season or just a casual Sunday brunch. Effortless hair that still looks put-together? Yes please.
You can do this two ways. The easiest is to do two small three-strand braids starting right behind your ears and then pull them up and over your head, securing them with bobby pins. Or, if you’re more advanced, try a French braid or fishtail braid along the hairline. A small elastic band on the ends keeps them tidy.
This look works best on hair that has a little natural texture (hello, beach waves from Idea #3), so I often combine them. Wear this style with a flowing maxi dress or a crochet top and you are officially summer-ready. It’s a classic for a reason.
7. The Messy Claw Clip Twist
We couldn’t have a summer hair list without the messy claw clip twist. It’s the move when you have 10 seconds to get your hair off your neck but still want to look trendy. It’s practical, simple, and the definition of a low-maintenance glamour hairstyle. Bad hair day? This is the answer.
You know the drill: twist your hair up at the back, fold it down, and secure it with a big, trusty claw clip. Don’t be too neat about it—let the ends poke out a little. The entire style relies on that perfectly imperfect, I’m in a rush but I look chic vibe.
A large, secure clip is crucial, especially if you have thick hair. I love a matte finish claw clip (so chic) or a fun, oversized neutral color for a minimalist look. I wear this everywhere: the gym, the beach, or just around the house. It’s my comfort hairstyle.
8. The Twisted Crown Braid
Okay, this looks like a million bucks but it’s actually incredibly simple. A twisted crown braid is my secret weapon for looking incredibly polished and unique with minimal effort. It feels very expensive but takes less than five minutes. Effortless hair that still looks put-together? Yes please.
Instead of a French braid, which is tricky, you’re literally just twisting the hair. Starting near your part, take a small section of hair and split it in two. Twist them over each other, and every single time you cross them, pick up a new piece of hair from the hairline and add it to the bottom strand before crossing again. That’s it! Twist until you reach the back, secure, and repeat on the other side.
The final look is flattering and keeps all your hair off your face, which is a summer requirement. Tuck the ends under at the back of your head and secure with bobby pins. This style is gorgeous for an event or a date night. It’s practical, trendy, and will instantly elevate any outfit.
9. The Textured Bob
If you have short hair, you know that the struggle is real when it comes to styling in the humidity. But a textured bob? This is the ultimate “cool girl” cut for summer. It’s practical, simple, and the length itself is built for maximum coolness. Bad hair day? Just lean into the messiness.
I love a bob that’s slightly stacked or angled for movement. The real magic happens with the styling. Grab a flat iron or a texturizing spray and mess it up. I like to use a flat iron to create slight bends, rather than tight curls, always leaving the ends stick-straight for that fresh, modern edge.
For maximum texture, finish with a spritz of dry shampoo or a texturizing paste and literally just shake your head. This looks so good with a simple graphic tee and biker shorts. If comfort and style had a baby, it would be this outfit—and this haircut.
10. The Bubble Ponytail
Okay but this look? Absolute main character energy. The bubble ponytail is so fun and unexpected, and it looks infinitely more complex than it actually is. It is the definition of a low-maintenance glamour hairstyle. Bad hair day? This is the answer.
Start with your basic ponytail—high, low, or medium, your choice (I like mine high!). Then, the fun part: place small, clear elastic bands down the length of the ponytail, spacing them evenly (about 2-3 inches apart).
Once all the bands are in, gently toss or pull on the hair between the elastics to create that bubbly, rounded shape. The more you pull, the bigger the bubbles! Use matching hair ties for a sleeker look. This style is so great for a long summer day because it’s practical, trendy, and will absolutely keep your hair out of your face.
11. The Classic Silk Scarf Wrap
If you’re looking to add a serious dose of retro glam to your summer rotation, a classic silk scarf wrap is it. This isn’t just a style; it’s an absolute summer vibe. It’s chic, functional, and instantly pulls an entire outfit together. Bad hair day? This is the ultimate cover-up.
I love a vintage patterned silk scarf—think florals, geometric prints, or even a classic stripe—for this look. You can wrap it around your head and tie it at the nape of your neck, or (my favorite) fold it into a triangle and tie it under your chin like a true 50s movie star. A small elastic band can help hold it in place.
This is the perfect way to protect your hair from sun and salt water, making it my #1 choice for beach or pool days. It adds that perfect “I’m on a luxurious European vacation” touch to even the simplest swimsuit and denim shorts combo. This look is practical, trendy, and so easy to imagine wearing.
12. The Tousled Pixie
Okay, let’s talk about that ultimate chic summer move: the tousled pixie. If you’ve been thinking about a major chop, this is your sign. A pixie is the definition of a low-maintenance glamour hairstyle. Bad hair day? Just mess it up.
The key to a summer pixie is that it shouldn’t be too polished or severe. I like a cut that has layers and some softness. To style it, you literally just need a small dab of a flexible styling pomade or texturizing paste. Warm it up in your hands and just run your fingers through your hair, pushing it up and back. A small elastic band can help hold it in place.
That’s it. It’s practical, trendy, and so easy to imagine wearing. It looks incredibly fresh with minimalist makeup and large gold hoop earrings. If you want that ultimate “no effort, high impact” life, this is the haircut.
13. The Headband + Waves Combo
We covered the braided headband (Idea #6), but this look is about adding a physical trendy headband into the mix. It’s an instant style elevator and incredibly practical for summer because it keeps flyaways out of your face. This look is practical, trendy, and will absolutely elevate any outfit. Bad hair day? Just put a headband on.
The combo is simple: wear your favorite relaxed beach waves (use that sea salt spray or texturizing paste again!) and then simply slide on a cute headband. I’m currently obsessed with puffy headbands, braided headbands, or a cute gingham print for summer. A small elastic band can help hold it in place.
This look works on all lengths—yes, bobs and pixies, too! It’s the perfect, minimal-effort way to make a basic hairstyle feel intentional and complete. Pair this with a linen sundress and you are the picture of summer. It’s a classic for a reason.
14. The Low messy Pony
Okay but this look? Absolute main character energy. The low messy pony is the cousin to the undone messy bun (Idea #1). It’s the ideal effortless everyday style. Low maintenance? Yes. Bad hair day? Just mess it up.
You know the drill: just pull your hair back into a low pony at the nape of your neck and secure. The real magic happens with the styling. Grab a flat iron or a texturizing spray and mess it up. A small elastic band can help hold it in place.
That’s it. It’s practical, simple, and the definition of a low-maintenance glamour hairstyle. It looks incredibly fresh with minimalist makeup and large gold hoop earrings. If you want that ultimate “no effort, high impact” life, this is the haircut.
15. The Double French Braids
If you are planning a beach day or a major outdoor festival, you need a hairstyle that is zero fuss, 100% heat-proof, and stays put. Enter the double French braids. This classic “boxer braid” look is incredibly flattering and practical, making it a definitive summer hairstyle. Bad hair day? You don’t have one in braids.
This style is all about the sectioning: part your hair straight down the middle from your hairline to the nape of your neck. Then, French braid each side, pulling the hair tight as you go. Secure the ends with matching small elastic bands.
I love this look because it actually looks better as the day goes on and the humidity creates that soft, slightly textured fuzz. It keeps all your hair off your face and neck. I wear this with my favorite swimsuit and a baseball cap. Great style doesn’t have to be complicated, bestie.