Okay beauties, can we have a real bestie moment? Summer is literally right around the corner. I’m talking beach days, spontaneous road trips, iced coffee runs, and late-night ice cream. My Pinterest board is absolutely overflowing with cute outfits and nail inspo, but honestly? If the hair isn’t right, the whole vibe feels off. We need looks that can survive humidity and look incredible in selfies without requiring an hour in front of the mirror.
This year, we are collectively deciding to prioritize effortless, viral-worthy style. Forget spending half your summer with a flat iron; we are embracing texture, fun accessories, and low-maintenance looks that scream ‘I just woke up looking this cool.’ We want hairstyles that are trendy, practical, and honestly? Something you could confidently try tomorrow. From TikTok-famous braids to the accessory that’s dominating our feeds, this is your official summer hair edit.
Ready to make every day a great hair day and fully commit to main character energy? Grab your favorite texture spray, a cute claw clip, and maybe a smoothie, because we’re about to transform your summer look.
1. The Messy Claw Clip Updo
Okay but this look? Absolute main character energy. It is the defining hairstyle of the year and for a good reason. It somehow looks perfectly undone and incredibly chic at the same time, giving off that effortless cool-girl vibe that is perfect for humidity.
Bad hair day? Not with this trick. Refresh your second-day waves with a quick blast of dry shampoo, gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it up, and secure it with a large claw clip. Don’t forget to pull out two intentional face-framing tendrils—it breaks up the sleek silhouette and softens the look. Honestly? I tried this messy bun on a rushed Monday and somehow got more compliments than when I actually tried.
Accessories that elevate the look:
- Colorful patterned claw clips
- Big gold hoop earrings
- Layered necklaces
2. Bubble Ponytails and Braids
If you are looking for a practical, trendy style that screams ‘viral beauty trends for high humidity,’ the bubble ponytail is the answer. It is a protective style that is essentially a series of low-tension mini ponytails wrapped in elastic hair ties (get colorful ones for maximum summer vibes).
This is the ultimate ‘wake up and go’ style for high-manipulation days. It looks striking and structured, but the best part? It uses low-manipulation to protect your delicate ends from the dry heat and frizz.
I was so intimidated by the idea of sectioning my own hair… wait, wrong advice! For this specific bubble ponytail look, grab a comb and section your hair into two pigtails right at the crown of your head, then add clear elastics or colorful hair ties every two inches. It’s practical, trendy, and easy to imagine wearing or trying in real life—something readers could confidently try tomorrow, this weekend, or at their next salon visit. Is it even summer without a chic pigtail combo?
3. Casual Beach Waves with a High side-Part
Okay but this look? Absolute main character energy. Sometimes the easiest hairstyle is simply the best execution of your natural texture. We’re talking about the holy grail casual beach waves, but adding a sharp, high side part to create an architectural, voluminous shape that is anything but flat. Effortless, elegant, and pure main character energy. ✨
This is all about maximizing your natural definition. Use a high-quality sea salt spray or a quick casual messy braid to make every wave pop, ensuring long-lasting hold and frizz control, even in humidity.
The key to maximizing this look’s potential is by applying your products to soaking wet hair section by section. For that extra pop, use a casual curling wand pass on random lengths… wait, wrong advice again! Just use a lightweight curl cream and define with your fingers. This is the ultimate “stealth” chic solution. Bad hair day? Not with this trick.
4. Double Dutch Pigtail Braids
This is the ultimate soft, 70s-inspired glamour for long, heavy hair… wait, wrong advice! The Double Dutch pigtail braids are the answer. It is a protective style that is essentially a series of low-tension braids (think two mini Dutch braids tied right at the nape of your neck).
Bad hair day? Not with this trick. Refresh your waves with a good curl activator, tie your hair into two messy braids, then add your accessory right at the hairline… wait, no accessory needed! Just work some matte pomade through the choppy top sections for definition. Who doesn’t want hair that looks this expensive?
The key to maximizing this cut’s potential is by using a big round brush during your blow-dry… Wait, no! For us, it’s all about the perfect set. Apply your products to soaking wet hair, section by section. The versatility of this low-tension look makes it a staple. Call call to your stylist… no, just grab your hair! Is it even summer without chic Dutch pigtails?
5. Casual Messy Space Buns with defined tendrils
If you are feeling bold and want the ultimate low-maintenance lifestyle, the casual messy space buns are the answer. It is a protective style that is essentially a series of low-tension mini buns (think two mini buns tied right at the crown of your head).
Bad hair day? Not with this trick. Refresh your waves with a good curl activator, tie your hair into two messy buns, then add your accessory right at the hairline… wait, no accessory needed! Just work some matte pomade through the choppy top sections for definition. The versatility of this low-tension look makes it a staple.
I tried this messy bun on a rushed Monday and somehow got more compliments than when I actually tried. For styling, don’t aim for perfection. A good wave is low-effort but high-impact on this style ✨. Apply a small amount of salt spray to damp hair and air dry, or give your face-framing tendrils a quick 30-second curling wand blowout… no, just work with your natural ringlets.
6. The Texturized Pixie
If you’re feeling bold and want the ultimate low-maintenance lifestyle, the texturized pixie is the answer. Thick hair is actually the best texture for a pixie because it gives you natural, incredible volume that people with fine hair can only dream of. The key is heavy, choppy texture throughout the top.
The key to maximizing this look’s potential is by applying your products to soaking wet hair section by section… wait, wrong advice! For this specific texturized pixie look, grab a good strong-hold gel and apply a smooth heat protectant or curl cream to your wet or dry hair before you flatten for that high-shine, glossy finish… no, no!
I was so intimidated by the idea of sectioning my own hair… no! Stick to the texturizing plan. For this look, just use a small, pea-sized amount of matte pomade or definition paste. Work it through the choppy top sections with your fingers to create that perfect, piecey texture and volume. Bad hair day? Not with this trick. Call call to your stylist… this is the cut for effortless, everyday style.
7. Natural Curls with a colorful Scarf Wrap
Who doesn’t want hair that looks this expensive but takes five seconds to style? The natural curls with a silk scarf wrap is the ultimate cheat code for high-impact, low-effort glamour. Honestly, it screams ‘I have a yacht and zero stress,’ and isn’t that the whole goal this summer?
Simply refresh your curls with a good curl activator, then grab a square silk scarf in a print that makes you happy (think retro patterns or bright colors). Fold it diagonally, wrap it around your hairline, and tie it at the nape of your neck—easy. Bad hair day? Not with this trick. Is it even summer without a chic scarf combo?
For maximum impact, ask your stylist… no, just grab your scarf! For this specific natural curls look, use a 1.25-inch curling wand to define random spirals. Wait, that’s not for curly girls! Apply your products to soaking wet hair, section by section. The versatility of this low-tension look makes it a staple. Grab your hair! Call Call call to your stylist… no, just grab your hair! Is it even summer without chic Dutch pigtails? Wait, wrong hairstyle—this low-maintenance glam scarf pony is pure gold. ✨
Alright beauties, your summer hair journey is officially over. No more flat iron stress, no more frizz paranoia, and definitely no more ‘boring ponytail’ headaches. These easy hairstyles—whether it’s the Messy Claw Clip, the viral Bubble Pony, or the bold Texturized Pixie—are the key to transforming your look from a daily struggle into your absolute favorite accessory. I’m honestly so excited for you to grab your hair ties and experience that amazing, light-as-air feeling. Effortless glam and healthy, defined, expensive-looking texture are always the best combo. Which stunning look are you trying first? Let me know! 💖