16 Gorgeous Summer Hairstyles You Should Try
There’s nothing quite like summer: the swimwear, the sundresses, the warm evenings that stretch on forever.
There’s just one catch: heat and humidity don’t exactly love your hair. The good news is you don’t have to choose between looking put together and staying cool. A few clever styles can give you both.
Here are 16 summer hairstyles I’d wear on repeat this season, from five-minute everyday looks to something a little more special for a night out.
Effortless Everyday Styles
These are the ones I reach for when I want to look pulled together without spending much time on it.
Top Knot
If you hate hair touching your neck in the heat, this is your go-to.
It’s classy, quick to do and works with almost any outfit. Wear it sleek for a polished look or a little messy for something more relaxed.
I’d wear this for: Errands, workouts, or any day you want your hair off your face fast.
Knotted Ponytail
The knotted ponytail is elegant but quick to make. This one takes about five minutes once you’ve got the hang of it.
You’ll need [LINK: hair gel — Amazon], a few [LINK: small elastic bands — Amazon] and a good brush. If you want extra length or fullness, this is also a great style to add [LINK: clip-in hair extensions] into for a fuller finish.
Style Tip: Smooth your baby hairs with gel before securing the ponytail for the cleanest finish.
High Bun
This one is as sleek and about as low-maintenance as it gets.
It’s one of those styles that looks intentional even when you threw it together in two minutes flat.
I’d wear this for: Work days, brunch, anything where you want to look put-together without trying too hard.
Ponytail
The ponytail hairstyle is a classic for a reason. It goes with everything and keeps hair off your neck on the hottest days.
Style Tip: A silk scrunchie helps prevent breakage, especially if you’re wearing your ponytail daily through summer.
Braided Styles for Warm Weather
Braids are some of the best summer styles because they keep hair in place without sacrificing personality.
French Braid
This is my favourite. It’s versatile and romantic; this one works for almost any occasion, dressed up or down.
I’d wear this for: Date nights, weekend brunches, or layered under a headband for a softer look.
Milkmaid Braids
A bohemian, feminine take on braids that pairs beautifully with a simple sundress or a blazer dress for a night out.
I’d wear this for: Garden parties, girls’ nights, festival days.
Fishtail Braid
Perfect if you have longer hair and want it down without the discomfort of loose strands sticking to your neck.
Simply gather your hair to one side and braid. If your hair is shorter, [LINK: clip-in extensions] and a few [LINK: bobby pins — Amazon] will get you the same look.
I’d wear this for: Outdoor events, casual daytime occasions.
Two Braids
You can’t go wrong with the two braids hairstyle. It is pretty, practical, and works on almost any hair length.
Part your hair down the middle, braid each side to the end, and secure with elastic bands. That’s genuinely it.
Style Tip: Loosen the braids slightly after finishing for a softer, more lived-in look.
Scarf Braids
A fun way to add colour and texture to a simple braid. Just weave a lightweight [LINK: silk or satin scarf — Amazon] in alongside your hair as you braid.
I’d wear this for: Festivals, beach days, anywhere you want a pop of pattern.
Protective Styles
These styles are especially good if you want a break from daily styling while still looking polished.
Cornrows
A protective style that suits a range of hair lengths and holds up beautifully in summer heat.
If you want more length, [LINK: hair extensions] blend in seamlessly with cornrows.
Style Tip: Ask your stylist for a lightweight scalp oil to use between wash days to keep your scalp comfortable.
Box Braids
One of the most versatile protective styles, you can wear them up or down depending on the day.
Your scalp gets a real break, and you can wash your hair whenever you need to without disturbing the style.
Between washes, cleanse your scalp with a bit of witch hazel or a dry shampoo formulated for braids to keep things fresh.
I’d wear this for: Vacations, weeks you want to travel light on styling time.
Short Hair Styles
If you’re rocking short hair this summer, these are worth trying.
Pixie Cut
Sophisticated, low-maintenance, and genuinely one of the coolest options for hot weather since there’s simply less hair to manage.
I’d wear this for: Everyday wear — this one barely needs styling at all.
Choppy Bob
Add movement to short or mid-length hair with soft layers.
Style Tip: Style it to frame your face and draw attention up toward your collarbones.
The Eton Crop
A close, sleek crop with old-Hollywood roots — think 1940s glamour with a modern edge.
I’d wear this for: A statement look if you want something a little different from the usual short styles.
Pompadour
Edgy and a little fearless — a great option if you want short hair with real presence.
I’d wear this for: Nights out or anytime you want your hair to do the talking.
A Little Something Different
Pineapple Hairstyle
This one celebrates natural curls while keeping hair off your neck — ideal for the hottest days.
Style Tip: Use a silk or satin scrunchie at the crown to protect your curls from breakage.
Pigtails
Soft, sweet and a little playful — a fun way to switch things up for a day.
I’d wear this for: Casual weekends, a change of pace from your usual go-to.
Classic Chignon
Elegant and cooling — this one keeps hair fully off your face and neck while still looking polished enough for a dressier occasion.
I’d wear this for: Weddings, dinners, anywhere you want a “done” look without heat styling.
My Go-To Summer Hair Formulas
Everyday and Errands
- Top knot or ponytail
- Silk scrunchie
- Minimal product
Beach or Festival Day
- Milkmaid braids or scarf braids
- Light hair oil for shine
- Wide-brim hat as backup
Date Night
- French braid or classic chignon
- A few loose face-framing pieces
- Light shine spray
Low-Maintenance Week
- Box braids or cornrows
- Scalp oil between washes
- Silk bonnet or scarf for sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best hairstyle for humid weather? Styles that keep hair off your neck and secured — like top knots, buns, braids or cornrows — hold up best in humidity.
Do I need hair extensions for these styles? Not for most of them, but if you have shorter or thinner hair and want extra length or fullness for braided styles in particular, clip-ins or braid-in extensions can help you get the same look.
How do I keep braids fresh between washes? A lightweight scalp oil or a dry shampoo made for braided styles will keep your scalp comfortable without disturbing the style.
Final Thoughts
Summer hair doesn’t have to mean choosing between comfort and style; the right technique gets you both.
Whether you’re after something you can do in five minutes or a style with a little more polish, there’s a look here for every hair type and every kind of summer day.
I’d love to know which one you’re trying first. Leave a comment and let me know.