When summer arrives and temperatures soar, your hair is usually the last thing you want to think about. Between the heat and humidity, your main priorities become getting your hair off your neck, out of your face and keeping it healthy and protected in the process. But when you have the perfect summer outfit, manicure, and makeup, it's only natural to want your hair to look just as chic, especially when summer is the season for holidays, festivals, and weddings and when there are so many fun hair trends to embrace.
In an effort to not fall into the same boring habits I adopt every summer—throwing my hair into a messy bun and calling it a day—I've compiled an edit of the best easy summer hairstyles. From fun ways to wear hair accessories to beach-perfect updos for all different hair types, lengths, and textures, these styles all have one thing in common—they're about as low maintenance as they come.
1. Pigtails
This pretty style is a great way to show off hair length and texture, while also keeping it back from your face. Bonus points for adding ribbons.
2. Twists
For textured hair, consider twists as an alternative to braids.
3. Slicked-back bun
The classic slicked-back bun is perfect for summer—use a strong-hold gel to prevent frizz and keep the style sleek.
4. Mini plaits
This quick and easy style is a favourite way to switch up hair for a festival or holiday.
5. Low bun
Longer styles misbehaving in summer can be effortlessly twisted back into a low bun.
6. Natural air-dry
Love the idea of beachy waves? Enhance your natural texture with a cocktail of hair cream and serum on the lengths, and let it air-dry.
7. Off the shoulders
If you're considering taking your hair from long to short, now's the time of year when you'll feel the benefits of an off-the-shoulder style.
8. Single plait
A classic and incredibly low maintenance style that never fails if you have hair on the longer side.
9. All the way up
Scooping your hair all the way up is always a winner on warmer days.
10. Clawed back
Claw clips and '90s tendrils are a failsafe summer hair combo.
11. Hidden layers
If you have shorter layers in the front, pinning a few sections back is a fun way to mix things up—and keeps you cool.
12. Swept back
Sweep your locks back into a delicate clasp for a laid-back look that serves to enhance highlights and balayage.
13. '90s headband
Practical and trending, elasticated headbands allow you to keep hair away from your face while still wearing it loose.
14. Wrapped up
A headscarf or wrap is a chic and simple way to protect textured hair from the summer elements.
15. Sleek high pony
Easily mask day three (or four) hair by smoothing it back from your roots into a high ponytail and running a straightener through the lengths.
16. Beachy ponytail
If the idea of loose beachy waves stresses you out, gather the length of your hair into a low ponytail that sits just above the nape of your neck for a style that will still show off your curls.
17. Half up half down
If you want to wear your hair down, but also want to keep it off your face, this simple style is a go-to.
18. Bright bandana
Accessorise with a bold-print bandana that matches your outfit for simple summer style.
19. Messy bun
Long hair? Pile your hair high into a messy bun for a cool and practical look.
20. Floral updo
Adding a floral accessory gives an instant upgrade to a simple updo or messy bun.
21. Quick twist
The easiest way to keep your hair out of your face this summer—and postpone an overdue hair wash by one more day...
22. Braided back
For long, curly or coily hair, braids are a low-maintenance summer option. This braided back style is even better if you like to keep your hair out of your face in hot weather.
23. Wash-and-go
if you're looking to switch things up for summer, free yourself from braid-outs and twist-outs by air-drying your coils.
24. Loose '90s waves
Load up on the salt sprays and curl-enhancing creams to keep waves bouncy and buoyant.
25. Bubble pigtails
Bubble ponytails and pigtails are still on trend and are a fun (and easy) way to upgrade your hairstyle for summer.
26. Cute clips
A fun and easy way to accessorise hair when you're on to go or in a rush—plus an opportunity to nod to the current trend for '90s nostalgia.
27. Braided bun
When the heat really does get too much, use the volume of your braids to create a full bun.
28. Sun hat
Protective and chic. Give your scalp a break from the rays with a stylish sun hat.
29. Low side plait
A failsafe for those hot days in the office, a side plait looks stylish and intentional like having the weight and bother of your hair off your neck a sartorial choice more than a necessity.
30. Oversized scrunchie
There are scrunchies and then there are oversized scrunchies. My preference lies firmly in the latter. They add drama and flair with a charming, feminine elegance. Go for a silk or satin material for ultimate hair health.
31. Hard headband
Our friends across the pond might call them Alice bands but, to us, plain old 'headbands' describe them perfectly. They feel part nostalgic, like the plastic thing you'd shove in your hair before school, and part elegant, reminiscent of what a French woman running errands might wear.
32. Baseball cap
Not only highly practical but also majorly on trend for summer 2024.
33. Wet look
Whether you opt for the real deal or use a gel to fake a wet look effect, this style is totally foolproof.
Shop products for easy summer hair styling:
There is no other gel that has ever, truly, contained my perpetually puffy hair on holiday besides this one. It keeps your slicked back actually slicked back, free of the flyaway frizzy parts that spring up around your temples and ears and helps curls maintain their integrity in outrageously humid weather, too.
Whether you choose to go hand-luggage only or check a back, this wave spray comes in two sizes that suit both situations. A wide tooth comb, spritz of this and the wavy hair of your dreams is minutes away.
A nourishing oil that doesn't weigh hair down (even fine hair) and adds natural, lightweight shine. A staple, trust us.
A one-and-done way to enhance naturally curly or wavy hair.
Not only does this cooling mask offer soothing relief in hot weather but it also clears the scalp of buildup, helping to add movement and volume to roots.
This water-based styling gel is perfect for everything from smoothing edges to sculpting updos.
This spray-on sunscreen is perfect for protecting exposed scalps or partings—and won't make hair go greasy.
Sometimes shiny, healthy hair is the style.
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