35 Beyond-Easy Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Summer, From Polished Updos to '90s Waves

These are the easy summer hairstyles we're reaching for that will see you through holidays and summer in the city—minimal effort required.

Collage of Jasmine Tookes, Salome Mory and Elsa Hosk with easy summer hairstyles

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 not to fall into the same boring habits I adopt every summer—throwing my hair into a messy bun hairstyle 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 hairstyles for all different hair types, hair lengths and textures, these styles all have one thing in common—these low-maintenance hairstyles are as easy as they come.

Easy Summer Hairstyle Inspiration

1. Pigtails

Pigtails hairstyle on long brunette hair with white ribbon bows

(Image credit: @sarahhsol)

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

Woman with long brunette braid twists wearing a green hat

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

For textured hair, consider twists as an alternative to braids.

3. Slicked-back bun 

Woman with a blonde slicked-back bun

(Image credit: @joannacoops)

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

Long brunette bob hairstyle with two plaited face-framing sections at the front

(Image credit: @salome.mory)

This quick and easy style is a favourite way to switch up hair for a festival or holiday. It's a great hairstyle for short hair, bob hairstyles and longer lengths alike.

5. Low bun

Photo of woman in a stripy co-ord with a low blonde bun hairstyle

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Longer styles misbehaving in summer can be effortlessly twisted back into a low bun. Easy.

6. Natural air-dry 

Woman with damp hair and natural hair texture

(Image credit: @monikh)

Love the idea of beachy waves? Enhance your natural texture with a cocktail of hair cream or a hair serum on the lengths, and let it air-dry.

7. Off the shoulders

Woman with brunette 4C hair texture and bob-length hair cut

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

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 such as a bob.

8. Single plait

Woman in a cream dress with a blonde plait ponytail.

(Image credit: @devapollon)

A classic and incredibly low maintenance style that never fails if you have hair on the longer side.

9. Top knot

A woman in a blue fringed jacket with a curly top knot hairstyle

(Image credit: @fiahamelijnck)

Scooping your hair all the way up is always a winner on warmer days.

10. Clip clip bun

Woman with brunette hair with a claw green clip bun with a pink satin rose detail

(Image credit: @raissatch)

Claw clips hairstyles and '90s tendrils are a failsafe summer hair combo.

11. Hidden layers

Woman with high ponytail and full fringe

(Image credit: @isabel_hendrix)

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. Half-up, half-down with claw clip

Woman with a half-up, half-down hairstyle with a tiny claw clip

(Image credit: @izzydilg)

Sweep your locks back into a delicate clasp for a laid-back look that serves to enhance highlights and balayage. Finishing the look with a small claw clip keeps it interesting

13. '90s headband 

Woman wearing a swimsuit with long hair swept back with a white jersey headband

(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)

Practical and trending, elasticated headbands allow you to keep hair away from your face while still wearing it loose.

14. Wrapped up

Woman with hair tied up in a blue patterned silk scarf

(Image credit: @jenesaisquoithe)

A headscarf or wrap is a chic and simple way to protect textured hair from the summer elements.

15. Sleek high pony

Woman with long brunette hair tied back in a sleek straight ponytail

(Image credit: @lucyraemcfadin)

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

Woman with long hair brunette hair with beachy hair texture through the lengths

(Image credit: @madisonclevenstine)

If the idea of wearing your hair down with beachy waves feels too much around your neck, 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 while keeping you cool.

17. Half up half down

easy-summer-hairstyles-293175-1620827290766-main

(Image credit: @maggie_mccormack)

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 

Woman in pink shirt with 4C hair in braids on with red gingham bandana

(Image credit: @michelleamo)

Accessorise with a bold-print bandana that matches your outfit for simple summer style.

19. Messy bun 

Woman in white embroidered top with a high messy bun

(Image credit: @mijaporter)

Long hair? Pile your hair high into a messy bun for a cool and practical look.

20. Floral updo

Woman in white lace top with bun hairstyle with tendrils and floral hair accessory

(Image credit: @nitsanraiter)

Adding a floral accessory gives an instant upgrade to a simple updo or messy bun. Some face-framing tendrils keep it looking chic and casual.

21. Quick twist

Woman in black patterned dress with a twisted low bun hairstyle

(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

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

Woman with long braids swept back

(Image credit: @sofiaziadaa)

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

Woman with 4B natural hair wearing orange eyeshadow

(Image credit: @spicy.mayo)

If you're looking to switch things up for summer, free yourself from braid-outs and twist-outs by air-drying your coils.

24. Beachy curls

Woman wearing a blue top with long brunette curls with a beachy texture

(Image credit: @veroocampos)

Load up on the salt sprays and curl-enhancing creams to keep curls and waves bouncy and buoyant.

25. Bubble pigtails

Woman wearing yellow top and bucket hair with bubble braid pigtails hairstyle

(Image credit: @thisisjessicatorres)

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 woman taking a selfie in the mirror wearing her hair down with a hair slide

(Image credit: @sabotaj)

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 Y2K nostalgia.

27. Braided bun

Woman on beach in a white co-ord with a braided bun updo

(Image credit: @tenickab)

When the heat really does get too much, use the volume of your braids to create a full bun.

28. Sun hat

A woman wearing her hair down with a straw hat

(Image credit: @michelleinfusino)

Protective and chic. Give your scalp a break from the rays with a stylish sun hat. It doubles up as an extra line of defence alongside your SPF too.

29. Low side plait

Woman wearing her long brunette hair in a low side plait

(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

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

Woman wearing a green dress and wearing an large red scrunchie on her wrist

(Image credit: @babba)

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

easy summer hairstyles

(Image credit: @aishafarida)

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

Woman in a blue shirt wearing a low bun hairstyle with a red baseball cap

(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

Not only highly practical for sunny days, but also majorly on trend for summer.

33. Wet look

Woman reading a book with a wet-look, swept-back hairstyle

(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

Whether you opt for the real deal or use a gel to fake a wet look effect, this style is totally foolproof.

34. Low bun with hair accessory

Elsa Hosk on a boat with a wet-look bun hairstyle and shell hair accessory

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

How adorable is Elsa Hosk's wet-look bun? It's easily elevated with a chic shell hair accessory.

35. Wavy updo

Jasmine Tookes with wavy bun updo

(Image credit: @jastookes)

I want to copy Jasmine Tookes wavy updo immediately. Leave a few tendrils loose for a relaxed vibe.

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.

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