17 Ideas For Summer Haircuts And Braids You’ll Screenshot Immediately

Summer hair should feel easy, breezy, and a little bit flirty. Need styles that survive sweat, salt water, and spontaneous rooftop hangs? I’ve got 17 ideas that look cool, keep you cool, and don’t require a salon degree. Pick your favorite, grab a scrunchie, and let’s make your hair summer-proof.

1. The Airy Collarbone Bob

This slightly-longer bob lands at the collarbone and moves like a beach breeze. It flatters almost every face shape and keeps your neck free of sticky hair when temps rise.

Why It Works

• Light layers create movement without frizz overload.
• Length flexibility means you can still tuck it behind your ears or clip it up.

Great for anyone craving a chic reset without going full short-short. It looks expensive with zero effort.

2. Sunlit Butterfly Layers

Butterfly layers keep weight off your face while letting your length do its thing. Think airy volume that practically invites sunglasses selfies.

Tips

• Ask for face-framing layers that start at the cheekbones.
• Keep ends blunt to avoid looking wispy in humidity.

Perfect if you want bounce and lift without committing to a short cut.

3. Micro Braids With Peekaboo Ribbons

Want playful but polished? Thread thin ribbons through a few micro braids for a subtle pop of color. It’s easy festival energy without the glitter fallout.

Key Points

• Use silk or satin ribbons to avoid friction.
• Braid only a few face-framing pieces for minimal effort, max impact.

Ideal for parties, picnics, and every time your outfit needs spice.

4. The Breezy Mixie (Mullet + Pixie)

The mixie is short and airy up front with a soft, longer nape in back. It gives off cool-girl rock vibes and dries in like five minutes. Seriously, summer showers just got faster.

How To Style

• Scrunch in a salt spray and let it air-dry.
• Pinch ends with light pomade for texture.

Best for bold folks who like an edge with their iced coffee.

5. Bubble Braids For Heat-Proof Glam

Bubble braids look intricate but take minutes. You just stack elastics down a ponytail and tug for bubbles—cute, secure, and pool-proof.

Quick Steps

• Start with a mid or high pony.
• Add elastics every 2 inches, then gently pull to puff.

Use them for workouts, beach days, or when humidity tries you. FYI, they photograph beautifully.

6. Curly Shag With Bangs

Curly shags celebrate your texture and remove heavy bulk. The bang adds personality while layers keep curls defined instead of triangle-shaped.

Pro Moves

• Ask for curl-by-curl cutting if possible.
• Diffuse on low with a gel-cream to fight frizz.

Choose this if your curls want freedom and you want fewer wash days.

7. Waist-Length Mermaid Braids

Long, loose braids down the back scream summer romance. They keep hair contained but still flowy and dramatic—like walking out of a music video.

Styling Notes

• Prep with leave-in conditioner for slip.
• Loosen the braid for a pancaked effect.

Gorgeous for date nights, weddings, or anytime you want soft glam.

8. Soft Undercut For Hidden Ventilation

Shave or clipper the nape or one side for secret AC built into your head. The top layers cover it when you want, and you can reveal it with a flip.

Why You’ll Love It

• Cooler neck during heat waves.
• Minimal styling up top still looks polished.

Great for thick hair that traps heat. It’s practical and a little rebellious—IMO, perfect combo.

9. French Bob With Baby Fringe

Short, swingy, and a bit artsy. The French bob with micro bangs turns any tank-and-jeans moment into an outfit.

Key Points

• Keep ends slightly blunt for that Parisian feel.
• Baby bangs should be soft and choppy, not harsh.

Pick this if you want high style with low effort. Espresso optional but recommended.

10. Scalp Braids Into Low Bun

Two or four neat scalp braids feeding into a low bun handle sweat and wind like champs. They look tidy for days with minimal touch-ups.

Tips

• Hydrate your scalp with a light oil before braiding.
• Finish with a satin scrunchie to avoid dents.

Use for travel, gym days, or any Saturday when you’re booked and busy.

11. Shoulder-Grazing Wolf Cut

The wolf cut brings shaggy texture without sacrificing length. It gives instant volume at the crown and playful ends that look best a bit messy.

How To Maintain

• Dry with a diffuser or air-dry for natural texture.
• Use a lightweight mousse for lift, not crunch.

Choose if you love undone hair with a fashion-editor vibe.

12. Crown Braid Halo

Wrap a braid around your head and suddenly you’re the main character. The halo keeps hair off your neck and looks fancy, even if you’re in flip-flops.

Key Steps

• Create two loose Dutch braids and pin across the top.
• Pull pieces out around the hairline for softness.

Ideal for garden parties, picnics, or anytime you want instant elegance.

13. The Wet Sheen Crop

Short crop + glossy finish = summer editorial energy. It swoops, shines, and makes heat a non-issue.

How To Get It

• Ask for a tapered crop with longer top.
• Style with gel + oil cocktail for that glassy effect.

Great for bold aesthetics and zero-fuss mornings. Trust me, your cheekbones will thank you.

14. Rope-Twist Pigtails

Two rope twists look sporty-cute and take under five minutes. They resist frizz better than regular braids and make sunscreen application a breeze.

Steps

• Split hair in half, twist each section in one direction.
• Wrap the two twists around each other in the opposite direction.

Perfect for hikes, beach volleyball, or running errands with an iced latte in hand.

15. Long Layers With Sun-Kissed Ends

If you want to keep your length, freshen it with barely-there layers and lighter ends. It mimics natural beach fade without frying your hair.

Pro Tips

• Opt for hand-painted balayage two shades lighter than your base.
• Use a bond-building mask weekly to prevent dryness.

Choose this for low-commitment glow and swishy movement that screams summer.

16. Boxer Braids With Accessories

Classic boxer braids go from sporty to stylish with cuffs, beads, or tiny clips. They lay flat, stay put, and survive humidity like champions.

What You Need

• Edge control for clean parts.
• Light oil to seal ends and add shine.
• Accessories to match your vibe.

Rock them for festivals, workouts, or long travel days when you refuse to fuss.

17. The Cool-Girl Lob With Curtain Bangs

The lob sits just above the shoulders with face-framing curtain bangs for instant dimension. It styles straight, wavy, or air-dried—whatever your day allows.

Styling Ideas

• Air-dry with sea salt spray for beachy texture.
• Blow out bangs with a round brush for swoopy drama.

Great for anyone who wants versatility. It’s the “goes with everything” cut of the season.

You made it—now pick your summer signature. Whether you go short and sharp or long and braided, these styles keep you cool and camera-ready. Go book that appointment or grab those elastics—you’ve got great hair days incoming.