21 Ideas For Summer Updo Hairstyles You’ll Want To Wear On Repeat

Heat wave? Humidity? No problem. These summer updos keep hair off your neck, look insanely cute, and take minutes to master. From beach-proof braids to sleek buns you can wear to weddings, you’ll find your new go-to fast. Grab a few bobby pins and let’s make your hair work harder than your AC.

1. The Effortless High Twist

This is the “I woke up like this” of updos. It’s quick, chic, and looks intentional even if you did it in the car. The twist emphasizes cheekbones and keeps your neck breezy.

Tips

• Gather hair high at the crown, twist upward, and pin vertically.
• Leave a few face-framing pieces for softness.
• Mist with flexible-hold spray to keep it touchable.

Wear this for errands, coffee dates, or anytime you want that minimalist model-off-duty vibe.

2. Braided Crown For Instant Romance

Want instant summer goddess energy? A braided crown wraps around your head and somehow makes every sundress look fancier. It also keeps sweat off your neck—bless.

Key Points

• Part hair down the middle, braid two pigtails, and wrap them over the head.
• Pin discreetly and tug braid edges for volume.
• Use a tiny amount of smoothing cream to tame flyaways.

Perfect for garden parties, picnics, or anytime you want compliments from strangers, FYI.

3. The Sleek Low Bun (Pool-To-Party)

When humidity fights you, go sleek. A low bun looks polished with swimsuits or silk dresses. It doubles as a protective style if you use a bit of leave-in.

How-To

• Create a middle part, smooth hair with gel or serum, and gather at the nape.
• Twist into a tight coil and secure with an elastic and pins.
• Finish with shine spray for that glassy effect.

Use for weddings, work events, or when you need “I have it together” energy.

4. Messy Top Knot With Texture

Some days you want carefree with a side of cool. The messy top knot adds height and attitude without trying too hard. It also saves you from washing day, which we love.

Tips

• Flip your head, gather hair high, and secure loosely.
• Wrap ends around the base and pin randomly for volume.
• Scrunch in dry shampoo for grip and texture.

Great for rooftop hangs, beach bonfires, or Monday mornings—seriously, it’s a lifesaver.

5. Bubble Pony Updo

Bubbles = instant fun. Turn a basic pony into a playful updo by stacking elastics and gently tugging sections. It holds up in heat and looks cute in photos.

Materials

• Clear elastics
• Lightweight hair oil
• Strong-hold hairspray

Sport this at music festivals or amusement parks when you need a style that won’t quit.

6. Double-Dutch Into Bun

This combo keeps front pieces locked down so sweat can’t ruin your vibe. Dutch braids leading into a bun look athletic but still glam. It works with medium to long hair.

Steps

• Create two Dutch braids along the hairline to the crown.
• Gather the ends into a mid or high bun.
• Pancake the braids for extra width and drama.

Wear for workouts, hikes, or any day that includes SPF and snacks.

7. The Scarf-Wrapped Bun

Add instant personality with a printed scarf. Wrap it around a bun for color, pattern, and a touch of vacation energy—even if you’re just at the farmer’s market.

Tips

• Tie hair in a bun first; loop scarf around the base and knot at the side.
• Choose silk or satin to reduce friction.
• Match your scarf to your outfit—or clash on purpose.

Use for brunch, travel days, or anytime your outfit needs a little extra sparkle.

8. Twisted Low Pony With Knotted Details

The knotted pony looks intricate without the effort. Twists along the sides feed into a low pony, then you “knot” sections with elastics for a designer finish.

How-To

• Twist face-framing sections back and pin at the nape.
• Create a low pony; add elastics every few inches.
• Gently pull each section for a knotted effect.

Great for date night or work when you want subtle elegance.

9. Halo Braid With Soft Tendrils

Halo braids hit that sweet spot between angelic and powerful. They frame your face beautifully and keep your hair in place for hours.

Key Points

• Start a Dutch or French braid behind one ear and wrap around the head.
• Secure the end under the starting point for invisibility.
• Pull a couple tendrils for softness—curl them if you’re extra.

Perfect for summer weddings, baby showers, and long days outside.

10. The Claw-Clip French Twist

The 90s called and said keep the clip. This twist feels chic, takes 30 seconds, and causes zero breakage. Big plus: it works on wet or dry hair.

Tips

• Gather low, twist upward, fold ends down, and clamp with a large clip.
• Use a matte clip for modern vibes.
• Spritz a salt spray for grip if your hair is slippery.

Throw this on for beach days, grocery runs, or when you “accidentally” oversleep.

11. Space Buns, But Polished

Space buns go from festival to fancy with clean parts and smooth edges. They’re playful without feeling juvenile when styled right.

How-To

• Part down the center and create two high ponytails.
• Wrap each into a bun; pin securely.
• Smooth edges and mist with shine spray.

Perfect for concerts, rooftop bars, and days you want a little mischief.

12. Fishtail Braid Into Low Chignon

Combine a fishtail braid with a chignon for serious texture. The braid feeds into a bun that looks like you paid a stylist, IMO.

Steps

• Create a loose fishtail starting behind one ear.
• Stop at the nape and twist remaining hair into a chignon.
• Pin and pull a few loops to add volume.

Use for dinner dates, graduations, or that summer gala you almost forgot about.

13. The Curly Pineapple Updo

Curly crew, this one’s for you. The pineapple keeps curls high and defined while keeping your neck cool. Add a scarf for extra hold and style.

Tips

• Flip curls forward and secure with a soft scrunchie at the crown.
• Use curl cream on ends for definition.
• Wrap a satin scarf around the perimeter if needed.

Ideal for hot nights, beach trips, and second-day curls that still snap.

14. Braided Headband With Low Bun

A braided headband looks like you’re wearing a hair accessory made of your own hair (because you are). It keeps bangs/fringe off your face and adds detail without fuss.

How-To

• Take a small section behind your ear, braid it, and bring it across the front.
• Pin behind the opposite ear.
• Gather the rest into a low bun.

Wear to outdoor lunches, office days, or anywhere you need polished but pretty.

15. Rope Twist Pony Wrap

Rope twists are faster than braids and look sleek. Twisting two sections around each other creates a sculptural effect that stands out in the sun.

Steps

• Create a mid ponytail; split it into two sections.
• Twist both sections in the same direction, then wrap them around each other in the opposite direction.
• Secure the end and wrap a small hair strand around the elastic.

Perfect for bike rides, park hangs, and days you want minimal effort with maximum payoff.

16. The Loose Gibson Tuck

Vintage vibes, zero stuffiness. The Gibson tuck rolls your hair into a soft, romantic shape at the nape, which feels dreamy for summer nights.

Tips

• Make a low pony and pull it halfway through to create a loop.
• Tuck lengths into the loop and pin across.
• Loosen the crown for volume; leave wisps out.

Great for date night, engagement photos, or dinners al fresco.

17. Half-Up Braided Top Knot

Can’t commit to a full updo? Do half. A braided top knot keeps hair out of your face while letting lengths flow—best of both worlds.

How-To

• Section the top half of your hair and braid it loosely.
• Wrap into a mini bun and pin.
• Wave the bottom half for beachy texture.

Use for daytime adventures and late-night ice cream runs. It’s playful yet chic.

18. Low Bubble Bun

Take the bubble pony trend and turn it into an updo. Segment a low pony, then fold the bubble tail under for a full, structured bun.

Steps

• Create a low pony; add elastics a few inches apart.
• Gently pull bubbles to plump them up.
• Tuck the tail under the base and pin.

Perfect for graduations, office parties, and outfits that need a modern twist.

19. Waterfall Braid Into Twisted Bun

Waterfall braids scream summer fairy. Feed the cascading strands into a twisted bun for a look that’s whimsical yet grown-up.

Tips

• Start the waterfall braid at the temple and work around the head.
• Gather dropped strands into a low twist.
• Seal with light-hold spray to keep movement.

Wear to festivals, garden weddings, or anywhere flower crowns might appear.

20. Slicked-Back Wet Look Bun

If you want high drama with low effort, go wet look. It’s edgy, humidity-proof, and ideal when hair refuses to behave.

How-To

• Work gel through damp hair and comb straight back.
• Create a tight mid or low bun.
• Finish with strong-hold spray for lasting shine.

Great for nights out, rooftop lounges, and photos where you want that editorial edge.

21. Boho Twists With Beads Or Rings

Decorate your updo with small hair rings or beads for instant boho energy. Twists keep the style breathable, and the accessories add festival polish.

Materials

• Mini hair rings or lightweight beads
• Bobby pins
• Texturizing spray

Twist small sections around the crown and secure into a low bun. Add a few rings here and there for sparkle. Ideal for concerts, beach dates, and any time you want your hair to be the accessory.

Ready to play? Pick one, toss your hair up, and let summer do its thing. Try a new style every weekend and see which one becomes your signature. Your neck will thank you—and so will your camera roll.