24 Easy Summer Hairstyles To Keep You Cool And Chic, Without Breaking A Sweat

Heat waves don’t care about your blowout. You need styles that beat frizz, dodge neck sweat, and still look like you tried (even if you didn’t). These easy summer hairstyles deliver breezy vibes, quick styling, and zero fuss. Grab a hair tie and a little attitude—your coolest hair days are about to happen.

1. Sleek High Pony, Zero Drama

A high pony keeps hair off your neck and out of your face. It looks polished for work, but flips into weekend mode instantly. You’ll love how it lifts your features and survives humidity.

Tips

• Brush hair upward, secure high with a snag-free elastic.
• Wrap a small strand around the base for a clean finish.
• Smooth flyaways with a pea-size of lightweight gel.

Wear it for errands, workouts, or a night out when you need shine and simplicity in minutes.

2. Low Bun With Face-Framing Bits

This one feels effortless and breezy, like you woke up chic. The soft pieces in front add romance without heat styling. It’s put-together without trying too hard.

Key Points

• Part hair in the middle or off-center.
• Twist into a low bun at the nape; leave a few pieces out.
• Mist with texture spray for grip.

Perfect for brunch or date night when you want cool, not crispy.

3. The Claw Clip Twist (’90s Cool)

Claw clips rescue sweaty afternoons. Twist, clip, done. It’s gentler than elastics and adds that retro-cool vibe.

How-To

• Gather hair, twist upward, fold ends down, and clip.
• Let a few tendrils loose for softness.
• Use a larger clip for thick hair; mini clip for fine hair.

Use it for beach days or office runs when you want cute without commitment.

4. Braided Crown for Instant Goddess Energy

Get hair off your neck and look like you own a flower farm. The crown braid reads fancy but feels breezy. It controls frizz and looks great with sundresses.

Tips

• Create two pigtail braids, wrap them over your head, and pin.
• Pull the braids slightly to fluff them up.
• Leave soft pieces at the ears for romance.

Wear it to outdoor weddings or picnics—yes, people will ask how you did it.

5. Beach Waves Without the Beach

Texture equals volume and movement, minus the weight. You don’t need heat—just a braid and some salt spray. It’s the summer hair cheat code.

Materials

• Sea salt spray or wave foam
• Two loose braids
• Diffuser (optional)

Braid damp hair, air-dry, shake out, spritz—done. Ideal for casual days and warm nights.

6. The Bubble Ponytail

Cute, playful, and surprisingly practical. The bubbles keep your pony structured so it doesn’t stick to your skin. It works on all lengths past the shoulders.

How-To

• Tie a mid-height ponytail.
• Add elastics every 2-3 inches; tug sections to “bubble.”
• Use matching elastics for a sleek look, or colorful ones for fun.

Perfect for festivals, workouts, and anytime you need bounce without frizz.

7. Half-Up Top Knot

Want your hair down but not in your face? Half-up top knots deliver balance and volume. Keep your scalp breezy while showing off length.

Tips

• Section from temples upward, twist into a knot, pin or tie.
• Leave the rest wavy for texture.
• Smooth the hairline with a dab of cream.

Great for day-to-night plans when you can’t be bothered to redo your hair.

8. French Braid That Doesn’t Budge

A classic French braid keeps everything contained. It shrugs at humidity and holds through beach volleyball. Plus, it’s elegant in five minutes.

Key Points

• Start at the crown, add hair as you go, braid to the ends.
• Keep tension consistent for a sleek look.
• Fan out the braid for fullness.

Perfect for travel days, hikes, and sweaty commutes—seriously reliable.

9. Double Dutch Braids, Double Cool

Two braids split the weight and keep you cool. They look sporty, cute, and stay put in wind or water. Bonus: waves the next day when you take them out.

Tips

• Center part, Dutch braid each side (braiding under, not over).
• Secure with clear elastics.
• Edge control at the hairline for a crisp finish.

Great for pool days, bike rides, and sweaty festivals—FYI, it photographs well.

10. Scarf-Wrapped Pony

Add instant personality to a basic pony with a silk scarf. It keeps strands together and elevates everything. Zero effort, maximum chic.

How-To

• Tie a low pony.
• Wrap a small scarf around the base; knot with ends loose.
• Match colors to your outfit for a pulled-together look.

Use it for dates, garden parties, or when you need flair fast.

11. Messy Top Bun, But Make It Intentional

This bun screams “I woke up like this,” but you did plan it a little. Height adds drama and ventilation. It saves day-three hair in seconds.

Tips

• Flip hair over, tie high, twist and coil, then pin.
• Pull a few bits out for softness.
• Mist with dry texture spray for grip.

Wear it when the heat index climbs and you refuse to melt.

12. Low Braided Pony

It’s sleek up top, party at the tail. The braid keeps the length neat and snag-free. It’s a quick tweak that reads put-together.

How-To

• Tie a low pony at the nape.
• Braid the tail, secure with a small elastic.
• Smooth flyaways with serum.

Perfect for office days or travel when you need tidy hair that lasts.

13. Wet-Look Slick Back

Channel poolside editorial with a slicked-back style. It cools your neck and looks sharp. You’ll feel like you belong in a resort ad.

Materials

• Medium-hold gel or styling cream
• Wide-tooth comb
• Shine spray

Comb product through damp hair, push back, and let it set. Ideal for rooftop dinners and nights when humidity wins.

14. The Halo Headband Hack

Headbands keep sweat and frizz in check while framing your face. They’re cute, functional, and friendly to second-day hair. Add instant polish without heat.

Tips

• Choose a padded or scarf headband for comfort.
• Style hair in a low bun or down with waves.
• Tuck shorter pieces behind the band.

Great for beach-to-brunch transitions and video calls when effort feels optional.

15. Mini Claw Clip Stacks

Use multiple mini clips to secure small twists along your head. It’s whimsical, airy, and super customizable. Plus, clips don’t crease your hair like elastics.

How-To

• Create small twists from your hairline back.
• Clip each twist with a mini claw.
• Alternate colors or stick to one tone.

Perfect for concerts, picnics, and when you want cute hair that moves.

16. The Quick Fishtail

Fishtails look complicated but feel easy once you learn the rhythm. They hold well in heat and humidity. The texture looks beachy and chic.

Tips

• Split hair into two sections.
• Cross a small piece from one side to the other, repeat.
• Loosen the braid for volume.

Wear it for casual dinners and sunset walks—IMO it’s a summer essential.

17. Curly Puff With Laid Edges

Show off your curls while keeping your neck cool. A high puff gives height and shape with zero heat. Sleek edges make it look intentional.

Key Points

• Brush curls upward with a stretchy band or scarf.
• Define edges with gel and a small brush.
• Refresh curls with a water-mist and leave-in.

Perfect for hot days when you want volume and comfort.

18. Braided Headband From Your Own Hair

Create the look of a headband by braiding a section near your ear and pinning it across. It’s sweet, practical, and keeps bangs off your face. No accessories required.

How-To

• Braid a small section behind one ear.
• Cross it over the top and pin near the opposite ear.
• Tuck pins under hair for invisibility.

Use it for weddings, graduations, or anytime bangs misbehave.

19. Low Twisted Ponytail

Twists add elegance to a simple pony. It stays clean against sweat and wind. You’ll love the minimal effort and maximum payoff.

Steps

• Create a low pony and secure.
• Split above the elastic, flip the pony through.
• Repeat once more for a double twist if you want drama.

Ideal for office-to-dinner days and hot patios.

20. Braided Bun Combo

Combine a braid with a bun for structure and style. It holds shape even when you move like crazy. Think ballerina, but beach-ready.

How-To

• Braid a low pony, then wrap it into a bun and pin.
• Or French braid the top into a bun for extra grip.
• Finish with light-hold spray.

Great for weddings, workouts, and long days outside.

21. Side-Swept Waves With Barrette

Clip one side back to open up your face and stay cooler. The asymmetry looks glam with almost no effort. A single barrette can change the whole vibe.

Tips

• Part deep to one side.
• Add a soft wave or scrunch in texture.
• Secure the smaller side with a bold clip.

Perfect for dinner al fresco and any night you want soft glam.

22. Boxer Buns (Space Buns’ Sporty Sister)

Two low buns sit snug and cool. They refuse to fall apart in humidity and wind. Slightly sporty, definitely cute.

How-To

• Part down the middle, create two low ponytails.
• Twist each into a bun, secure with pins or elastics.
• Leave baby hairs or slick them—your call.

Great for beach days, dance nights, and travel days when hats happen.

23. The Quick Pin-Back

Sometimes all you need is to pin the front pieces back. It opens your face and keeps sweat at bay. Minimal effort, big payoff.

Materials

• Two bobby pins or cute barrettes
• Light hairspray
• Comb for a clean part

Use it for Zoom calls, walks, and mornings when you’re late—aka always.

24. Heatless Overnight Sock Curls

Wake up with soft, bouncy curls minus the heat damage. Socks or flexi-rods do all the work while you sleep. You’ll get volume and movement that lasts through humidity.

How-To

• On slightly damp hair, wrap sections around socks and tie the ends.
• Sleep, then gently unroll and finger-comb.
• Set with a touch of lightweight mousse.

Perfect for trips, busy mornings, and days when you want “I just stepped out of a commercial” hair—trust me.

Ready to rock summer hair without the sweat? Mix and match these styles based on your plans, your hair type, and your patience level. Keep a small kit—elastic, clip, mini brush, texture spray—and you’ll be cool and chic all season long.