24 Stylish Summer Hairstyles to Keep You Cool

As summer approaches, we all start looking for ways to stay cool, especially when it comes to our hair.

A great summer hairstyle can make all the difference, helping you stay comfortable without sacrificing style.

In this guide, we’ve put together 24 summer hairstyles that offer a mix of simplicity, comfort, and style.

These ideas range from low-maintenance cuts that keep hair short and breezy to easy, heat-friendly styles like braids and messy buns that hold up well in warm weather.

No matter your hair type or preference, you’ll find something here to help you look and feel your best all season long.

Dive in and get inspired to find the perfect summer style that lets you enjoy every sunny day in comfort.

24 Cool Summer Hairstyles

1. Beach Waves

Get natural-looking, loose waves that resemble the perfect day spent on the beach.

Achieve this look with a curling iron or sea salt spray.

Section your hair, twist each part around the curling iron, and hold for a few seconds.

If using sea salt spray, spritz onto damp hair and scrunch with your hands.

It’s an effortless style, perfect for adding volume and texture without much fuss.

Suitable for all hair lengths and types, giving a relaxed yet stylish appearance.

Perfect for a day out or a casual evening event.

2. Mermaid Waves

Get soft, flowing waves that give a laid-back, beachy vibe.

Start with damp hair and apply a lightweight mousse or sea salt spray.

Use a large-barrel curling iron to curl sections of your hair.

Alternate the direction of each curl for a natural look.

Once done, gently run your fingers through the curls to loosen them into waves.

Finish with a light, flexible hairspray for hold without stiffness.

Perfect for all hair lengths, mermaid waves add texture and movement, ideal for a relaxed summer day.

3. Sleek High Ponytail

Pull your hair up into a high ponytail for a polished look.

This style keeps your hair off your neck, making it great for hot weather.

Use a smoothing serum to keep flyaways in check and a strong hair tie to secure your ponytail.

Ideal for any length of hair and adds an instant facelift effect by pulling hair tight.

Style the tail straight for an extra sleek finish or add some waves for a playful twist.

You can also wrap a section of your hair around the base to cover the hair tie for a more refined look.

4. Messy Bun

The messy bun is effortless and stylish.

Gather your hair at the top or nape of your neck.

Twist it into a relaxed, loose bun.

Secure with hair ties or pins, letting a few strands fall naturally.

It works well with all hair types and can be dressed up or down.

Perfect for keeping cool in the heat while looking chic.

5. Curly Ponytail

A curly ponytail is a simple, elegant style perfect for warm weather.

Gather your curls and secure them at the desired height on your head.

This look keeps your curls off your neck, which is ideal for staying cool.

It works beautifully with natural curl patterns but can also be achieved with heated styling tools.

You can customize this hairstyle by adjusting the placement of the ponytail or adding accessories like hairbands or clips.

It suits both casual outings and more formal occasions, offering a neat yet relaxed appearance.

6. Romantic Braid

Create a soft, elegant look with a romantic braid.

Part your hair to one side and begin a loose, three-strand braid.

Pull gently on each loop to give it volume and texture.

Let a few strands fall naturally around your face for a relaxed vibe.

This style keeps your hair tidy while adding a touch of charm, perfect for outdoor gatherings or casual outings.

Suitable for both long and medium-length hair.

Experiment with accessories like small flowers or decorative pins for added flair.

7. Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are a stylish way to keep your hair neat during summer.

They involve weaving three sections of hair under one another, creating a raised, defined braid.

This technique is similar to a French braid, but the hair is crossed under rather than over.

Dutch braids can be worn as a single braid or in pairs and look great with all hair types.

They help keep hair off your neck, making them perfect for hot weather.

You can also experiment with different partings and braid tightness for varied looks.

8. Boho Braids

Boho braids give you an effortlessly chic vibe.

These loose, slightly messy braids incorporate small plaits and waves, creating a relaxed, textured look.

Perfect for long days out in the sun, boho braids keep your hair off your face while still looking stylish.

You can create them with a combination of traditional braiding techniques, adding thin braids throughout or even incorporating ribbons or beads for a creative touch.

This style works best on medium to long hair and can be easily dressed up or down for any summer occasion.

9. Top Knot Bun

The top knot bun is a practical and stylish option for warm weather.

Gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it around itself to form a bun.

Secure it with bobby pins or a hair tie.

It keeps your hair off your neck and looks chic at the same time.

Ideal for both casual outings and more polished occasions, it works well for most hair lengths.

Adjust the tightness and height of the bun to suit your comfort and style preferences.

10. Half Up, Half Down Hairstyle

Gather the top section of your hair from the temples to the crown and secure it with a hair tie or clip.

Let the rest fall freely for a relaxed yet polished look.

This style keeps hair out of your face while maintaining length.

It’s perfect for keeping cool during the summer heat.

You can add texture with waves or curls for extra flair, or keep it straight for a sleek finish.

Suitable for various hair types and lengths, offering versatile casual or formal appearances.

11. Wavy Ponytail

Gather your hair into a ponytail and give it some wave for a relaxed summer look.

Start by curling your hair lightly for soft waves or use a sea salt spray for a more effortless texture.

Secure your ponytail at the height you prefer—high, mid, or low.

Finish by wrapping a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic and pin it underneath.

Perfect for warm days, it’s simple, chic, and keeps hair off your neck while adding a touch of elegance.

Easy and stylish for any occasion.

12. Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail adds interest to a regular ponytail by sectioning the hair into bubbled segments.

Gather your hair into a high or mid-level pony.

Use hair ties to section the ponytail into evenly spaced bubbles.

Gently pull on each segment to create the bubble effect.

This style works for medium to long hair and can be adjusted to suit different occasions by placing more or fewer bubbles down the length of the ponytail.

It’s a fun and trendy way to keep hair neat during warm weather activities.

13. French Twist

The French Twist is a classic updo that suits formal and casual occasions.

You achieve this style by gathering your hair into a ponytail and twisting it upwards against your head.

Tuck the ends into the fold and secure them with pins.

This style keeps your hair neatly off your neck, making it ideal for warm weather.

It’s timeless, elegant, and works best on medium to long hair.

Add some hairspray for hold and maybe a light accessory for a touch of flair.

Perfect for weddings, proms, or any chic summer event.

14. Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is a stylish twist on the classic braid, perfect for keeping cool.

It creates a woven pattern that resembles a fishtail, achieved by sectioning your hair into two parts instead of three.

You weave small pieces from the outside of one section to the inside of the other, alternating sides.

This braid looks intricate but is easier to do than it seems.

It works best with long or medium-length hair and is ideal for keeping your hair neat and tidy on hot summer days.

You can wear it tight for a polished look or loosened for a more relaxed vibe.

15. Pigtails

Pigtails are a simple and playful hairstyle where you part your hair down the middle and secure it into two sections, usually with hair ties or elastic bands, one on each side of your head.

This style is great for keeping your hair out of your face and works well with both straight and wavy hair.

You can position them high or low, which can change up the look.

It’s perfect for casual outings or when you want a youthful vibe.

16. Braided Bun

Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail.

Braid the ponytail and secure it with a small elastic.

Gently wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to form a bun and use bobby pins to hold it in place.

This style is practical for keeping hair off your neck in hot weather while looking effortlessly chic.

Suitable for day-to-day wear or special summer events.

Adjust the braid’s tightness to suit your preference, giving you flexibility in achieving a sleek or messy look.

Keep it simple, fresh, and cool for sunny days.

17. Micro Braids

Micro braids are tiny, detailed braids that can last for weeks.

They require patience to install but offer a low-maintenance style once done.

You can wear them loose or style them into various updos or ponytails.

Gentle on the scalp if done correctly, micro braids suit summer activities by keeping your hair secured and out of the way.

They work well with natural hair, allowing you to swim, sweat, and stay active without constant hair adjustments.

Use lightweight products to maintain their neat appearance.

18. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots involve sectioning your hair into small parts and twisting each section tight, securing it into a knot on your head.

This protective style helps keep your hair healthy in the summer.

It’s great for all hair types and works well with both wet and dry hair.

Bantu knots are also known for creating beautiful heatless curls when you untwist them.

They’re versatile and can be styled for casual or formal occasions, making them a practical, stylish summer choice.

Perfect for managing heat and humidity while keeping your hair looking fresh.

19. Crown Braid

This hairstyle involves braiding your hair around your head like a crown.

It’s practical and keeps hair out of your face and off your neck, which is great for warmer weather.

Start at one side of your head, gradually adding sections of hair as you braid around.

Secure the end with bobby pins, tucking it underneath the braid.

The crown braid works for various hair lengths and textures, offering a timeless, elegant look.

Perfect for casual days or summer events.

You can also accessorize with flowers or clips for added flair.

20. Half-Up Hair

The half-up hairstyle lets you take the top section of your hair and pull it back, pinning or tying it, while leaving the rest down.

It’s perfect for keeping hair out of your face while maintaining a casual look.

This style works with various hair lengths and textures.

You can customize it with braids, twists, or accessories like clips and pins.

It’s a quick, versatile option suited for casual outings or more formal events.

Easy to create, it offers a balance between an updo and wearing your hair down.

21. Braided Bohemian Hairstyle

Embrace a relaxed vibe with the Braided Bohemian Hairstyle.

This look combines loose, carefree braids intertwined with free-flowing hair.

Perfect for festivals or beach days, it offers a natural, slightly tousled appearance.

Experiment with different braid sizes, adding a headband or floral accessory for extra flair.

This style suits various hair lengths and textures, letting you express your creative side.

Ideal for keeping hair out of your face while allowing movement, it’s both practical and stylish for summer adventures.

22. Space Buns

Space buns are a playful and practical summer hairstyle.

Part your hair down the middle, then gather two sections near the crown of your head.

Twist each section into a bun and secure with hair ties or pins.

You can leave them sleek or tease them for added volume.

They keep hair off your neck and frame your face nicely, making them perfect for hot weather or outdoor activities.

Suitable for various hair lengths and textures, space buns are a versatile choice when you want to add some fun to your look.

23. Half-up Topknot

The half-up topknot combines ease and style.

Gather the top half of your hair and twist it into a bun at the crown of your head.

This keeps your hair out of your face while letting the lower half flow freely.

It’s perfect for hot days, offering a relaxed yet polished look.

Suitable for casual outings or beach days, it works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair.

Keep it secure with a hair tie or some bobby pins for extra hold.

This hairstyle is quick to achieve and ideal for maintaining a cool, breezy vibe.

24. Butterfly Cut

The butterfly cut features layered, face-framing pieces that create a flowing, airy look.

The layers can be styled for volume or left to provide a natural, effortless vibe.

This cut works well with different hair types, offering versatility whether you prefer straight, wavy, or curly styles.

You can easily pair it with bangs or keep the front soft and long.

Ideal for maintaining length while adding movement, it’s also great for quick styling.

A low-maintenance option perfect for warm weather, allowing your hair to move freely and keeping you cool.