33 Cute Summer Hairstyle Ideas to Beat the Heat

When the heat kicks in, the last thing I want is my hair stuck to my neck or take forever to style.

Summer hairstyles need to be easy, breathable, and cute enough to carry me from morning errands to late beach hangs.

From loose waves to braided ponytails, I’ve rounded up some of my go-to summer hairstyle ideas that I think you’ll love too.

Whether your hair’s long, short, thick, or somewhere in between, there’s something here to try. I’ve worn most of these on hot days, and they’ve saved me more than once.

So if you’re hunting for some summer hair inspo, you’re definitely in the right spot.

1. Low Scrunchie Bun

I always reach for this low bun when I want to stay cool but still look put together.

The satin scrunchie gives it a bit of style without any effort, and it’s so easy to throw together.

Pro tip: This summer hairstyle would work great on a hot day with gold hoops and an oversized shirt.

2. Tropical Twist Bun

This summer hairstyle is so fun! Plus, flower claw clips are viral, so you’ll definitely be in trend with this one.

I’d wear this twisted bun to a summer picnic or even just hanging out in the garden. The big yellow flowers make it feel like a vacation hairstyle, even if I’m just home.

Plus, it keeps everything up and off your neck on hot days.

3. Boho Accent Braids

Little accent braids are such an easy way to switch things up without doing a full braid look.

The beads and cuffs make it feel festival-ready, even if you’re just running errands.

I’d do this on my second day hair and wear it with denim.

4. Wildflower Braided Bun

This big messy bun with tiny braids and daisies is giving summer goddess vibes.

I’d wear this to a backyard barbecue or outdoor concert—it feels so carefree. The little flowers tucked into the braids are my favorite part.

It’s the kind of hairstyle that looks better the messier it gets.

5. Twisted Low Ponytail

I always forget how pretty a simple twist can be until I do something like this.

The twist around the ponytail makes it feel a little dressed up, but it’s still super relaxed.

I’d wear this to brunch or even just lounging around. It keeps the heat off my neck, which is a must.

6. Boho Fishtail with a Twist

This fishtail braid with the bubble ends feels like something I’d wear to a summer fair or a road trip through the desert.

It’s loose, textured, and still holds together under a hat.

I love how it mixes soft waves with a bit of structure—messy in the best way.

7. Silk Scarf Wrap

I’m all about throwing on a scarf when my hair isn’t cooperating—or when I just want to look like I tried.

It keeps everything out of my face, and I love how it instantly makes an outfit feel more styled.

You can wear a scarf hairstyle pretty much anywhere, but I’d wear this on vacation or during a hot afternoon walk.

8. Sleek Half-Up Waves

There’s something about a half-up ponytail that just works every time, especially with soft waves.

I’d wear this to dinner out or even a summer wedding—it keeps hair out of my face but still feels styled.

The face-framing pieces make it extra flattering, especially when it’s hot but you want to look cute.

9. Curly Bubble Pony

I’ve always loved bubble ponytails, but adding curls and volume like this takes it up a notch.

It’s cute, breathable, and gives your hair personality without much effort.

I’d wear this when I want something fun and different but still quick—plus, it holds up in humidity, which is a summer win.

10. Soft French Twist

This is one of those styles I reach for when I want to feel a little more put together without doing too much.

The French twist looks classic, but the loose pieces in front keep it relaxed.

I’d wear this to a summer dinner party or any time I want to feel low-key fancy.

11. Sunset Flower Braid

I’d wear this braid every time I go to the beach if I could.

It keeps my hair together when there’s wind, and the little flowers make it feel extra summery.

It’s such a pretty way to do something simple, especially if you’re watching the sunset or walking along the shore.

12. Blowout Waves

There’s something about a big bouncy blowout that screams summer glam to me.

I’d wear this on nights when I want to feel extra confident—maybe for dinner or drinks out.

It’s all about volume and movement, and I love how it gives that windswept look without needing to actually be outside.

13. Braided Bun Updo

I go for styles like this when I need something that’ll actually last through the heat.

The braids are clean and tight, and the bun keeps everything in place without weighing me down.

It’s low-maintenance and looks amazing, whether I’m at a summer event or just running around all day.

14. Sleek High Ponytail

A high ponytail like this always makes me feel a little extra confident.

It keeps my hair out of the way, which is so helpful in the summer heat, but still looks really put together.

I’d wear this for a night out or even while sightseeing—it holds up and looks glam.

15. Curly Updo with a Flower Pop

This curly updo gives me summer wedding vibes.

The texture makes it feel soft and romantic, and that big pink flower brings the whole thing to life.

I’d wear this to any outdoor event where I want my hair up but still want it to feel full and fun.

16. Loose Beach Waves

This is my go-to when I want my hair to feel chill without actually doing much.

I usually scrunch it a bit after air drying or add a few waves with a curling wand. It looks undone in the best way.

I’d wear this on any summer day, because it works well for any occasion.

17. Twisted Bubble Braid

I always think bubble braids like this look more complicated than they actually are—and that’s the beauty of it.

The twists at the top make it feel elevated, but it’s still comfy and lightweight for summer.

You can wear this to a garden party or anywhere you want your hair to feel special without fuss.

18. Smooth Top Knot

This bun is the one I reach for when it’s way too hot and I need every strand off my neck.

It looks super clean but still has a little volume, which I love.

I’d wear this with strappy tops or dresses—it just feels right with bare shoulders and sunshine.

19. Side-Swept Layers

I always forget how flattering a deep side part can be until I wear it like this.

It’s simple, airy, and frames the face so well.

On days when I want to skip heat styling but still feel done, this is what I go for. It’s easy, breezy, and very summer-ready.

20. Braided Crown with Ponytail

This braided hairstyle gives off major boho vibes.

The braided crown feels so romantic and intricate, but then you add the ponytail, and it’s like a perfect mix of relaxed and put-together.

I’d wear this to a brunch date or any event where I want something a little extra without being over the top.

21. Slicked Back Wet Look

I go for the wet look when I want something bold but low-effort.

It keeps everything off my face and feels like the ultimate summer power move—especially with statement earrings.

I’d wear this on days when I’m heading from the pool to dinner and don’t want to restyle my hair.

22. Tousled Mid-Length Waves

This kind of wave is my summer go-to when I want something that feels easy but still styled.

I use a flat iron or wave wand and shake it out for that soft, undone texture.

It’s lightweight, low-maintenance, and looks good with just about anything—from swimsuits to sundresses.

23. Sculpted Wave Ponytail

This ponytail feels so elevated with the defined waves and slicked-back top.

I’d wear this when I want something sleek that still shows off my length.

Pro tip: That gold scrunchie gives it a little something extra, which I love. You can use the scrunchie to dress up the ponytail.

24. Knotted Wrap Ponytail

This one’s such a fun twist on the usual ponytail. I love how the wrapped section adds texture and makes it feel styled without being too fancy.

It’s great for summer because it keeps hair off your neck but still looks soft and loose.

I’d wear this for casual days or weekend plans.

25. Double Fishtail Braids

I always go for double fishtails when I want something that looks super detailed but holds up in the heat.

These keep everything in place and are way cuter than a basic braid. The mini front braids make it even cooler.

I’d wear this for a picnic, hike, or any all-day summer thing.

26. Statement Clip Stack

This is one of my favorite ways to make a messy bun feel totally new.

Just stacking all your cutest clips in one spot makes it feel playful and beachy.

I’d wear this on vacation or to a festival—anywhere I want to show off my favorite accessories and keep things breezy.

27. Curly Braided Half-Up with Flower

I love how playful this summer hairstyle looks.

The mix of curls, tiny braids, and that tropical flower gives it island vibes. I’d wear this on vacation or even just to channel that mood at home.

It keeps your curls wild and free but adds just enough detail to feel special.

28. Retro Glam Ponytail

This ponytail feels so put-together with those sculpted waves and the wrapped base.

It’s sleek, clean, and holds up beautifully when it’s hot out.

You can wear this to a summer event or when you want something that looks styled but is still easy to manage.

29. Poolside Fishtail Half-Up

This half-up fishtail braid feels like such a pool day hairstyle.

It keeps the top section secure while still letting your waves flow, and it looks even better when it gets a little windblown.

I’d wear this whenever I want to look cute by the water without dealing with a full updo.

30. Twisted Volume Ponytail

This ponytail gives major lift without feeling heavy.

It’s layered and loose enough to keep things breezy, which helps so much when it’s hot out. I like how the twists add structure without making it feel too done up.

It’s one of those styles that holds up even when it’s humid.

31. Folded Twist Bun

This folded twist bun is sleek and tidy—such a lifesaver when it’s way too hot to deal with loose hair.

It’s got that wrapped look that feels intentional but still low-fuss.

I’d reach for this on days when I need to stay cool but still look like I tried.

32. Windblown Top Knot

This top knot gives off vacation energy without even trying.

It’s loosely twisted with a few pieces left out, so it doesn’t feel too done up.

I like how it stays cool and off the neck but still looks cute in photos, especially with a fun clip or barrette thrown in.

33. Tiny Braids, Beach Waves

There’s something about those two mini braids at the front that just scream summer.

They keep the face framed without adding bulk, and the loose waves give it that lived-in, just-back-from-the-beach feel.

It’s one of those hairstyles that instantly elevate your look with little effort. 

This post showed you 33 summer hairstyle ideas.

Also check out summer hair color ideas for more summer hair inspo.