16 Easy Hairstyles for Hot Summer Days

When summer arrives, we all look forward to sunshine, beach days, and warm evenings. But along with the fun comes heat and humidity, which can make your hair feel heavy, sticky, and uncomfortable. Instead of rushing to the salon for a big haircut, try a few simple hairstyles that keep your hair off your face, neck, and back. These easy looks help you stay cool and still look cute—without needing hot styling tools like curling irons, blow dryers, or flat irons.

1. Braided Box Braids

Refresh your box braids by styling them into a chic, detailed braid. It may look intricate, but it’s actually a simple style created using your existing braids. Finish the look by securing the ends with clear or hair-colored elastics so the focus stays on the beautiful braided pattern.

2. Braided Ponytail

The key to this hairstyle is starting with a ponytail, then braiding the hair. This keeps the braid secure and in place all day. For a relaxed vibe, pull out a few front pieces or bangs for a slightly messy look. If you want a more polished style, apply a bit of styling cream to smooth everything back.

3. Braided Crown

If you have long hair, divide it into two sections and braid each side, then wrap the braids around your head and secure them with bobby pins to create a crown-like style. If your hair is shorter, try a similar look by doing a Dutch braid on each side. Start with a middle part, braid each side from the top, and secure the ends with elastics.

4. Pulled-Back Knotless Box Braids

For braids with a little extra flair, pull them back into a wrap-around ponytail. It’s an easy way to keep hair out of your face while still showing off your braids. For a cleaner look, gather everything into a sleek high ponytail for a polished, effortless style.

5. Low Slicked-Back Twisted Bun

To create this sleek bun, apply a styling cream and gather your hair into a low ponytail at the back of your head. Twist the ponytail clockwise, then wrap the twisted hair around itself to form a bun. Secure it in place with pins.

6. Space Buns

Space buns are one of the easiest hairstyles to create, which is why they remain a timeless favorite. Simply divide your hair and form two small buns on each side of your head, securing them with elastics or bobby pins. A middle part works best, but you can experiment with different placements to give the style your own unique twist.

7. Twisted Top Knot

A sleek top knot is a go-to hairstyle that looks polished and works for almost every hair type. Use a brush and a little styling gel to pull your hair to the crown of your head, smoothing out any bumps. Secure it into a tight ponytail, then twist the hair around itself to form a bun and pin it in place.

8. Braided Bun 

This hairstyle gives a stylish upgrade to a simple low messy bun. Start with a side part, then create a French braid from the crown toward the back, stopping where you want the bun to sit. Gather the remaining hair and form a messy bun, securing it with an elastic and a few bobby pins.

9. Bubble Pony

Start by creating a classic ponytail—high, mid-level, or low depending on the look you want. A few inches below the first hair tie, add another elastic, then continue placing elastics every few inches down the ponytail until you reach the ends. Adjust the spacing based on the style you prefer and what works best with your hair texture.

10. Sleek Low Pony With Accessory

Ponytails are a favorite because they’re easy to create and incredibly versatile. Brush your hair back to smooth any bumps, using a little styling cream for a sleeker finish if desired. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic, then add a clip, pin, or scrunchie for a stylish touch. This look works well on straight hair and also looks great on wavy, curly, or coily hair for a fuller ponytail.

11. High Pony

For a perfect high ponytail, brush your hair back and secure it tightly with an elastic. To add extra volume, place a bobby pin at the base of the ponytail with the open end facing upward. Your hair will cover the pin, but it will gently lift the ponytail and keep it looking fuller without constant adjusting.

12. Messy Wrapped Ponytail

This ponytail is perfect for second-day hair because it lets your natural texture or leftover curls shine. Simply pull your hair into a ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with an elastic without worrying about making it perfectly sleek. Take a small section of hair from underneath, wrap it around the elastic to hide it, then pin the end with a bobby pin and finish with a light mist of hairspray.

13. Chignon With Clip

This style is a modern twist on the classic French twist. Pull one side of your hair back and secure it with a few bobby pins, then twist the other side over the pinned section. Instead of pinning everything like a traditional French twist, use a claw clip or decorative pins to hold it in place. Tuck in loose pieces for a polished look, or leave a few strands out for a relaxed, messy finish.

14.’60s-Style Braided Chignon

This retro-inspired hairstyle is perfect for short hair, which often has fewer updo options than longer lengths. Start by making small braids on each side of your head and securing them with elastics. Pull the hair back behind your ears, braid each side toward the back of your head, and pin them in place with bobby pins. Finish by gently lifting the hair above the braids with a rat-tail comb to add volume for a soft, ’60s-inspired look.

15. Twisted Up-Do

This simple updo looks elegant with very little effort. Pull your hair back into a ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Create a small opening at the base of the ponytail and flip the ponytail through it to form a soft twist. You can leave it as is or add a hair accessory to cover the elastic for a more polished finish.

16. Curly High Puff

The curly puff is a quick and easy style for natural hair that keeps it off your neck and out of your face. Start by pulling the top section of your hair into a temporary ponytail while you smooth your edges and brush your hair back. Lightly comb through your curls with water, apply a pomade, and brush everything down. Then place a snap hair tie around your hair and tighten it to create the puff. Fluff your curls for volume and finish with your favorite accessories.