15 Beach Hairstyles for Summer (Cute, Easy & Trendy)
Summer is the perfect season to experiment with fun, breezy, and low-maintenance hairstyles. Between the salty air, humid weather, and playful beach vibes, you need styles that are both practical and pretty. The best beach hairstyles should keep your hair manageable while still making you look chic and photo-ready. From messy waves to braids and buns, there are so many creative ways to style your hair for seaside days and sunset evenings.
Here are 15 of the best beach hairstyle ideas for summer, each easy to try and perfect for any beach outing.
Why Beach Hairstyles Matter
At the beach, your hair isn’t just about style—it’s about comfort and protection. A good beach hairstyle helps minimize frizz, keeps hair out of your face in the wind, and prevents tangling from saltwater or sand. Plus, with the right accessories—like scarves, clips, or headbands—you can easily elevate even the simplest look. These hairstyles are designed to transition effortlessly from daytime swims to nighttime dinners by the shore. Whether you’re going for boho vibes, romantic charm, or sleek minimalism, the perfect beach hairstyle ties your whole summer look together.
15 Cute & Easy Beach Hairstyles for Summer
1. Messy Beach Waves
When you think of summer, messy beach waves instantly come to mind. This look is effortless, relaxed, and works for both casual days in the sand and chic evenings out. To achieve this style, you can let the saltwater naturally shape your hair or enhance it with a sea-salt spray for that tousled effect. Beach waves are versatile—you can wear them loose with a bikini for that surfer-girl vibe, or pair them with a maxi dress for a romantic sunset dinner. The best part? They don’t require perfection. The messier they look, the more authentic and carefree the style feels.
2. Low Bun with a Scarf
A low bun with a scarf is one of the most practical yet stylish hairstyles for the beach. Simply twist your hair into a relaxed bun at the nape of your neck and wrap a colorful silk or cotton scarf around it. This not only keeps your hair secure and away from your face but also adds a playful pop of color that screams summer. It’s especially great when you want to protect your hair from wind or saltwater. Pair it with oversized sunglasses and gold hoop earrings for a chic beachside café look. Functional, fashionable, and photo-ready.
3. High Ponytail
The high ponytail is a timeless summer hairstyle that’s both sporty and stylish. It lifts the hair off your neck, keeping you cool in the heat while giving you a polished, put-together look. You can keep it sleek with a touch of gel for a clean finish or add texture for a more relaxed vibe. For extra flair, wrap a small braid around the hair tie or use a colorful scrunchie. This hairstyle works beautifully whether you’re going for a swim, playing beach volleyball, or heading to a seaside dinner afterward. It’s simple, practical, and endlessly chic.
4. Half-Up, Half-Down with Braids
If you love versatility, a half-up, half-down style with braids is a must-try. This look gives you the best of both worlds—hair flowing freely for that bohemian vibe while braids add structure and detail. Simply braid two small sections from the front and tie them together at the back, letting the rest of your hair fall naturally. It’s perfect for showing off natural waves while keeping your hair partially tamed. Add tiny beads or shells to the braids for an extra beachy touch. This style feels relaxed yet intentional, making it perfect for summer festivals or casual outings.
5. Space Buns
For a playful, youthful vibe, space buns are the ultimate beach hairstyle. Part your hair down the middle and twist each half into a bun on top of your head. This keeps your hair secure, prevents tangling, and looks absolutely adorable. You can wear them sleek for a cleaner finish or messy for a carefree, festival-ready look. Adding glitter, hair rings, or colorful scrunchies takes the style up a notch. Perfect for beach parties, music festivals, or days when you just want to stand out, space buns are a trendy way to express personality while keeping hair off your neck.
6. Loose Side Braid
The loose side braid is equal parts practical and romantic, making it a go-to for beach days. Gather your hair to one side and braid it loosely, letting a few strands fall out to frame your face. This hairstyle prevents tangles caused by wind and saltwater while still looking soft and feminine. For a more relaxed vibe, gently pull at the braid to make it appear fuller. You can also add small accessories like flower clips or shells to enhance the summer aesthetic. It’s ideal for casual strolls along the shore or sipping cocktails at a beachside bar.
7. Braided Crown
Nothing feels more romantic than a braided crown, especially in a beach setting. This hairstyle involves braiding two sections of hair and wrapping them across the top of your head like a crown. Not only does it keep your hair off your face, but it also creates a soft, goddess-like vibe. You can wear it with loose waves or pin the rest of your hair up for a more polished finish. It’s the perfect style for beach weddings, date nights, or any occasion where you want to look effortlessly elegant. Pair it with flowy dresses for extra charm.
8. Top Knot
The top knot is the ultimate no-fuss hairstyle for summer. Simply twist your hair into a high bun at the crown of your head, and you’re good to go. It’s quick, practical, and perfect for keeping your hair protected from wind and saltwater. For a more relaxed look, let a few strands fall naturally around your face. You can also accessorize with a scrunchie or scarf for extra style points. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or heading to a beachside dinner, the top knot works for any occasion. It’s sleek, effortless, and a true summer staple.
9. Claw Clip Twist
Claw clips have made a huge comeback, and the claw clip twist is the easiest beach hairstyle to master. Simply gather your hair, twist it upward, and secure it with a large claw clip. The result is casual yet trendy, giving you that effortless, model-off-duty look. This style is perfect for humid beach weather since it keeps your hair up without too much effort. Choose fun summer colors or tortoiseshell clips to match your vibe. Best of all, you can redo this style in seconds, making it ideal for quick fixes between swims and beachside adventures.
10. Boho Braids with Beads
Add some fun to your summer look with boho braids decorated with beads or cuffs. This style involves creating thin braids throughout your hair and accessorizing them with colorful beads, metallic cuffs, or shells. It’s playful, artistic, and perfect for those who love a bohemian aesthetic. The best part is that it looks great whether your hair is down, half-up, or tied back. Boho braids are especially popular at music festivals or tropical vacations, where they double as both style and self-expression. They add texture, personality, and a carefree summer spirit to your entire look.
11. Loose Low Ponytail
The loose low ponytail is understated but stylish, making it a great choice for relaxed beach days. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a scrunchie, ribbon, or silk scarf. Keep it slightly loose to let natural waves and volume shine through. This hairstyle is comfortable for long days in the sun and transitions easily from casual beachwear to evening outfits. You can also pull out a few strands around your face for a softer, romantic effect. It’s a minimal, fuss-free style that’s perfect for when you want simple elegance.
12. Wet Hair Look
Nothing says “just stepped out of the ocean” like the wet hair look. This style is sleek, chic, and surprisingly easy to achieve. After a swim, simply comb your hair back and apply a leave-in conditioner, gel, or lightweight oil to lock in that glossy finish. The result is modern and runway-inspired while still being practical for beach life. This look pairs perfectly with swimsuits, oversized button-downs, or evening dresses if you’re heading to a beach bar. It’s bold, fashion-forward, and ideal for those who love a polished yet effortless vibe.
13. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is intricate-looking yet surprisingly simple to create, making it one of the best beach hairstyles. It keeps your hair secure and tangle-free while adding a stylish twist to the classic braid. The fishtail’s woven detail looks especially beautiful with highlighted or sun-kissed hair, as it shows off dimension. For a casual effect, loosen the braid slightly for a fuller appearance. This style works wonderfully for beach parties, date nights, or even weddings. Accessorize with metallic cuffs or flowers to elevate the look further. Romantic, practical, and endlessly chic, fishtail braids are a summer must-try.
14. Headband Waves
Headband waves are the perfect balance of practical and trendy. Slip on a wide headband to keep hair away from your face while leaving the rest loose and wavy. It’s a comfortable option for hot summer days, and it also protects your hairline from the sun. Fabric headbands in bright or tropical prints instantly elevate the style, making it feel playful and put-together. This look works well for both casual lounging and sightseeing. Headband waves are great for when you want to look stylish without too much effort—a true summer essential.
15. Loose Curls with Flowers
For a romantic and tropical vibe, try loose curls decorated with fresh flowers. Add small blossoms like hibiscus, plumeria, or daisies into your hair for a goddess-like look. This style is perfect for beach weddings, photoshoots, or any time you want to feel extra special. Loose curls add volume and movement, while the flowers create a whimsical, vacation-ready aesthetic. If fresh flowers aren’t available, you can use floral clips or crowns for a similar effect. It’s feminine, dreamy, and captures the spirit of summer in the most beautiful way possible.
Styling Tips for Beach Hairstyles
- Protect your hair: Always use leave-in conditioner or UV spray before heading out.
- Use accessories: Scarves, clips, and headbands instantly upgrade a simple look.
- Keep it low-maintenance: Choose styles that are quick to create and easy to manage in humid conditions.
- Match your outfit: Boho braids for flowy dresses, buns for chic evenings, and waves for casual swimsuits.
Final Thoughts
Summer is all about ease, fun, and style, and your hair should reflect that. These 15 beach hairstyle ideas are not only cute but also practical for long, sun-filled days by the sea. Whether you love messy waves, chic buns, or playful braids, there’s a look here that suits every vibe. Easy to recreate and perfect for any occasion, these hairstyles will keep you feeling confident and stylish all summer long.
