40 Easy Summer Hairstyles to Help You Keep Cool on the Hottest Days

Summer is almost here! You already have your favorite sunscreen on lock, your vibrant eyeshadow ready to go and a handy lip balm with SPF to keep your pout protected. All that’s left is a weather-appropriate hairstyle (or 40) to whip out when the next inevitable heatwave hits. Whether you have short locks, long curls or poofy hair, we found a look that works for any occasion (and some so simple that you can recreate them in five minutes or less). Ahead, 40 summer hairstyles that will withstand the heat and humidity, while still looking downright cool.

RELATED: 20 Hairstyles for Poofy Hair That Will Keep Frizz in Check This Summer

1. Low Crown Braid

Take a cue from Busy and wear a crown braid that circles the nape of your neck. Use bobby pins to secure it in place and spend the rest of the day enjoying the sun.

2. Braided Half Bun

For days when you don’t always want to wear your hair fully up, try a half-bun style with a few sectioned braids down the middle and sides.

3. Wispy Bun

When you have zero time in the morning, quickly throw your hair into a bun and pull out some pieces to create that wispy effect. Even take it a step further (if you have five more minutes to spare) and brush out your edges like Meg.

4. Headband Braid

If you have short hair, consider this headband style. Start by french braiding two sections of your hair from ear to ear and tuck any flyaways using pins.

5. Rope Ponytail

Elevate your look in less than five minutes with this sleek twisted pony. Apply a styling gel to keep the base smooth and frizz free before creating the ponytail. Then split your tail in two and begin twisting each section around the other before securing with a hair tie.

RELATED: How to Beef Up a Thin Ponytail in 3 Steps

6. Loose Ponytail Braid

Slick your hair back into a high pony at the crown of your head, then weave it together into a single braid. Finish the look by pulling apart a few sections of the braid for a tousled look.

7. Braided Top Knot

Say goodbye to the traditional bun. Whether you have box, micro or goddess braids, sweep them up and wrap them into a braided top knot like Lupita here.

8. Rolled and Tucked

For a retro Hollywood vibe, roll the ends of your hair underneath and place a few strategic pins at the nape of your neck to secure them in.

9. Knotted Ponytail

Another way to switch up a basic ponytail? Add a single knot in the center.

10. Space Buns

ICYMI: Y2K hairstyles are still in. So, it only makes sense to bring back the double buns (a la Baby Spice) while we’re at it, right?

11. Dutch Braid

This underhand braid (aka the reverse French braid) uses the same three-strand technique that you can weave into pigtails like Yara.

RELATED: 20 Braid Hairstyles to Try This Summer When Messy Buns Just Won’t Cut It

12. Pinned Dutch Braids

Another option is to take your Dutch Braids and pin them back to keep your hair completely off your neck.

13. Loose Top Knot

Gather your hair up into a top knot and let your curtain bangs steal the show like Selena's. (And if you need help keeping frizz at bay, try a spritz of hairspray before heading out the door.)

14. Loose Low Bun

A low, loose bun is the go-to move when your hair looks a bit, shall we say, rumpled after a day spent outdoors.

15. Fishtail Braid

Unleash your inner mermaid. The impressive plait may look difficult, but is actually easier than it appears. Here’s beginner's guide to get you started.

16. Fountain Pony

More like the fountain of youth, amirite? But seriously, a high pony has an instant lifting effect (and takes all of two seconds to do). Tip: Run a dryer sheet lightly over the top of your head to nix any fuzz.

17. Zig Zag Updo

No need to worry about where to put what with this style. Place a strand here and a pin there and then pull out a few face-framing pieces in the front to finish.

18. Bubble Pigtails

This trendy style is still going strong for the summer ahead. The bubble pigtails are chic but super quick to recreate. All you’ll need are a few extra hair ties before going to town on the amount of "bubbles" you want on each tail.

19. Bedazzled Bun

Yvonne shows us that a single, well-placed accessory can elevate any style.

20. Bubble Braid

Similar to Storm’s look above, this style favors a high ponytail instead. Simply put: This is a fun style to try if you have very long hair (or extensions) and want to keep your lengthy mane intact.

21. Curly Updo

Loosely twist your curls up into a bun and place a few U-shaped pins to secure it to the top of your head, allowing a tendril or two to escape at the bottom like Nathalie here.

22. Side-Swept Single Braid

Ideal for people with long hair, this classic hairstyle is fit for any occasion. Might we suggest threading a ribbon (or scarf) through or adding some bedazzled accessories to elevate the look.

23. Curly Pineapple

Get those curls up and off the back of your neck to avoid a sweaty situation. It only takes one step: pulling your locks into a super-high pony that sits right at the top of your head so your ringlets spill over the top and front of your head.

24. Classic Pony

Hey, it’s a classic for a reason. When it comes to a high pony, every hair type and length can rock it for the season. To recreate Rihanna's wavy tail, reach for your handy curling iron and brush through the curls for some loose swirls.

25. Single Bubble Pony

Ah, the bubble ponytail truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Here it is again, showing us that even adding a single bubble to the mix can take things to the next level.

26. Slicked Back Bun

Why fight the heat when you can have it work in your favor? Make like Rosamund and use a bit of smoothing cream to slick everything back into a neat bun.

27. Half Up Knot

A half knot is a great way to disguise greasy roots, while also bringing the hair up and away from your face.

RELATED: 9 Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles for Any Occasion

28. Stacked Clips

There’s no need to overcomplicate things this summer. Stack a few bobby pins (or hair clips) to both sides that can improve an everyday style. Plus, its functional because don't have to worry about pesky flyaways getting in the way.

29. Super Slick Top Knot

If you’re going for a bolder statement, try slicking everything back into a small knot and wrapping the base in some gold trim to finish.

30. The Pouf

Also known as the "bumpit," this beloved millennial trend is back. Once you divide your hair into three sections, focus adding more volume to the center piece. The side sections are then slicked back and added into a low ponytail. It's totally optional to add a colorful string like Cara to further emphasize a clean part.

31. Low Key Space Buns

Depending on their placement, space buns can be subtle and downright elegant, as Mandy shows us.

32. A Power Braid

We love a good pony moment, but this Rihanna style adds a little something-something. Just braid a small section on one side and pull it back into the high tail.

33. Slicked Back

This wet-look hairstyle is a staple in the summer. Whether your hair is already wet from the pool or you just want to fight frizz, squeeze a dollop of gel into palms and run fingers through your roots to ensure the sleekest finish.

34. Cornrows

Cornrows have been protecting natural hair for centuries and it's also been a go-to look for any summer shindig.

RELATED: 37 Natural Hairstyles for Black Women, from Casual to *Very* Special Occasion

35. Bantu Knots

This multi-knot style beats frizz, sweat and flyaways. Regardless of hair length, play with the number of knots you want to rock at the event. Plus, it's a great protective style to catch some zzzs after a long day at the BBQ.

36. Claw Clip Style

When in doubt, grab a claw clip to lift your long locks off of your neck. This snazzy accessory is functional yet stylish for day of running errands or grabbing brunch with friends.

37. Medusa Ponytails

This might be *the* summer hair trend of the year and we're completely on board. Whether you rock one pony or two—or add a couple mini French braids to complete the look, a multi-braid style will keep your hair in place as the temps rise.

38. High Puff

If you have coils and/or short hair, it's time to embrace your texture with a high puff this summer. The style offers more definition than a traditional bun and can easily be fluffed out to create more volume using a hair pick.

39. French Twist

The French know a thing or two about beauty and this elegant twist is proof. If you're heading to a summer wedding, consider this look to keep your hair away from your face (especially if you're planning to hit the dance floor at the reception).

40. Box Braids

A protective style is a game-changer during the warmer months. You can stop worrying about frizz and enjoy wearing your hair down or dabble in different variations like Tessa here. (Better yet, here are 25 options for you to try.)

RELATED: 8 Summer Beauty Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2022

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