37 easy summer hairstyles that require almost zero skill
Warm weather may create obstacles for our hair (looking at you, humidity), but if you ask us summer hairstyles are pretty much our favourite moment in the calendar for fun, experimental styles. There's no need to hibernate beneath long layers, instead we're challenged to lift our hair up and out the way so we can keep cool, while looking even cooler. That's why the season is prime hunting ground for the cutest hairspo.
If your styling repertoire is limited but you want something fresh, there are plenty of styles that will see you straight and look stunning – without having to spend too much time on them, or learning complicated hairdressing techniques. Plus there's tons of ways to personalise your summer updo to you and your style.
A huge trend for summer is the XXL braid, and we mean the easy kind. Simple three strand plaits are everywhere right now (we've seen them all over the red carpet) and they're an actual breeze to do. To give it more impact, the length has been supersized, but even if you create a mini version, the key is to keep the crown snatched.
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As for shorter strands, a classic half-up will never get old. But we've rounded up all of our favourite ways to tie up short hair if you want to try something different.
Baby braids continue to rate high. Everyone from Gigi Hadid to Lizzo is wearing them and since they only require two dinky braids framing the front of your hair, they're an easy win for adding extra detail to hair without taking much time at all.
Then there's the spiky bun, which we've seen on the likes of Doja Cat, Bella Hadid and Billie Eilish. It's a more modern spin on the messy bun, keeping things sleek across the crown, then looser and spikier at the ends. The good news? It looks and feels cool for hot summer weather.
The Pammy updo is still going strong. Throwback pics of Pamela Anderson's iconic messy bun continue to trend – Kim Kardashian is a mega fan, having replicated the look many times and TikTok has signed it off with tons of tutorials on how to do it in a few easy steps.
Pamela Anderson's iconic hairstyle is here to stay.
90s hair is going nowhere with claw clips and butterfly clips sweeping hair back effortlessly. Elsewhere, topknots and embellished ponytails work well and take seconds to create. The best bit? Many of them actually look even better messy, which makes them perfect for beginners.
Oops, she did it again.
As for braids, they offer a whole spectrum of choice – from box braids to pull-throughs, sleek French pigtails and boho fishtails. If your skills don’t stretch that far, stick to a simple plait, but glam it up with accessories and embellishments – hair rings are an easy way to take your braids up a notch, while keeping it off your face. Or create a bunch of micro braids and pile them up high on your head in a twisted bun.
You could even throw in a silky scarf and weave it through buns and braids or stack up your ponytail with a cluster of bobby pins and slides.
Remember, accessories are your new best friend when it comes to amping up an easy updo. Plus, they're summery. Slides and clips make a great accent and multiple bands round your ponytail can elevate it from everyday to something a bit more special.
Here’s 37 of the best summer hairstyles that take less than 10 minutes to create...
Braided updo
Braids already sorted? Add some extra texture with this chic updo.
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Headscarf
Before rushing out the door, wrap a colourful scarf around your head – no matter what hairstyle you’ve got – the ultimate effortlessly chic accessory.
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Feathered bun
This feathered bun has textured and interest but keeps strands clear of shoulders.
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Low braided bun
Twist braids up into a stunning bun for a statement hairstyle that’s perfect for hot weather.
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Clip it up
When in doubt, we love a claw clip.
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Multi-twist bun
This multi-twist bun is perfect for disguising, sweaty or greasy hair and making it into a lewk.
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Bantu knots
Beautiful, sculptural and perfect for the sunshine.
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Cali twist
The Cali Twist is a mash-up of both the Pammy updo and the French twist. Gorge.
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Curly crop
If you're looking to prune away extra layers, we love this cute curly crop.
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Double plait
Add extra interest to a simple plait with an extra braid from the hairline back to the crown.
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Baby braids
Debatably the biggest hair trend of this summer, baby braids are easy to do, but add a cute extra detail to hair. You can wear them with the rest of your hair loose, or section off two face framing braids with the rest of your hair tied up.
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Pammy updo
If it's good enough for the queen of Baywatch, it's good enough for us. This updo is simple, but sexy and can work with everything from a glammed-up slip dress and strappy heels, to a T-shirt and jeans.
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High plait
Take a snatched high pony to the next level by plaiting it. This rendition by @rachelteetyler looks fresh.
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Spiky bun
This 90s style is sleek and messy in all the right places to keep it feeling modern.
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Gold-adorned chignon
A chic, gold clip (or three) takes a low-key chignon to new levels.
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French braids
These braids look fresh and modern, but the loose baby hairs at the front keep it relaxed.
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Half down, half space buns
We couldn't love this classic 90s hair style more.
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Big bows
The bigger the bow, the better. Go for a pastel shade for the hotter months or embellished for evening glam.
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Scarf braid
Weave a scarf through a standard braid or twist to make it more interesting.
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Knotted bun
Throw your hair up in a loose knotted bun for a cool, off-duty look or go for glam with this slicked-back version.
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Bubble braids
This laddered ponytail looks intricate, but just requires you tying a few extra bands through your hair.
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Messy knot
Stack your bun up high on your head and leave some pieces loose to keep it casual.
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Embellished bun
Cluster plenty of statement clips throughout the space above or below your bun for an amped-up version of this effortless hairstyle.
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Plaited ponytail
Start with a plait, end with a ponytail. And to make it look slick, wrap the excess from your plait around your hair tie.
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Sleek low bun
Middle part your hair and stick to a low ponytail. Tease out the section at the back to give it some low-key height.
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Double buns
Half up, half down, but this time with space buns to keep it fresh.
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Neat low ponytail
This neat low ponytail works best on sleek, ultra shiny hair for an extra snatched vibe.
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Relaxed topknot
Throw hair up into a loose topknot at the top of your crown.
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Stacked ponytail
Criss cross your bobby pins to create a ponytail that looks waaaay more interesting.
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Braided bun
Twist your braids up into a high bun for super hot days.
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Plaited buns
Because why stick with just one bun?
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Feather bun
Another way to play the spiky bun is to keep the loose ends all in one spot, like a little cute feather detail.
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Embellished bubble ponytail
The best part about this easy style is that it’s so versatile. If you’re feeling a little extra, amp it up with colourful or decorative accessories!
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Embellished pigtails
Embellish pigtails with hair rings, studs, diamantes and other cute accessories for a modern vibe.
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Adorned ponytail
Got some extra ribbon or twine? Wrap it round your pony.
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Space buns
These cute space buns are perfect for summer.
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Mid-height plait
This looks neat and elegant, but it's also relaxed and easy to do.
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