37 easy summer hairstyles for effortless, heatproof hair
Summer has a way of exposing the limits of our hair routines. The heat rises, humidity lingers, and suddenly the blowdry you perfected at 8 am has other ideas by lunchtime. But rather than seeing that as an inconvenience, consider it an invitation to experiment, simplify, and lean into styles that actually work with the weather.
If your styling repertoire is limited but you want something fresh, easy summer hairstyles are where things get interesting. Whether your hair is coily, curly, wavy, straight or somewhere in between, there are plenty of low-effort options that celebrate your natural texture while still feeling put-together. Think loosely gathered ballerina buns, soft bubble braids, playful accessories and quick twists that take minutes, not hours.
Braids - from simple three-strand plaits to box braids and face-framing baby braids - remain a summer staple, while undone updos, spiky buns and the ever-popular Pammy updo offer effortless ways to elevate your look. ’90s-inspired claw clips and butterfly clips are still going strong, alongside topknots, half-up styles (perfect for shorter lengths) and embellished ponytails that look better the less you overthink them.
Hair accessories are a fun way to bring texture into your summer hair look. A claw clip, an oversized scrunchie, a silk scarf or a stack of slides can instantly upgrade even the most basic style - no complicated technique required.
So, if your usual rotation is starting to feel a little tired, consider this your shortcut to switching things up. Ahead, 37 easy summer hairstyles that take less than 10 minutes to create - and prove that great hair doesn’t have to mean trying too hard.
ghd Rise Professional Hot Brush
My thoughts so far: Designed to create double the volume of your air-dried hair, the ghd Rise uses the same ultra-zone technology (and consistent heat distribution) as the brand's curling irons for a salon-quality finish. The tool uses ‘smooth touch’ bristles to style hair right from the root, meaning volume and a sleek finish in one.
This tool is basically a cheat code for flat hair days, seeing as it lifts straight from the root – meaning there's no need for backcombing or bucket loads of dry shampoo. The barrel heats evenly and glides through hair without snagging or pulling, making styling feel more like a breeze than a chore. It’s lightweight, heats up fast, and adds just the right amount of bend or flick through the lengths to give your hair that effortlessly ‘done’ look without going full glam. The only catch? So far, I've found that if you’ve got thick or long hair, it may take you a while to style your whole head. I'd go for something bigger and more suited to your hair type.
Braided updo
As we know, textured hair is as complex as it is beautiful, which is why protective hairstyles have been around for generations upon generations. Braids already sorted? Add some extra texture with this chic updo.
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Headscarf
There is nothing more versatile in your wardrobe than a silk scarf. Tie it round your bag, wear it round your waist, knot it round your neck, or even wrap it around your head. No matter what hairstyle you’ve got – the scarf is the ultimate effortlessly chic accessory.
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Feathered bun
This feathered bun has texture and interest but keeps strands clear of the 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 hairstyle 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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Casual 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 around 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.
