All winter, we look forward to warm weather, sunny days, and beach trips. But summer heat and humidity can make hair feel heavy and uncomfortable, especially when it sticks to your face and neck. Before heading to the salon for a big haircut, try a few simple hairstyles that help you stay cool. These easy looks keep hair off your face, neck, and back—so you can enjoy summer while still looking cute, without needing any hot styling tools.
1. Braided Box Braids
Give your box braids a fresh update by gathering them into a chic braided style. While it looks detailed and stylish, it’s actually a simple look created using your existing braids. Finish by securing the ends with clear or hair-colored elastics so the focus stays on the beautiful braid pattern.
2. Braided Ponytail
The key to this hairstyle is starting with a ponytail before you braid. 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 sleeker finish, use 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. Wrap the braids around your head and secure them with bobby pins to create a crown-like style. For shorter hair, try a Dutch braid on each side instead. Simply part your hair down the middle, braid both sides 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. If you want 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 it around itself to form a bun. Secure it in place with bobby pins for a smooth, polished look.
6. Space Buns
Space buns are one of the easiest hairstyles to create, which is why they’ve stayed a timeless favorite. Simply divide your hair and form two small buns on either side of your head, securing them with elastics or bobby pins. A middle part works best, but you can place the buns wherever you like for a fun, unique twist.
7. Twisted Top Knot
A sleek top knot is a classic hairstyle that looks polished and suits almost every hair type. Start by brushing your hair up to the crown of your head and smoothing it with a little styling gel. Secure it into a tight ponytail with an elastic, then twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun and pin it in place.
8. Braided Bun
This hairstyle gives a simple low messy bun a stylish upgrade. Start by parting your hair to the side, 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, or low depending on your preference. A few inches below the first hair tie, add another elastic. Continue adding elastics every few inches down the ponytail until you reach the ends of your hair. The spacing can vary based on the style you want and your hair texture.
10. Sleek Low Pony With Accessory
Ponytails are a go-to style because they’re simple and versatile. Brush your hair back to smooth out any bumps, adding 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 finish with your favorite accessory like a clip, pin, or scrunchie. This style looks sleek on straight hair and just as beautiful on wavy, curly, or coily hair for a fuller ponytail.
11. High Pony
For the 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 hide the pin, but it will gently lift the ponytail and keep it looking fuller without needing constant adjustments.
12. Messy Wrapped Ponytail
This ponytail is perfect for second-day hair because it lets your natural texture or leftover curls shine. Pull your hair back into a ponytail at the nape of your neck without worrying about making it perfectly sleek, then secure it with an elastic. Take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic to hide it, and pin the end underneath with a bobby pin. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the style in place all day.
13. Chignon With Clip
This style is a modern twist on the classic French twist. Start by pulling one side of your hair back and securing it with a few bobby pins. Then take the other side and twist it over the pinned section. Instead of pinning everything tightly, use a claw clip or decorative pins to hold the twist in place. Tuck in loose pieces for a cleaner look, or leave a few strands out for a relaxed finish.
14.’60s-Style Braided Chignon
This retro-inspired style is perfect for short hair, which often has fewer updo options than longer lengths. Start by creating small braids on each side of your head and secure them with elastics. Pull the hair back behind your ears, bring the braids toward the back of your head, and pin them in place with bobby pins. Finish by using a rat-tail comb to gently lift the hair above the braids for added volume and a soft, ’60s-inspired look.
15. Twisted Up-Do
This simple updo looks elegant with minimal effort. Start by pulling your hair into a ponytail and securing 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 gathering the top section of your hair into a temporary ponytail while smoothing your edges and brushing your hair back. Lightly mist your curls with water, apply pomade, and brush everything down. Then secure your hair with a snap hair tie to form the puff. Fluff your curls for volume and finish with your favorite accessories.
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