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20 Cute Summer Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Warm and Sunny Days

These ideas are a breeze!

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best summer hairstyles for women
Angela Weiss / Dimitrios Kambouris

Throughout winter, we long for the warm temperatures accompanied with the summer season! All those days spent in the sun wearing cute dresses and comfy sandals can never come soon enough. Then the dog days of summer hit and things get, well, sweaty! At that point, it seems that no amount of trips to the pool or summer cocktails will help beat the heat—and it's hard to enjoy a cookout when your hair is fighting against the humidity and your bangs are sticking to your forehead. Insert: the best summer hairstyles for women that will help keep you cool (and looking cooler).

If your go-to summer hairstyle is throwing your locks up into a ponytail or bun, we don't blame you! That's why this list has a variety of updos for you to try out. Enhance your typical look by adding a braid or two. You can even get creative with styles like wrap ponytails or bubble ponytails. There's also easy and breezy options for keeping your hair down! After all, beachy waves are basically the signature summer style.

Whether you're looking for hairstyles for long hair or opt to chop it all off and go for a short haircut, there's something here for you. We've even added a few accessory ideas like straw hats! No matter what you choose, just be sure to keep your mane healthy with the best hair sunscreens. And if you really want to heat things up, consider a new summer hair color, too!

1

Braided Pieces

best summer hairstyles for women
CHRISTOPHE SIMON//Getty Images

So effortless yet so charming, baby braids are a simple way to enhance your everyday look. Just braid a few strands on either side of your face like Margot Robbie to achieve this one.

2

Low Ponytail

best summer hairstyles for women
Jon Kopaloff//Getty Images

A classic ponytail is the answer to everything—especially this understated option on Jessica Alba. It's pulled up right above the nape of her neck with added volume at the top for a little extra oomph.

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3

French Bob

best summer hairstyles for women
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

Can we get an ooh la la for Zendaya? The French bob is everywhere right now—and for good reason! Not only does it look so elegant, but it's generally low maintenance and will keep you cool thanks to the shorter length.

4

Beachy Waves

best summer hairstyles for women
ANGELA WEISS//Getty Images

If you ask us, beachy waves are basically the signature summer style! As seen on Jennifer Lawrence, they're easy to do and scream days spent in the surf and sand. But if you won't be near the ocean anytime soon, you can replicate them by using a curling iron or grabbing a salt water texture spray.

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5

Long Braid

best summer hairstyles for women
Jon Kopaloff//Getty Images

If you want to bring your go-t0 ponytail up a notch, take a cue from Anya Taylor Joy and pull your long locks back into a pretty center-parted plait. Her hair was left naturally textured then secured at the base of her head.

6

Loose Waves

best summer hairstyles for women
Jon Kopaloff//Getty Images

As seen on Beyoncé, loose waves have a bit more shape than beachy waves while maintaining the aura of an easygoing day spent in the sun. You can use a curling iron or straightener to get this style—but make sure you run your fingers through the curls to loosen them up.

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7

Pixie Cut

best summer hairstyles for women
John Shearer//Getty Images

So you're tired of dealing with your thick mane and just want to chop it all off? Might we suggest a pixie cut with side-swept bangs similar to this one on Kerry Washington? The choppy layers add the perfect amount of volume!

8

Accessorize with a Straw Hat

best summer hairstyles for women
James Devaney//Getty Images

Leaving your hair natural doesn't have to be boring—just ask Anne Hathaway! Her textured waves are only accentuated by the stylish straw hat she threw on. Talk about summery!

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9

Messy Curls

best summer hairstyles for women
Pascal Le Segretain//Getty Images

Okay, we're deeming this mermaid hair! The extra voluminous and bouncy textured curls on Blake Lively embody seaside whimsy. After you curl your hair, tousle the ringlets for this breezy look.

10

Straight and Sleek

best summer hairstyles for women
Jon Kopaloff//Getty Images

Like Vanessa Hudgens, you don't have to sacrifice your chic style when the hotter months roll around. The key to straight hair in the midst of seasonal humidity (along with a good flat iron) is a high-quality anti-frizz spray.

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11

Side Twist

summer hairstyles for women
Dimitrios Kambouris//Getty Images

Another lowkey look to copy as things heat up is Emma Stone's carefree side twist! It's not difficult to recreate but looks like you spent so much time getting ready. We're loving all that volume! Plus, face-framing airy wisps work with the humid elements, rather than against them.

12

'70s Shag

best summer hairstyles for women
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You know the style: choppy bangs and tons of jagged layers for an effortlessly cool vibe that will complement all of your warm-weather outfits. On Chloë Grace Moretz, sun-kissed highlights throughout her tresses just make it even better.

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13

Messy Bun

best summer hairstyles for women
Karwai Tang//Getty Images

Sometimes all you want when the temps rise is to throw your hair up and forget about it. That's why this messy bun on Halle Berry is a no-brainer summer style. It's laidback and still super cute. Bangs are optional!

14

Wrap Ponytail with Braid

best summer hairstyles for women
Monica Schipper//Getty Images

The simplest way to take a ponytail from drab to fab is to cover the hair tie by wrapping a piece of hair around it. Chrissy Teigen takes her updo even further with a braid along the side of her head. Hello, day-to-night 'do!

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15

Accessorize with a Head Scarf

best summer hairstyles for women
Ernesto Ruscio//Getty Images

One more beloved summer accessory is the head scarf! Whether you want to polish up your ensemble like Sydney Sweeney, protect your hair from the rays or hide a bad hair day—this adornment will do the trick. There are so many different ways to style them, too.

16

Textured Lob

best summer hairstyles for women
Dimitrios Kambouris//Getty Images

A long bob, also known as a "lob," is just right for those of you who don't want to commit to an extreme cut, but still want to get rid of some length. On Lily Collins, slight curls add texture to her tresses while a subtle dark to light ombré allows for eye-catching dimension.

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17

Long Layers

best summer hairstyles for women
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Swishy, layered hair is beyond beautiful no matter the season! Layers create a nice shape, bring in the volume, and make thin locks look fuller. If you add shorter layers around the face like Sara Sampaio, it'll accentuate your features and keep your strands from bothering you on sweaty days.

18

Bubble Ponytail

best summer hairstyles for women
Rich Fury//Getty Images

Here's a super fun way to make your ponytail pop! Just like Ariel Winter, after you gather your hair into a ponytail, you'll just grab a few clear hair ties then wrap them around the length of your pony— spacing them out to get your desired look.

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19

Braided Headband

best summer hairstyles for women
George Pimentel//Getty Images

It might be a blast from the past, but we never stopped thinking about this dazzling 'do on Jennifer Aniston! To create your own braided headband, start by taking a section of your hair from your side part down to your ear then braid it moving downwards from your partline towards your ear. Continue to braid like a normal three-strand braid, adding in hair as you go to create a woven headband.

20

High Ponytail

best summer hairstyles for women
Jon Kopaloff//Getty Images

A voluminous high pony is a foolproof way to keep you neck cool without sacrificing any fabulousness. Just look at Rihanna! Bonus points: It'll look great on any hair type or texture and expertly masks your second-day or third-day hair.

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Macie Reynolds
Assistant Editor

Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.

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