When temperatures rise, the best summer hairstyles are usually the ones that feel comfortable, look polished and do not require hours of styling. From relaxed waves and low buns to sleek bobs, braids, ponytails and claw-clip styles, there are plenty of ways to keep your hair manageable while still looking effortlessly put together.
Summer is also a good opportunity to change your usual routine. Current UK beauty coverage has highlighted practical, low-maintenance looks such as undone waves, low buns, bobs, claw clips, braids and loose plaits as useful choices for warmer days. Marie Claire UK’s summer hairstyle guide also shows how simple changes can make everyday hair feel more seasonal.
What Makes Good Summer Hairstyles?
A good summer hairstyle should work with the weather rather than against it. Heat, humidity, outdoor activities and longer days can make elaborate styling less practical, so easy shapes and secure styles often become more appealing.
The right choice depends on your hair length, texture and lifestyle. Someone with long, thick hair may prefer a bun or braid that keeps the hair away from the neck, while someone with shorter hair might find a bob or textured crop easier to manage.
There is no single perfect hair style in summer. The best option is one that gives you the balance of comfort, appearance and maintenance you want.
15 Summer Hairstyles to Try
1. Beachy Undone Waves
Loose waves remain one of the easiest choices when you want a relaxed seasonal appearance. The style works especially well when the texture looks slightly imperfect rather than heavily sculpted.
You can create gentle waves with a curling tool, rollers or overnight techniques, depending on your hair type. Finish with a lightweight styling product if you need extra definition.
For a natural result, avoid making every wave identical. A little variation gives the hairstyle an effortless finish that works for holidays, weekends and casual evenings.
2. Sleek Low Bun
A sleek low bun is practical when you want to keep your hair completely away from your face and neck. It can look casual with a few loose pieces or more polished when the hair is smoothed neatly into place.
This is also one of the most versatile hairstyles for this summer because it can work for the office, travel, dinner and formal occasions.
If you have fine hair, a little volume at the crown can prevent the bun from appearing too flat. For thicker hair, a low bun can provide a simple way to control excess bulk on warmer days.
3. Textured Bob
A bob can be an excellent summer haircut because its shorter length reduces styling time while still offering plenty of versatility. A textured finish can make the cut look relaxed rather than overly formal.
British Vogue’s 2025 hair trend coverage highlighted bobs, including shorter and more structured variations, as prominent styles. British Vogue’s 2025 hair trend guide also points to face-framing layers and modern bobs as adaptable contemporary choices.
If you are considering a major chop, discuss the length with your stylist based on your natural texture and how you normally wear your hair.
4. High Ponytail
A high ponytail is a simple way to lift the hair away from the neck while creating a clean, energetic appearance. It works particularly well for medium and long hair.
You can keep it sleek and polished or introduce texture through waves and loose ends. A wrapped section of hair around the elastic can also make the style look more finished.
For a softer version, leave a few face-framing pieces around the temples and cheekbones.
5. Low Ponytail
For an understated alternative, try a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. This style is particularly useful when you want something quick but do not want the height of a high ponytail.
A centre part can create a polished finish, while a side part gives the style a softer appearance. You can also add waves through the lengths before tying the hair back.
The low ponytail is particularly practical for workdays, travel and summer occasions where you want your hair controlled without looking overly formal.
6. Claw Clip Updo
The claw clip remains a useful option for summer because it can secure medium and long hair without requiring an elaborate styling routine.
Twist the hair upwards, secure it with a suitable clip and allow the ends to sit naturally. For a more polished version, smooth the front sections before clipping the hair back.
Marie Claire UK’s summer hairstyle coverage includes claw-clip styles among its easy warm-weather options, particularly for days when you want low-effort styling.
7. Loose Plait
A loose plait is ideal when you want to keep long hair controlled while retaining a relaxed appearance. A traditional three-strand braid is simple, but you can also experiment with a fishtail or French braid.
Do not worry about making the braid perfectly tight. A slightly loosened finish can look softer and more summery.
For an evening look, add a simple accessory or pull out a few strands around the face.
8. Half-Up Hairstyle
A half-up hairstyle gives you the best of both worlds. The front section is secured away from the face while the remaining hair stays loose.
This makes it particularly useful for medium and long hair. You can create the look with a small elastic, clip, bow or decorative accessory.
For a more modern finish, add loose waves to the lengths and keep the top section softly pulled back rather than tightly slicked.
9. Braided Ponytail
If a standard ponytail feels too simple, turn it into a braid. Start with a secure ponytail and braid the lengths, leaving the finish either neat or slightly undone.
This style can be particularly useful for active summer days because it keeps the lengths organised. It also works well when you want a hairstyle that transitions easily from daytime activities to an evening out.
10. Space Buns
Space buns provide a playful alternative when you want to experiment. The style can be created with two high buns, lower buns or slightly uneven sections for a deliberately relaxed effect.
British Vogue’s summer coverage has included space buns among easy ways to keep hair away from the neck during hot weather.
They are especially useful for festivals, holidays and casual summer events where a more expressive hairstyle feels appropriate.
11. Soft Curtain Fringe with Loose Hair
If you do not want to tie your hair up, a soft curtain fringe can help create a fresh seasonal look without changing the overall length dramatically.
The fringe parts around the centre and blends into the rest of the haircut. It can be worn with natural texture, waves or a smoother finish.
Because fringe maintenance varies by hair type, discuss the desired length and shape with your stylist before making the cut.
12. Slicked-Back Ponytail
For a sharper look, try a sleek ponytail with the front section smoothed back. The result is simple but polished, making it suitable for evening events and smarter occasions.
A lightweight styling product can help control flyaways, but avoid applying too much product if your hair becomes oily quickly during warmer weather.
This is one of the most effective hair styles summer options when you want something that looks intentional with minimal styling complexity.
13. Natural Texture with Face-Framing Pieces
Summer can be a good time to work with your natural texture rather than constantly trying to make the hair behave differently.
Whether your hair is wavy, curly or coily, use a suitable styling routine to define the natural pattern and allow the hair to move freely. Face-framing pieces can help give the overall shape more definition.
The result can feel more relaxed while still looking considered.
14. Shoulder-Length Layered Cut
A shoulder-length layered cut is a useful choice if you want to keep some length but make your hair easier to manage. Soft layers remove some heaviness while creating movement through the ends.
This length can be worn loose, tied into a ponytail, clipped up or styled into waves. It therefore offers more flexibility than a very short cut without requiring the maintenance of extremely long hair.
If you are looking for a hairstyle that works beyond the summer season, this can be a particularly practical option.
15. French-Inspired Short Bob
A short, slightly undone bob can create an effortlessly polished summer appearance. The shape can be worn smooth or with natural texture, depending on your hair type.
In 2025, the Riviera bob and French-inspired bob variations received attention in UK beauty coverage as relaxed alternatives to highly polished bob styles. Marie Claire UK described the Riviera bob as an undone and effortless summer update.
For the right face shape and texture, a short bob can also reduce styling time significantly.
Summer Hairstyles for Long Hair
Long hair gives you plenty of styling possibilities, but it can also feel hot and heavy during warmer weather. The simplest solution is often to move the hair away from your neck.
Buns, braids, ponytails and claw-clip styles are practical choices. You can also experiment with half-up looks when you want to keep some length visible.
If you prefer to wear your hair down, consider soft layers. They can create movement and prevent long hair from appearing overly heavy.
For more detailed inspiration, see our guide to long hairstyles for women, which explores different ways to style and shape longer hair.
Summer Hairstyles for Short Hair
Short hair can be especially convenient during warm weather because there is less length to manage. Bobs, pixie cuts, bixies and textured crops can all work well depending on your hair type.
The key is choosing a shape that works with your natural texture. A cut that requires extensive heat styling every morning may not be as convenient as a style that looks good with minimal effort.
If you are considering a very short cut, think about how frequently you are willing to return to the salon to maintain the shape.
Easy Hairstyles in Summer for Busy Days
Not every summer day calls for a complicated hairstyle. In fact, the most useful looks are often those you can create in a few minutes.
- For very hot days: try a low bun, high ponytail or braided updo.
- For work: choose a sleek low bun, polished ponytail or neat half-up style.
- For holidays: try loose waves, braids or a claw-clip updo.
- For festivals: experiment with space buns, braids or playful accessories.
- For evenings: try a sleek ponytail, soft waves or a polished bob.
Having several simple options available makes it easier to adapt your hairstyle to the weather and occasion rather than relying on one routine every day.
How to Choose Hair Cuts for Summer
When choosing hair cuts for summer, consider more than just the trend of the moment. Your hair texture, density, face shape and maintenance preferences should all influence the decision.
A shorter cut can feel lighter, but it may require more frequent trims. A medium-length style can provide a good balance between comfort and versatility. Long hair offers the greatest range of styling options but may need to be secured during particularly warm weather.
It is also worth thinking about how your hair behaves in humidity. If your hair becomes naturally wavy or expands in damp conditions, a cut that works with that texture may be easier to manage than one that requires perfectly smooth styling.
Should You Change Your Hair Colour for Summer?
A seasonal haircut is not the only way to refresh your look. Colour can also change the overall appearance of a hairstyle.
Warmer blondes, dimensional brunette shades and softer highlights can create a brighter summer feel. However, colour changes should take hair condition and maintenance into account.
If you are considering a colour transformation alongside your haircut, our guide to hair colour trends 2025 covers rich brunette shades, golden blonde, copper, cherry cola and other colour ideas.
How to Keep Summer Hair Looking Healthy
Warm weather can make hair care more demanding, particularly if you spend time outdoors, swim regularly or use heated styling tools.
Keep your routine simple and focus on maintaining moisture and reducing unnecessary heat exposure. If you swim, follow a suitable post-swim hair routine, particularly if your hair is colour-treated.
Regular trims can also help remove damaged ends and keep your haircut looking intentional. If you colour your hair, follow your stylist’s recommendations for maintaining the tone and condition.
Most importantly, avoid turning summer styling into a daily battle. Working with your natural texture can often produce a healthier-looking and more effortless result.
Summer Hairstyles and Accessories
Accessories can completely change a simple hairstyle. Headbands, clips, scarves and decorative pins can turn a basic ponytail or bun into a more distinctive look.
Hair hardware also became a notable summer styling direction in 2025, with structured and metallic accessories appearing as alternatives to softer scrunchies and bows. Marie Claire UK’s coverage highlighted this shift towards more polished hair accessories.
For everyday wear, choose accessories that are comfortable enough to stay in place. For special occasions, a more decorative clip or embellished piece can become the focal point of the hairstyle.
Final Thoughts on Summer Hairstyles
The best summer hairstyles combine comfort, versatility and personal style. You do not need an elaborate haircut or complicated styling routine to create a fresh warm-weather look.
Loose waves, low buns, ponytails, braids, claw clips, half-up styles and modern bobs can all work beautifully during the warmer months. The right option depends on your hair length, natural texture, daily routine and the occasions you need to dress for.
Summer is also a good opportunity to experiment. You might try a new parting, add face-framing layers, introduce a braid or simply allow your natural texture to take centre stage.
If you are planning a broader hairstyle refresh, consider combining your seasonal look with a flattering cut and colour. Our related guides to hairstyles to make you look younger and professional hairstyles for women can help you explore options that work beyond the summer season.
