50 Must-Try Summer Updo Hairstyles for Effortless Elegance
Are you looking for a refreshing and stylish way to beat the heat this summer? Wondering how to manage your locks in the humid weather without compromising on style? Look no further! This guide to 50 summer updo hairstyles will not only answer these questions but also inspire you to experiment with new, chic looks. Whether you’re attending a wedding, hitting the beach, or simply looking for an easy hairstyle for daily wear, our curated list has something for everyone. Let’s dive into these transformative styles!
Classic High Bun
The Classic High Bun is a timeless hairstyle that exudes elegance and simplicity. Perfect for a sleek look or a formal wedding, this updo pulls all your hair away from your face and neck, keeping you cool and chic. It’s especially flattering for those with oval or long face shapes and works well with short hair or long hair. This style is versatile, allowing for variations such as slick, smooth textures or a soft, slightly tousled finish for a more casual look.
For maintaining a pristine high bun, use a strong-hold hair gel to tame flyaways and give your hair a polished look. Brands like TRESemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Gel provide excellent hold without stiffness, ensuring your bun stays perfect throughout the day.
Messy Bun
The Messy Bun is the epitome of bohemian chic and is perfect for a boho style outing or a relaxed day at home. This effortless look is great for those with natural curly hair or wavy textures, giving off a laid-back, yet fashionable vibe. It suits a wide range of face shapes and is ideal for adding volume to short hair.
To achieve the perfect messy bun, use a texturizing spray like Sea Salt Spray by Bumble and bumble to give your hair grip and volume before tying it up. This product helps create a fuller, more textured look that enhances the bun’s casual elegance.
Sleek Ponytail
The Sleek Ponytail is a dynamic and easy hairstyle that can transition from day to night effortlessly. Ideal for those with black hair or any dark shades, it creates a striking contrast that highlights facial features, making it perfect for a prom night or an important meeting. This style works best on straight hair or can be achieved on natural curly hair with the help of a straightener.
For a truly sleek finish, apply a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum before pulling your hair back. This not only controls frizz but also adds a glossy sheen that enhances the ponytail’s sleekness.
Braided Top Knot
Combining the intricacy of braids with the updo’s comfort, the Braided Top Knot is both stylish and functional. This hairstyle is particularly appealing for those with thick hair, as it neatly secures hair while adding a decorative twist. It’s a fantastic choice for both a fancy event and a casual get-together.
To keep your braided top knot in place and looking smooth, use a lightweight hairspray, such as L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. This will help maintain the style’s shape without weighing down your hair, ensuring it stays voluminous and lively throughout the day.
Low Chignon
The Low Chignon is a classic and chic hairstyle that radiates sophistication. Ideal for vintage-inspired looks, it works beautifully for those attending a sophisticated soirée or a retro-themed event. This style is flattering for all ages and is particularly accommodating for women with short curly hair, offering a graceful way to manage curls.
For added elegance, embellish your chignon with accessories like pearl pins or a silk scarf. To ensure the chignon holds beautifully throughout the event, use a firm-hold hairspray such as GHD Final Fix Hairspray, which provides durability and humidity protection.
French Twist
The French Twist is a classic hairstyle that exudes sophistication and timeless charm, making it perfect for wedding receptions or formal gatherings. It’s an excellent choice for women with medium to long hair, and it particularly complements those with sleek or straight hair. The French Twist is versatile, allowing for either a polished vintage look or a more relaxed and messy style.
For keeping your French Twist impeccable throughout the event, use a fine-textured hairspray like Oribe Superfine Hair Spray. It provides a flexible hold that keeps your style refined without the stiffness.
Braided Crown
The Braided Crown hairstyle is quintessentially boho and romantic, ideal for outdoor festivals or a casual day out. It beautifully frames the face and works wonderfully with natural curly or wavy hair, adding a touch of fairy-tale elegance to any look. This style is particularly flattering for younger women and those desiring a youthful, ethereal vibe.
To enhance the texture and hold of your Braided Crown, consider using a texturizing powder like Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Dust It. This product adds volume and grip, making the braid more manageable and long-lasting.
Side Swept Updo
The Side Swept Updo is a glamorous and fancy option suitable for proms or elegant dinners. It adds a dramatic flair to your appearance, showcasing bangs or layers beautifully. This hairstyle is particularly suited for those with short curly hair or wavy textures, as it elegantly showcases the natural volume and texture of the hair.
Maintain the allure of your Side Swept Updo with a shine-enhancing spray, like Kenra Shine Spray. It provides a glossy finish while taming frizz and flyaways, ensuring your hairstyle looks both polished and enchanting.
Twisted Halo
The Twisted Halo is a soft and natural style, perfect for casual brunches or a day at the beach. This updo is effortless and works great for those with short to medium-length hair. It’s particularly effective for highlighting bangs or face-framing layers, giving a relaxed yet put-together look.
To ensure your Twisted Halo holds throughout the day, use a lightweight mousse, like Dove Style+Care Curls Defining Mousse, which enhances the hair’s natural shape without weighing it down.
Ballerina Bun
The Ballerina Bun is the epitome of sleek and slick sophistication, ideal for professional settings or when you need a neat, uncomplicated style. It works best for those with long hair but can also be adapted for short hair. This style is particularly effective for showcasing chic, minimalist fashion choices.
For a flawless Ballerina Bun, use a gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel to smooth hair and eliminate frizz, giving your bun a polished, durable finish.
Fishtail Bun
A delightful twist on the classic bun, the Fishtail Bun combines elegance with a touch of playfulness, making it perfect for both a fancy brunch or an evening prom. This hairstyle works particularly well for those with long or wavy hair, providing a romantic flair that’s both intricate and stylish.
To ensure your Fishtail Bun holds up against the summer heat, opt for a lightweight but strong hold hairspray, such as Aveda Air Control. This will keep your style secure without feeling heavy.
Pin-Up Curls
Pin-Up Curls capture the essence of vintage glamour. Ideal for themed parties or as a striking statement look, this style best suits those with at least medium-length hair. The curls add volume and frame the face beautifully, enhancing the overall retro appeal.
To maintain the bounce and shape of your curls throughout the day, use a curl-defining cream such as Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream. It provides hydration and frizz control, perfect for maintaining pristine curls.
Braided Ponytail Updo
The Braided Ponytail Updo is a versatile and chic choice that transitions smoothly from day to night. It suits anyone looking to add a boho twist to a functional style, working especially well with natural curly or black hair. This hairstyle elevates a simple ponytail with the elegance of braids.
For added control and to enhance the braids’ texture, apply a dab of Bumble and bumble’s Bb. Texture Hair (Un) Dressing Creme before styling.
Dutch Braid Updo
The Dutch Braid Updo is striking and elegant, perfect for more formal occasions or a wedding. This style works best on longer hair and offers a classic yet sophisticated look that adds an air of majesty to any outfit.
To keep your Dutch braids neat and tidy, use a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Serum, which helps streamline the braiding process and adds a silky finish.
Half-Up Half-Down Bun
The Half-Up Half-Down Bun is an easy, breezy hairstyle that suits any casual occasion. It’s perfect for those with short to medium hair, including those with short curly hair, offering a playful yet sleek look that keeps hair out of your face while flaunting its natural volume.
To achieve a smooth and lasting half-up bun, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for added volume and hold.
Boho Braids Updo
The Boho Braids Updo embodies a carefree, artistic spirit, perfect for music festivals or a day out in the city. It’s particularly appealing for those with natural curly or wavy hair, offering a playful yet chic look. This hairstyle adds a whimsical touch with its loose braids and free-flowing strands, making it ideal for achieving a boho style effortlessly.
To enhance the texture and longevity of your boho braids, use a sea salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. It will give your hair that desirable beachy texture while helping the braids hold their shape.
Rope Twist Bun
The Rope Twist Bun is a sleek, sophisticated updo that’s both stylish and functional, making it a great choice for work events or formal gatherings. This hairstyle works best on those with long hair, providing a neat, polished look that’s both classic and modern.
To ensure your Rope Twist Bun remains tight and sleek, consider using a styling gel like Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil. It will keep your hair in place without flakiness or stiffness.
Bubble Ponytail
The Bubble Ponytail is a fun, fancy twist on the traditional ponytail, perfect for parties or playful outings. It suits all hair types but is particularly striking on long, sleek hair. This style adds a playful element to your look with its series of bubbles, making it both eye-catching and unique.
To keep the bubbles uniform and neat, use small, clear elastics and a light hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray. This will ensure each bubble holds its shape without weighing down your hair.
Low Ponytail with Twists
The Low Ponytail with Twists offers an easy, elegant solution for those seeking a subtle yet sophisticated hairstyle. Ideal for both professional settings and casual days, it works well with medium to long hair and adds a touch of refinement with its twisted details.
For a smooth finish and extra hold, apply a bit of John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum before creating the twists. This will help control frizz and add a shiny, healthy look to your hair.
Gibson Tuck
The Gibson Tuck is a vintage-inspired hairstyle that harkens back to the early 20th century, offering a blend of nostalgia and elegance. This updo is particularly suitable for short to medium hair and creates a polished look that’s perfect for weddings or other formal events.
To ensure your Gibson Tuck stays secure and sleek, use bobby pins that match your hair color and a strong-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray 25. This combination will keep your updo intact and looking fresh throughout the event.
Pull-Through Braid Updo
The Pull-Through Braid Updo is a stunning and intricate choice that looks more complicated than it is, making it perfect for weddings or special events. It’s ideal for those with medium to long hair and adds an element of sophistication and volume to your look.
To maintain this hairstyle in humid summer weather, use a frizz-control product like Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. This will help keep your strands smooth and in place all day.
Curly Pineapple Updo
The Curly Pineapple Updo is a playful and practical style, perfect for those with natural curly hair. This updo keeps your curls contained and off the neck, making it ideal for hot and humid days, whether you’re at a music festival or a beach party.
To enhance and protect your curls, apply a curl-defining gel like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel before styling to prevent frizz and define your curls.
Layered Ponytail
The Layered Ponytail offers a chic twist on the traditional ponytail, adding depth and sophistication with its tiered layers. It’s a versatile look that’s suitable for both a casual day out or a more formal evening event.
To keep this style sleek and in place, use a smoothing serum like Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil, which will add shine and tame any flyaways.
Faux Hawk Updo
The Faux Hawk Updo is bold and edgy, perfect for someone who wants to make a statement at a concert or night out. This style works well with short to medium hair, giving a rock vibe without the commitment of cutting.
For maximum hold and texture, use a strong-hold pomade like TIGI Bed Head Manipulator, which will keep the style sharp and defined all evening.
Waterfall Braid Updo
The Waterfall Braid Updo is romantic and elegant, making it perfect for wedding guests or bridesmaids. This style suits those with wavy or straight hair, adding a graceful flow that mimics the movement of water.
To ensure your braid holds beautifully and looks shiny, use a flexible hairspray like Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, which provides hold without stiffness.
Experimenting with these summer updo hairstyles will not only keep you cool but also ensure you look stylish in any setting. Whether you opt for a sleek ponytail or a playful messy bun, these styles are designed to complement your summer wardrobe and fit any occasion. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite style or share your own summer hair tips!