The Ultimate Guide to Summer Hair Inspo: 51 Trendy Hairstyles to Try This Season
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with your hair and try out new styles that are both fashionable and functional. Whether you’re hitting the beach or attending a summer wedding, these 51 summer hair ideas will keep you looking fabulous all season long. Let’s dive into the latest trends and timeless classics that you can rock this summer.
Beach Waves with a Twist
Beach waves are a classic summer look, but adding a twist can make them stand out even more. This hairstyle involves creating loose, wavy curls that give a natural, beachy vibe. It’s perfect for those with medium length to long hair and works exceptionally well with color brunette or light brown shades. This style suits almost everyone, but it particularly enhances those with a soft, romantic aesthetic.
To achieve this look, use a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for texture, and a curling iron to create the waves. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff.
High Ponytail with Scarf
The high ponytail with a scarf is a chic and easy way to elevate your summer hairstyle. This look involves pulling your hair into a high ponytail and tying a colorful scarf around the base. It’s a versatile style that suits both straight hair and wavy textures and can be paired with any color from dark brunette to blonde. Ideal for both casual and formal settings, this style adds a touch of aesthetic charm.
For best results, use a volumizing shampoo like OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo to add body to your hair. Secure the ponytail with a strong elastic and wrap a silk scarf around it for a polished finish.
Bohemian Rhapsody Braids
Bohemian braids are perfect for those looking to embrace a carefree, festival-ready vibe. This style involves intricate braiding techniques, including loose braids and fishtails, often adorned with beads or flowers. It’s ideal for long hair and looks stunning on color red or brown shades. Bohemian braids suit anyone wanting to express their creative and bohemian side.
To maintain the health of your braids, use a leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product to keep your hair hydrated. Also, using small clear elastics will help keep the braids in place without being too noticeable.
Sleek and Shiny Glass Hair
Glass hair is all about achieving a sleek, shiny, and perfectly straight look. This trend works best on black hair or dark shades, making the hair look almost reflective. It’s perfect for a dark brunette who wants a sophisticated and polished appearance. This style is great for formal events and professional settings.
To achieve this look, use a high-quality flat iron and a shine serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. Additionally, a heat protectant spray is essential to prevent damage from the straightening process.
Casual Top Knot
The casual top knot is a go-to summer hairstyle that’s both practical and stylish. This look involves gathering the hair into a high bun on top of the head, perfect for keeping cool in the heat. It’s suitable for medium length to long hair and works well with color blonde or brown shades. This style is ideal for busy days and casual outings.
To achieve a top knot, use a texture spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add grip and volume. Secure the bun with bobby pins and a hair tie, and pull out a few strands for a more relaxed look.
The Effortless Lob
The lob, or long bob, is a stylish and versatile haircut that falls just above the shoulders. It’s a great option for those who want a shorter style without going too short. The lob looks amazing on brown, color blonde, and light brown hair shades, adding a chic touch to your summer look. This hairstyle is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance yet fashionable style, suitable for both casual and professional settings.
To keep your lob looking fresh, use a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse to add body and movement. A quick blow-dry with a round brush will help achieve that effortless, bouncy look.
Half-Up, Half-Down with Flowers
The half-up, half-down hairstyle with flowers is a romantic and whimsical choice for summer. This look involves pulling the top half of the hair back and securing it with decorative flowers, leaving the rest of the hair flowing freely. It’s perfect for wavy or soft hair textures and works beautifully on color brunette and blonde shades.
To create this look, use a curling iron to add gentle waves to the loose hair. Secure the top half with a few bobby pins and adorn with fresh or artificial flowers. Use a lightweight hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the style in place.
Fishtail Braid Updo
The fishtail braid updo is a stunning and intricate hairstyle perfect for special occasions. This style involves creating a fishtail braid and then wrapping it into an updo. It looks gorgeous on long hair and is particularly striking on color red or dark shades. This style adds a touch of sophistication and is ideal for weddings or formal events.
To achieve this look, start with clean, dry hair and divide it into two sections for the fishtail braid. Once the braid is complete, wrap it into a bun and secure with bobby pins. Finish with a firm hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray 25 to keep the updo intact.
Tousled Pixie Cut
The tousled pixie cut is a bold and edgy choice for summer. This short haircut involves textured layers that give a messy, tousled look. It’s perfect for those with straight hair and works well with color blonde or brown shades. This style suits those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut that stands out.
To style a tousled pixie cut, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and texture. Finger-comb the hair for a messy, undone look and finish with a matte pomade like Baxter of California Clay Pomade for hold and definition.
Undone Bun
The undone bun is a stylish and relaxed hairstyle that’s perfect for summer. This look involves pulling your hair into a loose bun, allowing a few strands to fall naturally for a carefree appearance. It works well with medium length to long hair and is particularly flattering on color blonde and light brown shades. This style is ideal for casual outings and laid-back summer days.
To achieve the undone bun, start with dry, slightly tousled hair. Use a texturizing spray like Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray to add grip and volume. Gather your hair into a loose bun and secure it with bobby pins, allowing a few strands to fall freely around your face for that effortless look.
Side-Swept Curls
Side-swept curls are a glamorous and romantic hairstyle, perfect for summer evenings and special occasions. This look involves sweeping the hair to one side and creating soft, voluminous curls. It’s especially stunning on color brunette and dark shades, enhancing the depth and richness of the hair. This style suits those with long or medium length hair who want to make a statement.
To create side-swept curls, use a curling wand to form large, loose curls. Sweep the hair to one side and secure it with bobby pins. Use a shine spray like TIGI Bed Head Headrush Shine Spray to add a glossy finish and keep the curls looking luxurious.
Braided Crown with Loose Ends
The braided crown with loose ends is a beautiful and ethereal hairstyle that’s perfect for summer festivals and outdoor events. This look involves creating a braid around the crown of the head while leaving the ends loose and wavy. It’s particularly lovely on color red and brown shades, adding a touch of fairy-tale charm. This style suits those with medium length to long hair who want a whimsical and feminine look.
To achieve the braided crown, start by creating two braids from either side of your head. Wrap the braids around the crown and secure them with bobby pins. Leave the ends loose and use a curling iron to add gentle waves. Finish with a light hold hairspray like Aveda Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray to keep the braids in place.
Low Messy Bun with Twists
The low messy bun with twists is a chic and versatile hairstyle that’s perfect for summer. This look involves creating a low bun at the nape of the neck, incorporating twisted sections of hair for added texture and interest. It’s ideal for dark brunette and black hair shades, giving a sleek yet casual vibe. This style suits both formal and casual settings, making it a great all-around summer choice.
To create the low messy bun with twists, divide your hair into sections and twist each section before securing it into a low bun. Use bobby pins to keep the twists in place and allow a few strands to fall loose for a relaxed look. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray like Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Hairspray.
Asymmetrical Bob
The asymmetrical bob is a modern and edgy haircut that’s perfect for making a statement this summer. This style features one side of the hair slightly longer than the other, creating a unique and dynamic look. It’s especially striking on color blonde and color red shades, highlighting the cut’s boldness. This style suits those with straight hair who want a fashionable and contemporary haircut.
To maintain the asymmetrical bob, use a smoothing serum like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum to keep the hair sleek and frizz-free. Regular trims are essential to keep the asymmetrical shape sharp and defined.
The Wet Look
The wet look is a bold and sleek hairstyle perfect for summer evenings and glamorous events. This style involves making the hair appear wet and shiny, creating a sophisticated and edgy vibe. It works exceptionally well on black hair and dark brunette shades, highlighting the hair’s natural gloss and depth. This look is ideal for those with straight hair and medium to long lengths who want a daring and contemporary style.
To achieve the wet look, apply a generous amount of gel or styling cream like TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Cream to damp hair. Comb through to distribute the product evenly and use a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray to enhance the glossy finish. For extra hold, finish with a strong hold hairspray.
Long Layered Cuts with Highlights
Long layered cuts with highlights are a timeless and versatile summer hairstyle. This look involves adding layers to long hair to create movement and dimension, enhanced with subtle or bold highlights. It’s particularly flattering on color blonde, brown, and light brown shades, adding depth and brightness. This style suits those with wavy or straight hair who want a fresh and dynamic look.
To maintain long layered cuts with highlights, use a color-protecting shampoo like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo to keep your highlights vibrant. Regular trims will help maintain the shape of the layers and prevent split ends.
Vintage Waves
Vintage waves are a glamorous and classic hairstyle that never goes out of style. This look features defined, S-shaped waves that evoke the elegance of Old Hollywood. It works beautifully on medium length to long hair and is stunning on color brunette and color red shades. This style is perfect for formal events or any occasion where you want to add a touch of vintage charm.
To create vintage waves, use a curling iron with a medium barrel and curl small sections of hair. After curling, use a fine-tooth comb to gently shape the curls into waves. Set the style with a strong hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray for lasting hold and shine.
Chunky Box Braids
Chunky box braids are a bold and protective hairstyle perfect for summer. This style involves braiding the hair into thick, individual sections, creating a striking and versatile look. It’s especially popular on black hair and color dark shades, providing a low-maintenance yet fashionable option. This style suits those with medium to long hair who want a statement look that can last for weeks.
To care for chunky box braids, use a moisturizing spray like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist to keep your scalp hydrated. Wrap your braids in a silk scarf at night to prevent frizz and maintain the style.
Soft Balayage on Short Hair
Soft balayage on short hair is a trendy and sophisticated summer hairstyle. This look involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair to create a natural, sun-kissed effect. It’s particularly flattering on color blonde and light brown shades, adding dimension and brightness to short haircuts like bobs or pixie cuts. This style is ideal for those with straight hair or wavy textures who want a subtle yet stylish change.
To maintain soft balayage on short hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo to preserve the color. Regular touch-ups will keep the balayage looking fresh and natural.
Middle Part with Curtain Bangs
The middle part with curtain bangs is a trendy and effortlessly chic hairstyle that’s perfect for summer. This look features a clean center part with bangs that frame the face, reminiscent of the 70s. It’s ideal for medium length to long hair and works beautifully on color brunette and light brown shades. This style suits those with a soft and romantic aesthetic and can be easily adapted for both casual and formal occasions.
To style curtain bangs, use a round brush and a blow dryer to create volume and shape. A lightweight mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 can help add body and hold to your hair. Finish with a touch of shine spray to give your hair a healthy, glossy finish.
Tight Top Knot Bun
The tight top knot bun is a sleek and practical hairstyle perfect for hot summer days. This look involves pulling all the hair up into a high, tight bun at the crown of the head. It’s especially flattering on color blonde and black hair shades, giving a clean and polished appearance. This style is ideal for those with straight hair and medium to long lengths who want a no-fuss, chic look.
To achieve the tight top knot bun, use a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to eliminate frizz and add shine. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins or a strong elastic. A spritz of strong hold hairspray will keep everything in place.
Simple Slick Back
The simple slick back is a bold and sophisticated hairstyle that’s perfect for summer evenings and formal events. This look involves combing the hair straight back, giving a sleek and polished appearance. It works exceptionally well on dark brunette and black hair shades, emphasizing the hair’s natural shine and sleekness. This style is ideal for those with straight hair who want a high-fashion look.
To create the simple slick back, apply a generous amount of gel or pomade like American Crew Pomade to damp hair. Use a fine-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product and create a smooth, slicked-back look. Finish with a shine spray for a glossy finish.
Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids are a fun and practical summer hairstyle perfect for outdoor activities and casual outings. This look involves creating two Dutch braids, one on each side of the head, which can be worn tight or slightly loose for a more relaxed vibe. It’s especially striking on color red and dark shades, adding a playful and youthful touch. This style suits those with medium to long hair who want a versatile and easy-to-maintain look.
To create double Dutch braids, start with clean, tangle-free hair. Use a leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product to keep your hair smooth and manageable. Braid each side from the crown to the ends and secure with small elastics. A light mist of hairspray will keep the braids in place all day.
Curly Shag with Volume
The curly shag with volume is a dynamic and trendy hairstyle that’s perfect for embracing natural curls. This look features layered curls with lots of volume, creating a fun and edgy appearance. It’s particularly flattering on color brunette and brown shades, enhancing the hair’s natural texture and movement. This style suits those with curly hair who want a bold and fashionable look.
To maintain a curly shag, use a curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner like DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Cleanser and One Condition Original. Apply a curl cream or mousse like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream to damp hair and let it air dry or diffuse for maximum volume and definition.
These 51 summer hair inspirations are sure to keep you looking your best all season long. From beach waves to bohemian braids, there’s a style for every occasion and hair type. Try out these looks and see which ones suit you best. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your favorite summer hair inspiration with us
