Vacation is the perfect time to experiment with new hairstyles that are both functional and fashionable. Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach, exploring an island, or enjoying a summer escape in Mexico, the right hairstyle can enhance your look and keep you comfortable. Here are 25 vacation hairstyles that are easy, quick, and cute, perfect for any holiday adventure.
Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are the quintessential vacation hairstyle, ideal for any beach getaway. This style gives a relaxed, tousled look that resembles naturally curly hair after a dip in the ocean. Beachy waves suit all hair lengths and types, especially wavy hair, making it an easy and versatile option. Whether you have long hair or short hair, this style adds a touch of effortless glam.
For beachy waves, start by applying a sea salt spray, like the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, to damp hair. Scrunch your hair and let it air dry or use a diffuser for added volume. For a more defined wave, use a curling wand to add loose curls, then gently brush them out. Finish with a light hold hairspray, such as L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray.
Messy Bun
The messy bun is a simple and chic hairstyle perfect for hot summer days. This style keeps hair off your face and neck, providing a cool and carefree look. It’s ideal for long hair and can be worn by anyone, regardless of hair texture. The messy bun works well for both casual outings and more formal settings.
To create a messy bun, gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins, leaving a few strands loose for a relaxed vibe. For added texture, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. Finish with a spritz of Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for a soft hold.
Boho Braids
Boho braids are a beautiful and intricate hairstyle that adds a bohemian flair to your vacation look. This style involves creating multiple braids of varying sizes, often incorporating accessories like beads or ribbons. Boho braids are perfect for medium to long hair and are especially flattering for those with natural hair or curly textures.
To achieve boho braids, start by parting your hair into sections and braiding each one loosely. Use a texturizing spray like Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray to add grip. Incorporate small accessories like Scünci No-Slip Grip Braided Hair Elastics for a unique touch. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep the braids in place.
Tropical Twists
Tropical twists are a stylish and protective hairstyle, perfect for a sunny vacation. This style involves twisting sections of hair into tight twists, which can be left loose or pinned up. Tropical twists are great for black women with natural hair, offering a quick and easy way to manage curly hair in a hot climate.
To create tropical twists, part your hair into small sections and twist each section from root to tip. Use a twisting cream like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie to add definition and hold. For extra protection, apply Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey to keep hair moisturized and shiny.
Sun-kissed Curls
Sun-kissed curls are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your vacation look. This style features loose, bouncy curls that give the appearance of naturally curly hair. Sun-kissed curls are ideal for those with long hair and can be achieved with either a curling iron or hot rollers.
To get sun-kissed curls, start by applying a heat protectant like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray. Use a large barrel curling iron or hot rollers to create loose curls. Once the curls have set, gently run your fingers through them to separate and add volume. Finish with a shine spray like John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray.
Vacation Ponytail
The vacation ponytail is a versatile and easy hairstyle perfect for keeping cool during your adventures. This style can be sleek and polished or tousled and relaxed, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. A high ponytail suits all hair types and is particularly flattering for long hair.
To create a vacation ponytail, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic band. For a sleek look, use a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. For a more relaxed style, tease the ponytail and add a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray.
Sleek and Straight
Sleek and straight hair is a timeless and elegant vacation hairstyle that exudes sophistication. This style is perfect for white women with straight hair or those who want a polished look. Sleek and straight hair works well for both short hair and long hair, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
To achieve sleek and straight hair, start by applying a heat protectant like CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray. Use a flat iron to straighten your hair in small sections. Finish with a shine serum like Biosilk Silk Therapy to add gloss and tame any flyaways. For extra hold, use a light mist of Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25.
Island Goddess
The island goddess hairstyle is a stunning and intricate look perfect for a tropical vacation. This style often features voluminous curls or waves with floral accessories, creating a romantic and ethereal appearance. Ideal for those with natural hair or curly hair, this style adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.
To create the island goddess look, start by enhancing your natural curls with a curl-defining cream like DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler. Add volume by diffusing your hair or using a large barrel curling iron. Incorporate fresh or faux flowers into your hair for a tropical touch. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
Braided Crown
The braided crown is a regal and elegant hairstyle perfect for a summer vacation. This style involves braiding sections of hair and wrapping them around the head to create a crown effect. It is suitable for medium to long hair and works well with both straight hair and wavy hair.
To create a braided crown, part your hair down the middle and braid two sections from the front to the back. Wrap each braid around your head and secure with bobby pins. For a more intricate look, pancake the braids to make them appear fuller. Use a hairspray like Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray to keep the braids in place.
Poolside Pigtails
Poolside pigtails are a fun and playful hairstyle perfect for lounging by the pool or beach. This style involves dividing the hair into two sections and securing them into pigtails. Poolside pigtails are great for black kids with natural hair, offering a quick and easy way to keep hair out of the face while swimming or playing.
To create poolside pigtails, part your hair down the middle and secure each section with an elastic band. For added protection, use a leave-in conditioner like Cantu Care for Kids Conditioning Detangler. Decorate the pigtails with colorful hair ties or beads for a fun touch. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
Mermaid Braid
The mermaid braid is an enchanting and elaborate hairstyle that is perfect for a seaside vacation. This style involves creating a loose, intricate braid that resembles the look of a mermaid’s tail. It is ideal for those with long hair and wavy hair, adding a whimsical touch to any beach outfit.
To create a mermaid braid, start by applying a texturizing spray like TIGI Bed Head Superstar Queen for a Day Thickening Spray to add volume and grip. Begin braiding your hair loosely, incorporating small sections as you go. Pancake the braid for a fuller look. Finish with a shine spray like Herbal Essences Set Me Up Beautiful Bold Hold Hairspray for a touch of gloss.
Effortless Chignon
The effortless chignon is a sophisticated yet easy hairstyle perfect for any vacation. This low bun sits at the nape of the neck and can be as sleek or messy as you prefer. It’s ideal for formal dinners or beach weddings, and suits all hair types, especially long hair.
To create an effortless chignon, start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun, securing with bobby pins. For a polished look, smooth any flyaways with a gel like Aveda Control Paste. For a more relaxed style, pull a few strands loose around your face and use a light hairspray like Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Mist.
Vacation Headscarf
A vacation headscarf is a stylish and protective option for a sunny getaway. This versatile accessory can be worn in various ways, from a full wrap to a headband, and is perfect for protecting your hair from the sun while adding a pop of color to your outfit.
To style a vacation headscarf, choose a lightweight, colorful scarf like those from Vera Bradley. Fold the scarf into a triangle and place the long edge along your forehead, tying the ends at the nape of your neck. For added security, use bobby pins to keep the scarf in place. Pair with a leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product to keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free.
Flower Power
Flower power hairstyles are perfect for embracing the tropical vibe on vacation. This style involves incorporating fresh or faux flowers into your hair for a fun and festive look. It’s ideal for special events or simply to add a touch of nature to your beach day.
To create a flower power hairstyle, start by styling your hair as desired—whether it’s left down in waves or pulled back into a braid. Choose vibrant flowers like those from Claire’s Floral Hair Accessories and secure them with bobby pins throughout your hair. For a long-lasting hold, use a hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray.
Messy Fishtail
The messy fishtail braid is a casual yet chic hairstyle perfect for any vacation adventure. This style offers a relaxed and bohemian look, ideal for both beach days and evening outings. It suits all hair types and lengths, especially long hair.
To create a messy fishtail braid, divide your hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the opposite section, repeating until you reach the end. Secure with an elastic band. To achieve a messy look, gently tug at the braid to loosen it. Finish with a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish for added volume.
Dutch Braid Pony
The Dutch braid ponytail is a practical and stylish hairstyle perfect for an active vacation. This look combines the elegance of a braid with the convenience of a ponytail, keeping hair off your face while adding a touch of sophistication.
To create a Dutch braid ponytail, start by braiding a section of hair from your crown down to the nape of your neck, incorporating hair from the sides as you go. Secure the braid with an elastic band and gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail. For a sleek finish, use a smoothing cream like Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. Add a light hold hairspray like Herbal Essences Set Me Up Beautiful Bold Hold Hairspray to keep the style in place.
Top Knot Chic
The top knot chic is a high, sleek bun that is both stylish and practical for vacation. This hairstyle keeps your hair off your face and neck, making it perfect for hot weather or active days. It suits all hair types and lengths, particularly medium to long hair.
To create a top knot chic, gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins and smooth any flyaways with a hair gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel. For a polished finish, use a shine spray like Bed Head by TIGI Headrush Shine Hairspray.
Seaside Sleekness
Seaside sleekness is a smooth and polished hairstyle perfect for those who prefer a more refined look on vacation. This style works well for straight hair and can be easily achieved with a flat iron. It’s ideal for both day and night activities, adding a touch of elegance to your beachwear.
To achieve seaside sleekness, apply a heat protectant like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to your hair. Use a flat iron to smooth out any waves or curls. Finish with a light hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep your hair sleek and frizz-free.
Twisty Turban
The twisty turban is a stylish and protective hairstyle that combines the elegance of a turban with the functionality of a headwrap. This style is perfect for protecting your hair from the sun and adds a bold fashion statement to any outfit. It’s ideal for all hair types and lengths.
To create a twisty turban, start with a large, rectangular scarf. Place the scarf at the back of your head, bring the ends to the front, and twist them together. Wrap the twisted ends around your head and tuck them in securely. For added protection and moisture, apply a leave-in conditioner like SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner before wrapping.
Wavy Side Braid
The wavy side braid is a romantic and relaxed hairstyle perfect for a beach day or a casual outing. This style combines loose waves with a side braid, creating a bohemian and carefree look. It suits all hair types, especially those with wavy or curly hair.
To create a wavy side braid, start by adding loose waves to your hair with a curling iron or wand. Gather your hair to one side and braid it loosely, securing the end with an elastic band. For a more relaxed look, pull out a few strands around your face. Use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to add volume and hold.
Pool Party Pixie
The pool party pixie is a short and chic hairstyle perfect for a carefree vacation. This low-maintenance style is ideal for those with short hair, offering a fresh and edgy look that’s easy to manage. It’s perfect for poolside parties and beach outings.
To style a pool party pixie, use a texturizing product like Redken Rewind 06 Pliable Styling Paste to add definition and hold. For added shine and protection, apply a light mist of Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shine Spray. This style requires minimal effort, making it a quick and easy option for vacation.
These 39 vacation hairstyles offer a variety of options to suit every hair type and personal style, ensuring you look your best on your next holiday. From beachy waves to tropical twists, each hairstyle is designed to be quick, easy, and perfect for summer adventures. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your favorite vacation hairstyle ideas!
