Summer hairstyles should feel light, easy, and stay in place.
When it’s hot out, I don’t want to spend a lot of time styling my hair or using heat tools.
These simple summer hairstyle ideas work for all kinds of hair days; from clean and styled to slightly messy and natural.
Whether I’m heading out to meet friends, running errands, or just staying cool indoors, I pick from this list of braids, buns, and pigtails.
These looks are easy to copy and feel right for the season.
If you need new summer hair inspo, this list will give you fresh ideas.
15 Cute Summer Hairstyles That Will Keep You Cool and Look Effortless
1. Loose French Braids + Center Part
I kept it simple with two loose French braids that fall over my shoulders.
They feel light and easy, especially on warm days.
I parted my hair down the middle and let a few strands frame my face.
It’s a low-effort style that still looks neat.
2. Half Braid Ponytail + Soft Ends
For this look, I pulled half of my hair into a loose ponytail and gave it one soft braid.
The ends stayed out, which gave it a relaxed feel.
It’s quick and doesn’t pull too tight.
I wear this when I want something that keeps my hair back but still feels light.
3. Messy Bun + Bandana Tie
I gathered my hair into a messy bun and secured it with a bandana.
The bandana helps hold everything in place and adds a bit of color.
I left the sides loose with a side part.
It’s my go-to for days when I don’t feel like doing much but still want it off my neck.
4. Crown Braids + Tidy Sides
I braided my hair into two French braids and wrapped them across the top of my head like a crown.
It looks more polished than it feels.
The style stays in place, even in the heat.
I like it for long summer days when I don’t want to think about my hair.
5. Double French Braids + Bun Finish
I started with two regular French braids and tucked the ends into a low bun at the back.
It looks put together without much effort.
A few strands fell loose, but I didn’t mind.
This one keeps everything off my neck and feels light.
6. Folded Braided Pigtails + Side Part
I did two loose braids and folded each into a low pigtail.
I used simple ties to keep them in place.
The style feels playful but still works for warm days.
I wore it with a side part to keep it soft around the face.
7. Messy Pigtails + No Fuss
Some days, I just divide my hair into two pigtails and leave them messy.
I don’t brush it too much; just enough to part it.
It works when I’m in a hurry and don’t want heat near my hair.
It’s simple and easy to fix if it comes undone.
8. Tight Braided Pigtails + Clean Lines
I parted my hair straight down the middle and braided each side into tight pigtails.
It gave me a clean, sharp look.
I kept the braids neat all the way down and used clear ties at the ends.
This one holds well, even when it’s windy or humid.
9. Scarf Bun + Side Part
I pulled my hair into a low bun, added a side part, and tied a soft scarf around it.
The scarf helps keep everything together without pins.
It’s a casual style but still feels planned.
I use it when I want my hair up but not stiff.
10. Half Braided Pigtails + Bows
For this, I braided just the top part of my pigtails and tied them off with little ribbon bows.
The rest of the hair falls naturally.
It’s a mix of polished and playful.
I like this one for casual summer days with friends.
11. Bubble Braids + Hair Pins
I made two loose bubble braids and added colorful pins between the sections.
The pins help hold the bubbles in place and give it a fun look.
I don’t braid too tight, so the bubbles stay soft.
This one always gets compliments.
12. Side-Parted Bun + Bandana Tie
I gave myself a low side part and pulled the rest into a messy bun.
I tied it with a long bandana that hangs at the back.
The style looks laid-back but still feels put together.
It’s nice for warm evenings out.
13. Bubble Braids + Flower Clip
I divided my hair into two sections and tied each into bubble braids using clear elastics.
I added one flower clip for a soft touch.
It’s simple but looks fun.
The bubbles stay in place even when I move around.
14. French to Bubble Braid Combo
I started with French braids and then switched to bubble braids at the middle.
I like the mix of tight and loose.
It holds well without pulling.
This one is best when I want something that stays through the day.
15. Half Up Braids + Loose Ends
I parted my hair in the middle and braided just the top half on each side.
The rest of the hair I left down.
It looks casual but feels a little different from just a ponytail.
I wear this one when I’m going out but still want to feel relaxed.
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Conclusion
These summer hairstyles are my go-to picks when I want to look nice without trying too hard.
From braided pigtails to quick buns with a bandana, each style helps me stay cool and feel put together.
I also love that they work on busy days when I don’t have time to style from scratch.
You can switch up the parts, add clips or hair ties, or leave some strands loose to make them your own.
These cute summer hairstyles are easy to wear and easy to repeat.
I keep coming back to them each year, and they never fail.