12 Summer Hairstyles That’ll Keep You Cool & Looking Cute
Few things ruin a summer day faster than stepping outside with a fresh hairstyle—only to have it instantly melt into a sweaty, sticky mess. That’s why the best summer hairstyles aren’t just cute—they’re functional. When temps rise, you need looks that can keep you cool and pulled together.
Whether you're shedding your winter layers and ready to go full glam, or just want to look good while staying chill, we’ve got you covered. We’re breaking down the top trending summer hairstyles for 2025—because yes, it’s closer than you think. From festival-ready updos to office-friendly buns, these 12 chic, efficient, and heatwave-proof hairstyles are perfect for whatever your summer has in store.
1. Updated ’90s Bun for Summer
No one leads a trend like Paris Hilton, and this flowy, messy bun is like if that ’90s-era bun got a little upgrade. Hilton’s topknot has thicker front pieces that frame the face and allow for a glam moment by being perfectly coiffed and waved around the eyes. Instead of looking like a top knot, the top bun looks uniform and full, allowing for a more elegant take on this decades-old hairstyle.
2. Braided Bun Summer Hairstyles
If you want to see what’s going to be trending for summer 2025 (so long, brat summer), we’d pay close attention to Doechii. She not only cleaned out this year’s Grammy Awards, but her impressive nail art, hairstyles, and makeup looks have been absolutely fire. If you like being able to throw your hair up at a moment’s notice, consider getting micro braids for summer. They easily pull back into the perfect, effortlessly chic bun, as evident by Doechii on the red carpet.
3. Goddess Summer Updo
The key to nailing this style is looking like you just stepped out of a Grecian fairytale, à la Christina Aguilera. And the good news is, you can do this with any hair length. Section half of your hair in the middle, and pull the top half back into an elastic. Secure any flyaways with a lightweight serum (we love the easy-to-use wand of INH Hair’s Quick Slick). Then, wrap the ponytail you tied back around the base of the elastic a few times, and secure it with bobby pins to create a bun. From there, curl any remaining hair and spray with a beach waving spray.
4. Summer Bob Hairstyle
One of the chicest, no-fuss hairstyles for summer is to chop it all off into a bob that lands just below the ears, like Lily Collins’ seen above. Summer is the perfect time for a haircut refresh, and this style is easy to maintain, even as it grows out.
5. Waterfall Bun Summer Hairstyle
If the messy bun just isn’t for you, take a page out of Kendall Jenner’s book and craft a bun that has nary a flyaway to be seen! After pulling your hair back into a ponytail (we recommend tying it off at eye level), wrap another elastic around the base of the ponytail, and on your last wrap around, only pull the top few inches of your length through the tie. This will create a tucked-in effect with the loose pony. Secure any extra pieces with pins and hairspray endlessly to keep it in place. This will probably work better with a medium haircut, like Kendall has, but you can adjust the size of your bun as needed. For hairspray that’ll lock any style in place, we’re fans of the LABEL M Hairspray, which also has UV blockers.
6. Summer Ribbon Braids
Summer is the time to have a little fun with your looks. Slab on extra glitter, try something new, and dabble in accessories, like musician Sailorr, who added ribbons to her braids. Grab some affordable craft ribbon at any store that sells fabrics, put your hair into your favorite braided style, and thread ribbon through the braids as you see fit.
7. The Modern Pixie for Summer
Everything from the contrasting roots to the razored edges of Delilah Belle Hamlin’s hairstyle says ‘It Girl.’ If you already have short hair, rough up the edges with a razor blade (being very careful of course—you might want to leave this part to the professionals). Instead of pixie cuts of the past that have short pieces all over, this one has its longest pieces just above the ear, and has a shaggy look across the nape of the neck. It’s perfect for staving off heat waves or for the moshpit at your favorite band’s show.
8. Pinned Back Waves for Summer
Don’t have time for a full style? Who does? In the summer, you’re stacking up plans longer than your to-do list! To preserve the blowout or curls you did earlier in the week, and add a chic hair clip, like musician/model Gabbriette. Just pull back the hair that’s sticking to your forehead sweat (IYKYK), and secure it with a few flower clips. Feel free to leave a few pieces out in the front as you wish, or pull everything back for an effortless look that’ll keep hair out of your eyes.
9. Space Buns Summer Hairstyles
Soo Joo Park knows the early 2000s are officially back. There’s no better way to embrace the resurgence of early aughts trends than sporting one of the era's quintessential hairstyles this summer. These quirky space buns are so easy to execute. All you'll need is a comb, two hair ties, a handful of bobby pins, and a touch of hairspray (the MARC ANTHONY Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray is one of our personal faves for its ability to boost hydration and give a flexible hold). You can even add some summer sparkle by spraying them with hair glitter or adorning them with rhinestone clips and pins.
10. Bubble Ponytail for Summer
To replicate Tessa Thompson’s bubble ponytail, pull your hair up and back into a high ponytail, then slick back the sides with a flexible hair gel, like the COLOR WOW HAIR Pop + Lock Frizz Control and Glossing Serum to tame any flyaways. Then, using clear elastics, "bubble up" the hair in the ponytail by placing the rubber bands an equal distance apart from each other, tugging each section slightly once they're in place to boost volume and give the ponytail some movement.
11. Piecey Summertime Bangs
Because it’s just too hot for full bangs, amirite? Musician Lisa absolutely nails the piecey bangs look. Before your bangs have a chance to get sweaty and greasy, coat them in crunchy gel or hairspray, and divide the bangs into a few chunky pieces. Another helpful hack is to pin bangs out of your face as they’re wet and have them dry in a soft part. This will keep them from sticking to your head, and allow you to piece just a few bangs at the center of your forehead while most of them stay out of the way.
12. Wrapped Up Summer Hairstyle
Not sure how to step up your style? Stylist June Ambrose can serve as your forever inspo. Just grab a patterned scarf, and you've got endless hairstyle options. Sculpt it around your hair like Ambrose, sport it in the style of a classic bandana, or try rolling it into a skinny strand and tying it around a bun. You can even rock like a headband. Pair this look with some statement-making earrings and a cool pair of sunnies, and you've just mastered the epitome of summer chic.