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15 Easy Beach Hairstyles to Try This Summer
Updated on April 2, 2026 | 4 min read
Jaclyn LaBadia, Davines Writer
If you're looking for some summer hair looks to keep you cool at the shore, get ready to be inspired. We put together a definitive list of the chicest, easiest beach hairstyles for summer. And the best part? You don't have to be on vacation to pull them off.
Key Takeaways
Cute and Practical Summer Hairstyles
- The best beach hairstyles are easy, low-maintenance, and protective.
- Keep hair frizz-free and tangle-free in sun, wind, and saltwater with updos and hair products.
- Braids, messy buns, space buns, and ponytails are ideal for keeping strands secure while looking stylish.
- Use protective hair accessories like hats, scarves, or headbands to help protect hair at the beach from UV rays.
- For an effortless, vacation-ready look, try heatless beach waves with braids or a sea salt spray to enhance natural texture.
- Incorporate summer hair care tips like using a UV-protectants or hydrating shampoo to prevent dryness, color fade, and breakage.
In This Article
Popular Beach Hairstyles
Effortless Beach Waves
Space Buns
Braided Ponytail
Messy Updo
Scarf Bun
Slicked Back Style
Headband Hairstyle
Sun Hat Combo
Mermaid Waves
Claw-Clip Hairstyle
Half-Up, Half-Down
Air-Dried Center Part
High Wispy Pony
Twisted Pigtails
Baseball Cap Style
Best Beach Hairstyles for Your Next Vacation
FAQs
Popular Beach Hairstyles
Days spent at the beach call for hair looks that can stand up to things like sun, surf, sweat and wind. Styles that minimize tangles, reduce sun and saltwater damage and keep your strands off your neck and out of your face. And that's where we come in. These easy beach hairstyles are low-maintenance, effortlessly put-together and undeniably cool. Keep reading for the hairstyles to try your next day in the sun.
Effortless Beach Waves
Beach wave hairstyles are undone and natural, mimicking hair dried by the sun, wind and sea. So what better place for them than the beach? Lean into the gritty, tousled texture you’re bound to get anyway with these effortless ocean waves. Start with damp hair and a sun-protecting leave-in, then divide your hair into several sections, braiding each. Keep in mind that bigger braids will give you looser waves, while smaller ones will be tighter. Let your hair dry completely before unraveling and raking through with your fingers.
Space Buns
A fun beachy twist on a classic bun, space buns keep your hair out of your face and frizz-free and work well on all hair types. Split your hair into two even sections with a middle part, and brush each section into two mini buns. Use hair spray to hold the style in place.
Braided Ponytail
When it comes to the best beach hairstyles for long hair, nothing beats beach braids. And this season it's all about the braided pony. It's a classic style perfect for protecting longer strands from sun and salt damage, plus it keeps them out of the way so you can enjoy your day at the beach. Brush your hair into a high ponytail and braid, securing the end with a hair tie.
Messy Updo
A messy updo screams vacation vibes so give it a go on your next trip to the beach. Gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height. Twist the pony tightly, wrapping it around the base to form a bun. Secure it with a hair tie or some bobby pins and pull out some strands around your face for a more tousled look. Spritz your updo with sea salt spray for added texture.
Scarf Bun
A scarf bun is the perfect beach hairstyle solution. It’s a practical way to keep your hair up while looking chic, chic, chic. It works especially well for a windy beach day, keeping flyaways out of your face. Just throw your hair into a high bun and wrap a beachy scarf around it.
Mermaid Waves
Another perfect hairstyle for a day at the beach is mermaid waves. And these are so easy to style, just use a three-barrel hair waver and wave your hair in layers, alternating direction to create volume and dimension.
Slicked Back Style
Of all the easy summer hairstyles, slicking your hair back might be the easiest. A minimalist beach style perfect for every length and texture, slicked back strands are resort-chic. To slick your hair back, apply a hair oil to damp or dry hair, and comb it back. For an even sleeker look use a fine-toothed comb and hair gel in addition to the oil.
Headband Hairstyle
From padded to knotted, tortoiseshell, metallic and silk, headbands are a must-have accessory for summer beach days. And this is another style that couldn’t be easier to pull off. Just put the headband on at your hairline and push it back. Keep your strands loose in the back or style them into a low bun or ponytail.
Sun Hat Combo
This is the perfect look for a summer music festival, or anytime you plan to spend hours in the sun, really. And this boho look pairs perfectly with a pair of fishtail pigtails. Part your hair down the middle in two equal sections and fishtail braid each side. Not sure how? Learn how to fishtail braid from our hair experts!
Claw-Clip Hairstyle
Another hair accessory having a major moment for summer is the claw clip. It’s incredibly chic and adds an effortless vibe, while being practical. A claw clip is perfect for throwing curly hair up on the beach to keep frizz and flyaways out of your face. Run a curl cream through your hair before gathering it into a loose bun, secured by the clip. Let some curls fall from the clip to frame your face for an extra beachy look.
Air-Dried Center Part
If you’ve got short hair, try a simple wash and go style the next time you hit the beach. Use our messy waves set to wash and condition your hair, then apply a styler and let it air-dry to show off any natural texture. Finish with a center part.
Half-Up, Half-Down
Not sure if you want to wear your beach hair up or down? Do both with a half-up, half-down style. Split your hair in half where the top of your ears meet your head, pulling the top half into a high pony. Tease the base for volume.
High Wispy Pony
This simple beachy updo keeps your hair pulled together and out of your face, while still looking classic. Brush through your hair and pull it up into a high ponytail with an elastic as loosely or tightly as you like.
Twisted Pigtails
Twisted pigtails are a fun and practical style for the beach, keeping your hair out of your face while looking cool. Start with clean, dry hair and divide it down the middle into two equal sections. Take one section and twist it tightly away from your face, adding new hair to the twist as you go. Use a hair tie to hold the twisted section in place, and repeat on the other side.
Baseball Cap Style
A classic baseball cap is the solution when you’re not sure what to do with your strands on the beach. It helps you hide a bad hair day, keeps your hair and face hidden away from sun damage and hides frizz and flyaways.
Best Beach Hairstyles for Your Next Vacation
When it comes to vacation hairstyles, in addition to looking cute, keeping your strands safe in the sun is a priority. The sun's UV rays can cause significant damage to your hair, weakening its structure, fading its color and ultimately leading to breakage. So it's important to protect your hair when you’re in the sun, just like you do with your skin. Our hair products with spf are formulated with the highest quality natural antioxidants to shield your hair from the sun’s damaging rays and keep your hair healthy all summer long.
FAQs
How should you wear your hair to the beach?
Wear your beach hair in styles that keep it out of your face and reduce tangles, like braids, buns and ponytails, or consider using a wide-brimmed hat or bandana for protection.
How to do easy beach wave hair?
A few different methods can help you create easy beach waves, including using a curling iron or wand, braiding or twisting damp hair and letting it dry overnight, using texturizing hair products, or using a headband to wrap your hair.
What is the best hair style for the beach?
The best hairstyle for the beach is something practical enough to keep your hair out of your face, while being resilient to elements. Think braids, ponytails or buns, and accessories like scarves, headbands, and baseball caps.
How to mimic beach hair?
Using styling products like sea salt spray, curl cream, texture spray or mousse can help you mimic beach hair.
How to get beach waves hair without a straightener?
For beach waves without a straightener, try a heatless hack like braids. Braid your hair into several little braids while damp. Leave them in until your hair is completely dry before unraveling.
Need a Little Extra Care?
Visit your local Davines salon for personalized color, treatments, and care.
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