Temps are finally starting to surge. So you’re probably looking for easy ways to stay cool. (We know we are.) Sure, you can break out the cutoffs and your favorite strappy tank or a flirty summer dress. Or maybe even your new romper. But the best way to avoid overheating is with chill summer hairstyles.
The good news is that you don’t have to just rely on your standard ponytail or basic ballerina bun to beat the heat. You can upgrade your warm-weather look by testing out runway- and celeb-inspired twists on traditional hairdos. From working in old-school accessories like claw clips and comb headbands to doubling up on ‘dos, there are so many options. Not to mention all the new ways to flaunt fancy or even messy top knots.
You’ll be happy to discover that many of these cool summer hairstyles are pretty simple to do. And most don’t take that long to accomplish. So you’ll be able to keep your hair off your neck through the heat wave — and beyond — without breaking a sweat.
See below for 20 head-turning summer hairstyles to keep your cool while looking hot this summer.
[ Next: 25 Twist Hairstyles for When You’re Bored of Braids ]
Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #1
Roll your locks into a middle pony, then secure with an elastic. Tuck the tail under the elastic to create a loop for extra ventilation.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #2
Make a classic low bun super fancy by rolling the ends of your Dutch braid.
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #3
Make your top knot stand out by letting some strands and your baby hairs bring attention to your face.
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #4
Keep strands in check by slipping on a wide headband to punctuate a tousled updo. Keep things casual by favoring some face-framing tendrils.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #5
Slightly twist the strands on one side of your head, then lift the ends and secure them with a barrette behind your ear. Repeat on the other side.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #6
Situate your polished top knot off-center for a sleek yet unexpected twist. Add smoothing serum to your locks, then divide the strands into a ponytail at the temple and another at the crown. Gather the two together in front to form a tight knot.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #7
Give your neck some breathing room by sweeping your locks to the side in a low pony. Let the ear on the tail side peek out for added fashion cred.
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #8
Loosen up a tight bun by twisting and pinning a solitary tendril on one side of your face.
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #9
Break out the claw clips of your youth (if you still have them) and use them to secure your locks for the easiest summer hairstyle ever.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #10
Opt for an upside down French braid. Instead of gathering the top into a ponytail, wrap your locks into a messy bun.
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #11
Try this twist on the classic low pony.
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #12
Put the squeeze on your pony by encasing it in a leather ribbon. Wrap it from the base almost to the end, leaving a bit free for a relaxed finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #13
Who says chignons have to be perfect? Soft roll one side of your hair and don’t be afraid to leave a few strands loose.
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #14
Simply pull your hair into a loop on top of your head. Leave your ends free for a balanced look.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #15
Because two ponies are better than one, especially wrapped up with colorful elastics. Once you’ve fashioned your hair into the ponies, one at the top and one at the bottom, draw loops through the hair ties for this summer hairstyle.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #16
Combine a bun and a braided pony to make passersby do a double take. Bonus points if you make the braid jut out as opposed to lying flush against your scalp (it’ll also keep your neck cooler).
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #17
Attention short-haired ladies: don’t just pull what little hair you have back into a bun. Add a mop of curls up top for an edgy finish a la Kristen Stewart.
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #18
For this summer hairstyle, pile braids at the nape of your neck, but add some volume up top with a mini faux hawk.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #19
Pull your hair back into a tousled bun and rake back your locks in front with a classic zigzag headband.
Image: Imaxtree
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Hairstyles to Keep Cool This Summer #20
For a sleek go-to summer hairstyle, side part your strands, then gather them into a low bun at the nape of your neck.
Image: Imaxtree
