25 Effortless Beach Day Hairstyles You Need to Try This Summer

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Heading to the beach and worried about your hair? Finding the perfect beach day hairstyle is key to enjoying the sun, sand, and surf without constantly battling unruly locks. Whether you’re dealing with wind, saltwater, or just want to look cute in your beach selfies, there are plenty of easy and stylish options.

From chic braided ponytails that keep hair neat and out of your face to fun space buns and practical cornrows, there’s something for every hair type and preference. Don’t forget to bring a good leave-in conditioner to protect your hair from sun damage and keep it hydrated throughout the day. Try a new style and see which one keeps you feeling cool and looking fabulous!

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Woman with medium to long hair styled in beach-ready braids wearing a sun hat

#1 Beach-Ready Braids with a Sun Hat

These beach-ready braids paired with a sun hat offer a practical and stylish solution for sunny days. Ideal for medium to long hair, this look suits a variety of hair types and face shapes, especially oval and heart. The soft waves framing the face add a touch of femininity, while the braids keep your hair tangle-free in the wind. The sun hat not only protects your hair and skin from UV rays but also completes the effortless beach vibe. This style is perfect for a carefree, relaxed day by the sea.

Woman with long straight hair styled with trendy money piece braids for a beach day

#2 Trendy Money Piece Braids for Beach Days

These trendy money piece braids are a chic addition to long, straight hair, perfect for a stylish beach day look. The face-framing braids highlight your features while keeping your hair out of your face, making it ideal for those with fine to medium hair density. The braids also add a touch of bohemian flair, and the contrast against the blonde highlights can give your hair a fresh, youthful appearance. This style works best on oval and heart-shaped faces. A minor drawback is that it may require frequent touch-ups to keep the braids neat and tidy.

Woman with medium hair styled in a chic loose messy bun, perfect for a beach day

#3 Chic Loose Messy Bun for a Beach Day

This chic loose messy bun is the perfect updo for a carefree beach day. It suits medium to thick hair and provides an effortlessly stylish look while keeping your hair off your face and neck. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, this hairstyle adds a playful touch with its wispy strands framing the face. The loose structure can be easily achieved by gathering your hair into a high bun and pulling out a few strands for a relaxed finish. A great choice if you’re looking for an easy, breezy style that still looks put together.

Woman with long hair styled in effortless beach waves with subtle highlights

#4 Effortless Beach Waves with Subtle Highlights

These effortless beach waves are perfect for adding texture and movement to long hair. Ideal for medium to thick hair types, this style features soft, natural waves that complement heart and oval face shapes beautifully. The subtle blonde highlights create a sun-kissed look, enhancing your hair’s dimension and giving it a natural glow. While this style is perfect for a relaxed beach day, it does require some maintenance to keep the waves defined and frizz-free. For a more defined wave, consider using a sea salt spray or light mousse.

Elegant slicked bun for a beach day with a polished finish

#5 Elegant Slicked Bun for a Beach Day

This elegant slicked bun is perfect for a beach day, offering a chic and practical style that keeps hair off your neck and face. The sleek finish provides a polished look, making it ideal for fine to medium hair density. This style suits various face shapes and is great for managing hair in windy or humid conditions. To achieve this look, use a strong-hold gel or serum to smooth the hair and secure the bun tightly. It’s a sophisticated and easy-to-maintain style perfect for warm weather.

Effortless beachy ponytail for long hair with loose waves

#6 Effortless Beachy Ponytail for Long Hair

This effortless beachy ponytail is perfect for long hair, offering a relaxed and stylish look ideal for a day by the ocean. The high ponytail adds volume and movement, while the loose waves provide a casual, beachy vibe. Suitable for medium to thick hair density, this style works well with oval and heart-shaped faces. To achieve this look, use a curling iron for soft waves and a light texturizing spray to enhance the natural texture. It’s a chic and easy style that’s perfect for warm weather.

Chic short hair with scarf for a beach day

#7 Chic Short Hair with Scarf for a Beach Day

This chic short hair look with a scarf is perfect for a beach day, adding a stylish and practical touch to your summer outfit. The colorful scarf keeps hair off your face and adds a playful element to your look, while the short, wavy hair provides a relaxed vibe. Ideal for fine to medium hair density, this style suits various face shapes and is great for managing hair in windy conditions. To achieve this look, use a texturizing spray for volume and secure the scarf with a simple knot.

Cute braided crown for short hair with loose waves

#8 Cute Braided Crown for Short Hair

This cute braided crown is perfect for short hair, adding a whimsical touch to your look. The loose waves give volume and texture, while the braid across the top creates a playful, feminine style. Ideal for fine to medium hair density, this look suits oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s great for a casual day out or a summer event. To achieve this style, use a curling iron for soft waves and a light hold hairspray to keep the braid in place and minimize frizz.

Easy half up half down ponytail with loose waves for a night out

#9 Easy Half Up Half Down Ponytail for a Night Out

This easy half up half down ponytail is perfect for a night out, combining simplicity with a touch of glamour. The high ponytail adds height and volume, while the loose waves cascade down, offering a relaxed yet polished look. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this style suits oval and heart-shaped faces. To achieve this look, use a curling iron for soft waves and a light hairspray for hold. It’s a versatile and chic style that’s effortless to create and maintain throughout the evening.

Easy twisted low bun for a beach day with elegant twists

#10 Easy Twisted Low Bun for a Beach Day

This easy twisted low bun is perfect for a beach day, combining simplicity and elegance while keeping your hair off your neck. The twisted sections add a touch of detail, making this style look more intricate than it is. Ideal for fine to medium hair, this low bun suits various face shapes and is great for managing hair in humid conditions. To achieve this look, start with slightly damp hair and use a light hold gel to keep the twists in place and minimize frizz.

Trendy braided half-up bun for a party with loose waves

#11 Trendy Braided Half-Up Bun for a Party

This trendy braided half-up bun is perfect for a party, combining intricate braids with a stylish top bun. The dual braids add a touch of elegance and keep hair out of your face, while the loose waves provide a relaxed vibe. This look is ideal for medium to thick hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces. To achieve this style, start with clean, dry hair and use a texturizing spray for volume and hold. It’s a chic yet playful look that’s sure to turn heads at any event.

Simple half-up braid for beach waves with natural texture

#12 Simple Half-Up Braid for Beach Waves

This simple half-up braid is perfect for enhancing beach waves, offering a stylish yet effortless look. The loose braid adds a touch of detail without taking away from the natural texture of the waves, making it ideal for fine to medium hair density. This style suits various face shapes and keeps hair away from the face, perfect for a beach day. Use a light texturizing spray to define the waves and provide some hold for the braid, ensuring it stays in place throughout the day.

Sleek high ponytail for straight hair with a polished look

#13 Sleek High Ponytail for Straight Hair

This sleek high ponytail is perfect for straight hair, offering a polished and effortless look ideal for beach days. The high placement of the ponytail gives a youthful and sporty vibe, while keeping hair off your face and neck. Best suited for fine to medium hair density, this style works well with oval and heart-shaped faces. To achieve this look, use a smoothing serum to tame flyaways and keep the hair sleek and shiny. It’s a simple yet chic style that’s easy to maintain throughout the day.

Natural curly hair for a relaxed vacation look with defined curls

#14 Natural Curly Hair for a Relaxed Vacation Look

This natural curly hairstyle is perfect for a relaxed vacation look, offering effortless beauty and ease. The defined curls provide volume and texture, making it ideal for medium to thick hair. This style suits various face shapes, enhancing your natural features while keeping maintenance minimal. The curls are great for a humid climate, but to keep them frizz-free, use a hydrating curl cream and avoid over-handling your hair. It’s an easy, breezy style that’s perfect for vacation vibes.

Loose French braid for a casual day out with soft, loose strands

#15 Loose French Braid for a Casual Day Out

This loose French braid is a fantastic choice for a casual day out, combining elegance with ease. The relaxed braiding technique adds texture and volume, making it perfect for medium to thick hair. This style suits oval and heart-shaped faces, beautifully framing the face with soft, loose strands. It’s practical for keeping hair off your neck while still looking stylish. To achieve this look, start with clean, dry hair and use a light texturizing spray for added grip and hold.

Braided updo for a beach day with intricate braids

#16 Braided Updo for a Beach Day

This braided updo is a stunning choice for a beach day, offering both style and practicality. The intricate braiding adds a touch of elegance while keeping your hair secure and off your neck. Perfect for medium to thick hair, this updo works well with various face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s ideal for hot weather, keeping you cool and looking polished. Use a strong-hold hairspray to maintain the style and keep flyaways at bay.

High half-up bun box braids for Black women with thick hair

#17 High Half-Up Bun Box Braids for Black Women

This high half-up bun with box braids is a stunning and practical style for Black women, combining elegance and convenience. The neatly braided sections offer a low-maintenance option while protecting natural hair. The high bun adds height and keeps hair off your face, making it perfect for warm weather. This style works best for thick hair and suits various face shapes. To keep the braids looking fresh and the scalp moisturized, apply a light oil regularly.

Elegant side braid for thick hair with intricate braiding

#18 Elegant Side Braid for Thick Hair

This elegant side braid is perfect for thick hair, offering a polished yet effortless look. The intricate braid keeps thick hair neatly in place while showcasing its natural volume. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, this style helps manage dense hair, making it a practical option for both casual and formal occasions. The braid also keeps hair off your neck, which is great for warmer weather. To achieve this look, use a smoothing serum to tame flyaways and enhance the braid’s sleek finish.

Playful space buns for coily hair with defined curls

#19 Playful Space Buns for Coily Hair

These playful space buns are perfect for coily hair, offering a fun and trendy look while keeping your curls under control. The high buns add a touch of whimsy and are great for showing off your natural texture. This style is best for medium to thick hair density and suits round and heart-shaped faces beautifully. The space buns help manage volume and keep hair off your neck, making it a cool option for hot weather. Use a hydrating gel or cream to define your coils and keep them frizz-free.

High half-up bun for curly hair with loose cascading curls

#20 High Half-Up Bun for Curly Hair

This high half-up bun is a stylish option for curly hair, combining practicality with a chic look. The top bun adds height and keeps hair off your face, while the loose curls cascade down, showcasing your natural texture. This style works wonderfully for medium to thick hair density and is especially flattering for round and heart-shaped faces. The high bun helps manage volume and frizz, making it ideal for hot and humid weather. Use a curl-enhancing cream to define the curls and maintain their bounce.

Boho braided waves for thin hair with loose side braid

#21 Boho Braided Waves for Thin Hair

This boho braided wave style is ideal for thin hair, offering a beautiful blend of texture and volume. The loose waves add fullness and movement, while the delicate side braid provides a chic, bohemian touch. Perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces, this style keeps hair looking thick and lush. The braid also helps keep hair out of your face, making it practical for active days. To maintain the waves and prevent frizz, use a light mousse or texturizing spray for added hold and definition.

Half-up braided waves for medium hair with loose waves

#22 Half-Up Braided Waves for Medium Hair

This half-up braided wave style is perfect for medium hair, blending elegance with a relaxed beach look. The loose waves add volume and texture, making it ideal for fine to medium hair density. The braided sections pull the hair away from the face, highlighting your features and adding a playful touch. This style suits round and oval face shapes well. It’s easy to manage and great for keeping hair off your face in warmer weather, but the braids can loosen with activity, so be prepared for touch-ups.

Chic beachy waves for short hair with light tousled bangs

#23 Chic Beachy Waves for Short Hair

This chic beachy wave style is perfect for short hair, giving you a relaxed, yet polished look ideal for a day by the ocean. The soft waves add texture and volume, making it a great option for fine to medium hair density. The light, tousled bangs frame the face beautifully, especially for oval and heart-shaped faces. This style is easy to maintain but can be prone to frizz in humid conditions. Use a lightweight texturizing spray to keep the waves defined and reduce flyaways.

Effortless beach waves for long hair with natural texture

#24 Effortless Beach Waves for Long Hair

This effortless beach wave look is perfect for long hair, especially if you have naturally wavy or curly hair. The loose, tousled waves give a relaxed, beachy vibe that’s great for summer days. This style works well with medium to thick hair density and is ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces. The natural texture adds volume and movement, but keep in mind that it can get frizzy in humid conditions. A lightweight sea salt spray can help enhance the waves and keep them defined.

Romantic half-up braided style for wavy hair with loose waves

#25 Romantic Half-Up Braided Style for Wavy Hair

This romantic half-up braided style is perfect for wavy hair, adding a touch of elegance to your natural texture. The loose waves create a soft, voluminous look, while the intricate braids add a sophisticated touch. Ideal for medium to thick hair density, this style suits oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully. It’s great for keeping hair off your face while showcasing your waves. To enhance the waves and keep frizz at bay, use a lightweight curl-defining cream and a bit of hairspray for hold.