20 Perfect Pool Hairstyles That Are Cute & Practical in 2025

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

When you’re ready to dive into summer fun, finding the perfect pool hairstyle is key to keeping your hair manageable and protected. Whether you’re doing laps or lounging on a float, the right hairstyle can save you from tangles and chlorine damage. A slicked-back bun is ideal for keeping hair out of the way and can be enhanced with a little hair oil to protect it from chlorine and sun damage.

For those who prefer braids, a Dutch braid leading into a ponytail is both stylish and secure, ensuring your hair stays put. Don’t forget to wet your hair before swimming to minimize chlorine absorption, and always rinse immediately after.

Explore these easy pool hairstyles and enjoy your summer splash without the stress!

Photos
Woman with a classic French braid, wearing a white top

#1 Classic French Braid for Poolside Relaxation

The classic French braid is a go-to for poolside relaxation. Starting at the crown and working down to the ends, this braid is great for medium to long hair with medium density. It keeps hair neatly contained, reducing tangles and promoting even drying. However, those with very thick hair may need to use extra product to keep it smooth and secure.

Smiling woman with braided double buns, wearing hoop earrings

#2 Playful Double Buns for Poolside Fun

These playful double buns are created by braiding the hair and wrapping it into two buns on top of the head. Perfect for medium length hair with medium density, this style keeps hair secure and out of the way, ideal for swimming and playing in the water. However, it may require extra pins for those with thicker hair to ensure they stay put.

Woman with double Dutch braids, wearing a floral swimsuit

#3 Double Dutch Braids for Poolside Adventure

These double Dutch braids are great for an adventurous day by the pool. Starting at the crown and extending down, the braids keep hair tightly secured and tangle-free. Perfect for medium to long hair with medium to thick density, this style stays in place during active pool activities. It might be challenging to braid very fine hair without extra product.

Woman with an elegant low bun, wearing a brown swimsuit

#4 Elegant Low Bun for Poolside Serenity

This elegant low bun is perfect for a serene day by the pool. The hair is smoothly pulled back and twisted into a low bun, offering a sophisticated and neat appearance. Ideal for medium to long hair with medium density, this style keeps hair off the neck and out of the way. It may require some pins for those with thicker hair to stay secure

Woman with bangs and a chic headband, wearing gold jewelry and a pink top

#5 Chic Headband with Bangs for Poolside Glam

This look features a chic headband paired with bangs, offering a glamorous yet practical poolside style. The headband keeps hair back, preventing it from falling into the face, while the bangs add a touch of style. Perfect for short to medium hair lengths, this look is easy to achieve and maintain but may not be ideal for very thick hair without additional securing products.

Woman with sleek short hair, wearing a black swimsuit by the pool

#6 Sleek Short Cut for Effortless Poolside Style

This sleek short cut is perfect for a low-maintenance, stylish poolside look. The hair is neatly combed back, providing a clean and modern appearance. Ideal for short hair with fine to medium density, this style dries quickly and requires minimal effort. However, it may not offer much versatility for different looks.

Girl with double buns, wearing a blue swimsuit by the pool

#7 Adorable Double Buns for Kids’ Pool Play

These adorable double buns are perfect for kids enjoying a day at the pool. The hair is divided into two sections and twisted into buns on top of the head, keeping hair secure and out of the face. Great for fine to medium hair, this style is playful and easy to manage, but may need extra pins for thicker hair

Woman with a high ponytail, wearing a red swimsuit

#8 High Ponytail for Active Pool Days

A high ponytail is a simple yet effective style for active days at the pool. This look is great for medium to long hair with medium to thick density, keeping hair off the neck and out of the face. It’s easy to create and maintain but may require a stronger hair tie for those with very thick hair.

Woman with an intricate French fishtail braid, wearing a striped top

#9 Intricate French Fishtail Braid

The intricate French fishtail braid is a beautiful and practical option for pool days. Starting at the crown and working down, this braid is perfect for medium to long hair with medium to thick density. It keeps hair neatly contained and reduces tangling, though it may require some practice to achieve the perfect weave.

Woman with cornrows styled into a low bun, wearing a swimsuit by the pool

#10 Cornrows with Low Bun for Ultimate Pool Protection

These cornrows lead into a low bun, making them perfect for swimming. The style keeps hair tightly secured, minimizing damage from chlorine and reducing tangling. Ideal for all hair types, especially for those with thick or curly hair, this look is low-maintenance and protects natural hair well. However, it requires precision and patience to create and maintain.

Woman with a crown braid updo, wearing a white top by the pool

#11 Crown Braid Updo for Poolside Elegance

This crown braid updo is both elegant and functional for poolside lounging. The braid wraps around the head, keeping hair out of the face and off the neck. Ideal for medium to long hair with medium to thick density, this style offers a chic look but may require extra pins for those with finer hair to keep it secure.

Woman with a high bun, wearing a black swimsuit

#12 High Bun for Effortless Poolside Style

This high bun is a quick and stylish way to keep hair up and out of the way by the pool. Perfect for medium to long hair with medium density, the bun is twisted and secured high on the head. It’s easy to style and maintain, although those with very fine hair may need extra pins or product for hold.

Girl with double French braids, wearing a blue top with lace trim

#13 Double French Braids for Active Swimmers

These double French braids are perfect for keeping hair secure and tangle-free while swimming. The braids start at the crown and combine into one at the nape, making them great for medium to long hair with medium density. They stay in place during vigorous activity, but can be challenging to maintain for those with very thick or very fine hair.

Woman with a messy top knot, wearing a patterned top by the pool

#14 Messy Top Knot for Easy Poolside Chic

This messy top knot is an effortless and chic option for the pool. The hair is casually twisted into a high knot, providing a relaxed and trendy look. Ideal for medium to long hair with medium density, this style is quick to achieve and maintains a laid-back vibe. It may require additional securing for very fine or thick hair.

Woman with braided space buns, wearing a black mesh top

#15 Space Buns for Swimming

These playful space buns are created by braiding the hair into two sections and then wrapping each braid into a bun. Ideal for medium-length hair with medium density, this style keeps hair secure and out of the way, perfect for swimming. The buns add a cute and trendy touch, but they might require extra pins or elastics for those with thicker hair to ensure they stay put.

Woman with blonde Dutch braids at the beach, wearing a black swimsuit

#16 Blonde Dutch Braids for Pool Days

These double Dutch braids are ideal for a day by the pool. The braids start tightly at the scalp and extend down, making them perfect for keeping your hair in place and tangle-free while swimming. Suitable for medium to long hair with medium to thick density, these braids offer a fun, sporty look. However, those with very fine hair may find it challenging to maintain the braid’s integrity throughout the day.

Woman with medium length hair in a chic low bun, wearing a hat and white top

#17 Chic Low Bun for Swimming

This chic low bun is perfect for a swim day. The hair is neatly gathered at the nape of the neck and twisted into a secure bun, ideal for keeping hair out of your face while swimming. This style works well for medium to long hair with medium density. It’s easy to tuck under a swim cap, and the simplicity means it dries quickly after a dip. However, it may not hold up for those with very fine or extremely thick hair without extra pins or a stronger hold product.

Girl with a braided bun, wearing a colorful swimsuit

#18 Braided Bun for Secure Swimming

This braided bun combines practicality and style, ideal for swimming. The hair is woven into a braid and then coiled into a bun at the back, perfect for keeping hair out of your face and tangle-free. Best for medium length to long hair with medium density, this style may require extra pins for those with very fine or extremely thick hair to ensure it stays in place.

Woman with a braided ponytail, wearing a white top

#19 Braided Ponytail for Poolside Ease

This braided ponytail combines ease and style, making it great for poolside relaxation. The braid starts at the crown and transitions into a ponytail, keeping hair off the neck and reducing tangling. Suitable for medium to long hair with medium density, this look is simple yet effective, although those with very fine hair may need a strong hair tie for hold.

Woman with a high braided bun, wearing a colorful bikini by the pool

#20 High Braided Bun for Poolside Comfort

This high braided bun is both stylish and practical for poolside lounging. Braids are gathered and twisted into a high bun, keeping hair neatly in place. Great for medium to thick hair, this style reduces tangling and dries quickly. It may not be suitable for very fine hair without additional securing products.