Casual Summer Hairstyles for Women: Stay Cool with Trendy Styles in 2024

Isn’t summer the perfect time to play around with your hair, creating looks that are not only cool but also chic? Whether you’re sipping a cold drink by the beach or just hanging out with friends in the city, the right hairstyle can truly elevate your summer experience.

Wondering which hairstyles fit the bill for this season? Keep reading as we dive into some of the trendiest and most practical summer hairdos that will keep you looking and feeling fresh!

Messy Double Bun: A Casual Chic Statement

The messy double bun, as seen here, is a delightful twist on the classic bun. It’s effortlessly chic, making it perfect for those hot summer days when you want to look put together with minimal effort. The hairstyle involves loosely gathering your long hair into two buns at the top of your head, allowing some strands to fall naturally for that casual, undone look.

This style is especially flattering for women with medium to long hair. It’s easy to pull off and works exceptionally well with thicker hair that has natural volume and texture. However, it might not be the best choice for those with very fine or short hair as the buns might not hold as well.

To maintain this breezy hairstyle, use a light hold texturizing spray to give your locks a slight grip without weighing them down. A product like OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray can add the right amount of volume and texture, keeping your buns looking fabulous all day.

Playful Curly High Bun: Embrace Your Natural Texture

Embracing the natural texture of your curly hair, this high bun is not only practical for beating the summer heat but also highlights the playful side of your personality. This hairstyle gathers all the curls atop your head, allowing the tendrils to playfully escape around the face, enhancing your natural features.

It’s ideal for those with naturally curly hair, from loose waves to tighter curls. This look might challenge those with straight hair, but it can still be achieved with some styling products and a good curling iron.

For upkeep, incorporating a curl-defining cream like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie can help in enhancing and holding your curls, providing moisture and protection against the humid summer air.

Tropical-Inspired Bun: A Breezy Summer Style

This tropical-inspired bun is neatly secured with a stylish hair clip, providing a breezy and chic look perfect for hot summer days. This updo keeps your long hair neatly gathered at the back, offering both comfort and style. It’s an excellent choice for beach activities or casual outings, ensuring you stay cool while looking effortlessly elegant.

This hairstyle works well for women with medium to long hair, providing enough length to create a full, bouncy ponytail. Those with short hair may struggle to achieve the same effect but can opt for extensions if desired.

To ensure your ponytail stays pristine and lively throughout the day, apply a smoothing serum like the Moroccanoil Treatment to tame any frizz and add a glossy finish to your hair.

Elegant Fishtail Braid: A Sophisticated Spin on Casual

The fishtail braid offers a sophisticated yet simple way to manage your hair in the summer heat. It’s intricately woven to give a more detailed appearance than a standard braid, making it perfect for a casual summer outfit or a more formal event.

This style is versatile enough for medium hair or long hair, especially when you desire a sleek look that controls all your strands. It’s a bit more challenging for short hair or layers as they might slip out of the braid.

For maintenance, it’s advisable to use a flexible hairspray like L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. This will keep the braid intact and smooth without sacrificing the hair’s natural movement.

The Perfect Blend of Style and Sophistication

This style is a testament to sophistication, making it a great choice for both casual and more upscale summer settings. The subtle highlights add a dimension of depth that enhances the overall appearance, making it a standout choice for those with medium hair.

This haircut works wonders for women with fine to medium hair thickness.

To keep this bob looking sharp and polished, use a smoothing serum such as John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. It will help control frizz and add a sleek finish, ensuring your bob stays immaculate all day.

Casual Summer Braids with a Twist: Ready for Any Adventure

Here we have a playful take on classic braids, perfect for a beach day or a casual stroll in the park. The addition of a baseball hat not only protects from the sun but also adds an urban chic to the look. This style is particularly great for long hair and adds a youthful charm to any outfit.

Suitable for those with long hair, these braids can be adapted for medium-length hair but may not work as well with short hair or hair lacking in volume.

For braids that last through your summer adventures, consider using a flexible hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray. It provides hold without stiffness, keeping your braids intact and beautiful.

High Ponytail with Volume: Effortlessly Elegant

The high ponytail seen here is an epitome of effortless elegance. This style pulls the hair back from the face while allowing some strands to cascade beautifully at the back, adding a touch of glamour suitable for both daytime and evening wear. It’s perfect for those with medium to long hair, especially when you need a quick yet chic hairstyle that transitions smoothly from day to night.

This look is particularly flattering for women with long hair straight or wavy textures. It can be challenging for those with short hair or less volume as it requires sufficient length to achieve the cascading effect.

Maintaining this voluminous ponytail is a breeze with a volumizing mousse, such as Dove Style+Care Volume Amplifier Mousse, which adds body and lift at the roots without weighing down your hair.

Chic Side Ponytail Braid: A Modern Twist on a Classic Style

This hairstyle blends the elegance of a sleek ponytail with the playful charm of a braid, resulting in a versatile look that’s perfect for various summer occasions. The side placement adds a contemporary edge, making it a fabulous choice for those looking to update their hairstyle repertoire.

Ideal for those with medium to long hair, this side ponytail braid can adapt to various hair textures, though it might pose some styling challenges for those with short hair.

To ensure your side ponytail braid holds its shape and shine throughout the day, use a shine-enhancing hair spray like Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray. This product helps to combat frizz and keep your hair looking smooth and glossy.

Travel-Ready Side Braid: Effortlessly Chic on the Go

Captured against the backdrop of colorful buildings, this side braid is as picturesque as it is practical. It’s a fantastic choice for the traveler who wants to look effortlessly styled while exploring. The braid starts at the crown and flows down one side, giving a youthful and free-spirited vibe, perfect for casual summer outfits.

This hairstyle is ideal for those with long hair, providing enough length to create a full, dramatic braid. It’s less suitable for those with short hair or thinner strands, as they may not achieve the same fullness and length.

To keep this braid looking fresh and in place all day, especially in humid climates, I recommend using a lightweight, flexible hold spray like Bumble and bumble’s Spray de Mode.

Vintage Glam with a Modern Twist: Bandana and Glasses

This look combines the classic charm of a vintage bandana with the modern edge of chic glasses, creating a retro yet contemporary style. It’s particularly flattering for medium hair and adds a touch of sophistication to any casual or semi-formal attire.

This style suits those looking to manage medium hair while adding a pop of color and texture with a bandana. It’s adaptable to various hair types but particularly shines on straight or wavy textures.

Maintaining this look requires minimal effort; just ensure your hair is smooth and frizz-free. A smoothing product, like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, will help achieve a sleek look and keep your hair under control.

Laid-Back Luxury: Soft Waves and a Headband

Here’s a look that screams casual luxury. Soft waves combined with a sleek headband offer a polished yet relaxed style, perfect for lounging or a casual day out. It’s a great way to manage long hair straight styles, keeping hair off the face while still showcasing its natural beauty.

This style works well for women with long hair, providing enough length to let the waves tumble freely. It might be more challenging for those with short hair to replicate the same flow and length.

For soft waves that last, I suggest using a nourishing wave spray, such as Ouai Wave Spray, which enhances texture while keeping the hair hydrated and shiny.

Contemporary Chic: The Elevated Bun with a Modern Claw Clip

This modern take on the classic bun is perfect for a sophisticated yet easy-to-manage hairstyle. The bun is secured at the back of the head with a stylish claw clip, making it an excellent choice for a neat, tidy look that goes well with both professional and casual settings.

Ideal for those with medium to long hair, this style provides a quick and elegant way to manage your locks in a sophisticated manner. It may be tricky for those with short hair to achieve the same fullness.

To keep your bun smooth and frizz-free, I recommend using a light hold gel like Aveda’s Flax Seed Aloe Strong Hold Sculpturing Gel, which offers control without the stiffness.

Sleek Top Bun: Poolside Perfection

Ideal for a day by the pool, the sleek top bun seen here combines both style and function, keeping hair neatly out of the face while highlighting facial features. This casual yet polished look is perfect for any summer activity, from lounging by the water to a quick swim.

This hairstyle works best for those with medium to long hair. It’s a great option for those with thicker hair as it can hold the bun securely. For those with short hair, this might require some creative pinning or extensions.

To ensure your bun stays in place despite the humidity and water splashes, apply a light application of strong-hold gel like Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel. This will keep your hair sleek and the bun secure.

Messy Beach Bun with a Stylish Twist: Summer Vibes

Captured on the beach, this messy bun is accented with a chic tortoise shell clip, adding a touch of elegance to the relaxed style. It’s ideal for a beach day, providing a hassle-free way to manage your hair while adding a fashionable accessory.

This style is versatile and works well for long hair, where the fullness of the bun can be maximized. It’s also suitable for those with medium hair but might not be as easy to achieve for those with very short hair.

Maintain this look with a texturizing spray, such as the Sea Salt Spray by Bumble and Bumble, to keep the waves vibrant and the bun voluminous throughout your beach day.

Edgy Braid with a Twist: Urban Chic

This look features a unique braid that starts with a half-up ponytail and transitions into sleek braid. It’s a striking and edgy style, perfect for those looking to make a statement in an urban setting or at a casual gathering.

Ideal for individuals with long hair or medium hair, this hairstyle offers a dramatic yet manageable look. It might be challenging for those with short hair to achieve the same effect without extensions.

To keep the braid neat and add a glossy finish, use a smoothing serum such as Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum. This will also help tame any flyaways and keep the style polished all day.

Vibrant Locks with Accent Beads: Bold and Beautiful

This hairstyle showcases beautiful, tight curls embellished with golden beads, creating a bold and vibrant look. It’s perfect for those who embrace their natural texture and want to add a playful, eye-catching element to their style.

This look is best suited for those with curly hair, allowing the texture to be celebrated and enhanced with stylish beads. It might not be suitable for those with straight or very fine hair without some additional styling or extensions.

To keep the curls defined and moisturized, especially important in maintaining the health and appearance of natural curls, use a curl-defining cream like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. This will ensure the curls are well-defined, shiny, and beautiful.

Elegant Accented Ponytail: Modern Minimalism

This hairstyle exemplifies modern minimalism with a straight ponytail accented by elegant gold rings, perfect for a sophisticated event or a stylish day at the office. The smoothness of the ponytail highlights the sleek nature of long hair, while the accessories add a unique touch that elevates the entire look.

This style is ideal for those with long hair straight or sleek hair, as it showcases the hair’s natural shine and texture. It might not be as effective for those with curly hair or shorter lengths without the use of extensions.

To achieve this sleek look, use a smoothing hair serum like the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum to add shine and reduce frizz, ensuring your ponytail remains polished throughout the day.

Playful Curly Updo with Satin Bow: Flirty and Fun

This curly updo adorned with a satin bow is all about embracing natural texture with a fun and flirty twist. It’s perfect for casual outings or as a sweet look for a date night. The bow adds a touch of femininity and can be matched with various outfits to maintain a cohesive look.

This hairstyle works best for individuals with naturally curly hair. The volume and texture of the curls make this style stand out. Those with straight or fine hair might need some extra styling products and techniques to achieve similar volume and texture.

To maintain the curls and ensure they remain defined and frizz-free, use a curl-defining cream or mousse, such as Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream, which provides hold and definition without sacrificing softness.

Effortless Messy Bun: Casual Elegance

This messy bun is the epitome of casual elegance, perfect for a laid-back garden party or a chic outdoor gathering. The loose strands frame the face beautifully, adding a softness that complements the tousled look of the bun.

Suitable for women with medium to long hair, this style provides a relaxed yet stylish option that is easy to assemble and comfortable to wear all day. Those with short hair may find it challenging to achieve the same fullness and might need to use additional pins or a bun maker.

To keep this hairstyle looking its best, apply a light mist of flexible hairspray, such as Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, which provides hold without stiffness, keeping your bun soft and touchable.

Chic Top Bun with a Trendy Clip: Urban Sophisticate

This top bun, accentuated with a trendy pink clip, is both functional and fashionable, making it a great choice for anyone looking to add a modern twist to their daily hairstyle. It’s particularly suited for a busy day where you need your hair neatly tucked away but still want to make a style statement.

Ideal for those with medium to long hair, this bun can be quickly styled for a neat and clean appearance. It’s versatile enough to work with most hair textures, although those with very short hair might need some adaptation.

To ensure your bun stays in place and looks sleek throughout the day, use a firm-hold gel, such as Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Hair Glue, which will secure the bun and tame any flyaways.

Beach-Ready Braids: Sleek and Stylish

This hairstyle is perfect for a day at the beach, with sleek, tightly braided pigtails that not only keep hair neat and out of the face but also exude a chic and sporty vibe. The hairstyle is functional, keeping you cool and comfortable while you enjoy the sun and sand.

Ideal for those with long hair, these braids can handle the beach environment, from wind to water, without getting tangled or loose. Those with short hair might find it challenging to achieve the same length and impact.

To ensure the braids stay intact and sleek throughout the day, I recommend using a smoothing hair gel like Schwarzkopf Osis+ Session Label Crystal Gel, which provides strong hold without any stickiness.

Sleek Ponytail: Simple Elegance

This low ponytail is a classic style that exudes simple elegance. It’s perfect for both casual and formal settings, offering a neat, polished look that highlights the natural luster and smoothness of long hair straight.

This style works well for those with medium to long hair, providing a sleek look that’s easy to maintain. It may not be suitable for those with very short hair or those with lots of layers, as they might struggle to achieve the same sleek, controlled appearance.

For this style, a lightweight serum, such as the Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil, is perfect for adding shine and reducing any potential frizz, keeping your hair perfect throughout the day.

Casual Summer Braid: Relaxed and Playful

This loose braid offers a relaxed and playful look, perfect for a day out in the summer breeze. The style is effortless yet charming, with a bit of a rustic feel that matches well with casual, summery outfits.

Suitable for those with medium to long hair, this braid is a go-to for a soft and approachable hairstyle. Those with short hair might need some additional styling products to help extend the braid or add volume.

To maintain a textured yet controlled appearance, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, which will provide hold and volume without weighing down your hair.

Soft Curls with a Twist: Gentle and Romantic

This hairstyle showcases soft, flowing curls with a gentle twist pinned to the side, offering a romantic and graceful look that’s perfect for date nights or summer weddings. The curls are enhanced with a subtle twist that adds an element of sophistication.

This look is particularly flattering for those with long hair who want to showcase their curls in a soft, natural way. It’s also suitable for those with medium hair that can hold curls well. For those with short hair, achieving this level of volume and length might require the use of extensions.

To ensure the curls stay bouncy and beautiful, use a curl-enhancing mousse, such as MoroccanOil Curl Control Mousse, which provides long-lasting hold and definition without stiffness.

High Messy Bun: Urban Chic

This high messy bun is the epitome of urban chic, combining ease and elegance for a look that’s both stylish and practical. The hairstyle is ideal for days when you need a quick, fashionable fix that looks effortlessly cool. The texture adds a playful touch, making it suitable for both casual outings and evening events.

This style is perfect for those with medium to long hair, as it allows for enough hair to create a full and textured bun. It’s a particularly great option for second-day hair when you want to revitalize your look without much effort.

To keep your bun looking intentional rather than untidy, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. This will give your hair volume and hold without the need for too much product.

Simple and Elegant High Bun: Effortless Sophistication

This simple high bun showcases effortless sophistication, perfect for a variety of occasions, from work meetings to social gatherings. The style is clean and refined, with hair neatly pulled back to emphasize facial features and elevate the overall look.

Ideal for those with medium to long hair, this bun offers a polished appearance that is easy to achieve. Those with short hair can still attain this look with the help of extensions or by incorporating hair accessories to enhance the bun’s volume and texture.

For a sleek and smooth finish, use a strong hold hairspray like L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. This will help secure the bun in place while keeping flyaways at bay, ensuring your style remains neat throughout the day.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen some of the top summer hairstyles, why not give them a try? Each offers a unique blend of style and practicality, ensuring you stay cool and look great.

Have any favorites? Or perhaps some summer hair stories of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about your summer style adventures!