Summer is the season of sunshine, poolside hangs, and sweaty necks, especially if you have long hair! If you’ve ever regretted leaving your hair down on a 90° day, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re heading to the beach, running errands, or just trying to beat the heat, these cute summer hairstyles for long hair are practical and surprisingly easy to pull off!
Easy Summer Hairstyles for Long Hair: Up-Dos!
There’s no better feeling on a hot day than sweeping that mane of hair back, getting it on top of your head, and letting your neck breathe! Up-dos are one of our favorite easy summer hairstyles, and they’re so versatile! Here are some ideas to get you started.
The Classic Messy Bun
Let’s start with an oldie but a goodie. The messy bun is a cute summer hairstyle that takes all of two seconds, and always looks perfectly imperfect. Twist, pin, done. It’s that simple, and it’s perfect for beach days or running errands. It’s also a great go-to for naturally curly girls. This tutorial keeps things super quick and easy.
High Ponytail AKA the Go-To Summer Hairstyle for Long Hair
Sleek or tousled – either way, it lifts the hair up and out of your way! A messy pony is another one of those easy hairstyles for summer, and a great way to keep the heat off your neck. Nothing screams summer like the perfect high pony, and here’s the tutorial to get you there.
Claw Clip Twist
Throw it back to the ’90s, when life was simpler! Twist your hair up and secure with a cute claw clip for a zero-effort chic look. Pro tip: Keep a claw clip handy so you can do this on the go – try clipping it onto your purse strap so it’s always there for you. Perfect this go-to summer hairstyle with this simple tutorial!
A Fun Bubble Ponytail Idea for Summer
For a trendy take on the pony, why not try a bubble ponytail? Tie off sections of your ponytail with clear elastics for a playful, bouncy vibe that keeps your hair tamed and your neck cool. It’s perfect for thick hair, but works for anyone! Start with a high pony, then follow this tutorial.
A Top Knot Tutorial for Summer
The top knot is a simple, criminally underrated, easy summer hairstyle for long hair. When you can’t deal with heat or humidity, pile your hair high for a no-fuss up-do! This is another great option for a naturally curly updo on days when you just can’t deal with styling those curls. With this tutorial from Merrick’s Art, you’ll be rocking the perfect top knot in minutes.
Half-Up Hairstyles for Long Hair in the Summer
If a full up-do isn’t your style, this is a great compromise! These easy summer hairstyles are just enough to get hair off your face, while still showing off that length. Check out our faves below!
Half-Up Top Knot
This is perfect for when you want to look like you tried, but you totally didn’t. Pull the top half into a mini bun and leave the rest flowing – it takes some weight and heat off your neck and keeps you cool. Start with this tutorial from the DIY Playbook!
Half-Up Braid
No list of easy summer hairstyles for long hair would be complete without a classic half-up braid! You can just French braid or twist the front sections into a half-up style to add style without effort (our favorite kind of hair). Follow this video for all the deets.
Half-Messy Bun
We should clarify here that this is a full-messy, half-up bun! It’s another one of those easy summer hairstyles you can give yourself by doing a half bun, pulling it apart until it’s nice and messy, and securing it with bobby pins. Tutorial here – you’ll be a pro in 2 minutes!
Half-Up
Sometimes, you just can’t beat a simple half-up. It’s easy, elegant, and all you really need is a claw clip. Watch the video to try this cute summer hairstyle for long hair.
Braided Summer Hairstyles for Long Hair
Braids might seem like a bit more work, but they tend to stay in place really well and once you have them set, you can totally forget about them. Plus, they’re one of our favorite summer hairstyles because they’re practically humidity resistant! In fact, we love them so much that we have a whole list of braided hairstyles for summer!
Braided Bun
Braid your hair first, then wrap it into a bun. Simple! It’s stylish, functional, and it adds texture while keeping everything secure. Video here!
Fishtail Braid
If you’re new to fishtail braids, they might seem complicated at first, but we promise they’re easier than they look! Plus, a fishtail braid gives you serious mermaid energy, which is exactly what you want for your next beach day. Find a super-duper easy life-changing tutorial here.
Two Braids
What’s better than one braid? You guessed it! Twice the braids, twice the fun! Also kind of twice the work, but this is a pretty easy one. Not sure where to start? TikTok has you covered with this simple, quick tutorial.
Dutch Braids
Tight and secure, these are perfect for active summer days or keeping your hair tame on windy beach walks. Plus, they’re gorgeous! A Beautiful Mess will walk you through it.
Easy Summer Hair Styles for Long Hair (Hair Down Version)
Sometimes you just want to let your hair down, literally. These easy summer hairstyles scream “summer goddess” and won’t take you very long at all – it’s why we love ‘em!
Beach Waves
Turns out, you don’t have to go in the ocean to look like you just came from the ocean. Give yourself beautiful beach waves by using a curling wand or braid-dry-unravel method for tousled texture. Also, salt spray is your new bestie! Watch this video to see how it’s done.
Front Row Mini Braids
Hair down but add some cute summery vibes? These front row mini braids will do just that, and they’ll also help to keep those pesky front strands out of your face on windy beach days! One of our favorite go-to summer hairstyles, and it takes all of 5 minutes. Video here!
Flipped Ends
A subtle flip at the ends adds retro glam to otherwise low-effort hair, and it’s deliciously summery. Pair with your favorite pair of bright sunglasses for a 70s feel, and you’re ready for Malibu! Tutorial here.
Heatless Curls for an Effortless Summer Hairstyle
You don’t have to heat-damage your hair to get beautiful curls! You can braid your hair overnight or use a robe tie method for gorgeous waves with zero heat damage. Here’s an overnight tutorial that shows you how to do it with a robe tie.
Turn Heads with our Cute Summer Hairstyles for Long Hair!
No matter what your summer has in store, beach days, backyard BBQs, road trips, or just chilling in front of the fan, these styles will keep your hair cute, cool, and Instagram-ready at all times. Ready for more summer style? Check out our 4th of July nail ideas and porch decor ideas to get ready to celebrate the holiday. Oh and to make these hairstyles look even better, nourish your locks with some of our DIY hair mask ideas or hair growth recipes! While you’re at it, make it a spa night with a DIY face mask too!
