20 Cool Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Summer

Honestly, I'm not really sure whether summer is officially here or not. In London, we seem to have settled on a climate that's not too dissimilar to what I imagine living in a tropical rainforest would be. It swings between bright sunshine and intense downpours, and is certainly not conducive to good hair days (for me, at least). Nevertheless, there's plenty of amazing summer hair inspiration to be found right now, so think of this as a wish list for not only your hair but also for the glorious summer that might still be to come.

Summer Hairstyles: Nina Sandbech wearing low ponytail and pearl hair clips

Photo:

@NINASANDBECH

From low ponytails decorated with the prettiest hair accessories to artfully dishevelled buns for major cool-girl vibes, summer's hottest hairstyles are all about having fun. Unlike the more elegant wedding guest hairstyles that are trending right now, summer styles are effortless, fuss-free and look good whether you're at the beach or stuck on a sweltering tube carriage. Keep scrolling for 20 of the easiest hairstyles that are perfect for summer.

Nina Sandbech
Summer Hairstyles: Nina Sandbech

Photo:

@NINASANDBECH

I'm all kinds of obsessed with Nina's playful summer hair look—a super-sleek ponytail wrapped in a fuchsia pink Dior ribbon. Need I say more?

ASOS Lotte
Summer Hairstyles: ASOS Lotte wearing low bun and scrunchie

Photo:

@ASOS_LOTTE

The oversized scrunchie lends '90s vibes to ASOS Lotte's low, ladylike bun. 

Nnenna Echem
Summer Hairstyles: Nnenna Echem wearing headband and low bun

Photo:

@NNENNAECHEM

Who hasn't twisted their hair into a makeshift bun when they just can't decide what to do with it? Next time, top it with a headband like Nnenna so your style looks a little more considered.

Lily James
Summer Hairstyles: Lily James with short, wavy bob hairstyle

Photo:

@LILYJAMESOFFICIAL

Thinking about chopping all your hair off? Lily James's short blonde bob is certainly tempting me to take the plunge this summer. 

ASOS Lesley
Summer Hairstyles: ASOS Lesley wearing orange mini dress and side ponytail

Photo:

@ASOS_LESLEY

Ladies with long hair will know that the struggle is real when it comes to summer heat. Thankfully, ASOS Lesley's side ponytail not only looks chic but will also keep the nape of your neck cool.

ASOS Syana
Summer Hairstyles: ASOS Syana wearing a beret and braids

Photo:

@ASOS_SYANA

Beret + braids = the city-girl way to do summer hair. Thanks for the heads up, Syana.

Claire Most
Summer Hairstyles: Claire Most wearing top knot and crop top

Photo:

@CLAIRE_MOST

When it comes to epic curly hairstyles, Claire always delivers. Her super-high topknot definitely takes the classic summer bun to new heights.

Freddie Harrel
Summer Hairstyles: Freddie Harrel wearing hair scarf and jumpsuit

Photo:

@FREDDIEHARREL

Freddie rocks the hair accessory of the summer (the hair scarf) in a cool, monochromatic polka-dot print for a major style statement.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Summer Hairstyles: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing bucket hat

Photo:

@ROSIEHW

I'll be channelling Rosie's approach to holiday hairstyling at the beach this summer—just don a bucket hat and forget any attempt at styling prowess. Genius. 

Felicity Hayward
Summer Hairstyles: Felicity Hayward wearing half-up, half-down style

Photo:

@FELICITYHAYWARD

Felicity has reminded me that a simple half-up, half-down hairstyle is just so damn cute.

Peony Lim
Summer Hairstyles: Peony Lim wearing low ponytail and shell necklace

Photo:

@PEONYLIM

There's something about a low ponytail that makes everyone's hair look so expensive. Peony's sleek, shiny one probably took about two minutes to do, but it's a totally timeless summer style.

Zoë Kravitz
Summer Hairstyles: Zoë Kravitz wearing a low ponytail and red jumper

Photo:

@ZOEISABELLAKRAVITZ

Zoë proves that a classic low ponytail is always a good idea. 

Lucy Williams
Summer Hairstyles: Lucy Williams wearing swimwear with beach waves

Photo:

@LUCYWILLIAMS02

What would a roundup of summer hairstyles be without some beach waves? Lucy's hair look is likely the result of salt water and sun, but you can re-create it at home with the help of a texture spray and some curling tongs.

Monikh Dale
Summer Hairstyles: Monikh Dale wearing top knot

Photo:

@MONIKH

Monikh's shiny bun is anything but "basic." In fact, it's the style of choice for A-listers like Rosie HW and Alexa during the summer months.

Yara Shahidi

Photo:

@YARASHAHIDI

It's not only Yara Shahidi's style that's on point right now, but her beauty looks too. This gravity-defying top knot is the perfect way to keep hair out of your face this summer and I love the pop of blue

Ada Oguntodu
Summer Hairstyles: Ada Oguntodu wearing green outfit and hair buns

Photo:

@ADA_OGUNTODU

Ada's chic hair scarf not only looks incredibly cool but is also super practical for keeping the sun off of your head when the weather is warm.

Courtney Trop
Summer Hairstyles: Courtney Trop wearing braids and organza blouse

Photo:

@ALWAYSJUDGING

I haven't worn pigtails since primary school, but Courtney's double plaits are making me rethink everything. Bonus: You'll be left with heat-free beach waves the next day too.

Alexa Chung
Summer Hairstyles: Alexa Chung wearing top knot

Photo:

@ALEXACHUNG

To keep your topknot looking relaxed (and not like you're about to give your face a wash), work a few strands loose around the nape of your neck like Alexa.

A-J Alingue
Summer hairstyles: A-J Alingue wearing high ponytail braid

Photo:

@AUDE_JULIE

The high ponytail was a '90s hairstyle staple, but it's making a comeback for summer 2019 with stylish women like A-J updating the trend by braiding their ponies instead of leaving the strands loose.

Alyssa Coscarelli
Summer hairstyles: Alyssa wearing high bun with fringe

Photo:

@ALYSSAINTHECITY

As someone who has a pretty full fringe, I've never known whether I can pull off a ballerina bun. Thankfully, Alyssa proves that wavy bangs and an elegant topknot are a match made in beauty heaven.

Michelle Pålsson Horvath
Summer hairstyles: Michelle wearing half-up, half down hairstyle with gingham ribbon

Photo:

@MINIMIDIMICHI

Michelle's loose waves, hair ribbon and half-up, half-down style is made for summer.

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Next up, 9 hairstyles people are actually asking for in salons right now.