Summer Hairstyles 2024: 25+ Styles for Every Hair Type & Length

Summer is a season of sunshine and fun, but it can also be a war against frizz, sweat, and the desperate desire to just put your hair up. This year, move beyond the basic ponytail. Our ultimate guide features 25+ innovative, practical, and stunning summer hairstyles meticulously curated for every hair type, length, and texture. Whether you’re looking to keep your hair off your neck, protect your curls, or just find a style that survives a humid day, we have a tutorial for you. Get ready to embrace the heat with flair!

Part 1: Short Hair Styles – Chic, Cool & Effortless

Short hair is a summer savior, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with one look. Add dimension and playfulness with these five styles.

1. The Textured Pixie with Beach Waves

• Great For: Adding volume and a relaxed, beachy vibe to classic short cuts.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Start with dry hair. Apply a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse to roots and ends.

  2. Using a flat iron or a small-barrel curling wand, take random 1-inch sections.

  3. Twist and curl away from the face, holding for just a few seconds. The goal is piecey texture, not uniform curls.

  4. Let the hair cool, then ruffle your fingers through the roots for maximum volume.

  5. Lock in place with a light-hold, matte hair wax by pinching and separating the ends.

• Pro Tip: Focus waves on the top and crown layers to avoid a “helmet” look.

2. The Slicked-Back Wet Look

• Great For: Humid days, workouts, or a bold, glamorous statement.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Start with damp or dry hair. Apply a strong-hold gel or a dedicated slicking pomade evenly from roots to tips.

  2. Use a fine-tooth comb to comb hair straight back from the hairline, smoothing every section.

  3. For a super-sleek finish, run a tiny bit of gel along your hairline to tame baby hairs.

  4. Allow to air dry for a true “wet” look, or use a diffuser on low heat to set without frizz.

• Pro Tip: Add a middle part before slicking for a modern twist.

3. The Accessorized Side Sweep

• Great For: Instant polish with minimal effort.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Create a deep side part. Using a boar bristle brush, sweep hair to the heavier side.

  2. Secure just above the ear with two decorative mini claw clips or a bold, geometric bobby pin.

  3. Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness.

  4. Spritz with a flexible hold hairspray.

• Pro Tip: Choose accessories in summer shades like tortoiseshell, gold, or bright ceramics.

4. The Half-Up Textured Pouf

• Great For: Adding height and keeping hair out of your face while showing off your cut.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Tease the crown section lightly at the roots for base volume.

  2. Gather a small section of hair from the temples and crown, leaving the back and sides down.

  3. Twist this section once at the back of your crown, then pull it upward to create a small pouf.

  4. Secure with bobby pins criss-crossed at the base of the twist.

  5. Gently pull at the sides of the pouf to enlarge and soften.

• Pro Tip: Use a dry shampoo at the roots before styling for extra grip and volume.

5. The Tousled Bob with Headscarf

• Great For: A retro, vacation-ready look that protects hair from sun and wind.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Apply a texturizing spray to air-dried or blown-out bob.

  2. Fold a large, square silk scarf into a triangle, then into a long band.

  3. Place the center of the band at the nape of your neck, tie the ends once on top of your head.

  4. Tuck the ends under or let them flow. Pull out a few pieces around your face.

• Pro Tip: Use the scarf to cover hair completely for a turban look on bad hair days.

[VIDEO LINK PLACEHOLDER: “5 Minute Short Hair Summer Styles” – Embed a short tutorial video here]

Part 2: Medium Hair Styles – The Versatility Champions

Shoulder-length hair is the perfect canvas for endless creativity. Here are five go-to styles.

1. The Modern Bubble Ponytail

• Great For: A playful, eye-catching look that’s surprisingly simple.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Pull hair into a high, tight ponytail and secure with a strong elastic.

  2. Space 3-4 additional elastics down the length of the ponytail, each about 2-3 inches apart.

  3. Gently pull and puff out the hair between each elastic to create “bubbles.”

  4. For extra drama, gently tug each section sideways to make it fuller.

• Pro Tip: Wrap a small section of hair around the base elastic to conceal it.

2. The Braided Crown (Dutch Braid Style)

• Great For: Garden parties, festivals, or keeping hair completely off your face elegantly.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Part hair down the middle. On one side, at the hairline, start a Dutch braid (a 3-strand braid where you add hair under the middle section).

  2. Braid along the hairline, adding hair from the front and top, continuing over the crown to the other side.

  3. When you run out of hair to add, finish with a regular 3-strand braid.

  4. Repeat on the other side, starting from the opposite temple.

  5. Wrap both braids around the crown, tucking the ends under and securing with bobby pins.

• Pro Tip: Keep the braids loose and gently pull on the edges for a softer, bohemian look.

3. The Textured Low Bun with Face Framers

• Great For: A chic, cool, and professional look that works from the office to dinner.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Apply a texturizing spray to dry hair. Pull hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, but leave out the front sections near your temples.

  2. Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a loose bun, securing with pins (not an elastic).

  3. Take the reserved face-framing pieces, twist them slightly, and pin them loosely at the back of the bun, letting some pieces fall free.

  4. Pull strands loose from the bun for a messier, more relaxed finish.

• Pro Tip: Curl the face-framing pieces with a wand for added romance.

4. The Half-Up Twisted Bow

• Great For: A cute, feminine style that looks intricate but takes seconds.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Take two small front sections of hair, one from each temple.

  2. Tie them together in a simple knot at the back of your head, as if starting a ponytail, but leave a loop.

  3. Pull the ends through the loop only halfway to create two loops (the “bow”) and two tails.

  4. Split the tails and wrap them around the center of the bow, securing with a bobby pin underneath.

  5. Adjust the loops and fluff for size.

• Pro Tip: Use a clear elastic for step 2 to make it invisible.

5. The Heatless Headband Waves

• Great For: Protecting hair from heat damage while achieving beautiful, uniform waves.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Start with damp, detangled hair. Apply a wave-enhancing mousse.

  2. Take a flexible fabric headband and place it around your head like a crown.

  3. Take 1-2 inch sections of hair and alternately weave them over and under the headband, working your way around your head.

  4. Sleep on it or let it air dry completely. In the morning, gently unweave and finger-comb.

• Pro Tip: For tighter waves, use smaller sections. For looser waves, use larger sections.

Part 3: Long Hair Styles – Elegant & Up Off Your Neck

Long hair in summer demands updos. These five styles are beautiful, secure, and far from boring.

1. The Effortless Messy French Twist

• Great For: An instant classic that looks sophisticated and cool.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Gather hair at the nape of your neck as if for a low ponytail.

  2. Twist the length of the hair upwards toward the crown.

  3. When you reach the head, fold the twisted length underneath itself, tucking the ends in.

  4. Secure liberally with U-pins or criss-crossed bobby pins.

  5. The key: Pull out wispy strands at the neck and temples. Don’t make it perfect.

• Pro Tip: Tease the hair at the crown slightly before twisting for extra volume.

2. The Boho Fishtail Side Braid

• Great For: Beach days, outdoor weddings, or a romantic look.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Start with slightly textured hair (use dry shampoo or salt spray).

  2. Gather all hair to one side. Split into two large sections.

  3. Take a small piece from the outside of Section A, cross it over, and add it to Section B.

  4. Take a small piece from the outside of Section B, cross it over, and add it to Section A.

  5. Repeat down the length. Secure with a clear elastic. Gently pull on the edges of the braid to widen and soften it.

• Pro Tip: For a fuller fishtail, lightly backcomb each section before adding it.

3. The Knotted Updo (No Tools Needed)

• Great For: A truly heat-free, elegant updo that requires no elastics or pins (though pins help secure).

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Part hair down the middle. Take the front right section and the front left section.

  2. Tie them in a simple overhand knot (like the first step of tying your shoes).

  3. Pick up a new section of hair from the right side, combine it with the right tail, and do the same on the left.

  4. Tie another knot. Continue this process, adding hair with each knot, working down the back of your head.

  5. Once all hair is incorporated, twist the remaining tail and tuck/pin it under.

• Pro Tip: Spritz each section with a light-hold spray before knotting for better grip.

4. The High, Voluminous Pony with Hair Tied Around

• Great For: Making a simple ponytail look runway-ready.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Tease hair at the crown. Gather into a very high ponytail (at the crown) and secure with a strong elastic.

  2. Take a 1-inch section of hair from underneath the ponytail, wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, and secure with a bobby pin.

  3. Use a texturizing spray on the tail, then gently backcomb it for mega volume.

  4. Curl random sections of the tail with a large-barrel wand for a full, bouncy effect.

• Pro Tip: For the “model-off-duty” look, keep the front and top smooth, with all volume in the tail.

5. The Double Braided Low Bun

• Great For: Ultimate security for active days, while looking intricately styled.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Part hair down the middle. Braid each side into a simple three-strand braid, starting from the temples and incorporating all hair. Secure ends with clear elastics.

  2. Pull both braids to the nape of your neck.

  3. Twist them together, then coil the resulting rope into a bun.

  4. Secure the bun with U-pins.

• Pro Tip: Pancake (pull on the sides of) each braid before twisting for a thicker, more dramatic bun.

Part 4: Curly & Natural Hair Styles – Celebrate Your Texture

Protect your curls from humidity and sun while showcasing their beauty.

1. The Pineapple Puff with Scarf Accent

• Great For: Protecting curls overnight and creating a cute daytime style.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Gently gather all hair at the very top of your head (like a pineapple) using a silky scrunchie (not elastic).

  2. Leave the front and sides out to form a halo of curls.

  3. Take a colorful scarf, tie it around the base of the puff, and let the ends flow.

  4. Fluff the puff and shape the front curls with your fingers and a bit of curl cream.

• Pro Tip: Do this on 2nd or 3rd-day hair for better volume and hold.

2. Defined Twist-Out with Side Part

• Great For: Stretching your curl pattern for a defined, voluminous, wash-and-go alternative.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. On clean, damp hair, apply a leave-in conditioner and a curl defining cream in sections.

  2. Two-strand twist each section from root to tip. The size of the twist determines the size of the curl (smaller twists = tighter curls).

  3. Allow to air dry completely or sit under a hooded dryer.

  4. Once 100% dry, carefully unravel each twist. Do not comb. Separate the coils with your fingers for volume.

  5. Create a deep side part for drama.

• Pro Tip: Sleep with twists in a satin bonnet for a perfectly set twist-out in the morning.

3. Flat Twists into a High Bun

• Great For: A stunning, protective style that keeps hair off your neck.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Starting at the hairline, create flat twists (like cornrows but with two sections instead of three) going straight back. Do 3-4 on each side, meeting at the crown.

  2. Gather all the untwisted hair (and the ends of the flat twists) into a high ponytail.

  3. Create a large, textured bun from the ponytail, securing with pins.

  4. Apply edge control to the flat-twisted sections for a sleek finish.

• Pro Tip: Adorn the bun with decorative hairpins or a cuff.

4. The Wash-and-Go with a Deep Side Sweep

• Great For: Letting your natural pattern shine with minimal manipulation.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. In the shower on soaking wet hair, apply your favorite curl activator gel using the “praying hands” method, then scrunch.

  2. Do not touch as it air dries or diffuses to avoid frizz.

  3. Once a cast has formed and hair is dry, “scrunch out the crunch” with a drop of lightweight oil in your palms.

  4. Using your fingers, sweep all your curls to one side for an asymmetrical, voluminous look.

• Pro Tip: Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer with low heat/high speed to set the style faster without disturbing the curl clumps.

5. Bantu Knots (Wear as Style or for a Knot-Out)

• Great For: A beautiful, geometric style itself or as a precursor to incredibly defined waves.

• Step-by-Step Tutorial (To Wear):

  1. Part hair into small squares. Apply a styling gel to each section.

  2. Twist the section from root to tip, then wrap the twist around its base to form a knot.

  3. Secure the end with a small bobby pin or tuck under.

  4. Repeat all over the head for a stunning, uniform look.

• For a Knot-Out: Sleep in the Bantu knots. Unravel in the morning for tight, springy, spiral waves. Gently separate for volume.

Part 5: Heat-Free & Humidity-Proof Heroes

The Key Principles: Braids, twists, texture, and the right products are your best friends.

• Braids & Twists: They tame hair by distributing it evenly, preventing the puffiness caused by humidity absorbing into individual strands.

• Texture is Your Friend: Slightly “dirty” hair (with dry shampoo) or pre-texturized hair holds styles better and resists frizz more than sleek, clean hair.

• The Right Products: Look for anti-humectant properties and humidity-resistant claims.

Part 6: Summer Hair Survival Kit: Product Recommendations

• For Hold & Frizz Control: Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield; Oribe Anti-Humidity Spray; John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Finishing Cream.

• For Texture & Grip: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray; Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray; Batiste Dry Shampoo (any scent).

• For Curls & Definition: Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls; Camille Rose Curl Maker; SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

• For Slicking & Sleek Looks: Schwarzkopf OSiS+ Session Label Finishing Spray (strong hold); Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray.

• Essential Tools: Silky Scrunchies, U-Pins, Clear Elastics, Fine-Tooth Comb, Decorative Clips, Wide Fabric Headband, Diffuser Attachment.

Conclusion: Your Summer of Great Hair Days Awaits

Summer doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for comfort. With this arsenal of 25+ hairstyles for every length and texture, complete with step-by-step guides, you’re equipped to face the heat head-on. The secret lies in preparation (the right products), technique (braiding, twisting), and a playful attitude. So, pick a new style to try each week, embrace the effortless vibe of the season, and let your hair be a part of your summer fun.