I’m gonna be real, I am not spending summer mornings fighting with my hair.
Between the heat, the frizz, and trying to make it out the door with my iced coffee still intact, complicated hairstyles are just not in the cards.
I want something cute that looks like I put in effort, but secretly took five minutes and maybe a little dry shampoo.
When I’m heading to the beach, the last thing I want is a style that falls apart the second there’s a breeze or a little ocean spray.
I need easy, chill hairstyles that hold up in the sun, still look good when I’m sandy and salty, and don’t require an entire toolkit.
If you’re all about that low-effort, high-vibe summer energy too, I got you.
These beach hair ideas are the exact kind of simple, pretty, and no-fuss styles that are made for hot days and vacay moods.
Popular Beach Hair Ideas
Some of the most popular beach hair ideas right now are heatless waves, braided pigtails, messy buns, and claw clip updos.
They’re all super easy to throw together, look cute even when your hair’s a little wild, and totally fit that laid-back, sunkissed vibe.
1. Side Messy Updo
This beachy braid-meets-bun look is giving effortless glam with major vacay vibes. The loose tendrils and soft waves make it chef’s kiss for sunset pics by the water.
2. Braided Low Bun
This chunky side braid into a messy low bun is literally the beach bestie energy.
It’s giving cool-girl chic but make it salty-air-proof. Add a few face-framing pieces and boom, you’re ready for golden hour selfies and beach bonfire hangs.
3. Messy Fishtail Braid
This sleek fishtail braid is giving mermaid-core but make it poolside. It’s lowkey glam, highkey practical, and stays cute even after a swim.
4. Bubble Braid
This bubble ponytail is giving beach Barbie in the best way possible. The lilac flower clip?
Literally a whole vibe. It’s cute, sporty, and keeps your hair in check while you chase sunsets.
5. Straw Hat
This laid-back beachy wave look is giving sun-kissed, salty, and unbothered energy. Toss on a straw hat and suddenly you’re the main character poolside.
It’s the kind of hair that looks even better after swimming, no heat tools required.
6. Messy Top Bun
This half-up messy top bun is giving surfer girl who just vibed through golden hour. The waves are loose, the energy’s chill, and it’s the ultimate IDGAF beach look.
7. Beach Waves
This wild, windblown wave moment is giving “I just ran through the cliffs with no regrets.”
It’s messy in the cutest way and totally screams carefree coastal energy. No styling tools needed, just salt air, a little chaos, and major main character vibes.
8. Seashell Hair
This seashell and starfish braid combo is giving full ocean fairy fantasy. It’s the ultimate beach goddess energy—, like, Ariel could never.
9. Beach Ponytail
This wavy ponytail with a braid crown is giving boho beach babe vibes. It’s cute, flirty, and looks like you spent hours—when really, it’s lowkey chill.
Perfect for grabbing fruit off the tree and living your soft summer fantasy.
10. Chevron Headband
This soft wave look with a boho headband is giving festival-core meets beach babe. It’s low effort, high vibe, and totally says “I just wandered out of a dreamy seaside daydream.”
11. Messy Dutch Bun
This dutch braid into a low twisted bun is giving classy but still beach-day ready.
It’s super put-together but has that soft, sun-kissed flair.
Kinda feels like you’re about to walk into a coastal wedding or a bougie boardwalk brunch.
12. Messy Double Buns
These low messy pigtails are giving carefree tourist energy with a side of “I woke up like this.”
The scrunchies add a retro touch while keeping it super chill and functional for hot vacay days.
It’s the perfect look for snapping cute pics and pretending you’re in a travel vlog.
13. Knot Bun
This messy top knot is that girl energy, effortless, cute, and keeps you cool on the boat. Paired with shell necklaces and sunnies on top?
Instant beachy baddie mode activated.
14. Beach Rolled Hair
This twisted low bun is giving vintage vacay glam, like you’re about to sip a mocktail on a yacht.
The pop of blue flower?
Literally iconic. It’s elegant, breezy, and totally main character at the seaside café.
15. Side Braid
This flower-tucked braid is giving full-on cottagecore meets coastal daydream. It’s soft, romantic, and makes you look like you just stepped out of a fairytale beach picnic.
Get Beach Hair for Summer
Getting that effortlessly tousled beachy hair look starts with the right prep, and salt spray is key.
Salt sprays mimic the effect of ocean water by adding texture and light hold, which is perfect for that wind-swept, undone vibe.
To use it, spray onto damp or towel-dried hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
Scrunch your hair upward with your hands to help define natural waves or create a little bend if your hair is straight.
If you want even more definition, braid your hair loosely after spraying and let it air dry—or leave it in overnight.
Blow drying can totally level up your beach waves if you do it right.
Use a diffuser attachment to evenly distribute heat while enhancing your hair’s texture and reducing frizz.
Flip your head upside down and scrunch as you dry to build volume at the roots and get that lived-in wave.
For extra wave action, twist random sections of your hair as you dry them, or use your fingers to gently scrunch and twist for movement.
Avoid using a brush because this look is all about messy, not polished.
As for hair care, beachy waves thrive when your hair isn’t overloaded with heavy products.
Use a lightweight, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy without weighing it down.
Avoid silicone-heavy products, which can make your waves fall flat.
A leave-in conditioner or lightweight curl cream can help reduce frizz while maintaining softness.
And if you’re going all in with salt spray often, do a hydrating hair mask once a week to keep your strands from drying out.
Beachy hair is all about texture and freedom, but healthy hair underneath makes it way cuter.
There ya go! I hope you get the perfect beach hair this summer! I can’t wait to try some of these beach hair ideas!
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