Summer 2025 is coming and let’s be honest, it’s not just your wardrobe that needs a makeover. When temps go up, we want something that’s effortlessly chic, stands up to the heat, and requires little effort. But how do you combine sweat-proof styling with being totally put together? Are scrunchies still a thing? Can we wear a bun without it looking like gym hair?
Let’s take a look at the looks that answer all those questions (and a few you didn’t know you had). I’m deconstructing easy summer hairstyles 2025 that are fashionable, practical, and actually possible. Whether you’re going to brunch, the beach or just something cute for Zoom, it’s all here.
The Voluminous Ponytail with Face-Framing Waves
This is what I call the “sunshine ponytail”—a high pony lifted with volume, soft waves, and a buttery blonde tone that practically glows. Roots are worked for some height, ends are roughed for some beachy texture that screams summer ease. Two in front are pulled out just enough to frame the face and soften and flirt. The oversized scrunchie pulls it all together—literally.
To hold the lift and wave in place I always use a texturizing mousse such as Amika’s Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse. It provides structure without crunch and stands up even when you are melting in a July heat wave. And if you’re dealing with humidity? A light coating of Oribe’s Anti-Humidity Spray is a pure magic.
When I wear this ponytail, I immediately feel polished, but not like I went too far. I’ll team it with a gingham dress and a glossed lip and all of a sudden I’m ready for a patio dinner or a Target run that turns into happy hour.
The trick is that it doesn’t look stiff, it moves, it flatters, it’s crazy cute. Believe me, this is the ponytail upgrade your summer requires.
Half-Up Twist with Sculpted Layers
This half-updo is just like that friend who is always put together, but swears that she just “threw something on. It begins from a sharp twist at the crown and fixed with a neat claw clip, it then fades into long layers that curl very softly at the ends. The volume isn’t teased, it’s built-in – thanks to a layered cut that moves like silk.
For that smooth bounce, I depend on Color Wow’s Dream Coat for Curly Hair – even for straight styles. It holds shape without flattening, which is essentially gold when you’re talking about warm-weather frizz.
What I like about this style is that it closes that casual/fancy gap. Like, yes—I could definitely wear this to work, but I’ve also worn it with gold hoops and a jumpsuit for date night. There’s something quietly confident about it.
I might add some face-framing tendrils if I was in the mood for romance, but even as is, this one’s got main character energy.
Slicked Low Bun with a Sculptural Finish
There is something so gratifying about a slick low bun done right – and this one? She’s perfect. The hair is smoothed back with intent, wrapped low and flat at the nape, and pinned so neatly you’d believe it was sculpted. Complemented with drop earrings and a confident posture, it creates minimalist goddess.
Smoothing balms are your best friend here. I always prep with Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer, then slick it down with a pea-sized amount of Living Proof’s No Frizz Vanishing Oil for that glassy look.
I put on this style when I want to be composed – when I’m running behind and must still look chic. It is humidity resistant, it works with dirty hair, and somehow it says both “I’m booked and busy” and “I had time for espresso”.
This would be a killer choice for weddings, formal events or really just when you want to fake elegance fast. Add statement earrings and you’re done.
Loose Waves with a Half-Top Knot
Meet the cool girl’s summer go-to: lax soft waves which are undone with a mini bun on top. There’s a no-rules vibe to it that I love—it’s a little boho, a little ’90s, and 100% effortless. The hair falls down in light curls past the shoulders, the top knot gives height and character without being precious.
This one doesn’t require much structure but a wave spray like OUAI Wave Spray will give you that lived in bend with a few scrunches. I’ll generally wrap random bits around a curling wand for 2–3 seconds to add texture, then fluff it all out with my fingers.
This is what I always reach for when my hair is clean but I don’t want to heat style the whole thing. It’s low-key but styled, as if I didn’t try, but also didn’t not try.
If I had to tweak one thing? Perhaps add a few baby braids up front for something that is not expected. But even without that, it’s a yes from me.
Messy High Bun with Loose Strands
Ah, the messy bun. But make it fashion. This edition is stacked with intention—messy, but organized. Strands flow freely around the face, the bun itself is textured and voluminous and it all just works. It’s the hairstyle version of ripped denim: undone but iconic.
To fake fullness in a bun, I like to pre-texturize with Drybar’s Triple Sec 3-in-1. It provides grip and lift so that your bun looks deliberately large—not as if you ran out the door with wet hair and a prayer.
This is the one I fall back on when it’s 90 degrees and I want all the hair off my neck but still want to look cute. It’s flirty, it’s comfy and the tendrils lend it that soft, undone femininity that just feels like summer.
Hot tip from hairstylist Kristin Ess? “Don’t overthink a messy bun. If you redo it more than twice, it is no longer messy”. I live by that.
High Ponytail with Tucked-In Wrap
This chic, organized ponytail is the older sibling of your favorite throwback cheer pony. The hair is combed back with precision and tied high up and wrapped with a piece of hair to hide the band – a neat little trick that takes the whole thing to a whole new level. And those curtain bangs? Total flirt-mode, mindlessly touching the cheekbones with a soft, summery wave.
I swear by R+Co’s Dart Pomade Stick to control the flyaways and create the roots that were in control shine without looking greasy. It keeps things smooth even if your forehead is a bit too friendly with the sun.
What I like about this is that it flows so well from a late lunch to a night out. It’s not too stiff, but structured, and the tucked in wrap makes it feel elevated – like you didn’t just throw it up before your iced matcha run.
I’d put on hoops and a tank and all of a sudden I’m in my “confident main character” era. No overthinking needed.
Glamorous Double Ponytails
This look is all about bold energy two high ponytails and soft retro waves unfurling down the sides, parted straight down the center. It’s playful, dramatic, and ready to make a statement. It’s got a cheeky power to it, and the perfect face contour and full lashes that accompany it.
These waves need support to hold their bounce. I tend to do mine with TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray, then use a medium heat wide-barrel curling iron to lock in those curves without crunch.
Frankly, when I put this look on, I feel like a contemporary Bratz doll, and that is the best way. It’s nostalgic yet grown up, especially when worn with bold shoulders or off-the-shoulder top. Like—who says you can’t be cute and powerful?
This is an audacious for choice a summer concert, birthday party, or even a night at the beach boardwalk. It turns heads and sparks smiles.
Claw-Clipped Half-Up with Soft Layers
This half up with a butterfly claw clip is the golden hour of hair. The strands fall gently with natural movement, the top is twisted loosely into a small lift, which is secured in the back just with enough volume. The styling is intentional, but it still has that undone softness that summer requires.
This style works best when your hair has texture – so I always begin with a dry shampoo such as Batiste’s Bare to add a little grit before clipping. It provides lift at the crown and gives the clip something to hold on to.
When I’m running errands or meeting a friend for iced coffee, this is my go-to. It doesn’t taut on your scalp, it keeps the hair out of your face, and it makes that little effort seem like a full look.
If I wanted more detail I’d only add maybe a delicate braid peeking from one side. But honestly? It’s beautiful in its simplicity.
Twisted Claw Bun with Curtain Bangs
We’re back for another claw clip moment, but this time it is more classic with the hair twisted into a French roll and secured mid back. Here what makes it special are the loose bangs and soft pieces around the ears, it’s effortless chic with that cozy-summer-sophistication vibe.
This style does better on second-day hair. I’d put a bit of Kristin Ess Working Texture Spray through the ends before twisting, which provides a dry hold that won’t slide out halfway through brunch.
This one reminds me of days I spend writing from a cafe – laptop, cold brew, hair up, vibes on. It’s nonchalant in the best way.
For a bonus, a printed scarf inserted into the twist could provide a splash of color and personality without messing with the ease.
Elegant Low Twist Bun
Here’s your evergreen summer updo – a sophisticated twist bun perched low at the nape, so neat and smooth it could be a direct copy from a Vogue bridal spread. But what makes it wearable is that it is so easy to recreate with a little patience and the right finish.
This is the time for Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil. I use one pump to gloss the hair down and then secure it – no flyaways, no fuzz, just that perfect shine that looks great in photos.
This one I keep in my back pocket for dinner parties, weddings or days when I just want to look luxe. It’s classic, compliments, and pairs nicely with statement earrings or a red lip.
Honestly, this style doesn’t need much else. It’s powerful in its silence – sort of like “I didn’t need volume or drama to get your attention”.
Textured French Twist Bun
If there’s a hairstyle that says “summer romance in Provence,” this is it. This soft French twist bun is all that is required, textured, voluminous, and ever so slightly undone. It’s pinned high for a more playful profile, and the wavy tendrils left out in front keep it breezy and flirty, not stuffy.
To nail that volume but without being stiff, I use IGK Beach Club Texture spray prior to gathering and twisting it. It creates that second-day-hair feel without the oil. Then I tie it up with a few bobby pins and let those front pieces run around.
I’ve worn this bun to art galleries and farmer’s markets – it always makes me feel like the cool girl in a linen dress who knows where the good coffee is. You know the vibe.
This bun’s actual magic is how casual or classy it can be, depending on the earrings you choose to go with it.
Loose Waves with Hidden Lift
This is what I refer to as a “secret styling hack” look. At first glance it may look like simple waves but the crown is lifted lightly with a hidden tease underneath which gives the whole silhouette more life. Light ethereal soft cascading waves part otherwise curtain bangs that do not feel flat but relaxed.
If I need that lift to last the whole day, then I use Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus – a mousse that provides lift at the roots without any stickiness. Curling iron for the bottom half, a spritz of flexible hold hairspray, and that’s it.
This is my date-night favorite, particularly when I want to look like I didn’t try too hard – but definitely did. It’s also selfie-approved from every angle.
You could easily tuck one side behind the ear and put a pearl pin to add that cool contrast of glam and soft.
Polished Mid-Low Ponytail
There’s a certain chicness about a mid-low ponytail that’s neat, but not too tight. The strands are wrapped perfectly to conceal the band, and the texture all through the pony is smooth and defined. The clean part and weightless finish make this work in summer – it’s cool and chic.
To keep this looking polished I prep with OUAI Leave-In Conditioner for that slip and gloss and then I lightly flat iron the top layer before securing the pony.
This is my go to when I want to be out the door quickly but still make a statement at the coffee shop. It’s a classic and classics always have a place in summer styling.
Sometimes I’ll take a single strand back behind my ear and let it curl naturally in the wind. Feels almost cinematic.
Voluminous Curled Half Ponytail
This look is all about drama – but in a soft, summer-sunset sort of way. The top half is pulled back and tied just high enough to lift the crown and the rest of the hair falls in big voluminous curls. It’s a combination of beach hair and vintage glam and it works for everything from road trips to rooftop dinners.
Prior to curling, I always use Gisou Propolis Infused Heat Protecting Spray. Then I curl away from the face, brush it out with boar bristle brush, and re-pin the top for lift.
This style stays very well, particularly if you mist it lightly with setting spray. It’s one of those styles that gets better with time after a few hours of wear.
This is the moment if you’re going for a sunset picnic. Add hoops or a dainty necklace, and you’re golden.
Messy Redhead Top Bun
Let’s end on a fiery note, shall we? This messy top bun with soft face framing strands is giving cool, confident, and a little rebellious. The rich red tone really pops the whole thing and the bun itself is airy but full – tied together with intention, not perfection.
Red hair loves extra moisture and UV protection in the summer, so I always recommend Pureology’s Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray. It maintains that coppery tone rich and the strands soft without making things heavy.
This is the face I put on in a heatwave day when I still want to be cute. It is easy, light and flatters literally everyone about the face.
I’m obsessed with this for days when I want my hair off my neck but still want that “I woke up like this” kind of energy.
Classic Braided Ponytail
Simple? Yes. Boring? Never. The braided ponytail is a summer lifesaver—slick at the scalp and tightly braided down the length, all held together with a simple black tie. It keeps every strand in place without sacrificing any style, and it’s low-effort enough for pool days, errands, or gym-to-brunch situations.
For a hair this smooth, I always begin with a small pump of Moroccanoil Treatment Light on damp hair to reduce frizz. Once dried, a light mist of water helps hold the braid’s tension.
I’ll wear this when I know I’m going to be moving around, but still want to feel intentional. It’s also what I use for travel days – stays safe even if I doze on it.
To take it to the next level wrap a silk scarf around the base or add a pop-color scrunchie. Instant polish.
Waved High Ponytail with Baby Braids
This one is giving bombshell with a twist—literally. The high ponytail is full of waves but what makes it pop are the sleek baby braids at the front that frame the face and add serious detail. It is pulled as high and tight as possible while still giving the edge styling and walks the narrow line between being too glam and too athletic.
This ponytail requires hold and lift and I always use Got2b Glued Spiking Gel around the base before brushing up. For the waves, a 1.25″ iron is the sweet spot—big curls that still have bounce.
This is the hairstyle I decide to have when I want to be powerful and pretty at the same time. Perfect for evenings out or a beach photoshoot when you want those waves to catch the light.
Add gold hoops and you’re basically unstoppable.
Perfect Sleek Top Knot
This minimalist bun has something very “summer in Milan” about it. It is tied up high and twisted into a perfectly round top knot with every strand in place smoothed to perfection. No frizz, no flyaways—just glossy, sculpted elegance.
To achieve this mirror finish, I prep with Color Wow Dream Coat and then blow dry, then go in with Evo’s Gangsta Grip Bonding Resin for shaping. It’s humidity-proof, sweat-resistant, and doesn’t flake. Big yes.
I don this look when I’m heading out somewhere chic – or pretending I am. Paired with satin, this look delivers luxury.
For the day, I’d tone it down with small earrings or a coat of rose gloss. But honestly, this one doesn’t require any accessories to stand out.
Curled Ponytail with Side Part
This curled pony is soft, sultry, and incredibly wearable. The cascading curls are pulled to the crown with a black scrunchie, and side part, and just enough texture to feel glam while remaining down to earth. The side-swept strands up front make it vintage charming which I love.
Curl hold is key here, so I set mine using L’Oréal Elnett Extra Strong Hold Spray before brushing through. The side part gives personality and softness, particularly with those soft front curls that skim the cheekbone.
I love this for dinner with friends or gallery strolls, it’s flattering, photogenic, and never too much.
If your hair is naturally thick, you need hardly tease. Otherwise, clip-in volume works wonders.
Slicked Back Barbie Ponytail
We’re ending on a high note—literally. This Barbie-inspired ponytail is the statement style of summer. Smooth on the scalp, dramatically lifted, and falling into structured waves, it’s part elegant, part daring. It’s the definition of high-maintenance energy—but totally worth it.
This one calls for commitment. I prep with Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17, blow it out and then flat iron the crown and curl the pony with hot rollers for that vintage bounce.
Each time I wear this, somebody asks me where I had my hair done. It’s that kind of look—makes you feel instantly powerful, like you own the moment.
It’s not just a hairstyle. It’s a mood. So own it.
Glossy Retro Glam with Modern Waves
When I first saw this style, I thought “Old Hollywood, but cooler”. This massive low ponytail with sculpted glossy waves is your red-carpet drama without the hours of preparation. The roots are sleeked down with a clean middle part, but the ends blossom out into those brushed-out, bouncy curvatures, which make a scream of elegance. What makes it pop even more? The rich brunette dye blends into gentle toffee colours creating luxe dimension in the turns of the curl.
For styles like these smooth and shiny, I always have a bottle of Color Wow Dream Coat close at hand. It keeps humidity out and provides you with that mirror-finish gloss without stiffness. A couple of spritzes before blow-drying and your waves will slide like silk even when it’s 90 and humid.
There’s something wildly empowering about this hairstyle. I wore something of the sort for a summer wedding last July and had strangers asking who styled my hair. Pro tip? Use a wide barrel curling iron, curling it in big sections, brush it out gently with a boar-bristle paddle for a perfect wave-out.
The only thing missing here? Perhaps a pair of chandelier earring, or a strong shoulder top to accentuate the sculpted curves. But really, even without them, this pony is her own and more.
Bubble Braid Power Pony
This one’s a full yes for me. The classic pony gets a new edgy look with symmetrical “bubbles” sectioned along the length. It’s sleek at the top and then the volume builds as you go – a power move that’s surprisingly easy to copy. The clean lines at the crown provide it some structure, but the playful puffed segments make it light, airy, and very 2025.
Here’s the trick: a small clear elastic after every 2–3 inches. Then pull each section out to form the “bubble”. Set with a light spritz of Oribe Superfine Hair Spray to maintain a set and still feel like it’s touchable. Believe me, this is the type of style that catches the attention and stays through the heat.
This hairstyle to me is the perfect blend of minimal effort and maximum payoff. I have done this before on second day hair for a gallery opening and wore it with gold hoops and a blazer and felt like the coolest girl in the room.
It’s practical. It’s bold. It says “I care about how I look, but I’m not trying too hard” – basically the mood I want for every summer outfit, ever.
Twist-Anchor Wavy Ponytail
This one’s giving timeless with a twist—literally. The front part of the ponytail wraps smoothly under the ponytail base growing the elastic and giving a little professional touch. The waves are gentle and airy falling smoothly over the shoulders. There’s something about that one lovely detail – the hair wrap – that makes the whole look feel deliberate.
I adore using OUAI Wave Spray on damp hair, and I get this exact vibe. Air dry or diffuse and then smooth the crown with a flat brush and tie it back and wrap a strand around the base. Bobby pin it underneath and there you go chic without any heat styling.
Honestly? This has become my go-to “running late” hair hack. It is applicable to everything from groceries to happy hour, or just a morning iced coffee run. And when worn with a backless dress or off-shoulder top? Game over.
You could take it up a notch even by adding just one piece: a simple gold barrette perhaps or a small clip on one side. But even independently, this style has such a natural effortless charm.
Scarf-Tied Textured Ponytail
Okay, this one? Instant charm. It’s playful, it’s feminine, and the scarf just ties the whole summer aesthetic together – pun intended. This textured pony is fluffed with loose waves, a couple of pieces are pulled out to frame the face. The scarf functions as a mood accessory making even a plain tee complete.
If you’re using a scarf, pick one in satin or silk for the best drape and minimal hair pulling. You can also mist your ends with Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil to maintain the texture hydrated and frizz free.
I first experimented with this with a vintage scarf I had found in a thrift bin—wrapped it around a pony on day three hair, threw on hoops and a strapless top, and somehow felt like I was in a French film. It’s that little pop of personality that makes a basic hairstyle feel unforgettable.
This is the kind of style that calls for wearing on vacation – brunch in the sun, a linen dress and oversized sunglasses. Yes, please.
Snatched High Pony with Satin Shine
Let’s be real—sometimes a high pony just hits. Especially when it’s this slick, this shiny, and this structured. The top is sculpted and tight, lifting everything upwards, the ends bounce in controlled voluminous curls. There’s definitely a Y2K feel to this, but with a 2025 gloss that looks sleek and contemporary.
The strong but flexible gel needed to achieve that glassy top is Eco Style Olive Oil Gel, which I have used successfully. Flatten everything using a boar-bristle brush and then fix the base. Roll the ends with a medium barrel iron and brush them out gently for bounce.
I wore this once with a denim jacket covered in pearls and it was giving “pop star on a coffee run”. There’s something strong about a ponytail that makes you stand taller, feel sharper, and have your whole life figured out.
To dial it up you could always wrap a small piece around the base for that red carpet finish. But honestly, even left raw, this pony has presence.
Blonde Bombshell Pony with Beach Waves
This one is all about contrast—and confidence. The slicked-back crown fades to thick voluminous, bright lacteous waves tumbling down like golden ribbons. I love the darker root melt because it adds depth and prevents the overall look from being too “done”. The pony sits high, tight, secure, with the wrapped base finishing it off with a clean, snatched finish. This could easily be summer’s signature look.
Keeping that shine and tone in high-summer sun is not a joke. I swear by using Fanola No Yellow shampoo once a week to maintain the blonde colour – not brassy. And if you want that touchable texture without frizz, apply a pearl-sized amount of Verb Ghost Oil through the ends.
This style always lifts me up a little bit, even if I’m wearing a slouchy tee and cutoffs. There’s something about a glam wave that makes a normal Tuesday a little more special. It’s my “I’m going out, but I didn’t try too hard” style of hair.
Would I change anything about this one? Maybe just throw on bold hoops (okay, done) and swipe on a creamy bronzer. That’s the real glow-up moment.
The Effortless French Braid Revival
This is the braid we all learned in middle school, but refined, grown-up, and majorly trending again for 2025. It’s neat at the crown and works into full, dimensional loops down the back, giving a little texture without being messy. What I adore most? It keeps everything away from your face and neck – so perfect for steamy summer days – and it still looks good.
Don’t forget a lightweight serum before braiding, Kérastase Elixir Ultime is a must in my drawer. It provides that slip and shine which makes the braid slide so beautifully and maintains the style for a whole day. Especially useful when you’re on the go in the heat.
Sometimes I wear this with nothing more than gold hoops and a ribbed tee and I still feel like I’m channelling that minimalist-chic vibe. It’s one of those styles that is intentional without being too styled. And the best part? No heat tools required.
What could make this braid pop even more? Maybe a velvet ribbon tied at the end. Or make it ultra-sleek and make the braid the moment. Either way this is one of the most easy summer hairstyles 2025 is bringing back in style.
Half-Up Soft Waves with a Statement Bow
Can we just agree that bows are back and doing well? This half up half down look combines the relaxed loose waves with the soft drama of a giant fabric bow. It’s sweet, romantic and quite versatile too – especially if you want something that looks as if you spent more time on it than you actually did. The crown has a shape which provides a slight lift while ends fall down the back like tousled ribbons.
I always reach for Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray for styles like this. It adds that light beachy grit that maintains the wave without making it crunchy. End by pulling out a few face-framing strands and tucking that bow in place – secured with pins if necessary.
I wore something similar to this to a garden brunch last summer. Accompanied by a flowy midi dress and a new mani, I looked like a moving Pinterest board and people took notice. It has a nostalgic energy to it but it’s not at all costume-y.
You could completely replace the bow with a floral clip or scrunchie, but I say go for the statement. The bigger the bow, the better the vibe.
Romantic Braided Chignon
This updo is pure magic. A tamed braid is transformed into a loose low chignon at the nape with soft strands combing around the edges of the hairline. The color play, warm blondes kissed with buttery highlights, is so visually interesting to the texture. It’s romantic, whimsical and dreamy summer glam.
I would surely use a light-hold molding cream such as Kristin Ess Working Texture Loose Styling Paste prior to braiding. It provides that grippy texture so strands stay in place but it looks natural. Secure with bobby pins and don’t overanalyze the flyaways, they are charming.
I’ve tried this look once with a backless satin slip dress and gold body oil and it transformed an average date night into a full fairytale moment. It’s soft enough for the daytime but you could just as easily wear it to a summer wedding and look like the guest to watch.
Honestly, nothing is missing here. It’s polished without being stiff, and intricate without being fussy. Just… chef’s kiss.
Ultra Sleek Braided Power Pony
This braid is bold, precise, and fierce. It’s slicked back to perfection and tightly braided into a thick rope-like style, it’s giving warrior chic – ideal for when you need your hair to stay put and look incredible doing it. The tight control up top provides it with that high gloss runway feel, while the thick braid itself brings the drama.
To obtain this type of polish I suggest prepping with Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion and finishing with a fine tooth comb to create the slick-back. For the braid, tighter sections = cleaner finish, so don’t be too shy about redoing it once or twice to get it just right.
Wearing this style gives me instant main character energy. I last rocked it with leather jacket and gold hoops and I felt untouchable and that was in the best sense. This is that no-nonsense high-impact hairstyle that can withstand wind, sweat and schedule changes.
If I wanted to elevate it further? A metallic wire wrapped through the braid would lead it to futuristic editorial territory. But even stripped of its trappings, it’s a style that says “don’t mess with me, I’ve got things to do”.
