Summer’s knocking, and let’s not lie — is there anything more refreshing than updating your hair to go with the summer’s heat and vibes? Whether you’re heading to sunlit picnics or date nights under fairy lights, your medium-length hair is about to become your favorite accessory. But which styles are actually worth trying in 2025? What’s flattering, easy, cool (literally and figuratively), and trend-approved? I’m diving into the prettiest, breeziest summer hairstyles for medium hair 2025, starting with a few you’ll want to screenshot immediately.
Let’s take a look at the textures, braids, and twisted details that are all the rage this season.
Soft Loop Ponytail with Minimalist Polish
This low ponytail with a looped twist is oozing clean-girl energy – the kind that whispers luxury without shouting for attention. The strands are smoothed and tucked into a soft tie and wrapped with a lock of hair for that nonchalant elegant finish. It’s casual, but there’s a polish to it. The kind of look that pairs beautifully with gold hoops and a neutral knit set (but you didn’t hear that from me).
In order to maintain this sleek yet touchably soft texture, I turn to the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray. It blocks out humidity (bless!) and makes your strands feel like silk. If you are styling in heat-heavy states such as Texas and Florida, then this one is a game changer. Just spritz and blow-dry — no frizz in sight.
There’s something about the simplicity that feels so grounding. On days that I’m running errands and last-minute iced matcha runs, this ponytail keeps me chic without effort. It’s like my default when I want to feel “done” without being dolled up.
To elevate this even more? Curling the tail ends for a soft wave or a gold hair cuff at the base will be a good idea. Those little tweaks are what takes the mood from daytime chill to rooftop drinks.
Romantic Braided Crown with Loose Tendrils
This braided crown encircles the head like a halo – lush, soft and full of dimension. With pulled-out pieces around the face and a laid-back silhouette, it’s that perfect combination of boho and bridal. The highlights intertwined into the braids reflect the light just perfectly, giving that summer romance sunlit shimmer.
Making braids such as this not look stiff or too done is all about softness. I prep with Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer to detangle and leave just the right amount of slip. It maintains the look touchable and frizz-free – even if you are out dancing under the stars.
This is the type of style I would wear to a midsummer garden party or an outdoor wedding – it just makes you feel like the best version of yourself. It’s feminine, but not fussy, and it surprisingly stands up, even if you’re sweating through the ceremony.
Do not be scared to let those front tendrils run free. That airy movement makes everything more real, more you. Perfection may not be this style if it is what you are aiming at. But if charm is what you’re after? She delivers.
Voluminous Pancake Braid with a Twist
This braid is not medium at all – except for the length of the hair, of course. This voluminous twist is a classic three-strand that is stretched into something dramatic and full-bodied. The base is raised for crown volume, but the braid itself is tenderly separated for that pancaked romantic fullness. Total fairytale vibes, with zero tiara needed.
Big braids such as this work best on day old hair or with a little texturizing spray. Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray provides the lift and the grip you need, and it smells like vacation in a bottle. Bonus: no sticky buildup, so you can fluff the braid as much as you want.
I once wore this very braid during a weekend trip through coastal Maine — messy beach hair made into a statement moment, and strangers actually stopped me to ask who did it. Spoiler: it was me and a few bobby pins.
Feel free to do a little tucking in of a fresh flower or weaving through a ribbon for a fun, unique touch. It’s the braid that cries out for a selfie — and believe me, you’ll want to take one.
Textured Bubble Braid with Laidback Flair
A bubble braid that’s anything but boring. This take involves the use of gentle teasing and locking off sections every few inches, forming these soft rounded “bubbles” down the back. It’s trendy, yes, but accessible – ideal for hot days when you want to get hair off your neck but still have that look of trying.
What I love about this is the fact that it works so well for layered medium hair. You don’t need extensions but a little styling gel to keep flyaways down. I’ve been loving Kristin Ess Style Defining Shine Pomade — a little goes a long way to define without crunch.
This braid gives main-character energy with zero stress. I wore it for a coffee date that turned into a late night walk and even after 10 hours it was still cute. That’s summer magic.
Want to elevate it? Add a scrunchie in a punchy colour or clip in some pearls. It’s that “done but undone” thing that makes it so wearable.
Classic French Braid with Ribbon Detail
A soft, classic French braid is never really out of style — but in 2025, it’s all about how you finish it. This one is secured with a ribbon for a pretty feminine touch. The braid itself is relaxed and romantic, low and falling with purpose, not precision.
I’d say this look thrives on softness. For shine and manageability, I use Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask on my hair once a week – particularly in summer when sun and salt try to ruin everything. The braid is smoother, more connected and comes together beautifully.
I love this look for those “I want to look good but I’m late” situations. It’s quick, it’s classic, and when you add a ribbon in your outfit’s color scheme? Instant style points.
You can always change the ribbon for leather, velvet, or something surprising – a silk scarf – to your mood or outfit. Small change, major vibe shift.
Low Beach Bun with Dimensional Highlights
This soft, textured bun wrapped low at the nape ticks all the sweet spots — it’s secure, elegant, and provides that windswept-on-purpose look that we all want on the beach. The dimensional honey-blonde highlights reflect the natural sunlight giving the care-free style depth and glow. And those face-framing tendrils? Pure summer poetry.
I always recommend adding a little bit of OUAI Wave Spray to hair before twisting it into this bun – especially if you want that piecey texture to stay without getting crispy. It’s particularly useful after a swim in the ocean when your hair only needs a little polish, but you are not close to a mirror.
This is the look I can achieve when I want to look “unbothered but beautiful”. Last summer, I rode my bike along the coast in Santa Barbara wearing this bun and it stayed put all day long and I actually liked the way it relaxed by dinner. A little undone can be so right.
If you need a little bit of glam, slide in a gold hairpin or barrette at the side. Or just leave it as it is and let the simplicity speak for itself, it shines.
Playful Bubble Ponytail with Red Ribbons
This bubble ponytail tied off with cherry-red ribbons is the hair version of drinking strawberry sangria at golden hour. Sleek on the crown, and voluminous in the tail, the sections are evenly spaced and puffed gently, creating that trendy silhouette with a flirtatious twist. The ribbons? Total show-stopper.
The secret to this look is a very smooth hair. I swear by Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream – it tames flyaways and everything is shiny without the weight. It’s humidity-proof and party-approved.
This feels like the sort of look you put on when you’re feeling daring and playful — perhaps for a summer wedding, where the dress code is “fun”. I love how the ribbons add movement to the whole style – they flutter and bounce in a way that is just alive.
Not into red? Swap for pastel, metallic, or even velvet for a complete transformation of the vibe. The bubble ponytail is the canvas – you’re the artist.
Sporty Braided Mohawk with Lift
This high braid with lifted volume and clean sides is giving cool-girl confidence — like you’re about to win a tennis match and then hit a rooftop for cocktails. It is a mohawk braid with the wearability of a casual summer day look, and those peekaboo highlights take it to another level.
I’ll mist a little of Amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray at the roots before braiding to add that volume and grit. It’s perfect for styles that need structure without stiffness.
I wore something very similar on a city hike in LA, it gave me that athletic edge, and it didn’t move one inch with sunscreen, sweat, and all. It’s a “do” that moves with you.
You can definitely take this up a notch with rings or a slicked side part. Or tone it down with a soft scrunchie at the end. It’s surprisingly versatile.
Messy Top Knot with Soft Curtain Bangs
Okay, this one’s for the lovers of that “I just woke up like this” aesthetic — the messy top knot paired with curtain bangs that frame the face like sunshine on linen sheets. It’s laid back but it’s still romantic, and it’s especially good with medium hair that has a little body to it.
I usually prep my bangs with a round brush and IGK Good Behavior Blowout Balm — it provides me with the right amount of control without it looking stiff. For the bun, it’s all about imperfection. Use your hands and not a brush and don’t think too much.
A messy top knot has something about it that makes me feel like me – not too done, not too undone. Just present, effortless, and a little bit flirty. The type of vibe where you throw it up in the morning and you feel cute all day.
If you want to add more polish, slick the sides with gel or pull the bangs tighter. But honestly? Let them fall. Let them dance.
Double Braided Crown into Soft Ponytail
This look adds a bit of drama with its double braids that are pulled back into a soft ponytail. The crown is carved and raised, and the braid pattern is embracing the head as a soft frame. It’s smart combination of structure and softness – polished but not precious.
To maintain the sleekness of the braids and the smoothness of the pony, I’ll use a smear of Aveda Brilliant Anti-Humectant Pomade – it keeps everything in place without feeling greasy. And if your layers like to stick out, a couple of bobby pins and a spray of Sebastian Shaper Plus generally keeps them in line.
This one is my favorite for any occasion that feels a little bit more special – brunches, summer concerts, even date nights. There’s something of princess about it, but she’s grown up and has a playlist of indie bangers.
Add a bow or clip to the ponytail for the extra charm, or just let it flow. Either way, you’re stepping out with purpose.
Glossy Bubble Braid with Sleek Precision
If you love drama but hate fuss, this structured bubble braid is a total win. It is slicked down, polished to perfection and each bubble section is full and symmetrical. What makes it fresh for 2025? That shiny, almost mirror-like finish in combination with the sculptural volume – it’s like “model off-duty but going to dinner”.
I always use Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil to damp hair before styling to seal that shine and shield from heat. Then, when the braid is in, I smooth over the crown with Color Wow Pop + Lock Glossing Serum. Not a strand out of place.
It’s a look that means business. I’ve worn this to client calls, cocktails, and everywhere in between and it always gets compliments — it’s minimal, but striking. The kind of hairstyle that makes you feel tall.
If you want to tone it down a little, take out the front parts or use scrunchies instead of clear elastics. But honestly? The clean finish is the whole point here.
Side Braid with Ribbon and Chill Energy
There is something so playful about a classic side braid, especially when it’s a loose one with a black bow. It hangs to the side, nestling on your shoulder like a little secret – casual, sweet, and totally Gen Z-approved. The golden hues everywhere give it a dimensional shimmer that just feels like sunshine.
For braids such as this, I am light on the product — a little Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner to keep things hydrated and soft. You want that natural swing, not stiffness.
This is a style that I resort to when I want to be a bit cute but not too much. I once styled it with a white tank and gold hoops for a movie night – easy, and still camera-ready.
The ribbon? Optional, but highly recommended. Go black for contrast, pastel for softness, or velvet if you’re feeling luxe. It’s all in the details.
Half-Up Waves with Floral Accent
There is nothing more summer romance than loose, undone waves, soft half-up twist, and a daisy behind the ear. This look is very reminiscent of a countryside picnic or a Taylor Swift music video – warm and nostalgic yet still wearable today.
The waves here are all about texture. I tend to spritz on Sun Bum Sea Spray and scrunch lightly for the beachy softness. Then I twist two small sections from the front and secure at the back with a pin (or a flower, obviously).
There’s something a little healing about this look. It feels calm. Free. I wore this to a Saturday farmer’s market and a vendor stopped me and said that I was summer. I mean… goals, right?
And yes — real flowers work. Just secure them with a hidden bobby pin. You’ll look like you came out of a dream, in a good way.
Polished Low Bun with Modern Edge
This is the “CEO of Summer Hair” of the tight, low-sitting buns. It’s sleek, sharp, and completely on purpose – just what you need to own a room without uttering a single word. The center section and the wrap-around ending keep things clean, and the cool ash-blonde color adds depth and shine.
To get that perfect gloss, I always prep with R+Co Mood Swing Straightening Spray, and finish with a light pass of Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil over the top. Game. Changer.
This bun is good for business lunches or more formal summer events. It says you have taste, confidence, and most likely a good signature perfume. And it lasts all day without a single touch-up.
Want to add a twist? Wear a bright satin scrunchie, or stick a sleek hair stick in for a little editorial touch.
Relaxed Claw Clip Twist with Flyaway Charm
Sometimes, you simply want a no-fuss updo but that does not mean that it cannot look intentional. This laid-back spin secured with a giant claw clip makes effortless come back in the best way. It’s a little bit messy, but that’s the magic – the volume, the texture, the lived-in feel. It’s comfy, cool, and still has presence.
Before pinning, I mist Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray for grip – especially if my hair is just washed. It helps the clip stay in place without sliding and gives me that pretty mess that is so totally intentional.
There’s something nostalgic here, right? It resurrects the 2000s energy, however, in a more sophisticated manner. I wear this on lazy days when I am writing, reading, or running out to get coffee and do not want a single elastic anywhere near my scalp.
The best part? It is for second-day hair and when your scalp needs to rest from tension. Win-win.
Beach Waves with Starfish Clips
This hairdo is right off a mermaid’s Pinterest board — tousled beach waves held back with playful starfish clips. The waves are soft and not tight and the hair is parted slightly off-center to keep things natural and sun-kissed. It’s that perfect mix of play and polish that does well in coastal locations.
For texture, I like to prep with Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Soft Waves Spray. It gives that salt-kissed, breezy effect without any crunch — think effortless, not effort-full.
I wore this exact style to a sunset dinner on the water last July and it was like the waves in my hair were the ocean. It is sentimental and plain, and the accessories make it unforgettable.
Those clips? Use them to tell a story. Go starfish, pearls, seashells, or even miniature sunbursts. It’s your summer fantasy — live it.
Twisted Low Bun with Sunkissed Dimension
This twisted bun is placed right above the nape with a soft coiled structure that appears more complicated than it is. The highlights in the hair curl around each other as if the sunlight was swirling around in water, making the whole look glow naturally. It is sleek in shape, but the texture makes it playful.
I would recommend Redken Rewind 06 for hold – it gives that touchable structure without freezing your strands. Perfect for holding those twists in place on humid days.
This style has wedding guest written all over it. I wore something similar with a linen jumpsuit and received so many compliments — it is on the border of refined and beach-ready.
If you are in the mood for additional detail, braid one section and then wrap it into the bun. It adds more movement and allows your color to come through.
Braided Chignon for Soft Evenings
A romantic braid that flows into a chignon — this look is dreamy and subtle and is ideal for summer evenings when your hair needs to be off your shoulders but still soft around the face. The delicate face-framing tendrils and the sculpted shape make it the right amount of elegant.
I pre-style with Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother to hydrate and smooth, without weighing hair down. The outcome is that clean, rich finish you find in bridal inspo boards.
I did this for a friend’s backyard engagement party and I felt totally lifted even in flats. It adds that Old Hollywood grace with a coastal touch.
Do not forget about earrings with this one — a drop or dangle style will perfectly fit the neckline it creates.
Curled Updo with Sculptural Layers
This massive updo is almost too lovely to touch – with defined curls, twists, and movement from all sides. It’s a sculptural interpretation of a classic bun, meant to show off the texture and the shine of your hair without covering your neck and shoulders.
To achieve that separation and hold, I prep with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant Spray, curl with a one-inch wand, and lightly finger-twist in place. End with Kenra Volume Spray 25 – it will not budge even if you dance until 2 a.m.
This is what I would wear to a midsummer gala or a black-tie wedding. It’s a little more in the best way, and to be honest, we all need a little more sometimes.
Why not add a crystal pin or comb on one side to make it even more? But even bare, it’s breathtaking.
Curly Puff Updo with Sleek Center Part
This is the moment for the girls with curls – this curly puff updo has a strict, smooth center part and ample volume at the crown. It’s bold, sculptural, and it’s a shout out to natural hair in all its glory. The front is absolutely defined and laid, the back bursts with personality.
To achieve this type of finish, I use Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Styling Gel for slicking and Camille Rose Curl Maker to make the curls come alive. Definition and control — both essential.
I love how this balances control with volume. It is perfect for summer concerts, date nights, or whenever you want your curls to steal the show without any apologies.
Add a bold lip or a chunky earring and you’ve got a whole mood. Hair first, everything else follows.
Elegant Sculpted Updo with Modern Volume
This look is nothing short of a sculptural masterpiece. The medium-length hair has been twisted and fanned into layers of smooth volume at the crown, held in a full-bodied low bun that is timeless but totally of-the-moment. There is a tenderness to the framing pieces and a calculated fullness that stops it from being too bridal – this is formal for 2025.
To keep the shine and structure of this style, I would always grab Oribe’s Imperial Blowout Transformative Styling Crème before even thinking of using a brush. It provides that smooth density that will help you create height without any crunch. And for hold that won’t flake in the heat? Kenra Volume Spray is my beach wedding go-to.
I’ve worn a variation of this look for outdoor events and I can guarantee you – it photographs like a dream. There is something distinctly luxe about it, but it’s not shouty “trying too hard”. That balance is rare.
If you are thinking of having a rooftop dinner, or even a city hall elopement, this could be the look. Add a little dewy skin and a barely-there makeup and you’re on point.
Low Ponytail with Effortless Texture
This low ponytail is not something too complicated, and this is its strength. It leans into a messy texture with a slight twist that ties it all together. The strands have that undone wave that only medium-length hair can pull off without looking heavy and the gold clasp holding it together? A minimalist’s dream.
Humidity will crush this type of style quickly, so I like to prep with a salt spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray at the roots and a quick pass of a curling wand through the ends. Not to curl—just to bend. Then finger-brush it all out.
I had this worn out for coffee with a friend and she actually asked me if I’d had my hair done. That’s the beauty of this ponytail – it has a lived-in, sun-kissed, and tried-but-not-screaming-I-tried vibe.
Want to elevate it? Change the clasp to a silk ribbon or place a small strand of your hair around the tie. It’s those tiny tweaks that make all the difference.
Side Braids into Sleek Mid Pony
This one is right in the middle of cute and fierce. We’ve got two braids back from the temples and into a medium height ponytail that’s slicked and tied with polish. The braids provide structure and frame the face without being too juvenile — it’s festival glam with grown-woman energy.
To make this work, I normally suggest a flexible hold gel such as Ouai’s Matte Pomade only on the braid sections for grip and separation. It’s what prevents it from coming undone or puffing out when the day gets hot.
What I love the most about it is its versatility — I have worn it to an outdoor concert, and I’ve also styled something similar for a friend’s rehearsal dinner. It gives personality without taking over your whole look.
Feeling bold? Add a couple of glitter pins along the braids for a bit of late-summer glitter.
Beachy High Pony with Face-Framing Strands
There is nothing that screams vacation mode like a high pony that looks like you just got off the sand. This ponytail is flirtatiously messy with lots of textured waves and secured high on the crown for that lifted, carefree feel. The face-framing strands are substantial enough to be deliberate, and they pick up the light like beach-lit highlights.
I can’t not mention dry shampoo here — I use Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day to fake volume and stretch that beachy texture for two or even three days. And for that movement? A few random sections and a quick twist of a 1.25 inch curling iron are all that is needed.
I put this on for a coastal drive last August and caught my reflection in the rearview mirror – sun-kissed skin, wind-tossed ponytail, gold hoops. It’s an aesthetic all its own.
Put on a light white button down and say it’s your off-duty model look. You’re welcome.
Wrapped Mid Pony with Romantic Volume
This is a style that can make “just a ponytail” a complete romantic statement. The crown has lift, the tail has bounce, and the hair wrap around the base lifts the whole thing into something subtly refined. It is the type of style that you wear when you want to appear put together, but still very much in your element.
No teasing needed here, just a light backcomb at the roots and a spritz of R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray is all that is needed. I have also discovered that using a big round brush in your blowout also helps to set the volume without the crunch.
This is one of those styles that feels ultra-feminine. I’ve worn it to brunch in a lace dress and felt like the best version of me – styled, but not fussy.
And hey, if you’re wearing statement earrings? This pony’s got you. The lift gives them space to shine.
Textured Volume Ponytail with Curtain Tendrils
This ponytail adds the volume – where it is needed. The hair is pulled high and loose with softly tousled texture running through the mid-lengths and ends. What makes this look feel so 2025? The long face-framing tendrils that hit just below the cheekbone and dance around the face like they’re catching a breeze. It’s flirty, and wearable, and super flattering on medium hair lengths.
For that touchable texture, I swear by Amika’s Un.done Volume and Matte Texture Spray — it provides the hair with that airy, piecey movement without any stickiness. If your hair is prone to falling flat in heat, a light tease at the crown with a boar bristle brush will keep the lift for longer.
To be honest, this one is a favorite of mine when I am trying to look pulled together without really having to try. It works with day-three hair and even better if there is some grit in it.
Combine this with a graphic tee or a spaghetti-strap dress and let the hair do the talking.
Loose-Twisted Low Pony with Windswept Texture
We are going to discuss a ponytail that seems to have been styled by a breeze. This messy, loosely held low pony has layers of texture and a nonchalant elegance that is just what summer hair should be — relaxed, romantic, and a little rebellious. The twist gives shape and volume, while the ends are left soft and free flowing.
This type of a style loves layers and a hint of frizz – yes, I said frizz. Don’t fight it. I use the Ouai Wave Spray to create the type of hold that makes it look like you just got out of the wind. End with a shine spray such as IGK Good Behavior for a veil of gloss that maintains the look purposeful.
I wore this to a summer dinner on a patio with fairy lights and rosé, and it couldn’t have been more right. It’s the best of casual chic – no stiffness, no fussiness.
Add a set of shoulder-grazing earrings and you’re good for golden hour selfies.
Modern French Roll-Inspired Top Knot
This crooked top knot is the cool cousin of a classic French roll. Rather than the typical slicked back, it has soft bends, a bit of undone texture, and a shape that sits high on the crown. It is the type of updo that says, “I am chic, but not too much effort was put in.” And really, that’s a vibe I pursue all summer.
If, for the structure that won’t fall down in the heat, you ask me to prep, I will suggest prepping with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray before styling. And if you’re dealing with clean hair, use a little bit of Aveda’s Light Elements Defining Whip to keep shape without the weight.
I’ve worn this look with a slip dress and flats on warm Sunday mornings, and it is just so easy. It’s polished enough for brunch, breezy enough for errands.
If your summer is full of things to do, this is the style that’ll keep up with you – from the morning coffee runs to the evening wine bars.
Cascading Curl Ponytail with Soft Front Layers
There’s something playful about this bouncy ponytail. It’s constructed with large, well-defined curls that are pulled back enough to give the roots some lift, with a soft wave around the face that frames everything so beautifully. The ponytail itself has body and shine with curls that bounce and move with every turn. It’s got personality and is ideal for medium hair lengths that can still hold a little coil.
I’m a big fan of using the CurlSmith Curl Defining Soufflé on damp hair before styling, even if you’re using a curling wand. It provides that defined-but-not-stiff end and makes the curls resistant to the humidity.
This style has date night vibe — I wore it to a summer open-air concert, and it remained bouncy till the last song. It is also complimentary to round faces as it lengthens the neck and draws attention to the cheekbones.
Pair it with your favorite summer knit or low-back dress — it’s soft, feminine, and has movement.
Minimalist Low Chignon with Soft Volume
Let’s finish this batch with a love letter to simplicity. This low, coiled chignon is like a whisper of elegance. It’s tucked right at the nape with a center part and a soft sweep over the ears. The bun itself is snug but not stiff, and the entire shape is flattering to medium-length hair because it gives it purpose without overdoing it. If balletcore had an older sister – this would be her.
This look pairs perfectly with anti-humidity products like Color Wow Dream Coat (especially if your hair tends to puff out in heat). A good center part is essential here and I use a tail comb to make it razor sharp without putting product at the root.
I’ve hoarded this one for summer weddings and museum dates – where quiet confidence is perfectly at home. It provides that sort of effortless elegance that doesn’t seek attention but always gets it.
For the extra sleek finish, you can try wrapping the bun with a silk scrunchie or adding a pearl pin for detail.
