19 Cute Summer Hairstyles For Teens 2025 With Easy Braids, Ponytail, Curls, Hair Up Styles

As the summer sun turns up the heat, teens across the U.S. are looking for easy, stylish ways to wear their hair that hold up through beach days, music festivals, and everything in between. This year, 2025 is seeing a major revival in versatile, carefree hair trends that combine both function and flair. From intricate braids to romantic wavy hair, the season’s hottest styles are all about self-expression, simple styling, and showing off healthy locks.

Below, we break down the cutest summer looks with inspiration from real-life styles that blend effortlessly with both casual and dressed-up summer outfits. Each style you see here is not only on trend but also easy to replicate, whether you’re heading to school, hanging with friends, or updating your feed with that perfect sunkissed selfie.

French Braided Simplicity

This look is everything a summer hairstyle should be: classic, fresh, and easy to pull off. Twin Long hair French braids frame the face while keeping strands off the neck—perfect for hot weather or active summer plans. The center part keeps things neat, while the loose front tendrils soften the style for an effortlessly romantic vibe.

Pair it with a clean white top for a crisp, summery outfit. This is a go-to look for school days or casual outings, and works on medium to long hair.

Bold Cornrows with a Sleek Finish

This intricate cornrow style is bold, protective, and absolutely striking. The tight, neat braids curve beautifully around the head, ending in long plaits that can be worn down or styled up into a bun or ponytail. It’s a perfect pick for teens with black or curly hair, and it holds up against humidity while making a fashion-forward statement.

Add chunky gold earrings and a pop of color in your top like this abstract-patterned shirt to complete the edgy aesthetic.

Boho Loose Braids with a Natural Glow

This style has a lived-in feel that’s perfect for laid-back summer adventures. Twin braids are casually tied, with wisps of hair framing the face for a relaxed, natural look. The subtle messiness adds a youthful glow, making it ideal for outdoor settings and boho-inspired outfits.

Great for teens with wavy hair or naturally textured long hair, this look pairs beautifully with light summer tees and nature-inspired accessories.

Top Knot Twist with Mini Braids

For a more elevated twist on the hair up look, this style combines a high messy bun with detailed side braids tucked into the crown. The contrast between the sleek braids and tousled bun creates a chic high-low blend that’s perfect for summer parties or date nights.

It’s best on medium to long hair and adds dimension and drama to an otherwise casual outfit. A black top makes the look stand out and lets the hair shine.

Braided Half-Up with Waves

This half-updo balances braids and wavy hair for a princess-core vibe that feels whimsical and modern. Two neat braids on either side are pinned with gold hair clips, adding elegance and keeping hair off the face. The rest of the hair cascades in loose waves, making it perfect for teens wanting the best of hair up and hair down worlds.

Wearing a soft white or off-shoulder top adds to the ethereal aesthetic—ideal for beach days or summer events.

Twisted Half-Up with Dimensional Waves

This hairstyle is a subtle showstopper. A simple twist gathers wavy hair into a knotted back, letting the rest of the long hair flow freely. The caramel and blonde tones highlight the twists beautifully, catching the sunlight for a natural shimmer.

Pair with strappy summer tops for an effortless look that works equally well for brunch or backyard hangouts.

Crown Braid Elegance

This elegant halo-style braid wraps softly around the crown, blending seamlessly into the rest of the hair, which is styled in romantic curls. It’s a timeless pick that feels youthful and classic—ideal for dressier summer occasions.

The look complements curly hair and adds a polished vibe to flowy blouses and soft pastel tones. Perfect for weddings, photoshoots, or anytime you want to channel cottagecore chic.

Summer Fields Braids

Here’s a style that breathes freedom and nature. Long French braids are tightly woven and fall evenly over the shoulders, perfect for summer hikes, bike rides, or just soaking up the sun. The loose strands around the face add softness and a youthful glow.

A knit tank top or sundress works wonders with this aesthetic—think earthy colors, natural fabrics, and easy accessories.

Loose Waves with Natural Volume

A timeless look, loose wavy hair is always in style for summer. This hairstyle requires minimal effort, yet gives that breezy, beachy feel. It’s a versatile option that works whether your hair is naturally wavy or curled with heat tools.

A simple necklace and a scoop-neck tank keep the focus on your hair while giving you a laid-back, pretty-girl-next-door look.

Side Braided Twist with Volume

Combining volume with soft detail, this hairstyle takes a side braid and twists it into the rest of the hair, adding both structure and movement. It’s ideal for those with long hair who want something special without too much effort.

Black lace or sleeveless summer dresses make this look pop, lending an air of effortless sophistication. This is one of those easy hairstyles that looks like it took hours.

Side Twist with Gold Clip Glam

A subtle twist, quite literally. This style features a delicate side braid woven just above the ear, pinned with a chic gold accessory. It’s minimal, classy, and great for showing off a sun-kissed balayage. Perfect for girls with long hair and wavy hair, this look transitions smoothly from daytime errands to a sunset dinner.

Pair with a semi-sheer black blouse like this for a grown-up but playful summer outfit. It screams effortlessly polished.

Wind-Tousled Beach Waves

This is the quintessential surfer-girl style. Natural wavy hair flows freely with a middle part that’s easy to maintain even in ocean breeze. What makes this style work in 2025 is its unapologetic wildness—think undone, textured, and confidently chill.

It’s an ideal choice for long hair, and a dark tee offers contrast while keeping things grounded. Consider this your go-to for a coastal road trip or bonfire night.

Soft Half-Up with Side Braid

Romantic yet relaxed, this half-up style features a subtle side braid blended into soft curly hair. The ponytail element adds a playful bounce, giving you movement while keeping hair out of your face.

Worn with a strapless or crop top and high-waisted denim, it’s a staple summer look. Add a spritz of sea salt spray for extra texture—it’s the kind of look people assume took hours but is actually quite easy.

Half-Up Top Knot with Sunglasses Chic

For the teen who loves a blend of edgy and casual, this hair up look is a winner. The top knot is intentionally undone, with sunglasses tucked in like a headband—because why not? This style works great on medium to long hair, especially when left slightly tousled.

It goes best with off-shoulder knits or slouchy tops and creates a model-off-duty vibe that’s totally Instagram-worthy.

Boho Floral Braids

If you’re a fan of all things cottagecore, this one’s for you. A Long hair French braid is decorated with bright mini flowers for that handcrafted summer festival mood. It’s a dreamy, youthful look that invites creativity—perfect for themed parties or artsy afternoons.

Pair with solid tops to let the colorful details pop. Works well for school spirit days, nature walks, or even a creative DIY photoshoot at home.

Curly Headband Charm

Retro meets modern in this adorable curly hair look. Loose ringlets are kept in place with a textured headband, giving off major 90s vibes. This style suits all hair lengths but pops especially well on medium and short hair.

Go for a ribbed off-the-shoulder top for soft elegance. It’s an easy, stylish way to manage curls during the hot months.

Natural Layers with Face Framing

Simple, soft, and all about movement—this long hair style lets your layers do the talking. There’s no fuss here, just a clean center part and softly feathered ends that elevate an otherwise laid-back look.

Ideal for girls who want to keep it natural but not boring. A white wrap top like this gives the whole vibe a clean, fresh look.

Double Dutch Drama

There’s something powerful about symmetrical braids, and this Long hair French braids style delivers. The volume and tension of the Dutch braids add drama while staying off the face, making this one of the most practical easy styles for summer adventures.

Add a bold printed blouse for extra flair—it brings the youthful warrior princess energy we all need in 2025.

Low Pony with Volume

The ponytail gets a makeover with this voluminous take. Hair is swept into a low pony with a little teased height at the crown, balancing casual and classic perfectly. This is one of those long hair ponytail styles that suits everything from school days to spontaneous hangouts.

A textured sweater adds a cozy contrast, making the style feel transitional into early fall as well.

Whether you’re after something short, curly, or long hair ponytail styles, 2025 summer trends prove that effortless beauty is always in. Let your hair express your vibe and give these styles a spin.