22 Easy Summer Hairstyles 2025 For Medium, Long And Short Hair With Braids, Updos, Ponytail, Waves And More

When summer hits full swing, your hair should be the last thing holding you back from enjoying the sunshine. Whether you’re heading to the beach, sipping iced lattes at brunch, or dancing under string lights at an outdoor wedding, your hairstyle can make or break the vibe. This year, 2025 brings a new wave of easy summer hairstyles that balance effortlessness with polish—and we’re here for every twist, bun, and wave.

We’ve handpicked a series of sun-kissed, practical, and cute styles that are perfect for women with medium hair, long hair, or even those looking for versatile updos. These looks are ideal for any occasion—from work to weddings, from beach days to school runs. Here’s your full guide to mastering summer hair with zero stress.

Relaxed Beach Braid with Texture

There’s something about a slightly messy hair braid that screams summer freedom. This style combines a relaxed crown twist into a full braid that cascades down the back, blending into long sun-kissed waves. It’s ideal for long hair, especially if you’re dealing with thin hair that could use some visual volume.

To recreate this, gently tease the roots before braiding for lift, then pull at the braid’s edges for a fuller, looser finish. This look pairs beautifully with a backless dress or strappy swimsuit—effortless and romantic.

Elegant Bun with Silk Scarf

If sophistication and minimal effort had a baby, this would be it. A sleek updo twisted into a voluminous bun is instantly elevated with a colorful silk scarf. This style is polished enough for work or a rooftop party and totally manageable on those sweltering summer days.

For best results, use a smoothing serum to tame flyaways and secure the scarf around the bun for both flair and function. Pro tip: this works great for medium hair and shoulder length cuts that don’t quite fit into a high pony.

Puffy Dutch Braid on the Pier

Big braids, big impact. This oversized Dutch braid adds major drama while keeping your strands perfectly in place—even when it’s humid. The voluminous plait is perfect for thick hair or anyone with medium length to long hair aiming for a playful yet put-together finish.

To get the look, braid loosely and pancake the sections out for that plump, sculpted effect. It’s a dream hairstyle for kids too—fun, structured, and secure.

Half-Up Beach Knot with Loose Waves

For days when you want to feel like a mermaid off-duty, this half up half down style delivers. A loose topknot adds a casual twist while long tousled waves spill effortlessly over your shoulders. Ideal for long hair, especially if you’re headed to a tropical escape or beachside lunch.

What makes this look magical is its balance of carefree and intentional. Mist sea salt spray over dry hair and twist the top half into a knot—pin and go. Style it with a white two-piece or linen set for major coastal chic vibes.

Classic Poolside Braid with a Pop of Scarf

There’s nothing more summery than a braid topped off with a scarf, especially poolside. This look is not only adorable but also practical for heat and humidity. Tied at the crown with a bright polka-dot scarf, the braid keeps things playful and secure.

This style works especially well for medium hair simple and is low maintenance enough for a full day outdoors. Rock it with your favorite swimwear or for kids with active days ahead.

Sleek Bubble Ponytail

This bubble ponytail is a total head-turner and surprisingly simple to achieve. It’s a modern update on the classic pony—structured yet playful, and totally Instagram-worthy. It’s best for those with long hair or medium length locks.

You’ll need a few elastics and smoothing balm to create that clean, sculpted silhouette. This style is ideal for errands, day trips, or casual brunch—especially when paired with a crop top and woven bag like shown here.

Low Textured Bun on the Beach

The ultimate relaxed low bun for beach days or impromptu sunset dinners. With soft face-framing strands and lived-in texture, this style oozes effortlessness. Great for short hair to medium hair, especially when styled with a bit of wave or curl.

This bun has that just-rolled-out-of-the-ocean charm while still looking polished enough for a wedding or dinner party. Pair with a crochet dress or lacey cover-up and you’ve nailed boho summer glam.

Romantic Braided Twist

This swooping, twisty braid is a softer, more romantic take on the traditional French style. It looks sculpted and intentional but is perfect for those with naturally curly hair or those wanting volume at the crown. A total showstopper for weddings, date nights, or parties.

To get the look, start with a side part and begin twisting toward the nape before securing in place. Finish with texture spray for a little extra hold and bounce.

Double Braids with Hat and Scrunchie

If you’re chasing that Western-meets-beach vibe, these chunky double braids are a playful twist on a classic. Worn with a wide-brimmed hat and scrunchie combo, they’re a dream for festivals, road trips, or casual outdoor hangs.

This style is especially great for kids or women with medium hair wanting to keep cool without sacrificing style. It’s laid-back, fun, and totally trend-forward.

Floral Crown Waves

No summer hairstyle roundup is complete without florals. These cascading waves crowned with delicate blush flowers create a fairy-tale finish. It’s the ultimate natural, romantic hairstyle for an outdoor wedding or garden party.

Perfect for long hair, this style enhances your texture while keeping your look soft and dreamy. A floral crown can easily elevate your look without much effort—and it’s surprisingly comfortable.

Braided Beauty with Tropical Blooms

Few summer styles evoke vacation vibes like a braid peppered with tropical blooms. This braid takes on a carefree island flair with tiny colorful flowers woven into each section. It’s sweet, feminine, and perfect for a beach wedding or a tropical getaway.

This look works best for long hair, though you can adapt it easily for medium hair with floral pins or clips. Pair with a swimsuit or flowy maxi dress and you’re ready for sunset cocktails.

Western-Chic Low Twist

This low-twist bun tucked neatly under a wide-brimmed hat is the definition of Western elegance. It’s secure enough for horseback rides, yet polished enough for a brunch date or a summer wedding.

It’s especially flattering for medium hair and shoulder length styles, keeping strands off the neck in the heat. Try it with a lacy tank and floral trousers, just like the outfit shown, to channel effortless country glam.

French Braided Pair

When it comes to active days, double French braids are unbeatable. This classic pair looks structured yet stylish and works for nearly any hair length, especially for kids, for curly hair, or anyone with thicker strands who wants full control in the heat.

These braids are perfect for school, the gym, or even poolside lounging. Match with a tube top or simple bandeau for a sporty-chic finish.

Side-Twist Crown with Soft Waves

This dreamy half-up braid wraps from the temple toward the back, softly blending into loose waves. It’s elegant, subtle, and ideal for medium hair with a naturally tousled texture. It’s the hairstyle equivalent of golden hour lighting—effortless and universally flattering.

Add this one to your rotation for weddings, beach dinners, or romantic summer strolls. It pairs flawlessly with a simple white knit tank and sun-kissed skin.

Playful Half-Up Top Knot

Proof that less really is more. This half up half down look is as minimal as it is charming, featuring a mini top knot on slightly textured medium hair. It’s the ideal quick fix when you’re rushing out the door or just want to feel a little extra lifted.

This style is casual and versatile, great for work, school, or lazy Sunday outings. Bonus: it’s perfect for short hair too.

Poolside Micro Braids

This look combines baby braids at the crown with natural texture for a relaxed, cool-girl vibe. It’s a favorite among Gen Z influencers and rising as one of the top easy summer hairstyles of 2025. Worn with a middle part, the braids create a face-framing effect while keeping hair out of your eyes.

Perfect for thin hair or those with medium length, this look screams pool party chic. A swipe of lip gloss and some gold hoops finish it off flawlessly.

Braided Ponytail with Cornrow Detail

This high ponytail blends sleek styling with intricate box braids, making it a stunning protective style for Black women or anyone who loves creative braid work. Cornrowed sides lead into a multi-texture pony that’s chic, modern, and full of movement.

Wear it with a strappy dress or crop top for a glam day-to-night look. This one is not just cute—it’s powerful.

Polished Formal Updo

Classic, sleek, and utterly stunning, this voluminous bun with face-framing tendrils is an instant go-to for weddings, galas, or any formal occasion. The softly curled front pieces add romance and balance out the clean lines of the updo.

Ideal for medium hair to long hair, this style shines when paired with bold earrings and a strapless neckline. Think red carpet energy, but make it summer.

Double High Braids with Bold Makeup

This edgy double braid look feels youthful and rebellious—perfect for kids or anyone wanting to make a bold statement. Styled into high pigtails, these long, thick braids bring serious early-2000s energy in the best way.

They look amazing for long hair, and they’re also surprisingly practical on sweltering days. Great for festivals, the 4th of July, or party nights where you want to turn heads.

Sleek Side Braid Power Look

Structured and striking, this thick side braid channels serious boss energy. Paired with a sleek crown and bold makeup, it’s one of the most versatile summer styles—ideal for work, date nights, or when you want to feel powerful and polished.

Perfect for long hair, and ultra-smoothing serum is the secret to nailing that clean finish. Minimalist accessories and a square neckline complete the aesthetic.

Tropical Goddess with Flower Crown

Nothing says summer like a crown of fresh island blooms. This floral halo elevates natural, flowing strands into something truly ethereal. Worn with minimal makeup and soft texture, this look is ideal for long hair and works beautifully for curly hair too when you want to lean into your natural texture.

Whether you’re attending a luau, beach wedding, or just living your best life at golden hour, this flower-crown moment is a timeless boho favorite. Pair with an off-the-shoulder top or crochet cover-up for full goddess energy.

Boho Braided Crown in the Fields

This voluminous, side-swept braid feels straight out of a fairy tale—and looks just as magical. Set against a golden field and paired with an embroidered blouse and floral maxi skirt, it captures the bohemian spirit perfectly. It’s an ideal look for long hair, especially when you want a style that’s both secure and stunning for outdoor occasions.

A pearl clip adds a touch of polish, but the real magic lies in the oversized, pulled-apart braid. This one’s for those sun-drenched Saturdays at the farmers market or dreamy summer photoshoots.

Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical island, heading to the office, or dancing the night away at a summer wedding, these easy summer hairstyles are your warm-weather style solution. They’re effortless, fashion-forward, and designed to flatter every hair length, texture, and vibe. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional stylist to pull them off.

From airy braids and updos to playful ponytails and waves, this season’s trends are all about feeling confident and carefree. So grab your favorite claw clip, scarf, or flower crown, and let your summer hair story unfold.