Summer Hairstyles 2025: 20 Trendy Ideas For Long, Medium, Short And Curly Hair With Buns, Ponytail And More

As the summer sun heats up, so does our desire to refresh our look with a new hairstyle that reflects the carefree, sun-kissed vibes of the season. Whether you’re lounging by the ocean or attending rooftop parties, the right summer hair can elevate your entire aesthetic. In 2025, we’re seeing a mix of classic styles, modern twists, and low-maintenance haircuts that work for every hair length, texture, and lifestyle. From braids to updos, this season is all about creativity, comfort, and confidence.

In this article, we’ll break down the most trendy, cute, and easy styles for women. Each section corresponds to a unique hairstyle idea you can try today—tailored to your vibe, your length, and your summer agenda. Let’s dive in.

Beachy Layered Waves

Beachy layered waves are the go-to hairstyle for a reason. Their lived-in, effortless texture screams summer and works beautifully on long hair or medium length strands. The cascading layers add volume and movement, especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces. With a natural part and sun-kissed highlights, this look frames the face in the most flattering way. Think: effortless glamour with minimal effort.

Achieving this style is simple. Use a wide-barrel curling iron or a flat iron to create loose waves, then rake your fingers through for a tousled finish. Add a sea salt spray for that perfect beach texture and hold. It’s low-maintenance and ideal for curly hair types that want a bit more structure.

Double Dutch Braids with a Bow Accent

Double Dutch braids are having a major moment this year, and we’re here for it. This braid style pulls hair away from the face while still maintaining a fresh and feminine vibe, ideal for humid beach days. The added bow detail at the ends brings a cute, playful touch. This look is perfect for women with medium hair or long hair, and it’s especially great for active summer days.

To achieve this, divide your hair down the middle and braid each side tightly from the crown to the nape, securing with a clear elastic and tying a ribbon over the ends. It holds up in the heat and looks polished without effort. Pair with swimwear or casual denim.

Crown Braid with a Low Bun

This elegant updo is made for garden parties or sunset dinners. A thick Dutch braid encircles the crown, leading into a low, secure bun at the nape. It’s regal, yet relaxed, and works well on medium length or shoulder length hair. The style also flatters round and square face shapes by elongating the neckline and drawing attention upward.

Section off the front of your hair for the braid, working from one ear to the other. Pull the rest into a low ponytail, twist it into a bun, and pin everything in place. Use a light hairspray to keep flyaways in check. This updo is both chic and practical.

Twisted Beach Bun

Looking for an easy yet hot style for a seaside stroll or evening out? This messy twisted bun sits low on the nape and incorporates softly curled strands for added volume and dimension. Best for medium hair, it’s a style that looks better the more undone it gets.

Curl the lengths of your hair loosely, then gather it into a low ponytail. Twist and wrap into a bun, pinning in place with bobby pins. Leave out a few face-framing pieces for that effortlessly sexy finish. Mist with a texturizing spray to keep it soft but structured.

Waterfall Side Braid

A waterfall braid cascading into curly hair creates an ethereal, romantic look perfect for brunch or summer weddings. This style suits long hair and adds dimension with its twisted interlacing. It’s a favorite among boho fashionistas and beach lovers alike.

Start your braid near the part and gradually work across the side of your head, dropping a strand each time for that “waterfall” effect. Use a wand to curl the loose hair after braiding. This works beautifully with balayage or highlighted hair, adding depth and shimmer.

Tousled Mid-Length Curls

This shoulder length look is perfect for curly hair or anyone aiming for texture-rich volume. The tousled curls feel youthful and breezy—like you just got back from a music festival. It’s a style that flatters nearly every face shape and transitions seamlessly from day to night.

To recreate it, apply a curl cream to damp hair, scrunch, and diffuse or air-dry. If you have natural curls, enhance them with a lightweight gel. For straight hair, use a 1-inch curling iron and alternate curl direction for a more natural finish.

Braided Cornrow Bun Combo

This look combines cornrows and a braided updo for a high-impact summer hairstyle that keeps you cool and looking fierce. The cornrows along the scalp offer grip and definition, while the braid twisted into a bun adds elegance. Perfect for hot climates and poolside parties.

This style is ideal for black women who want a protective yet statement-making summer look. Have a stylist cornrow sections toward the back, then gather the ends into a twist or braided bun. Use hair extensions if you want added volume or drama.

Power Braid Ponytail

This dramatic oversized braid is both playful and commanding—a true power move for the summer. Perfect for long hair, it keeps things neat while highlighting your features and shoulders. The voluminous look adds instant glam, making it ideal for both casual and dressed-up days.

Pull your hair into a high ponytail, braid tightly, and gently pull each section outward to pancake it for fullness. Use texturizing spray for extra hold and volume. This braid style works best on second-day hair and can be accessorized with scrunchies or beads.

Half-Up Space Buns

Space buns aren’t just for festivals anymore—this half up half down version is taking over 2025 as one of the most playful and trendy hairstyles. It’s perfect for medium hair or shoulder length textures that want a bit of flair without too much effort.

Part your hair down the middle and section off the top half. Twist each side into buns and secure with pins or elastics. Leave the rest of your hair in loose waves or curls for contrast. Add subtle curtain bangs to elevate the look.

Twisted Crown Half-Up Style

This half up half down look with twisted crown accents is all about blending elegance with ease. Ideal for medium length or long hair, it gives structure to loose waves and is great for weddings, date nights, or winery weekends.

Twist small sections from each side of the head and secure them at the back with pins or a decorative clip. Use a curling wand to add soft waves to the rest of your hair. This simple style is especially flattering if you’ve got layered cuts or natural volume.

Braided Crown Blossom

This stunning half up half down look is a floral-inspired masterpiece that wraps a thick Dutch braid across the crown and tucks it into a voluminous twist. It flows into soft curls that feel whimsical and romantic. This hairstyle suits long hair best and is ideal for summer bridal events or outdoor celebrations. The braid adds texture and lift, while the waves soften the look beautifully.

To recreate this, section the hair from temple to temple and begin a Dutch braid, adding hair as you wrap around the back. Secure and tug at the loops to create fullness. Curl the bottom half using a wand for defined waves, and finish with a flexible hold spray.

Wild Natural Volume

Big, bold, and unapologetically free, this style is made for women with natural and curly hair who want to let it all out. The teased-out volume and cloud-like texture scream confidence and are ideal for concerts, art shows, and everything in between. This hairstyle is hot and empowering, perfect for black women embracing their texture.

To achieve this, use a diffuser on wet curls or allow hair to air dry with curl-enhancing mousse. Once dry, gently pick the roots and use lightweight oil for shine. It’s not just a style—it’s a statement. Layer with accessories like gold hoops or chunky necklaces for extra flair.

Boho Side Braid

Simple, chic, and made for summer days under the sun, this soft side braid falls loosely over one shoulder, giving major bohemian goddess energy. Great for medium hair to long hair, this braid style adds interest without heat styling. It’s ideal for festivals, farmer’s markets, or just a stroll through town.

Part your hair slightly off-center, gather it over one shoulder, and loosely braid all the way down. Secure with an elastic and gently tug the sides for fullness. Spray a bit of dry shampoo to create grip and volume at the crown. Pair with breezy dresses and minimal makeup.

Sleek High Ponytail

A high ponytail is timeless, but in 2025 it gets a polished upgrade. With a sleek crown and voluminous hair extensions flowing down, this look is both playful and sophisticated. It works best on long hair, especially when you want to beat the heat but keep things elevated.

Brush hair into a tight ponytail at the crown and wrap a strand around the base to conceal the tie. Add clip-in extensions if needed, and finish with a smoothing serum or shine spray. It’s an easy way to feel put-together without much effort, perfect for vacation days and boat outings.

Twin Festival Braids

Double braids return with a vengeance in this ethereal take, featuring lightly undone sections and soft waves underneath. It brings together a touch of fairy tale charm with Gen Z edge. Perfect for long hair or medium length, this braid style is universally flattering.

Create a middle part and begin Dutch braids from the front to the nape. Loosely braid the lengths and secure. Tug gently at the braid edges to make them appear fuller and more whimsical. Spritz with a light mist to keep flyaways in check. Great for park picnics or music festivals.

Messy Half-Top Knot

The messy half up half down top knot is the definitive trendy look for 2025. It’s laid-back yet stylish, making it perfect for casual lakeside hangs or beach bars. This hairstyle shines on medium hair or long hair and embraces the flyaway aesthetic.

Pull the top half of your hair into a rough bun, securing with pins or an elastic. Use your fingers to loosen the crown and face-framing strands. Let the bottom section fall in natural waves or curls. It’s carefree and chic, with minimal time investment.

Beaded Boxer Braids

These intricate boxer braids go beyond functional and into full-on statement territory, accented with metallic cuffs and tiny beads. This cornrows-inspired braid style is best for black women or anyone embracing protective hairstyles with flair.

Section hair into two and create tight Dutch braids starting from the hairline. Thread in beads or accessories as you go for a personalized finish. Use edge control for a clean look along the hairline. This hairstyle is simple, long-lasting, and keeps your summer look cool and sharp.

Side Braid into Ponytail

This dynamic mix of braid and ponytail gives the best of both worlds: structure and softness. A side French braid adds detail and texture, leading into a low, bouncy ponytail. Ideal for medium hair or shoulder length, it flatters any face shape and gives movement without overheating.

Start with a deep side part, braid along the front, and pin into place before pulling the rest into a ponytail. Use a curling iron on the ends for volume. This hairstyle is ideal for brunches, lunch dates, or running errands in style.

Space Buns Reinvented

These modern space buns combine structure and softness, making them a go-to for days when you want playful yet polished vibes. Great for medium length or long hair, this style works especially well with layered cuts that add volume.

Divide the top half of the hair and twist each section into high buns. Let the bottom half flow in waves for contrast. Add curtain bangs or tendrils in the front for a flirty finish. Perfect for house parties or casual summer hangs.

Micro Braids with Loose Waves

A mix of micro braids and beachy waves gives off major goddess energy. It’s a beautiful braid style that balances intricacy and ease. Works best for long hair and can be worn for everything from casual strolls to midsummer festivals.

Braid small sections of hair at the crown or throughout randomly, then add soft waves to the rest. Use a light hold mousse to keep things bouncy but defined. This hairstyle is cute, carefree, and wonderfully versatile.

As summer unfolds, the best hairstyle is one that reflects your energy and adapts to your lifestyle. Whether you’re rocking protective braids, a romantic updo, or leaving your curls wild and free, 2025 is all about expressing yourself while staying cool and comfortable.