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23 SUMMER HAIRSTYLES FOR A CAREFREE BEAUTY ROUTINE

Summer hairstyles are truly the go-to choice, as the season is all about embracing relaxation and minimizing effort, giving you more time to enjoy the sunshine and carefree vibes. from relaxed or polished updos to an array of braids, these 23 summer styles make your beauty routine more enjoyable and quick, rather than time-consuming.

AIR-DRIED ANYTHING

Your natural texture is your ultimate summer companion. “Effortless summer hair, to me, means embracing your hair’s natural state, whether it’s 3A or 4C, and letting it be bold and free with minimal upkeep,” says Wright. Step out of the shower, ocean, and let your hair do its thing—you might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

PLAITED PONY

Minimized styling is essential for summer, and creating a simple, single braid that swings between your shoulder blades is a quick and effective way to manage any texture while maintaining a touch of glamour. This effortless braid keeps your hair in check and exudes a relaxed yet stylish look.

BED HEAD

Some of the best summer hairstyles are defined by what you don’t do. In this case, tousled, messy waves embody the essence of the season, reflecting a carefree, laid-back attitude. These effortless waves signal your dedication to summer vibes, effortlessly exuding a sense of casual, cool sophistication.

SLEEK HIGH PONY

Quickly refresh day three (or four) hair by smoothing it back from your roots into a high ponytail. Run a straightener through the lengths to achieve a sleek, polished look, effortlessly reviving your style.

GODDESS LOCS

Goddess locs, a glamorous variation of boho braids, offer a shinier finish and partially undone ends for a classic look with a modern twist. Teyana Taylor’s take on goddess locs is perfect for summer, combining natural texture with partial protection to create an eye-catching and stylish effect.

OVERSIZED SCRUNCHIE

Oversized scrunchies are definitely a favorite for me as well. They bring a touch of drama and feminine elegance to any hairstyle. Opting for silk or satin materials not only adds a luxurious feel but also helps maintain healthy hair.

SLICKED-BACK BUN 

The timeless slicked-back bun is an ideal choice for summer, offering a chic and practical style that’s easy to achieve. To keep the look smooth and frizz-free, apply a strong-hold gel to tame flyaways and maintain that sleek finish throughout the day. 

WRAPPED UP

A headscarf or wrap is a stylish and practical way to shield textured hair from the summer elements. It adds a touch of elegance while providing protection against sun and humidity.

BUTTERFLY CUT

This style is, admittedly, easier for those with the hair texture to hold it and a real love for the blowout process, but its lasting appeal is unquestionable. “I recommend a round brush and blow dryer to give your hair big, voluminous body with a classic blowout,” says Fitzsimons.

BEACH WAVES

For a timeless warm-weather look, embrace the natural effects of salt water and sun. This style captures the essence of summer, giving you a relaxed, sun-kissed appearance that’s both effortless and iconic.

SWEPT BACK

Sweep your hair back into a delicate clasp for a relaxed style that accentuates highlights and balayage. This effortless look highlights your hair’s color and texture, offering a chic yet easy way to showcase your hair’s natural beauty.

TENDRIL TWIST

The classic French twist, also known as “businesswoman hair,” is making a comeback in 2024. To make it summer-ready, add face-framing tendrils or parted bangs for a more relaxed and easygoing feel. This update brings a touch of effortless sophistication to a timeless style, perfect for the season.

BEACHY PONYTAIL

If loose beachy waves seem stressful, gather your hair into a low ponytail positioned just above the nape of your neck. This style allows you to showcase your curls while keeping things neat and controlled.

UNDONE UPDO

Loose updos offer the perfect balance of laid-back summer vibes and a touch of evening-ready elegance. These relaxed styles let you embrace a carefree, effortless look while still appearing polished enough for any occasion, from beachside strolls to sunset dinners. 

CUTE CLIPS

A fun and easy way to accessorize your hair when you’re on the go or in a rush is by using trendy accessories that pay homage to the ’90s nostalgia. These accessories add a touch of style with minimal effort, making them perfect for quick, chic looks.

PIGTAIL PLAITS

A pair of plaited pigtails is a classic way to keep your hair out of your face and tidy up your look, no matter your natural texture or how long it’s been since your last wash.

TEXTURED UPDO

The sleekness of a polished style gains a summery twist when you highlight the natural texture within the ponytail or knot. This blend of refinement and organic texture adds a fresh, relaxed vibe to an otherwise polished look.

LOW BUN

Longer hairstyles that start to misbehave in the summer can be effortlessly tamed by twisting them back into a low bun. This simple solution keeps your hair neatly in place while adding a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both casual outings and more refined occasions.

ITALIAN BOB

The Italian bob’s popularity stems from its effortless charm, making it an excellent choice for summer. Cut to fall just below the chin, this style retains weight at the bottom. The Italian bob not only accommodates but actually encourages natural volume, offering a laid-back, yet stylish look that requires minimal maintenance.

HIDDEN LAYERS

If you have shorter layers in the front, pinning a few sections back is a playful way to switch things up while keeping cool. This easy adjustment adds a touch of style and helps manage your hair on warmer days.

HALF-UP HAIR

“A half-up, half-down style offers a versatile look that takes the hair out of the face without it being completely up,” says Fitzsimons. “You can take this look to new heights without heat styling and embracing your natural texture, leaving out your fringe for some playful pieces, or even putting the top half in a bun—you can really tailor this to fit your style.”

BRAIDED BACK

For long, curly, or coily hair, braids are an excellent low-maintenance summer option. A braided-back style is particularly effective if you prefer to keep your hair out of your face during hot weather, providing both practicality and style.

THE FRENCH GIRL

This versatile cut is tailored to graze the cheekbones, jawline, or shoulders based on your preference and is complemented by a blunt, easy fringe. “The ‘French girl’ cut is suitable for all hair types, can enhance the hair’s natural texture, and works for most hair lengths,” says Fitzsimons.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, summer hairstyles embrace ease and practicality while showcasing effortless style. From relaxed beachy waves and sleek ponytails to chic braids and polished updos, these looks are designed to keep you cool and stylish with minimal fuss. By leveraging natural texture and opting for low-maintenance designs, you can enjoy a season of sun and fun without sacrificing your hair’s appearance.

TOP BEACH HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

Summer is here, and the beach is calling! It’s time to pull out your favorite swimsuit (or maybe grab a new one), schedule that bikini wax, stock up on essentials like sunscreen, and perhaps treat yourself to a manicure. But don’t forget about your hair! No beach trip is complete without the perfect hairstyle to complement your sun-kissed glow. Whether you’re headed to Turks and Caicos, Cancun, California, or Florida—whether it’s a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a fun trip with friends—you’ll want a stylish look for lounging or swimming in the waves.

When planning your beach hair, it’s important to consider factors like drying time, water retention, and sun protection that you might not think about on a typical day. To simplify things, we’ve rounded up the most stunning beach hairstyles for Black women and included some tips for keeping your hair looking fabulous.

CROCHET HAIR

Add some Black girl magic to your beach look with crochet braids. This style has surged in popularity recently and is an excellent choice for beach vacations for several reasons. Firstly, it requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and effort. Crochet braids are also versatile, allowing you to either replicate your natural hair texture or experiment with a bold new look. The longevity of your crochet style depends on the type of crochet hair you choose.

ACCESSORIZE

Accessories can be your best allies on vacation. Straw hats complement any hairstyle while providing essential UV protection for both your hair and skin. Bucket hats, silk scarves, and head wraps are also excellent choices for keeping your hair stylish and protected. Get inspired for your next beach getaway with these accessory ideas.

ROCKING NATURAL HAIR

Embracing your natural hair at the beach can be a bit more demanding, but when paired with a sun-kissed glow, it’s a perfect match. It’s an ideal choice for a day at the beach or a long, sun-drenched weekend. If you plan to swim, whether in the ocean or a pool, keeping your natural hair out allows you to thoroughly wash and condition your scalp and curls without additional hair getting in the way. Plus, natural hair is lighter and dries faster than protective styles. At night, you can simply gather it into a pineapple or braid it into two big, messy cornrows to keep it stretched.

STRAIGHTBACKS

Opt for this classic, low-maintenance protective style for your next beach getaway. Straightbacks are ideal for relaxed beach vacations and can last up to two months with proper care, including moisturizing your scalp, hydrating the hair shaft, and sleeping with a silk scarf. You can even enhance your all-back cornrows with beads, gems, or jewels for an extra touch of style. Plus, straightbacks are quicker to install compared to other protective styles, and you might even be able to do them yourself. How will you style your straightbacks for the beach?

FULANI

Embrace your inner goddess with Fulani braids on the beach. Also known as tribal braids, this intricate and distinctive style is perfect for those laid-back beach days. With low-maintenance care, you can easily enhance your look by adding embellishments like beads, jewels, or shells.

TWISTS WITH ADDED HAIR

For a protective twist style that adds length, consider Marley, Senegalese, Havana, or even passion twists. Marley and Havana twists are particularly great because their kinkier texture offers some leeway for frizz. In humid climates, if your natural hair starts to frizz, these styles will help keep it less noticeable—a total win!

TWO STRAND TWISTS

Vacations can get pricey, so opting for a natural protective style can help you save some cash. Twisting your own hair is a great option, and you can even rock a twist-out once you take them down. Twists shield your natural hair from the elements you’ll face at the beach—like wind, humidity, sand, and sun. Plus, they offer versatility, allowing you to style them into a cute bun, ponytail, or half-up-half-down look, with the option to add beads or jewels for extra flair.

CONCLUSION

There are numerous stunning beach hairstyles that cater to the unique beauty of Black women. Keep in mind that the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Experiment with different styles and find the ones that resonate with your personal style and preferences.