10 cute summer hairstyles to keep your hair out of the way
Plus everything you need to achieve them
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Thanks to the heat and humidity summer brings, you may feel inclined to keep your hair up and out of your face. Not only can an updo bring you some relief from the heat but it also presents some new, fun hairstyling options. All you need to whisk your hair back is a set of hair ties or some clips that can hold your strands in place. And you're in luck: There's a plethora of adorable accessories out there that'll polish your look.
Ahead, we provide you with quick and easy ways to style your hair this summer—along with the accessories and tools you need to achieve them.
1. Sweep it into a claw clip
Use a claw clip to pull your hair back.
Claw clips made a major comeback in recent years—probably because they make it easy to get a quick, cute look. You can find a variety of adorable clips, from a set of neutral-toned ones to fashionable checkered options to fruit-shaped ones.
Sweep your hair back and gather it into a ponytail at the nape of your neck, then twist your ponytail and pin it up on the back of your head using a large clip. Pro tip: Clip one to the strap of your bag so you can reach for it in a pinch at the beach or during a night out.
2. Tie it into a messy bun
Look calm, cool, and collected with a messy bun.
It sounds like an wrong but getting an effortless-looking messy bun actually requires skill. Thankfully, there are tools and accessories to make the process easier. First, you can use spin pins to keep the bun exactly where you want it. Put your hair into a ponytail, twist it around the base, and twirl the spin pins around the perimeter of your bun until the hair feels secure.
If you're newer to the art of messy buns, a donut is a good tool to have. Use a hair tie to secure your hair into a ponytail, then slide the tip of your ponytail through the mesh donut hole. Finally, wrap the ponytail around the circular donut until the donut is completely covered and sitting flush against your head securely. To add that messy look, you can pluck a few hairs out of the bun and leave some face-framing strands out of your 'do.
Already a messy bun expert? Go with your typical method and then weave this Madewell hair pin through the bun to add extra glamor to your casual look.
3. Secure it in a high ponytail
Pull your hair off of your neck with a high ponytail.
The high ponytail might be the most wonderful hairstyle for a hot summer day. Depending on your hair length, your ponytail may not even touch your neck, keeping you ultra-cool. With the right accessories, you can pair this hairstyle with a casual or fancy look.
Start by either gathering your hair and bringing it to the top of your head or by flipping your head forward and collecting your strands into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Secure your hair with the Alo oversized scrunchie, which can take you from barre class to the bar and keep your hair looking great. $18 at Alo
These Anthropologie terry scrunchies are a cute nod to summer and will have you matching your beach towel in the best way possible.
If you want to make your look dressier, this Free People satin scrunchie adds a touch of elegance while keeping your hair up while you dance the night away at all of those summer weddings.
4. Slick it back
Get a sleek style with a slick-back.
TikTok's "clean girl" aesthetic is here to stay and just happens to be a great way to keep you feeling and looking cool. Whether you opt for a ponytail, bun, or a fishtail braid, the key to this style is the slicked back hair and straight part.
Take this comb with a pick to give yourself a center part. Once your part is established, you can then brush your hair back with this boar bristle brush and gather it into a ponytail or bun.
Once the hair is secured in a hair tie, use a the TIGI Bed Head wax stick to smooth down flyaways and finish off with a spritz of the the strong-hold Moroccanoil hairspray.
5. Wear it half-up and half-down
Pull half your hair up with a clip or ponytail.
Just getting some of your hair out of your face can make all the difference on a hot summer day. A half-up 'do is versatile, easy, and looks intentional.
Using a comb or brush, sweep the top portion of your hair back toward the crown of your head. You can opt for the small, clear, or hair-colored elastics to keep the look very simple, or you can reach for a stylish accessory like these checker barrettes or molten metal hair clips. If you're looking for something simpler, these mini claw clips work for any occasion.
6. Gather it into a French braid
Create a French braid down the center of your head or on either side of your part.
Remember when knowing how to French braid was practically a currency? To channel your summer camp days with one big braid, split the top portion of your hair into three sections and begin criss-crossing the sections over each other, gathering more hair from the sides and repeat this until you get to the nape of the neck.
For pigtail braids, use a comb to create a center part and repeat the same braid process on either side of your head. Secure your braids with these tiny, clear hair elastics and use bobby pins to secure any stray hairs that may fall out of the braids.
7. Tie it up into two space buns
Pull your hair into two space buns and add some glitter for summer festivities.
Summer means festival season, and a day of dancing and singing requires a secure hairstyle that'll keep you cool. Space buns are the solution for your next concert. Start by parting your hair down the center of your head, and tie off one side. Then, gather the hair on the other side of your head into a ponytail, twist it around the base of where you want your bun to sit, and then secure the bun with a hair tie and bobby pins. To add some flare, apply hair glitter or a sparkle spray for a look that's out of this world.
8. Pull it back with a headband
Keep your bangs out of your face with a headband.
Nobody enjoys the feeling of baby hairs sticking to their forehead because of sweat. Whether you're coming from the gym or going to a friend's backyard BBQ, a headband can provide some much needed relief.
These lululemon headbands will stay in place with its adjustable sliding band and rubber grip.
For a more dressed up feel, embrace your inner Blair Waldorf and try out this cute woven headband from J.Crew. And if you are super into the Y2K fashion trends, this comb headband will match your style and keep your hair in place.
9. Decorate your strands with butterfly clips
Add flare to any hairstyle you choose with butterfly clips.
Y2K style trends have taken over the internet in the last few years, which means reminiscing about the best trends of yesteryear. This summer, keep your hair out of your face—and your freshly glossed lips—with whimsical butterfly clips. If you have bangs, separate them into multiple sections and twist or braid the sections of hair back and secure them with butterfly clips.
If you want to just add the clips to an updo, secure your hair style and then place the clips all around your head, alternating colors for a funky rainbow aesthetic. $8 at Amazon
10. Keep it covered with a scarf or hat
Cover up bedhead or sweat with a scarf, bandana, or hat.
When all else fails, the trusty bad-hair-day trick of a scarf, bandana, or baseball cap works to keep you cool and covered. This head scarf from Anthropologie will have you living your best "cottagecore" life. $17 at Anthropologie
If you lean more "coastal grandma" in style, you'll adore this versatile, silky scarf from Banana Republic to tie under your chin—channeling the elegance of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. From $80 at Banana Republic
When you're running out of the house and want a hat that will go with anything, this Gap cap is what you really need.
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