It’s a summer vacation hairstyle that really shows your personality. It’s colorful, attractive and a great choice for summer vacation since it gets cuter as you have more fun.
Let your curls say everything, and say it loudly. Confidence will do the rest.
Low Sunset Chignon with Timeless Grace
A simple low chignon has its own kind of beauty, especially when you’re wearing minimal swimwear and admiring the ocean. The volume is placed at the base of the neck, forming a strong knot that does not move in different weather conditions. It’s ideal for people with straight or slightly wavy hair and looks great with sun hats or bold earrings.

I finish by spraying Oribe Superfine Hair Spray on the hair after it is tied back with a flat elastic. It smells divine and holds through humidity without flaking.
If I want to look like the main character in a timeless summer romance movie, I reach for this. It feels put-together but relaxed. Luxe but effortless. The style that looks great when worn with linen and denim cutoffs.
It’s also a lifesaver on day three hair. Pro tip? Rubbing a bit of leave-in conditioner into your hands and then running it through your hair will help keep flyaways in place.
Defined Box Braids with Natural Parting
Summer box braids are a must-have vacation hairstyle for black women because they are protective, look amazing and can be done in many ways. Here, the braids are long and evenly divided and a gentle edge style gives the forehead a soft look. This look is made for movement and longevity. Poolside, mountain trails, lazy mornings? She’s got you covered.

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil is a great way to keep your roots healthy and your scalp fragrant. It’s vacation-perfect and TSA-approved.
I always bring box braids with me if I’m going away for more than a week. There are many ways to style them—top knots, buns or half-up—and they protect my curls from damage and frequent washing.
This hairstyle is the ultimate choice for braided looks during summer vacation.
Messy Ponytail with Fringe and Poolside Vibes
A casual dream for me is a ponytail that is a little messy and curtain bangs that gently frame the face. This is for the laid-back ladies who don’t want to deal with their hair but hope it still looks good. At mid-high, the pony doesn’t lift much which makes it feel light on your feet. A fringe gives your face a soft look and it looks especially nice when teamed with large sunglasses.

I like to use IGK Beach Club Texture Spray here—it adds a little matte texture and holds my hair without making it too stiff.
Among my favorite summer vacation hairstyles short hair options, I love this one for shoulder-length cuts and layered lobs. It doesn’t demand perfection, which is exactly what you want when you’re lounging poolside with a mojito.
It’s relaxed, romantic, and ready for your Instagram story.
Flawless Top Knot for Poolside Elegance
A high ballerina bun is like the little black dress for vacation hairstyles in summer—it’s always the right choice and always stylish. This knot is placed in the middle of the crown, wrapped neatly and finished naturally. It gives your face a nice lift, extends your neckline and keeps all your hair out of the way as you enjoy the sun.

If I’m going in and out of the water, I use Color Wow Dream Coat on my hair to protect it from humidity and frizz without leaving anything sticky. I secure the shape by twisting with a silk scrunchie and using bobby pins that match my color to hold down any loose strands.
This style always makes me feel ready for the day, even when I’m just going to grab a coffee. Bonus? It looks amazing with big earrings and oversized sunnies.
It’s a bun that stays with you, from day to night and from pool to dinner. It’s got range.
Boho Beach Blonde in Full Freedom
Let it flow. This free-falling, natural straight look is pure vacation energy. Long hair adds drama, the center part keeps it easygoing and the light, summery color makes it seem like summer itself. People with fine hair will find that this style looks its best in the ocean breeze. Effortless? Absolutely. But it’s also thoughtfully undone.

I find that using Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer as a leave-in before styling gives my hair softness, UV protection and makes it easy to brush. Air drying is the move here. No heat tools required.
What I love most about this look? It’s beach bar ready, no effort needed. Keeping it simple speaks volumes—this hair shows I’m sure of who I am and the sun is doing the work today.
Honestly, who doesn’t want a go-to style that’s easy to choose?
Soft Updo with Nautical Charm
Sailing out to sea or brunching at the marina? A French twist with a pearl-studded barrette is both playful, messy and utterly adorable. The hair at the temples and nape is left loose which creates movement without making things messy. It’s the perfect hairstyle for boat days if you want to feel like a fairy tale heroine.

To get texture without tangles, I prefer Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray; spray it lightly, twist your hair, clip it and that’s it. It holds beautifully and smells like a piña colada.
If you want something simple that still looks good, I always reach for this one. It’s understated but not simple and it brings a touch of softness like you’d find on Pinterest on a trip.
Bring on the boat selfies.
Textured Lob with Golden Hour Energy
This lob (long bob) is a vacation classic with a modern update. This style with loose ends and a side part gives off a relaxed model look—it’s not too messy, not too soft. For those with medium short hair who don’t want to style every day but want their hair to look great, this is a great cut. Especially golden in that early-evening light.

I apply Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray to the roots and use it to separate my waves. It’s what gives that second-day fullness with zero crunch.
Personally, I feel like this cut works with everything. Put on a linen dress or denim shorts and you’re all set for a photo. It’s simple to transition from brunch to evening cocktails without having to change your space.
It’s the type that blows in the breeze and perfectly outlines the shape of a face.
