I love summer!
Maybe it’s the salty breeze and the way the sunlight glows just right on your skin.
Maybe it’s the coconut-scented everything.
Or maybe it’s just that glorious feeling of not checking your email for 3 straight days.
But you know what isn’t magical?
Fighting with your hair in the humidity.
Watching your curls deflate the second you step outside.
Or trying to salvage a cute braid while the ocean laughs in your face.
I’ve been there—standing in a hotel bathroom with a sea-sprayed mess of hair and zero energy to make it look cute, wondering why I didn’t plan better.
Which is exactly why I put this post together.
Because beach vacations should be about feeling light, free, and fabulous—not stressing over bobby pins and frizz control.
You deserve hairstyles that actually work in salty air and wind.
That survive sunscreen-slicked necks and sand naps. That still look cute when you’re sipping iced coffee by the water or heading out for dinner after a swim.
This list isn’t just about looking cute for Instagram (though let’s be honest—these will totally pop in your feed).
It’s about hairstyles that feel effortless, practical, and just a little bit fun. Styles you can throw together in five minutes while half-distracted by breakfast fruit. Styles that let you live your best barefoot, bronzed life without needing to bring your entire vanity with you.
So whether you’re the “leave it wild and salty” type or the “sleek top bun, always” type… there’s something in here for you.
Pack your dry shampoo. Grab those hair ties. And let’s get into the beachiest, breeziest hairstyles you’ll want to wear all vacation long.
(And yes, they’re cute enough to wear even after vacation too.)
1. Half-Up Wavy Hair with a Bright Flower Clip
This soft half-updo with loose waves and that bold yellow flower clip? Adorable.
She looks like she just walked off a Pinterest board and into the cutest café on the coast.
The waves are beachy without trying too hard—and that little pop of color? Chef’s kiss.
She’s pulling this off so well!
2. Tucked Bun with a Realistic Tropical Flower
Umm… okay, can we take a second for that gorgeous plumeria tucked behind her ear?
The low twisted bun is giving “island goddess on vacation” energy.
And paired with those dainty gold earrings and layered necklaces? Absolute summer goals. She looks like she’s glowing from the inside out.
3. Face-Framing Mini Braids with Loose Beach Hair
This one’s giving relaxed, effortless beauty with a twist. Literally.
The tiny braids up front frame her face perfectly and add just enough personality to her loose hair. It’s giving Y2K beach revival, and honestly… she’s totally pulling it off.
She looks sun-kissed and carefree and we love that for her.
4. Low Sleek Bun with an Oversized White Flower Clip
This sleek twisted bun with the oversized white flower is SO elegant.
Like “cruise ship cocktails at sunset” kind of elegant. It’s polished, it’s glam, and somehow still beach-appropriate.
Whoever did this style—kudos to the hairstylist. She looks like a vacation movie star.
5. Loose Braid for Sunset Beach Walks
This long, slightly messy braid is giving “main character moment” during golden hour.
The way her hair picks up that sunset glow? Stunning.
It’s romantic and chill at the same time—exactly what a beach night braid should be. She’s working this look like it’s part of her personality.
6. Bubble Braids with a Swimsuit to Match
Okay, how fun is this double bubble braid look?!
It’s playful, it’s sporty, and it’s holding up so well against ocean wind. Perfect for long days in the water or running around the beach.
This hairstyle screams “I’m having the best time and I still look cute.”
7. Floral Accent Fishtail Braid with Waves
This hairstyle is dreamy. That thick fishtail braid down the middle with soft waves flowing underneath and a real flower tucked in?
She looks like she stepped out of a tropical fairytale. The braid is so neat and symmetrical, and that flower detail is everything.
She’s pulling this off effortlessly.
8. Starfish Braid Crown with Long Loose Waves
Can we just take a second for the shell and starfish clips? Obsessed. The crown braid paired with that long, wavy blonde hair is giving full-on mermaid.
She looks like she just stepped out of the ocean and into a Pinterest board. She’s pulling this off so well.
9. Messy Bun with Braids, Curls & a Teal Flower Clip
We love a beachy updo with personality!
The mix of loose curls, random braids, and that chunky teal flower clip makes this one so playful and unexpected.
She looks like she’s headed to a pool party with zero worries and perfect hair.
10. Classic Braided Pigtails with a Statement Orchid
Two simple braids + one bold pink orchid = a look that feels like vacation in hair form.
This combo is clean, timeless, and honestly… it’s working so well with her gold hoops and bikini top. She’s pulling it off with pure island confidence.
11. Natural Beach Waves with a White Plumeria
She’s glowing.
These soft, lived-in beach waves paired with that white plumeria tucked behind the ear is giving island beauty.
Effortless, flirty, and totally summer. This look doesn’t need much because she’s making the flower look good.
12. Curly Half-Up Pony with Flower Clip & Side Braids
This style is so playful and fun! The high half-up pony with juicy curls, sleek sides, and mini braided details? It’s giving goddess vibes.
That purple flower clip and matching earrings? Stop. She’s pulling this look off like she invented it.
13. Defined Curls in a Half-Up Style with a Pink Flower Clip
That definition?! Stunning. The high half-up pony keeps the curls front and center, and the pink flower adds a playful tropical touch.
This whole look is giving “ready for the resort dinner with glowing skin and the perfect earrings.” 10/10.
14. Loose Curls + Braids + Yellow Flower Clip
This one is boho beach goddess energy.
The mix of loose ringlets, twisted front braids, and that yellow flower clip?
It’s so soft, so fun, and looks like she’s about to journal her summer feelings with a coconut drink in hand. She’s totally pulling this off.
15. Curly Pigtail Braids with Face-Framing Tendrils
These chunky pigtail braids with those bouncy front curls? Perfection. She looks effortlessly cool and soft at the same time.
This is giving vacation-meets-dream-girl energy—and that curl definition deserves a round of applause.
16. Short Hair with a Plumeria Tucked Behind the Ear
So simple. So pretty. So beach day ready.
This short, soft bob paired with a plumeria flower is giving relaxed island vibes. She looks like she just stepped out of a watercolor painting—subtle and sweet in the best way.
17. Scarf-Wrapped Hair with Sunglasses and Shell Earrings
The vintage scarf, the golden seashell earrings, the breezy sunglasses? It’s the whole look for me.
This scarf style protects your strands and makes you look like you stepped off a luxury boat. She’s pulling this off with zero effort—and 100% confidence.
18. Slicked-Back with a Baseball Cap
This is the ultimate “I woke up like this but I’m still cute” vacation look. A sleek hairstyle paired with a baseball cap is sporty, stylish, and heat-proof.
She’s giving cool girl sipping on green juice in a resort cafe energy—and she’s totally owning it.
19. Locs Styled with a Bold Headband
This look is IT. The way her locs fall so naturally with that burnt orange headwrap?
Stunning.
Her entire vibe is tropical, powerful, and beautiful. She’s got goddess energy and she’s wearing it like a crown.
20. Textured Low Puff with a Statement Scrunchie
This deep puff with a big, gathered scrunchie is soft, classy, and timeless. It’s giving cottagecore meets summer sunshine.
The texture, the shape, the minimal effort—it’s all working. She looks like she knows how to rest and slay.
21. Low Bun with Defined Edges and Lemon Earrings
Okay, those edges? Sharp. That puff bun? Clean. And the lemon slice earrings?? This whole look is adorable. She’s giving “lemonade stand in Italy” energy and pulling it off flawlessly. The vibe is sunny and chic.
