20 Cool Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Summer

Honestly, I'm not really sure whether summer is officially here or not. In London, we seem to have settled on a climate that's not too dissimilar to what I imagine living in a tropical rainforest would be. It swings between bright sunshine and intense downpours, and is certainly not conducive to good hair days (for me, at least). Nevertheless, there's plenty of amazing summer hair inspiration to be found right now, so think of this as a wish list for not only your hair but also for the glorious summer that might still be to come.

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(Image credit: @NINASANDBECH)

From low ponytails decorated with the prettiest hair accessories to artfully dishevelled buns for major cool-girl vibes, summer's hottest hairstyles are all about having fun. Unlike the more elegant wedding guest hairstyles that are trending right now, summer styles are effortless, fuss-free and look good whether you're at the beach or stuck on a sweltering tube carriage. Keep scrolling for 20 of the easiest hairstyles that are perfect for summer.

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Nina Sandbech
(Image credit: @NINASANDBECH)

I'm all kinds of obsessed with Nina's playful summer hair look—a super-sleek ponytail wrapped in a fuchsia pink Dior ribbon. Need I say more?

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ASOS Lotte
(Image credit: @ASOS_LOTTE)

The oversized scrunchie lends '90s vibes to ASOS Lotte's low, ladylike bun. 

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Nnenna Echem
(Image credit: @NNENNAECHEM)

Who hasn't twisted their hair into a makeshift bun when they just can't decide what to do with it? Next time, top it with a headband like Nnenna so your style looks a little more considered.

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Lily James
(Image credit: @LILYJAMESOFFICIAL)

Thinking about chopping all your hair off? Lily James's short blonde bob is certainly tempting me to take the plunge this summer. 

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ASOS Lesley
(Image credit: @ASOS_LESLEY)

Ladies with long hair will know that the struggle is real when it comes to summer heat. Thankfully, ASOS Lesley's side ponytail not only looks chic but will also keep the nape of your neck cool.

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ASOS Syana
(Image credit: @ASOS_SYANA)

Beret + braids = the city-girl way to do summer hair. Thanks for the heads up, Syana.

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Claire Most
(Image credit: @CLAIRE_MOST)

When it comes to epic curly hairstyles, Claire always delivers. Her super-high topknot definitely takes the classic summer bun to new heights.

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Freddie Harrel
(Image credit: @FREDDIEHARREL)

Freddie rocks the hair accessory of the summer (the hair scarf) in a cool, monochromatic polka-dot print for a major style statement.

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
(Image credit: @ROSIEHW)

I'll be channelling Rosie's approach to holiday hairstyling at the beach this summer—just don a bucket hat and forget any attempt at styling prowess. Genius. 

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Felicity Hayward
(Image credit: @FELICITYHAYWARD)

Felicity has reminded me that a simple half-up, half-down hairstyle is just so damn cute.

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Peony Lim
(Image credit: @PEONYLIM)

There's something about a low ponytail that makes everyone's hair look so expensive. Peony's sleek, shiny one probably took about two minutes to do, but it's a totally timeless summer style.

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Zoë Kravitz
(Image credit: @ZOEISABELLAKRAVITZ)

Zoë proves that a classic low ponytail is always a good idea. 

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Lucy Williams
(Image credit: @LUCYWILLIAMS02)

What would a roundup of summer hairstyles be without some beach waves? Lucy's hair look is likely the result of salt water and sun, but you can re-create it at home with the help of a texture spray and some curling tongs.

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Monikh Dale
(Image credit: @MONIKH)

Monikh's shiny bun is anything but "basic." In fact, it's the style of choice for A-listers like Rosie HW and Alexa during the summer months.

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Yara Shahidi
(Image credit: @YARASHAHIDI)

It's not only Yara Shahidi's style that's on point right now, but her beauty looks too. This gravity-defying top knot is the perfect way to keep hair out of your face this summer and I love the pop of blue

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Ada Oguntodu
(Image credit: @ADA_OGUNTODU)

Ada's chic hair scarf not only looks incredibly cool but is also super practical for keeping the sun off of your head when the weather is warm.

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Courtney Trop
(Image credit: @ALWAYSJUDGING)

I haven't worn pigtails since primary school, but Courtney's double plaits are making me rethink everything. Bonus: You'll be left with heat-free beach waves the next day too.

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Alexa Chung
(Image credit: @ALEXACHUNG)

To keep your topknot looking relaxed (and not like you're about to give your face a wash), work a few strands loose around the nape of your neck like Alexa.

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A-J Alingue
(Image credit: @AUDE_JULIE)

The high ponytail was a '90s hairstyle staple, but it's making a comeback for summer 2019 with stylish women like A-J updating the trend by braiding their ponies instead of leaving the strands loose.

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Alyssa Coscarelli
(Image credit: @ALYSSAINTHECITY)

As someone who has a pretty full fringe, I've never known whether I can pull off a ballerina bun. Thankfully, Alyssa proves that wavy bangs and an elegant topknot are a match made in beauty heaven.

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Michelle Pålsson Horvath
(Image credit: @MINIMIDIMICHI)

Michelle's loose waves, hair ribbon and half-up, half-down style is made for summer.

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Next up, 9 hairstyles people are actually asking for in salons right now.

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Mica Ricketts

Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.