22 Stunning Beach Hairstyles for Summer: Sun-Kissed Balayage & Dutch Braids

Are you dreaming of the perfect beach hairstyle that balances chic with ease for those sunny days by the sea? Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway or just want to capture that summer vibe, understanding the right hairstyles can enhance your beach-ready look. How can you achieve gorgeous yet manageable hair by the shore? What styles will stand up to the sea breeze and still look fabulous? In this article, we’ll explore various beach hairstyles suitable for different hair types and lengths, from long hair to short hair, and include some handy tips to keep your hair looking its best all summer long.

Loose Beach Waves

Loose Beach Waves are the quintessence of beach hairstyles for long hair and a symbol of summer freedom. Perfect for medium to long hair, this effortless look suits almost everyone and is particularly flattering for those with naturally wavy or curly hair. The key to achieving this style is to create a relaxed, tousled wave that looks both cute and casual.

To keep your waves looking fresh and vibrant, use a salt spray or a light mousse that enhances your natural texture without weighing it down. Apply these products on damp hair and let your hair air-dry, or use a diffuser if you’re in a hurry. Brands like MoroccanOil and Bumble and bumble offer some excellent options for maintaining that perfect beachy texture.

Messy Bun

The Messy Bun is an easy, cute, and versatile beach hairstyle updo that is ideal for managing long hair or medium hair when the beach gets breezy. It’s a go-to for a simple yet stylish look that keeps your hair out of your face and minimizes tangles from the wind and saltwater.

For optimal hold and texture, prep your hair with a volumizing spray or dry shampoo, which provides the necessary grip for the bun to stay put. After sweeping your hair up, secure it with a spiral hair tie to avoid breakages. This hairstyle works best with a texturizing spray to finish, giving it a fluffy, carefree look that lasts all day.

Braided Crown

The Braided Crown is an elegant twist on traditional beach hairstyles, perfect for those who prefer a more polished look. Suitable for beach hairstyles for long hair summer, this style also works wonderfully for medium hair. It’s especially flattering for beach hairstyles for black women, as it showcases the texture beautifully while keeping hair neatly away from the face.

Maintain the elegance of your braided crown by using a smoothing serum or oil to keep flyaways at bay and add a sleek shine. Brands like Shea Moisture and Carol’s Daughter provide excellent products that cater specifically to textured hair, ensuring your braids remain neat and hydrated throughout your beach day.

High Ponytail

The High Ponytail is another excellent choice for beach hairstyles for long hair and medium hair, offering a sporty yet chic look that keeps your hair securely in place. This style is ideal for active beachgoers and is very flattering, emphasizing the jawline and elongating the neck.

To achieve a smooth and durable high ponytail, use a hairband that provides strong hold without causing damage. Employ a lightweight hairspray to control flyaways and give your ponytail a polished finish. Look for products that offer humidity resistance, perfect for maintaining your style in beach environments.

Fishtail Braid

The Fishtail Braid is a sophisticated and cute option for those looking for a more intricate beach hairstyle. This style is great for beach hairstyles for long hair and adds an artistic touch to your beach ensemble. It’s also practical, keeping your hair tangle-free while you enjoy the shore.

For the best results, use a texturizing cream or gel before you start braiding to add grip and prevent the braid from unraveling. Once completed, pulling at the edges of the braid can create a fuller, more laid-back look. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to ensure your fishtail braid holds its shape throughout the day.

Saltwater Textured Bob

A Saltwater Textured Bob is the ultimate beach hairstyle for short hair, offering a chic and carefree look that’s perfect for the heat. This style is especially appealing because it embraces the natural texture of your hair, enhanced by the salty sea breeze. It’s ideal for those with medium to short hair and works particularly well for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish option.

For maintenance, a good sea salt spray will enhance the natural waves and give your bob that desirable beachy texture. Consider products from Not Your Mother’s or Ouidad for optimal results. They help in adding volume and grit without drying out your hair.

Mermaid Waves

Mermaid Waves are essential for those desiring beach hairstyles for long hair summer vibes. This look is all about long, flowing waves that look effortlessly prepared for a day at the beach. It’s particularly flattering for long hair and adds a touch of romance and mystery to your style.

To keep your mermaid waves looking their best, use a curl-enhancing cream or a lightweight mousse that won’t weigh down your hair. A product like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream or the Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse can provide long-lasting hold and definition.

Beachy Half-Updo

The Beachy Half-Updo combines convenience with style, making it a fantastic beach hairstyle updo for both medium and long hair. This simple, cute hairstyle pulls hair away from the face while letting some cascades flow freely, perfect for a playful day by the sea.

Maintain this look with a touch of texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots to add volume and freshness throughout the day. Brands like Batiste or Living Proof offer excellent options that keep your style looking fresh and lively.

Twist and Pin Updo

For a more elegant beach day, the Twist and Pin Updo is an ideal beach hairstyles updo. This style is great for keeping your hair neatly in place and works well for beach hairstyles for black women and those with curly hair. It adds a sophisticated touch while being practical against the seaside breeze.

To ensure your updo stays intact, use bobby pins matching your hair color and a strong hold hairspray. Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray is a great choice for securing your hairstyle against the elements.

Side-Swept Braids

Side-Swept Braids are a versatile and stylish option for any beachgoer. This style is especially suitable for beach hairstyles for long hair and medium hair and offers a neat yet bohemian look that can transition from beach to bar seamlessly.

For this hairstyle, use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a braid spray to keep your braids smooth and frizz-free. Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy provides excellent slip and moisture to keep your braids neat and tidy.

Beach Blonde Highlights

Beach Blonde Highlights are quintessential for capturing that sun-kissed summer glow, ideal for beach hairstyles for long hair or medium lengths. This style is perfect for adding dimension and depth to your hair, giving off a natural, luminous vibe that shines beautifully under the beach sun.

To maintain and protect your highlights, use color-preserving shampoos and conditioners, such as those from Redken or L’Oréal’s Color Vibrancy line. Additionally, incorporating a UV protection spray will help shield your hair from sun damage, keeping your highlights vibrant throughout the season.

Slicked Back Undercut

The Slicked Back Undercut is a stylish and easy beach hairstyle for those looking for a bold, clean-cut look that keeps hair out of the face while swimming or sunbathing. This is an excellent choice for beach hairstyles for short hair, particularly popular among those who appreciate a modern, edgy style.

For maintaining this look, apply a water-resistant styling gel or pomade that offers a strong hold without flakiness. Baxter of California and Layrite are great brands that provide products ensuring your slicked-back style stays intact, even in humid beach conditions.

Box Braids for the Beach

Box Braids are not only a gorgeous and protective beach hairstyle for black women but also a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a cute, simple yet stylish way to manage their hair by the sea. Suitable for long hair and medium hair lengths, they keep your hair organized and easy to manage under any beach condition.

To keep your braids looking neat and moisturized, use a braid spray or a light hair oil. Products from Shea Moisture or Carol’s Daughter are ideal for hydrating and adding sheen without causing buildup.

Surfer Shag

The Surfer Shag is a playful and easy hairstyle that embodies a carefree beach spirit. This look is best for those with medium to long hair and works exceptionally well for curly hair or wavy textures, giving a rugged yet appealing aesthetic ideal for beach days.

Enhance the shaggy texture with a salt spray or texturizing mousse to keep your waves defined and voluminous. Surf-inspired brands like Sun Bum and Aussie provide excellent products that capture the essence of beach hair while nourishing and protecting it.

Wet Look Beach Hair

Wet Look Beach Hair is a sleek and stylish option for those who love a polished yet simple beach hairstyle. This look is versatile, working well for short hair to long hair and is particularly effective in delivering a chic, put-together appearance that withstands ocean dips.

Achieve this look by using a gel or mousse that provides a high-gloss finish without stiffness. Products like Garnier Fructis Style Wet Shine Gel or Paul Mitchell’s Super Sculpt provide lasting hold and a glossy sheen that mimics the fresh-out-of-water look.

Boho Scarf Wrap

The Boho Scarf Wrap is a versatile and cute accessory that elevates any beach hairstyle, making it ideal for those with medium to long hair. This style not only protects your hair from the sun but also adds a splash of color and flair to your beach attire, suitable for both beach hairstyles for long hair summer outings and more laid-back settings.

To keep your hair healthy and the color vibrant under the sun, use leave-in conditioners and hair sunscreens like those from Aveda or Sun Bum. These products help maintain moisture and protect against UV damage, ensuring your hair stays soft and your color, brilliant.

Top Knot with a Twist

The Top Knot with a Twist is not just an easy beach hairstyle but a trendy twist on the classic updo, perfect for keeping your hair up and away during those windy beach days. It works great for beach hairstyles for long hair but can also be adapted for medium lengths. This style is particularly effective for those who need a quick yet fashionable fix to manage their mane.

For maintenance, opt for light hairsprays or flexible hair ties that prevent hair breakage, such as Invisibobble or Goody’s Ouchless line. These products allow your hair to hold its shape without feeling too tight or causing damage.

Long Layered Cuts

Long Layered Cuts are a fantastic choice for enhancing natural volume and adding movement to beach hairstyles for long hair. This cut is flattering for all face shapes and is especially suitable for those with long hair looking to add a bit of flair to their natural waves or curls.

Use moisturizing products that enhance wave patterns without weighing down the hair. MoroccanOil or Kevin Murphy’s hair treatments are excellent for nourishing layered cuts and keeping them looking fresh and lively throughout the day.

Textured Pixie Cut

The Textured Pixie Cut is a bold and low-maintenance option for beach hairstyles for short hair, offering an edgy look that is both cute and easy to style. It’s a great style for those who enjoy a hassle-free hairdo that keeps you cool and stylish under the summer heat.

For styling, apply a volumizing mousse or texturizing powder that provides lift and texture without the grease, such as products from TIGI or American Crew. These can help maintain the pixie’s shape and provide a modern, tousled look.

Havana Twists

Havana Twists are an elegant and protective beach hairstyle for black women, ideal for both medium and long hair lengths. They offer a chic way to manage your hair while providing ample protection from the salty sea air and humidity, perfect for extended beach outings.

To keep the twists hydrated and neat, use coconut oil or a shea butter-based product like those from As I Am or Cantu. These enhance the hair’s moisture and shine, ensuring the twists remain defined and beautiful throughout your beach day.

Sun-Kissed Balayage

Sun-Kissed Balayage is a timeless and effortlessly chic hair color technique that mimics the natural highlights created by the sun. This technique involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, resulting in a soft, blended effect that complements all hair lengths and textures. It’s particularly flattering for those with long hair or medium hair looking to add dimension and depth to their locks.

This hairstyle suits individuals of all ages who desire a low-maintenance yet stylish look that exudes warmth and vibrancy. It’s perfect for those who want to enhance their natural hair color without the commitment of frequent salon visits. To maintain the vibrancy of your balayage, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners and protect your hair from UV damage with leave-in treatments containing SPF.

Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch Braids are a fun and practical hairstyle that keeps your hair off your face while adding a touch of elegance to your beach look. This hairstyle involves creating two Dutch braids that are woven close to the scalp and secured at the ends. It’s perfect for beach hairstyles for long hair and medium lengths, offering both style and functionality for active beachgoers.

This hairstyle is suitable for individuals of all ages and hair types, especially those with curly hair seeking a cute and secure way to keep their locks tamed in the sea breeze. To ensure your Dutch braids stay in place all day, apply a lightweight styling gel or mousse before braiding and finish with a spritz of hairspray to lock in the style.

Conclusion

With these stylish and practical beach hairstyles, you’re ready to hit the beach looking effortlessly fabulous. Try out these looks and discover which ones suit you best. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your favorite beach hair tips and tricks!