22 Stylish Casual Summer Hairstyles: French Twist, Bangs & Braids

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, are you finding yourself wondering how to keep your hair chic and comfortable without spending hours in front of the mirror? Whether you’re lounging at the beach, attending a summer barbecue, or just enjoying a casual walk in the park, casual summer hairstyles are a must-have to complement your sunny days. But what are the best styles to beat the heat while still looking effortlessly stunning? From long hair to short hair, and curly hair to straight hair, we’ve got you covered with hairstyles that are not only cute and easy but also practical for any summer occasion. Let’s dive into some popular styles that will define your summer look.

Beachy Waves

Beachy Waves are the quintessential casual summer hairstyles for long hair. Ideal for those with medium hair to long hair straight textures, this style adds a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for summer. To achieve this, you don’t need to spend a day at the beach. With a curling wand and a bit of sea salt spray, you can create soft, tousled waves that look sun-kissed and natural.

In terms of care, to maintain the health of your waved hair, use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner and protect your strands from the sun with a UV protection spray. Brands like Moroccan Oil and Sun Bum offer great products that keep your waves looking fresh and vibrant throughout the day.

High Ponytail

A High Ponytail is not just a practical option for those with long hair updo capabilities; it’s also stylishly versatile. This simple hairstyle summer casual look can be sleek or messy and works well with curly hair or straight hair. It lifts the hair off the neck, providing comfort and style on hot days.

For maintaining a sleek ponytail, use a smoothing serum or gel that tames frizz and adds shine. TIGI Bed Head and L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin are excellent choices for keeping your ponytail polished and in place, even on the most humid days.

Messy Bun

The Messy Bun is a staple among casual summer hairstyles up dos, perfect for short hair to medium hair lengths. It’s a go-to for a reason: it’s incredibly easy to pull off and gives off an effortlessly chic aura, whether you’re hitting the gym or going out for a casual coffee.

When it comes to care, keep your hair healthy and ready for any style by regularly applying a deep conditioning treatment. Products from Shea Moisture or Aussie 3 Minute Miracle are highly effective for providing the necessary hydration and maintaining the effortless look of a messy bun.

Braided Crown

Braided Crown hairstyles are enchanting and fitting for both casual summer hairstyles for medium hair and long hair. This hairstyle wraps braids around the head like a crown, making it a regal choice for any summer event, from a simple picnic to a garden wedding.

For upkeep, use lightweight styling products that don’t weigh down your braids. Brands like Cantu and Kinky-Curly provide excellent hold without the crunchiness, ensuring your braided crown stays beautiful and intact all day.

Side French Braid

A Side French Braid is not just practical; it’s stylish and works well with any hair type, including those looking for hairstyles for dresses casual summer outfits. This braid starts at the crown and weaves down one side, offering a charming twist to the traditional French braid.

To maintain your braid, and especially if you have curly hair, use a defining cream or braid spray to keep your hair smooth and the braid intact. Products like Mizani True Textures or Garnier Fructis Style Curl Stretch Loosening Pudding are excellent for enhancing and holding the braid’s shape.

Half-Up, Half-Down

The Half-Up, Half-Down hairstyle is an iconic and versatile look suitable for almost any occasion. It’s especially perfect as a casual summer hairstyle for long hair but works well with medium hair too. This style pulls the top half of your hair back while letting the rest cascade down your back, offering a perfect blend of neatness and allure. It suits those with straight or wavy hair and can be a fantastic option for showing off highlights or balayage.

Caring for this style involves using products that add volume and hold without weighing down your hair. Lightweight mousses or volume sprays like those from Paul Mitchell or Dove are ideal. Additionally, using a nourishing serum on the ends can keep them looking healthy and vibrant.

Low Messy Chignon

The Low Messy Chignon is a timeless choice among casual summer hairstyles updos and is particularly suited for medium hair and long hair. It offers an elegantly tousled look that says you’re stylish without trying too hard. This hairstyle is ideal for adding a touch of sophistication to casual summer dresses or even swimwear.

To maintain this look, ensure your hair is well-conditioned to prevent flyaways. Texturizing sprays or light gels like those from Bumble and bumble or Garnier can help secure the chignon in place while keeping the overall appearance soft and touchable.

Textured Pixie Cut

For those with short hair, the Textured Pixie Cut is an excellent casual summer hairstyle. It’s not only bold and beautiful but also incredibly convenient for staying cool and managing hair easily during the summer. This cut is versatile and works well for all face shapes, especially with added texture for a modern twist.

Keep your pixie fresh and textured with matte pomades or waxes, which provide hold without the slickness, perfect for a more natural, playful summer style. Products from brands like American Crew or TIGI can enhance the texture without overwhelming your hair.

Loose Side Braid

The Loose Side Braid is a dreamy and romantic option, making it one of the top casual summer hairstyles for medium hair and long hair. This effortless style is perfect for adding a feminine touch to your summer look, ideal for days out in the sun or casual evening gatherings.

To keep this braid looking its best, use a flexible hairspray or a light texturizing spray to maintain hold while keeping the braid soft and loose. Brands like Schwarzkopf or L’Oréal Paris offer products that can help achieve the perfect balance between hold and natural movement.

Bohemian Fishtail Braid

Lastly, the Bohemian Fishtail Braid stands out as a beautiful and intricate choice for those seeking a more detailed style among casual summer hairstyles for long hair. This braid is both playful and sophisticated, making it suitable for both beach days and more formal summer events.

Maintaining this style involves using smoothing oils or serums to keep hair sleek and prevent frizz. Products like Argan oil or coconut oil from OGX or MoroccanOil are great for enhancing the hair’s shine and smoothness while braiding.

Sleek Bob

The Sleek Bob is a fantastic casual summer hairstyle for short hair that offers a clean and sophisticated edge. Perfect for those with straight hair, this style can keep you feeling cool and looking sharp. It’s particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, as it frames the face beautifully without overpowering your features.

For maintenance, using a good quality serum or gloss can help keep the bob sleek and shiny. Brands like John Frieda and Kerastase have excellent formulations that combat frizz and add a silky finish, ensuring your bob stays in perfect form throughout the day.

Scarf-Wrapped Ponytail

The Scarf-Wrapped Ponytail adds a playful twist to the classic ponytail, making it a stylish casual summer hairstyle for long hair. This style not only keeps your hair off your neck during hot days but also incorporates a colorful scarf, making it versatile for coordinating with a variety of summer outfits.

To keep your ponytail smooth and the scarf securely in place, it’s wise to use a smoothing hair cream or light hairspray. Aveda and Alterna Haircare offer products that provide control without stiffness, enhancing the scarf’s fabric texture while keeping the hair sleek.

Twisted Halo

The Twisted Halo is an enchanting yet simple hairstyle summer casual, ideal for both medium hair and long hair. This ethereal updo circles the crown of your head, giving a soft and romantic look that’s perfect for both daytime and evening summer events.

To ensure your halo stays in place without looking stiff, use flexible hold hair spray or a light mousse that adds volume without residue. Brands like Living Proof and Oribe offer excellent products that help maintain the structure and beauty of your hairstyle.

Top Knot Bun

The Top Knot Bun is a quintessential casual summer hairstyles updo for those with long hair or long hair updo ability. It’s quick, easy, and keeps your hair neatly away from your face and neck, making it a practical choice for a hot summer day.

Maintaining a neat top knot requires a good hair tie and perhaps some light hair wax or gel to manage flyaways. Products from Got2b or Schwarzkopf can be particularly useful for achieving a sleek, controlled bun that lasts all day.

Layered Lob

A Layered Lob is an excellent casual summer hairstyle for medium hair that offers versatility and style. With its varied lengths, it can flatter all face shapes and add movement to both straight and wavy hair types. It’s easy to style and perfect for a relaxed yet put-together look.

For the best appearance, use a volumizing spray or texturizing powder to enhance the layers and give your lob an airy, dynamic look. Products from Bumble and bumble or R+Co are great for adding texture and volume without weighing down the hair.

Soft Curls

Soft Curls are the epitome of a cute casual summer hairstyle, particularly flattering for those with long hair or medium hair. This style adds a touch of romance and softness to your look, making it perfect for both daytime and evening occasions. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to add volume and texture to their hair, enhancing its natural movement.

For maintaining your soft curls, opt for a light mousse or curl-enhancing cream that won’t weigh down your hair. Brands like DevaCurl and Moroccanoil offer excellent products that define curls while keeping them bouncy and full of life.

Asymmetrical Cut

The Asymmetrical Cut is a bold and stylish casual summer hairstyle for short hair. It stands out due to its uneven length which adds an edge to your overall look. This cut is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a modern, chic style and works great with both straight and wavy hair textures.

To keep your asymmetrical cut sharp and in shape, regular trims are necessary. Styling products like sculpting gel or wax from brands like TIGI Bed Head or American Crew can help maintain the structure and style of the cut.

Shaggy Bob

The Shaggy Bob is an excellent casual summer hairstyle for medium hair that offers a carefree, effortlessly chic vibe. This tousled style is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance yet trendy look. It suits various face shapes and adds a youthful, dynamic edge to your summer style.

For optimal texture, use sea salt sprays or texturizing sprays like those from Bumble and bumble or Oribe. These products help enhance the natural volume and tousled effect that makes the shaggy bob so appealing.

Dutch Braid Pigtails

Dutch Braid Pigtails are a playful and secure casual summer hairstyle updo ideal for managing long hair or medium hair during active summer days. This hairstyle keeps hair neatly away from the face and neck while adding a youthful and energetic touch to your look.

To ensure your braids stay neat and tidy all day, consider using a flexible hair spray or smoothing serum that controls frizz and adds shine. Products from Schwarzkopf or L’Oréal can be great choices for maintaining the integrity of your braids.

Tousled Layers

Tousled Layers are the quintessential simple hairstyles for medium hair easy casual summer looks, adding volume and dimension to both curly hair and straight hair. This style is perfect for creating a relaxed yet stylish look that’s versatile for any summer occasion.

To keep your layers looking their best, use volumizing products and light hold sprays that provide texture without stiffness. Brands like Living Proof and Redken offer products that give your hair a natural, flowy appearance while maintaining its shape.

Side-Swept Bangs

Side-Swept Bangs can be a chic addition to any casual summer hairstyles for long hair or medium hair, offering a playful yet polished look. This style is particularly flattering for those with oval or round face shapes, as it frames the face beautifully and can be adapted to both curly and straight hair textures. It’s an excellent way to change your look without a significant cut, and it blends seamlessly with layered cuts.

For those sporting side-swept bangs, using a light pomade or styling cream can help keep your bangs in place without looking stiff. Aveda’s Light Elements Texturizing Creme provides a flexible hold that’s perfect for maintaining a soft and natural sweep.

Waterfall Braid

The Waterfall Braid is a whimsical and romantic casual summer hairstyle that works especially well for those with long hair straight or with gentle waves. This braid flows gracefully along the crown of your head, with strands of hair cascading down like a waterfall, making it a perfect hairstyle for both day and night summer activities. It suits all face shapes and gives a fresh, airy feel to your look.

To ensure your waterfall braid holds well throughout the day, consider using a texturizing spray or light hairspray that provides grip and hold without weighing down your hair. Products like the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray can add the necessary texture and volume to keep your braid looking effortless and beautiful.

Conclusion

Embrace these cute casual summer hairstyles and make every day this summer a breezy, beautiful affair. Have you tried any of these styles yet? Leave a comment and let us know your favorite summer hairstyle or share any tips you have for keeping your hair perfect in the heat!