22 Trendy Summer Updo Hairstyles for Cool, Chic Looks 2024

As the days grow longer and the mercury rises, the allure of summer updo hairstyles becomes undeniable. Are you searching for a way to keep cool while also looking chic? Whether you’re strolling along the beach, attending a summer wedding, or simply enjoying an evening out, the right updo can elevate your look with sophistication and comfort. This article explores a variety of updo styles suited for different hair types and occasions. From the timeless Classic High Bun to the intricate Braided Crown, discover how to embrace the beauty of summer with these stunning hairstyles.

Classic High Bun

The Classic High Bun is a quintessential choice for those seeking a polished and refined look. Ideal for medium hair to long hair, this style adds a touch of class to any ensemble and is particularly fitting for both formal occasions and casual outings. It’s a fantastic option for black women looking to stylishly secure their textured curls or anyone wanting to keep their neck cool during hot summer days.

In terms of maintenance, the high bun requires minimal effort but can be kept sleek with the right products. A light application of smoothing serum, such as John Frieda’s Frizz Ease, followed by a firm-hold hairspray, can ensure your bun stays pristine throughout the day.

Braided Crown

For those with long hair or medium hair, the Braided Crown is not only a cute updo hairstyle for summer but also practical for keeping your hair off your face and neck. This hairstyle weaves your hair into a halo around your head, offering a romantic and regal appearance suitable for summer weddings or a simple picnic in the park.

To keep your braided crown in perfect condition, it’s important to use a flexible hair gel like Bumble and Bumble’s Bb.Gel before starting the braid to control flyaways and add a slight shine that lasts. For added flair, weave in some small flowers or decorative pins along the braid.

Sleek Ponytail

The Sleek Ponytail is an excellent choice for those with short hair to long hair looking for a casual yet chic summer hairstyle. It’s incredibly versatile, suitable for a workout session or a stylish gathering. This hairstyle emphasizes a clean, pulled-back look that enhances facial features while keeping you cool.

Maintaining a sleek appearance is key; apply a smoothing hair balm like Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day before pulling your hair back. This helps to tame frizz and give your ponytail a polished finish.

Messy Top Knot

The Messy Top Knot is not just a cute updo summer hairstyle; it’s a symbol of effortless chic. Perfect for curly hair or short hair, it offers a playful yet sophisticated vibe that’s ideal for beach days or casual brunches. It’s one of those summer buns hairstyles easy updo that suggest a carefree spirit.

For this style, use a texturizing spray, such as the Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray, to add volume and grip to your hair before twisting it into a knot. The messier, the better!

French Twist Updo

The French Twist Updo is another elegant choice for those attending a summer wedding or a formal event. This style suits medium hair to long hair and provides a classic silhouette that is both graceful and timeless.

To ensure your French twist stays secure and sleek, use pins that match your hair color and apply a strong hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold. This hairstyle is about smooth lines and elegance, so it pays to spend a little extra time perfecting it.

Boho-Chic Braids

Boho-Chic Braids epitomize the free-spirited, effortless beauty ideal for summer updo hairstyles for long hair and medium hair. This style combines the casual flair of loose braids with the elegance of updos, making it perfect for music festivals, outdoor weddings, or a day out in the sun. It’s particularly flattering for summer updo hairstyles for curly hair, adding a touch of whimsy and romance.

For those with less texture or thinner hair, applying a volumizing mousse, like the Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam, before braiding can add the necessary body and grip for the braids to hold all day. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to prevent flyaways and maintain the ethereal look.

Half-Up, Half-Down Bun

The Half-Up, Half-Down Bun is a versatile and cute updo summer hairstyle that works beautifully on medium hair to long hair. This chic and simple hairstyle pulls hair away from the face while leaving flowing locks at the back, balancing exposure and coverage which is ideal for both casual and formal settings.

To enhance this look, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray on the lower half of your hair to create a fuller, more glamorous effect. This style is perfect for those who want to showcase their hair’s natural texture while enjoying the comfort of an updo.

Low Chignon

The Low Chignon is a classic and elegant updo hairstyle for summer weddings and formal events. It is particularly suited for summer updo hairstyles for short hair and medium hair, providing a sophisticated look that complements any elegant attire. This hairstyle is timeless and exudes a sense of refined grace.

For maintaining a sleek and polished low chignon, it’s beneficial to use a shine-enhancing hair serum such as Kerastase Elixir Ultime, followed by a firm hold hairspray to ensure the updo holds neatly throughout the event.

Fishtail Braid Updo

A Fishtail Braid Updo combines elegance with a hint of playfulness, making it a great summer hairstyles updo braids choice. This style is particularly attractive for summer updo hairstyles for long hair and can be adorned with accessories like flowers or decorative pins for an extra touch of summer flair.

Using a smoothing cream, such as Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer, before braiding can help manage frizz and add a subtle sheen, making your intricate fishtail stand out even more.

Dutch Braided Bun

The Dutch Braided Bun is an adorable and sturdy summer buns hairstyles easy updo that’s perfect for any summer activity, from a day at the beach to a chic party. This style works well for summer updo hairstyles for medium hair and long hair, providing a secure hold that keeps your hair in place while adding a touch of sophistication.

For the best results, prep your hair with a flexible-hold gel like Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel to keep the braids neat and the bun secure without stiffness.

Side Swept Curls Updo

The Side Swept Curls Updo is an epitome of romantic elegance, making it perfect for summer weddings or special evenings out. It’s particularly flattering for summer updo hairstyles for long hair and medium hair, offering a glamorous look that showcases voluminous curls swept to one side.

For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, enhancing the texture with a curl-defining cream like Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream will ensure your curls stay bouncy and beautiful throughout the event. This style is ideal for anyone looking to combine drama with sophistication in their summer look.

Twisted Halo Braid

The Twisted Halo Braid is a divine choice for those looking for a cute updo summer hairstyle that is both stylish and functional. This braid wraps around the head like a halo, making it suitable for both medium hair and long hair. It’s a great pick for hot days when you want your hair up and out of the way but still desire a touch of whimsy.

To keep your halo braid neat and tidy, use a lightweight styling gel, such as Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel, to control flyaways and add a subtle shine that enhances the braid’s texture. This hairstyle is wonderfully versatile, fitting for both casual and more formal summer events.

Pineapple Updo for Curly Hair

The Pineapple Updo is an iconic summer updo hairstyle for curly hair. Designed to keep curls intact and off the face and neck, it’s not only practical but also exceptionally cute and playful. This updo is particularly popular among black women, as it protects the hair’s natural texture while showcasing its volume and beauty.

Applying a hydrating leave-in conditioner like Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie can help maintain moisture and define curls before styling them into the updo. This style is perfect for beach days, casual outings, or any summer activity where comfort and flair are desired.

Rolled Bun Updo

The Rolled Bun Updo is a sleek, sophisticated style that works beautifully as an updo hairstyle for summer wedding guests or for a professional setting. It’s ideal for medium hair and long hair, providing a polished look that’s both elegant and easy to maintain.

For sleekness and control, use a strong hold gel, like L’Oreal Paris Studio Line Clear Minded Clean Gel, to smooth hair back and keep the bun intact throughout your event. This updo is an excellent choice for those who need a refined, no-fuss hairstyle that complements a variety of summer occasions.

Bubble Ponytail

The Bubble Ponytail is a fun and youthful take on the classic ponytail, making it a great choice for cute updo hairstyles for summer. This style works well for summer updo hairstyles for long hair and is particularly easy to pull off, adding a playful touch to your everyday summer look.

To ensure each bubble is voluminous and defined, use hair elastics spaced evenly along the ponytail and puff out the hair slightly between each one. A spritz of volumizing hairspray, like TIGI Bed Head Hard Head, will help maintain the shape and volume of the bubbles throughout the day.

Beach Waves with Scarf Updo

Beach Waves with Scarf Updo is the epitome of a carefree summer vibe, making it a top choice for summer updo hairstyles for long hair and medium hair. This style offers a playful twist to traditional beach waves by incorporating a scarf, making it not only stylish but also practical for keeping hair off your face during windy beach days.

For those with naturally straight hair, creating beach waves might require a curling iron or a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for that perfect undone look. This hairstyle is ideal for a casual beach outing or a relaxed summer party, providing a laid-back yet fashionable appearance.

Tousled Low Ponytail

The Tousled Low Ponytail is a versatile summer hairstyle updo that works beautifully for casual and chic occasions. This look is perfect for summer updo hairstyles for medium hair and long hair, giving a soft, effortless flair that’s both pretty and practical.

Achieve this look by using a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray before pulling hair back into a low ponytail. Leave a few strands loose for a tousled effect. This updo is great for an evening out or a summer brunch, offering a balance of elegance and ease.

Braided Mohawk

For those who love a bold style, the Braided Mohawk stands out among cute updo summer hairstyles, especially popular among black women with curly hair. This daring look combines the edginess of a mohawk with the intricacy of braids, suitable for both short hair and medium hair.

Use a strong hold gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel to keep the braids tight and the sides sleek. This hairstyle is perfect for music festivals or any event where you want to make a statement with your hair.

Waterfall Braid Updo

The Waterfall Braid Updo is a romantic and intricate choice that’s perfect as an updo hairstyle for summer weddings. Suitable for long hair, it features cascading strands that resemble a flowing waterfall, an enchanting twist on traditional braids.

To ensure the braid holds through the day, use a lightweight mousse, like the L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, before starting the braiding process. This updo is particularly enchanting for bridesmaids or wedding guests aiming to add a touch of fairy-tale elegance to their ensemble.

Chic Gibson Tuck

The Chic Gibson Tuck is a sleek and sophisticated updo that is perfect for professional settings or elegant evenings. This timeless style works well for summer updo hairstyles for medium hair and short hair, offering a polished look that is both classic and easy to manage.

Use a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to achieve a sleek finish before tucking and pinning the hair at the nape. This updo is ideal for office meetings, formal dinners, or when you need a quick yet refined hairstyle that impresses.

Space Buns

Space Buns are a fun and youthful hairstyle that is perfect for those hot summer days when you want to add a playful touch to your look. This style is ideal for summer updo hairstyles for medium hair and long hair, providing a cute and casual way to manage your locks in the heat.

Space buns work well for all hair types but are especially great for summer updo hairstyles for curly hair as they embrace natural volume and texture. If you have thinner hair, consider using a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add fullness before twisting your hair into buns.

This hairstyle is perfect for a summer festival or a day out with friends, adding a cheeky and charming vibe to your summer wardrobe.

Elegant Slicked Back Updo

The Elegant Slicked Back Updo is a sophisticated hairstyle that is perfect for more formal summer occasions like weddings or evening events. This style is suitable for summer updo hairstyles for short hair to long hair, offering a sleek, polished look that keeps your hair neatly away from your face.

To achieve this elegant updo, use a high-quality gel such as Kerastase Styling Laque Noire for strong hold without flakiness, ensuring your hair stays in place throughout the event. This updo is particularly favored as an updo hairstyle for summer wedding guests, providing a chic and tidy appearance that complements any elegant outfit.

Conclusion

Embrace the warm weather and try out these summer updo hairstyles to keep cool and look fabulous at any event. Don’t forget to experiment with these styles to find the one that best fits your personality and occasion. Have you tried any of these updos? Share your experiences and photos in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!