There’s an easy-breezy nature to the way we style our hair during summer. Not only does it feel a little more relaxed than the rest of the year, but summer styles also need to serve another purpose: To keep you cool.
Holding up through heat, humidity and travel, great summer hairstyles can include shorter haircuts like the bob, bixie or pixie, or simply incorporate new styling techniques that easily keep your hair off your neck. Whichever your choice, these are the top summer hairstyles to keep on rotation to keep you cool.
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The Micro Bob: A Cool Summer Haircut
The micro bob is a great summer haircut because it can remove weight but still give a defined shape. This bob usually sits around the jawline or slightly above, so it keeps hair off the shoulders while cutting down on drying and styling time.
Get the Look: Ask your stylist to cut your hair around the jawline or slightly above. The key is to make sure there’s enough structure to hold its shape. If you want a softer finish, ask for subtle internal layers so the cut doesn’t feel too heavy at the ends but still keeps the sharp weight line.
Styling Tips: For a quick and easy way to smooth your style, use the Sam Villa Signature Series Paddle Brush when blow-drying, then touch up the ends with the Sam Villa SLEEKR Professional Flat Iron. For a softer finish, add a slight bend with the Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron & Wand 1.5".
For more shapes to consider this season, explore more bob haircut trends and find the cut that best fits your client's face shape and texture.
The Pixie or Bixie Haircut for Summer
If you want to go even shorter for summer, a pixie or bixie could be a great choice. A pixie keeps the shape cropped and light, while a bixie gives you a little more length around the face and neckline.
Get the Look: Ask your stylist for a shape that works with your natural texture, density and lifestyle. If you want softness, ask for more length through the top or fringe. If you want something more low-maintenance, find a shape that works with how your hair dries naturally.
Styling Tips: Use the Sam Villa Pro Light Ionic Blow Dryer to direct the hair into place, then once dry, add detail to shorter pieces with the Sam Villa SLEEKR Professional Flat Iron if needed.
And if you want to sharpen your cutting fundamentals before attempting this shape, start with our foundational haircutting techniques.
The Plait Pony: An Easy Summer Braid
A plait pony is one of the easiest summer hairstyles when you want your hair secured but with a bit of style. It blends the ease of a ponytail with the detail of a braid, making it ideal for hot days, travel, second-day hair or long weekends.
Get the Look: Use the Sam Villa Signature Series Paddle Brush to brush the hair into a ponytail, secure it with an elastic, then braid the length. Keep the braid tight for a cleaner finish, or gently pull the edges apart to make it look fuller.
Styling Tips: If you need more grip before braiding, prep sections with the Sam Villa TEXTUR Professional Texturizing Iron. For a softer finish, leave out a few face-framing pieces and add a bend with the Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron & Wand 1.5".
For extra texture before braiding, check out these different ways to curl hair.
The Slicked-Back Bun or Pony
The slicked-back bun or pony is a summer style that always works. It’s quick, clean and keeps hair completely off your face and neck.
Get the Look: Start by brushing the hair back with the Sam Villa Signature Series Paddle Brush. Choose a center part, side part or no part, then secure the hair into a ponytail or bun.
Styling Tips: If you want a sleeker finish, smooth the hair first with the Sam Villa SLEEKR Professional Flat Iron, especially through the hairline and ends. For a bun, twist the ponytail around the base and pin it into place. For a pony, keep the ends smooth or add a soft bend for movement.
A smooth, sleek result starts at the root, so review our guide on how to blow dry hair without damage before reaching for the flat iron.
The Tousled Bun: A Relaxed Second-Day Style
The tousled bun is perfect when you want your hair up, but don’t want to put in too much effort. It works well with natural texture, air-dried hair, waves or second-day strands.
Get the Look: Add slight bends through the mid-lengths and ends with the Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron & Wand 1.5". Rake through lightly, then gather the hair into a loose ponytail, twist it into a bun and pin it in place. Then, pull out a few face-framing pieces for a soft finish.
Styling Tips: For added fullness and grip, prep the crown area with the Sam Villa TEXTUR Professional Texturizing Iron before putting the hair up.
Summer Hairsytles FAQs
What are the easiest summer hairstyles?
Some of the easiest summer hairstyles include a slicked-back bun, slicked-back ponytail, plait pony and tousled bun. If you want a haircut that makes styling easier, a micro bob, pixie or bixie can also be great summer options.
What hairstyle keeps hair coolest in summer?
Styles that keep hair off the neck tend to feel coolest in summer. A bun, ponytail, plait pony, pixie, bixie or short bob can help keep you cool with minimal styling.
Is a bob a good summer haircut?
Yes. A bob can be a great summer haircut, especially if you want less length and easier styling. A micro bob is especially strong for summer because it sits above or around the jawline and keeps hair off the shoulders.
How do I make a bun look tousled but still secure?
Add soft movement through the hair first, then secure the bun with pins. Pull small pieces loose instead of loosening the entire style. This keeps the bun soft and secure.
