7 Easy Beach Hairstyles for Summer Vacations (No Heat, No Fuss)
Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Amy
Stay stylish, frizz-free, and low-maintenance with these holiday-ready looks
Beach holidays are meant to be relaxing—but if you’ve ever battled frizz, tangles, and sea-swept chaos while trying to look vaguely put together, you’ll know that beach hair doesn’t always cooperate.
The good news? You don’t need a curling wand or 45 minutes in front of a mirror. Whether you’re chasing kids across the sand or heading straight from the beach to dinner, these easy, heat-free hairstyles are all about embracing natural texture and keeping things simple.
Quick Picks: Best Beach Hairstyles
- Heatless beach waves
- Messy low bun
- Braided ponytail
- Half-up twist
- Bubble braids
- Silk scarf styling
- Claw clip updo
1. Effortless Beach Waves (No Heat Needed)
Nothing says “on holiday” like soft, tousled waves. Best of all? You don’t need to pack a curling wand. These no-heat methods are a game-changer. I’ve just come back from a week in Spain with my two little ones, and styling my hair was not on the holiday agenda. Embracing my natural waves was the only way, because the beach was calling and my kids weren’t about to wait around!
How to Get the Look:
- Overnight Braids: Dampen your hair and braid it into two or more sections before bed. In the morning, undo and scrunch in some salt spray.
- Heatless Curling Rod: Wrap damp hair around a satin rod or try sock curls. Leave overnight for soft curls with zero heat.
- Sea Salt Spray: Apply to damp or dry hair and scrunch with your hands to encourage waves and texture.
💡 Pro Tip: A light leave-in conditioner before salt spray makes all the difference. No crunchy bits, just soft texture.
Related post: My Overnight Heatless Curls Routine
2. Messy Low Bun (The Chic & Easy Updo)
The ultimate “I didn’t try, but I still look decent” hairstyle. A messy low bun works for everything from sandy lunches to sunset drinks.
How to Style It:
- Pull hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
- Twist into a bun and secure with a soft hair tie.
- Tug out a few face-framing pieces for a relaxed finish.
- Add a spritz of texturising spray for hold and volume.
💡 Pro Tip: Use an invisibobble or soft spiral tie to avoid kinks and breakage.
3. Braided Ponytail (The Stay-Put Style)
This one’s a lifesaver when you need your hair to stay put. Think windy boat rides, beach volleyball, or just general child-wrangling.
How to Style It:
- Gather hair into a high or low ponytail.
- Braid the tail and secure the end with a clear elastic.
- Gently pull apart the braid for a fuller, more relaxed look.
💡 Pro Tip: I often smooth down the top with a bit of styling cream. It stops the fuzzies and gives that clean, polished look without feeling too slick.
4. Half-Up, Half-Down Twist (Pretty & Practical)
The best of both worlds! Your hair stays off your face, but you still get that lovely beachy movement.
How to Style It:
- Take two small front sections of hair and twist them toward the back.
- Pin them together with a bobby pin or mini clip.
- Leave the rest of your hair down in natural waves or curls.
💡 Pro Tip: Try shell or pearl clips for a pretty upgrade that looks way more “planned” than it really is.
5. Bubble Braids (Playful & On-Trend)
These are so fun, and once you get the hang of them, they take about two minutes.
How to Style It:
- Pull hair into one or two ponytails.
- Tie small elastics down the length, spacing them out every 2–3 inches.
- Gently tug each section to puff it out and create the “bubbles.”
💡 Pro Tip: Use colourful elastics for a fun, festival-ready look your kids might love too.
Best Hair Ties for Bubble Braids:
6. Silk Scarf Hairstyle (Easy & Elegant)
When your hair’s feeling chaotic and you need to do something, a scarf is your secret weapon. It makes everything look intentional, even if it’s covering the third-day grease!
How to Style It:
- Tie around a bun or ponytail for a polished finish.
- Use it as a wide headband to keep hair off your face.
- Wrap it turban-style to protect your scalp from sun exposure.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for breathable fabric; silk is ideal, but cotton works too. Avoid anything too thick unless you want a sweaty scalp.
Best Silk Scarves:
7. Claw Clip Updo (Lazy-Girl Chic)
The style I reach for constantly, especially when I don’t even want to think about styling. A claw clip updo works whether your hair’s damp, dry, frizzy, or somewhere in between.
How to Style It:
- Twist your hair into a loose bun or French twist at the back.
- Secure with a large claw clip.
- Pull out front pieces for a soft, undone vibe.
💡 Pro Tip: Tortoiseshell or gold clips add a nice polish without feeling try-hard.
Best Claw Clips:
How to Protect Your Hair at the Beach
Even the best beach hairstyle needs backup when it comes to heat, sun, and salt. Here’s how I avoid the crunchy, crispy post-holiday hair situation.
- Rinse before & after swimming – A quick rinse with fresh water helps prevent your hair from soaking up all the chlorine or salt.
- Use UV Protection Spray – Your scalp and strands need SPF too. Especially if your hair’s coloured or dry to begin with.
- Leave-In Conditioner Is Your Friend – Keeps hair soft, tangle-free, and hydrated in the heat.
- Avoid Tight Hairstyles – Hair is more fragile when wet, so opt for loose braids or buns instead of tight ponytails.
Best Beach Hair Protection & Styling Products:
📌 Save This Post for Later
Pin it for your summer holiday packing list or share it with a friend heading to the beach!
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