Practical Summer Swimming Hairstyles 2025: Cute, Easy & Beach-Ready Looks for All Hair Types

Summer 2025 is calling, and whether you’re diving into saltwater waves, lounging poolside with a mocktail, or racing laps in the nearest swim lane, your hair deserves to be just as ready as your SPF. However, it is not always easy to strike the perfect balance between cute and practical, especially when heat, humidity, and splashes are involved. That’s why I’ve gathered the best Practical Summer Swimming Hairstyles 2025 to make sure that your strands are always stylish, secure and 100% swim-proof, no matter where the season takes you. Ready to make a splash? Let’s dive into the looks.

Classic French Braid for No-Fuss Pool Days

There’s something timeless and effortless about a French braid, especially when the summer heat kicks in and you’re heading from a poolside lounge to a quick lap in the water. This look keeps everything tucked in, sleek, and out of the way – which makes it a front-runner for swimming hairstyles for long hair. The close pattern of the braid helps to avoid tangles, keeps your hair off your face, and stays put even during beach volleyball games or cannonball competitions.

To keep this braid looking crisp even after a dip, I always prep with a leave-in conditioner like the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. Not only does it help to detangle beforehand, but it also offers UV protection and reduces the damage caused by chlorinated or salty water. After swimming, rinse your braid with clean water, pat dry and reapply a little bit of leave-in for post-swim hydration.

I would say that personally, this is the kind of look that’s designed for spontaneity – low-maintenance but still super cute. I wore it throughout the last summer, and the compliments kept pouring even when I was dripping wet in a towel. It has a certain nostalgia to it, like a re-visit to those barefooted, bike-riding summer days of childhood.

And here’s the kicker—it holds better the messier it gets. A few flyaways? They just add charm. Whether you’re swimming laps or just dipping your toes in, this braid has your back.

Twisted Bun with Beachy Starfish Clip

What I like about this style is its casual, spontaneous feel – as if you didn’t plan it but it looks just perfect. The twisted bun secured with an adorable starfish clip is ideal for swimming hairstyles for medium length hair or even shoulder length hair. It is functional enough to stay put in the water but cute enough to wear to a poolside brunch after. The extra texture of a twist gives the bun more volume and stays better in the summer humidity.

For prepping my damp hair, I advise some light salt spray such as Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to inscribe grit and hold. This makes the twist grip better and provides it with that easy undone finish. After your swim, a few drops of Ouai Hair Oil will not let any dryness bother you and will leave a soft sheen.

There’s something super nostalgic and flirty about this look. I wore something almost exactly the same on an impromptu coastal road trip through Malibu, and the clip never once slipped out – not even after diving in. It’s one of those swimming hairstyles that you can put together in the car mirror but it looks like you had a plan.

Bonus tip: If you’ve got layered hair, secure shorter pieces at the nape with mini bobby pins – they’ll blend right in and lock everything in place.

Messy Top Knot for All-Day Pool Hangs

The top knot is not just a lazy-day default, but a power move when you’re trying to look cool, stay cool, and be ready for anything. This soft, airy bun is ideal for swimming hairstyles for long hair easy, as it leaves your neck free and your strands high and dry. Plus, that volume? Chef’s kiss. You don’t need to have a lot of styling products or perfect placement – the beauty is in the imperfect fluff.

I like to spray a little bit of Drybar’s Detox Dry Shampoo at the roots before pulling the hair up—it gives the style a bit of lift and grip, especially if your hair’s squeaky clean. If your ends are dry from sun or chlorine, twist them loosely and tuck in the bun to prevent them from any further damage.

This one is a favorite of mine when I’m balancing a swim, a smoothie run, and some possibly spontaneous rooftop tanning. It has a breezy confidence to it – it says “I’m fun, but I know what I’m doing”. A couple of loose tendrils give softness and make it less stiff.

Here’s a little trick I swear by: flip your head upside down while gathering your hair. It raises the bun, makes it tighter and much more dramatic.

Protective Braids for Long Summer Days

These long, defined braids are not simply pretty, they are protective, easy to maintain, and a total win for swimming hairstyles black natural hair. They prevent your strands from getting tangled or drying out, and also ooze major goddess energy. And let’s be honest: they move from pool to patio party as if they were never interrupted.

Before putting on braids, it is important to prepare your scalp and strands with a nourishing base such as Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil. It is helpful for growth and prevents your scalp from drying out in the sun. For maintenance rinse with cool water after swimming, pat gently dry, and put a little SheaMoisture Leave-In Conditioner to restore softness.

Based on what I’ve seen and done, this type of protective style is a must for long travel weeks or busy beach weekends. They give you freedom without compromising your hair’s health. Plus, they’re gorgeous. Like, stop-and-stare-on-the-boardwalk gorgeous.

Pro tip from celeb stylist Vernon François? “Focus on scalp hydration—it’s your foundation.” Couldn’t agree more.

Loose Natural Curls with a Floral Pop

Let’s talk about the ultimate romantic beach look: soft, bouncy curly hair that is free, defined, and framed with a tropical bloom. This is one of my go-to’s for swimming hairstyles for curly hair, especially if you want to embrace the volume rather than control it. The secret is to let your curls be themselves but with a little bit of support to make them shine.

If you’re a fellow curly girl, you already know the drill: moisture is everything. I use Pattern Beauty Curl Gel for definition and a little bit of Camille Rose Curl Milk for hydration. Both stand up to a quick swim – just don’t over-rub with a towel. A microfiber wrap is your BFF here.

To be honest, I believe that this look has summer vibes written all over it. It’s flirtatious, confident, and great for that after-swim walk along the beach. And if you have ever been tempted to wear a hair flower? This is your sign. It pulls everything together like magic.

Don’t overthink it. Let the sea breeze shape your curls. They’ll thank you later.

Double Dutch Braids for Sporty Summer Energy

This clean and defined double Dutch braid look is one of my forever go-tos when I need structure and stay-all-day performance. It’s very safe, perfectly balanced and perfect for competitive swimming, surfing or just going for a casual dive into the deep end without a thing to worry about. Whether you’re rocking long hair braids or just medium length, this style locks it down and keeps it cute.

The trick to getting this to last all day? I always begin with damp hair and then apply Aussie’s Instant Freeze Sculpting Gel before braiding. It has hold without crunch, and when you rinse after your swim, there’s no stickiness. You can also run over the edges with a toothbrush and edge control for that extra polish if required.

I’ve actually used this exact braid setup for long lake weekends, and it stands up perfectly – and gives you great waves when you take it out. One of my favorite micro-memories? Wearing these braids for an impromptu paddleboard race and not having to touch my hair all day. Talk about easy.

This is perfect if you’re after a style that has dual purpose. good for a full swim day, adorable enough for a beach bonfire immediately after.

Half-Up Bun with Boho Braids for Laid-Back Luxe

If you are a fan of that dreamy mermaid core look, this half up half down bun with mini accent braids is the soft glam version of swimming hairstyles for long hair. It adds a little lift to the front, keeps your strands out of your face, and allows your length to flow free with minimal tangling. It’s also incredibly Instagrammable without trying too hard.

This style works well with a little bit of texture, so I use Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Soft Waves Sea Salt Spray on the damp hair. After a swim, finger-comb it out and redo the bun while your hair air-dries for a haphazard pick-me-up. The little braids do not move and become even cuter when they puff up a little with the humidity.

What I love most? It’s low-commitment, high-style. I wore this on a lake weekend at Big Bear, and it was perfect: swim, dry, lounge, repeat. The bun sits high and doesn’t weigh the rest of your hair down, which is such a game-changer when it’s 90°F and you don’t want to feel heat on your neck.

Add a hair charm or a seashell bead to one of the braids for that extra something.

Textured Bun with Fringe for French Girl Pool Days

Okay, this one’s giving major vacation-in-Paris-by-the-sea energy. The textured high bun and soft fringe are effortlessly chic and are totally appropriate for swimming hairstyles for short hair or medium hair. The best part? The bangs add softness on the face while the bun keeps you cool and styled.

Because bangs are a bit more difficult to manage after a swim, I like to spray mine with Batiste Dry Shampoo for Brunettes once they air-dry – this helps them not stick to your forehead and adds a little bounce. The bun can be roughed up with fingers or pinned tighter according to the vibe.

This look always makes me feel a wee bit more together, as if I’ve got secrets and SPF in equal measure. I’ve donned it to poolside dinner parties and rooftop swims. It never fails, and bonus it’s tangle free and takes less than 3 minutes.

If you want to dress it up without trying too hard, try a satin scrunchie or gold clip.

Long Thick Braid with Serious Impact

There is something so epic about a single chunky braid trailing down your back – this one is all about long hair easy and keeping cool while turning heads. The volume and evenness are what makes it a brilliant option for swimming hairstyles for curly hair and long hair braids, particularly for those who love control but without drama.

Before prepping, I apply Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Blow Dry Primer to smoothen and protect from UV rays. Then I braid tightly, securing with a no-snag elastic. This braid works well after swimming – it becomes tighter when it dries and leaves perfect loose waves when undone.

This is my ultimate go-to when I need to swim, sunbathe, and then roll into a dinner plan. It is polished without ever being uptight, and that thick texture carries so well even when you are soaked. Trust me, this one lives for saltwater.

Add a bold ribbon at the end if you want to make it seem more vintage-prep.

Low Bun with Tropical Flair at Golden Hour

Soft, polished, and completely resort ready, this low twisted bun with tropical blue clips adds evening-beach vibes all day. It’s formal enough for dinner and informal enough for pool time – one of the easiest and cutest swimming hairstyles I’ve ever done. Especially perfect for medium hair or shoulder-length strands.

Before making the bun, I prefer to run Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum through the ends. It tames flyaways and gives shine that reflects gorgeously in sunset light. Pin everything into a twist, tuck it under, and fasten with a few cute accessories – done.

There is a certain magic about combining this style with sunset colors and a breezy dress. I wore it once on an evening walk on the beach and landed up at an impromptu bonfire. Not a single pin slipped.

This one’s a total mood. Similar to, golden hour on your skin, playlist on point, no stress.

Low Wavy Ponytail with a Tropical Bloom

This low ponytail with a bright yellow flower clip has the golden-hour magic all over it. It is easy, beach-proof, and perfect for swimming hairstyles for long hair, but you still want to look elegant. It’s the sort of style that allows you to surf and still look like you had your look planned for sunset drinks later.

To maintain the waves soft and natural, I prefer to use Sun Bum Curls & Waves Detangler before and after the swim. It has the scent of summer and it does hydrate while taming the frizz. The elastic should be strong, but a silk tie or scrunchie under your flower clip can help prevent breakage, especially if you’re going to be in and out of salt water.

This is my choice if I want something sweet, simple, and a little bit cinematic. I wore it on a night walk on the beach in Sayulita, and it was so right. And the flower? I picked it up from a local vendor – impulsive hair decor is a vibe.

Sometimes it’s not about complicated braiding or tight twists. It’s about letting your hair fly and breathe with the wind.

High Ponytail with a Pop of Color

A classic high ponytail is the best thing that can do to keep things clean, sharp and sweat-free. Throw on a bold, colorful scrunchie and you’re all of a sudden looking more intentional—even if you threw it up in 30 seconds. This is a winner all round for swimming hairstyles for medium hair or long layers.

I prep my mine with Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant Spray, even if I’m not using heat — it has UV protection too. Then, I pull the hair up high and tight and secure with a bungee or fabric covered tie and fluff the tail with my fingers. This keeps it voluminous and tangle free.

For the days that I’m going to swim and go hiking and visit a taco truck on the way home, this pony never disappoints. And honestly, that pop of color at the crown? Total serotonin boost.

Pro tip: turn your head upside down to get that extra-tight lift and bounce.

Bandana Wrap for Classic Protection

Let’s not underestimate the power of a good headscarf. A bright silk bandana tied up in a neat knot at the back is the final swimming hairstyles black natural hair or swimming hairstyles short hair accessory. It protects hair from the sun, reduces the frizz caused by salt spray, and it is honestly cool in a classic way.

If you’re trying to protect freshly styled natural hair, I suggest layering in a leave-in like Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner before tying the scarf. For straight or color-treated strands, it is also a sun shield.

I’ve taken this look to the beaches of California to boat rides in Greece. It always delivers, particularly on those days when your hair simply refuses to be good. And when you pull it off later? Hello, perfectly preserved hair.

Bandanas are that one accessory that never goes out of style – and they pack right into your beach bag.

Tight Athletic Dutch Braid for Power Moves

Designed for action, this slim and sturdy Dutch braid going down the middle is built for competitive swimming and all high-motion days. It hugs the scalp and won’t come loose in the water and, to be honest, it looks like you’re about to win a medal – but it’s still cute and practical. Without a doubt, one of the most practical swimming hairstyles.

For serious grip, I use Eco Style Olive Oil Gel along the part lines before braiding. It smoothens everything down without flaking and provides that clean finish. Post-swim, rinse with cool water and let dry naturally – this style is basically swimwear for your scalp.

This braid makes me feel like I’m in my zone – focused, strong, and not at all concerned about my hair for the next eight hours. It is the ultimate protective style for summer training or open water swimming.

Want to elevate it? Add a touch of sports with a hair ring or metallic bead near to the end of the plait.

Playful Double Braids for a Beach Day Mood

Double braids are the type of classic that never goes out of style, and especially when they’re pulled nice and tight like this. It’s cute, it’s efficient, and it is ideal for a whole day of wave-chasing or snorkeling. Bonus? It is suitable for most lengths, and therefore it is a perfect choice for swimming hairstyles for medium hair or long hair.

I love to use Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream beforehand – it softens and strengthens, and saves your ends from drying in the sun. After you’ve swam, just rinse with fresh water and re-braid if necessary – this style actually improves as it sets in.

The energy of this look is playful but prepared. I wore it on a trip to Bermuda and it was just as adorable underneath a sunhat as it was in the ocean. And to be honest, they are so safe that you can jump into the waves without even thinking.

This one’s your classic—but better. Add a bit of shine spray or shimmer gel if you’re feeling extra.

High Ballet Bun for Poolside Chic

There is something about a neat, tall ballet bun that screams, “I’m relaxed, but I did not come to play.” This style is best for hot tubs, lap pools, or beach lying, where you want your hair to be out of the water and out of the way. It’s the sort of swimming hairstyle that’s easy to knock together, but which gives you that clean, confident finish.

A little gel goes a long way here – R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel provides structure without stiffness. I always use a boar bristle brush to smooth everything up top and secure with an elastic and pins. The bun stays high, secure, and humidity-proof.

What I love most? It lets your earrings and collarbones take center stage. I wore this look for a girls’ weekend in Palm Springs and didn’t touch it once all afternoon. Even after splashes, sun, and sips.

Give it a go with a bold lip or huge earrings for major main-character energy.

Twisted Floral Bun for Beach Romance

There is an undeniable island goddess vibe to this twisted low bun with a tropical flower on top. Soft tendrils around the face maintain it effortless while the structure at the back holds it together when the wind blows. It’s a natural choice of swimming hairstyles for long hair easy that still look elevated.

To achieve the shine and hold without making the strands stiff, I use Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray before and after twisting. It fixes the shape and reflects the light as if by magic. Flowers can be clipped in using a small alligator pin or looped into the bun elastic.

One of my favorites was on a beach in Maui – I wore a similar bun with a plumeria tucked in, and it held up all day of exploring and a beach dinner at sunset.

It’s flirty, no-fuss, and will make you look put together the second you step out of the water.

Loose Low Pony with Minimal Vibes

Minimalists, this one’s for you. A sleek, low ponytail with soft waves and a no-nonsense elastic seems deliberate, finished, and completely on trend with the swimming hairstyles for medium hair movement. The simplicity is versatile enough to fit in any setting – pool, beach, or resort dinner.

This style works best on freshly rinsed hair. I apply Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner and tie it up low and loose. It’s the type of style that lives in its undone-ness – imperfections just make it more French.

I’ve worn this on days when I have no time but have to look like I at least tried. It’s chill, cool, and completely composed – even if the rest of your day is madness.

Add a colored tie or a statement earring to make it a little edgy.

Braided Crown Bun for Yacht-Ready Glam

Talk about protective meets polished. This is peak luxury meets utility, this fully braided crown, twisted into a low bun. Perfect for boat rides, strong wind and salt spray, it holds every strand in place. It’s perfect for swimming hairstyles for black women, protective styles, or anyone with thick, longer hair.

I always prep this with TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer to hydrate and relieve tension at the roots. This makes it more comfortable for all-day wear. After braiding, I twist and pin everything into a structured bun which doesn’t fall even with sea breeze.

I wore this on a boat day off the coast of Key Largo, and not a single braid came loose – not one. That’s a win in my book. Add pearls or metallic beads if you’re feeling fancy.

This is your “I’m on a boat and I know it” moment.

Boxer Braids with Loose Ends for Modern Edge

A modern take on the traditional boxer braid, this style comes together with loose ends to bring structure and movement together. It is a complete winner among swimming hairstyles for black natural hair, long hair, or even layered medium cuts. And it screams summer cool.

I prep the parting with ORS Olive Oil Edge Control, which provides you with those clean lines and tames flyaways. The braids themselves should be tight at the scalp and loosen into softer, looser ponytails. It is very versatile – you can go swimming and then unbraid the ends for waves later.

This one has been my go-to for paddleboarding mornings and brunch. It’s low-fuss, super cute, and it’s not bothered by wind, salt, and sweat to look worn.

Add a spritz of scalp mist post-swim (I love TPH by Taraji’s Keep It Fresh) for an instant refresh.