Unless you have a personal stylist on speed dial, you're not looking to spend hours on your hair every day—especially in the summer, when outdoor concerts, leisurely bike rides and al fresco brunches are all calling your name. Sure, tossing your hair back into a pony is an easy go-to, but there are tons of other ways to get your hair out of your face—think Pinterest-worthy braids, buns and bouncy do's. We love these quick, low-maintenance options that look like you spent forever on your hairstyle (reality: minutes). Follow SELF on Pinterest for endless beauty ideas and pin along with us—these 12 great styles or the countless others summer has to offer.
A tight topknot keeps you cool in the summer heat—and has a seriously elegant feel, too. To get the look, spritz damp hair with texturizing spray (we love Garnier Fructis Deconstructed Beach Chic Texturizing Spray, $6) pull it back into a high ponytail and twist the tail around the base. Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color. If you're short on time, try slipping in a hair donut, like this five-dollar find from Claire's. Not only does the donut quickly creates the same look, it also helps to keep shorter layers in place. Feel free to let a few flyaways peek out for an effortless effect.
Original pin by Annabelle Fleur from vivaluxury.blogspot.com
Double the braids, double the fun, right? Divide your hair into two sections and create two Dutch braids (here's a great tutorial on that from our friends at POPSUGAR) on either side. Throw it all into a messy bun at the nape of your neck, making it ideal for all different hair lengths. Go crazy with your part: the haphazard look adds to the appeal. You don't even need a mirror.
Original pin by Julia Engel from galmeetsglam.com
A ponytail seems obvious for the summer, but if we've learned anything from the red carpet, it's that it always looks more sophisticated when you cover the elastic with a one-inch section of hair (pulled from the underside) around the base of the tail. Adding a second clear elastic about a third of the way down the pony adds to your cool factor—and looks great transitioning from work to workouts.
Original pin by Amber clark form barefootblonde.com
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This pretty twist on a braided half-up style is all about getting creative with whatever bobby pins or barrettes you have sitting around the house (or need to go buy!). Secure twisted strands by pinning into an interesting design like this triangle shape. Consider upping the wow factor with glittery metallics or pops of neon. If you want to go all-out gorgeous, create mini fishtail braids to pin up like above.
Original pin by Britta Nickel from brittanickel.tumblr.com
If pulling it back is out of the picture, sweep it dramatically to the side for a striking but totally relaxed effect. Bonus: unless you normally part your hair like that (in which case, you should switch sides), you'll create instant volume. And it's easy to pull into a side pony if things get really sweaty.
Original pin by Olivia Lopez from lustforlife.com
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A ponytail won't ever look basic with lift and texture in all the right places. Mist on a volumizing spray (try Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray, $29) while hair is damp and rough-dry it with your fingers while scrunching your hair throughout.
Original pin by Kelly Walker from happilygrey.com
Make a girly half-up style look modern with easy waves (air-dry, anyone?), volume at the roots (you can use some dry shampoo for that) and a twisty bun to top it off.
Original pin by Marissa Meade from stylecusp.com
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Extend the life of yesterday's blowout but curling large sections of your hair only at the ends, leaving the roots and midshaft smooth. Also spend a couple of extra seconds with the iron, curling front pieces away from your face. A little effort put in, a whole lotta look comes out.
Original pin by Jade Scott from aspoonfulofstyle.com
Simple three-strand braids look anything but boring when you play around with different thicknesses and widths within the same look. Take a small section of hair, braid it, then create a big braid, weaving in the first. The result is part boho-cool but 100 percent beach ready.
Original pin by Amber Clark from barefootblonde.com
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You might think of ribbons for wrapping gifts, but we consider it the most genius hair accessory. Secure a wispy, low ponytail with a feminine ribbon and tie it into a bow. Stick with neutral colored trimmings to keep it from looking too girly—and bonus points for showing off some designer love or re-purposing a gifted favorite.
Original pin by Julia Engel from galmeetsglam.com
Skip the half hour tango with a curling iron. It's too hot out. Instead, spritz damp hair with a sea-salt spray, pull into two loose buns and sleep in overnight. When you wake up, shake out your waves and add a casual, three-strand braid on the side to keep shorter layers out of your face or sticking to your sweet new lipgloss.
Original pin by Cathy Anderson from poorlittleitgirl.com
Think of it as your back-up plan that'll never fail. A hat not only discreetly masks an unwashed, second-day hairstyle, but it also protects your scalp from burning during the dog days of summer.
Original pinby Christina Caradona from troprouge.com
Photo Credit: Pinterest (12)
