17 Cute Hairstyles for the Beach You Must Save Before Your Trip

There is nothing worse than showing up at the beach with a great swimsuit and no plan for your hair. Between the wind, the humidity, and the salt water, beach days can turn even the sleekest style into a frizzy mess within minutes. The good news is that beach hair actually looks best a little undone, so you do not need a mirror or a full styling kit to look cute.

Here are 17 easy hairstyles that hold up against wind, sand, and waves, so you can spend less time worrying about your hair and more time actually enjoying your trip.

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Why Simple Styles Work Best at the Beach

Humidity and salty air are not kind to hairstyles that need a lot of product or heat to stay in place. The best beach hairstyles work with the elements instead of against them, using braids, buns, and twists that actually get better with a little texture and moisture. Most of the looks below take five minutes or less and need nothing more than a hair tie and maybe a few bobby pins.

17 Easy Beach Hairstyles To Save For Your Trip

1. High Braided Ponytail

Pull hair into a high ponytail and braid the length. This keeps hair off your neck in the heat while looking cute in every beach photo.

2. Double Dutch Braids

Two tight braids along the scalp keep hair completely secure through wind, swimming, and everything in between.

3. Messy Top Knot

A loose bun piled on top of the head is the easiest way to keep hair out of your face while still looking put together.

4. Fishtail Braid

This braid holds up beautifully in wind since the woven pattern stays tight even when a few pieces come loose.

5. Half Up Half Down With a Bandana

Tie a bandana around the front section of your hair and let the rest fall naturally. It adds a fun pop of color and keeps bangs or shorter pieces out of your eyes.

6. Braided Crown

Wrap two braids across the top of your head and pin them in place for a pretty style that stays neat even after a swim.

7. Low Side Braid

Sweep all your hair over one shoulder and braid it loosely for a relaxed, romantic look that works from morning until sunset.

8. Space Buns

Split hair into two sections and twist each into a small bun. This playful style keeps hair completely secure and works for almost any hair length.

9. Wet Look Slick Back

Run a small amount of gel through damp hair and slick it straight back into a low ponytail or bun for an effortless, glossy finish.

10. Braided Ponytail With Wrap

Wrap a small section of hair around the base of your ponytail before braiding the rest for a polished touch that hides the elastic.

11. Twisted Half Up Style

Twist two sections from the front and pin them together at the back. Simple, quick, and keeps hair off your face while swimming.

12. Loose Waves With a Headband

If your hair air dries with natural texture, a thin headband is all you need to keep it looking neat while showing off the wave pattern.

13. Boxer Braids

Two tight braids running from the front of the head to the back keep every strand secure, making this a favorite for water sports and long beach days.

14. Low Bun With a Scarf

Wrap a scarf around a simple low bun for a beachy, bohemian look that also protects hair from too much direct sun.

15. French Braid Pigtails

Two tight French braids pulled into pigtails are a classic choice that holds up through wind, waves, and hours in the sun.

16. High Ponytail With a Twist

Instead of a plain ponytail, twist the length around itself before securing the end. It adds a little extra texture without any real effort.

17. Braided Bun

Braid your hair first, then coil the braid into a bun at the back of your head for a style that stays put no matter how rough the waves get.

Tips To Keep Beach Hair Looking Its Best

Salt water and sun can be tough on hair, so rinsing with fresh water after swimming helps prevent tangles and keeps strands from drying out. A leave in conditioner or light oil applied to the ends before heading out adds a layer of protection against sun and salt.

A wide brimmed hat is another easy way to protect hair from UV damage while adding a stylish finishing touch to any beach outfit. Keeping a small travel size detangling spray in your bag also makes it much easier to work through knots at the end of the day.

Final Thoughts

Beach hair does not need to be complicated. With a few braids, buns, or twists, you can keep your hair looking cute and staying in place no matter how much wind or water comes your way. Try a few of these styles on your next trip and spend your beach day soaking up the sun instead of fighting with your hair.