Simpl Pool-Day Hairstyles for Summer 2025: Cute, Easy Looks for Every Hair Type

Summer’s here, the pool is calling, and your hair? It should be as cool as your swimsuit without any effort. It’s true that chlorine, the sun and humidity can cause damage to your hair. How can we keep our hair looking good without wasting all our time on it? If you have short hair, braids, curly hair or are planning an updo, I’ve found some simple hairstyles that will look great at the pool — no drama, just summer style.

Every style is based on real women who can create a big impact with little effort. If you’re wondering, “What do I do with my hair to look good even after swimming?” — this is the post for you.

Glossy Wet Look with Natural Texture

Long hair this summer looks like a goddess’s: pulled back from the face, glistening with wetness and left to move naturally. It’s a cool and confident look that lets everyone know you can swim and still look great. The part is so subtle that the hair’s natural texture gives the style a lovely, natural-looking depth.

I always use a flexible hold gel or cream to protect my hair from the pool. You can depend on Ouai’s Hair Gel to control frizz, but it won’t leave your hair feeling stiff. Don’t skip rinsing and conditioning your hair after being in the pool to prevent damage from chlorine. You can think of this style as the sophisticated older sister of the beachy-wave.

There’s something powerful about how understated this look is. I usually feel like I’m in a magazine editorial when I wear my hair like this, along with a neutral bikini and glowing skin. It seems like the wet look forms a halo that catches the sunlight.

If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, this look will really shine. Just work with your own texture. Leave your hair to air dry where it is and you’ll look like you didn’t even try but still look great all day.

Sleek and Sporty with a Pop of Color

We can see a simple style that looks both happy and formal. The style is achieved by brushing the hair back and flat, wetting it and adding bold sunglasses and a chain. Having long hair can be frustrating when it gets loose, so this is a great way to keep it under control while you’re in the water or just relaxing. Minimal fuss, maximum vibe.

How do you make sure this look stays put all day? Combine the Unite 7Seconds Detangler leave-in treatment with a shine mist. It helps the hair slide a little when wet, so it avoids tangles and still looks shiny and beautiful.

I’m a fan of making my swimwear a full fashion statement and this style makes it easy. When your hair is out of the way, your accessories get the spotlight. It’s giving poolside runway. Even if you have thin hair, this style will still work for you.

It’s the ideal combo of practicality and boldness. If you’re into bold colors or interesting textures in your clothes, this is the perfect hairstyle for you on a pool day.

Minimalist Headband Energy

If you want a look that’s easy and never goes out of style, this is for you. Your hair is brushed and held back by a bright headband, so your face and shoulders can feel the sun. It’s the perfect way to look elegant with short or medium hair.

What I like best is that it looks so fresh and easy to achieve. You don’t need hot tools. Just a smoothing serum (I like Moroccanoil’s Treatment Light) and a bold headband in a color that pops. Done.

I personally think that this style is the most relaxing to put on. It’s clean, feminine, and feels very French Riviera. If I’m not sure, I put on a headband and tell myself it’s fashion — it’s always a good idea.

If you have to deal with humid weather or lots of chlorine, this is a nice way to keep your hair safe and still see it. You could also use a satin headband to help keep your hair from breaking.

Classic Pigtail Pull-Throughs

This is the style for the girl who wants to have adorable hair that can handle a day in the water. The hair is separated and pulled into two neat sections, tied low and then made into little pigtails. Enjoy summer hair that’s easy to wear, practical and made for water.

I always start with a little light pomade or smoothing cream to keep my hair looking polished. You can use Amika’s Curl Corps Enhancing Gel on straight or curly hair and it will hold your hair in place without making it look crispy.

There’s something about this style that brings back great memories. I wore the dress in Miami and felt just like a grown-up version of my favorite Barbie doll. It’s especially helpful for thick hair, as it holds everything in place without making your hair feel heavy.

This is the style for you if you’re bored with buns and braids but want something with shape. It’s also great with a baseball hat or oversized sunglasses.

Protective Poolside Box Braids

I really like wearing this on pool days if I have natural hair or 4c textures or extensions. These braids are easy to style, look great and won’t get messy when you get wet. You don’t have to fix your hair after every swim — take time to enjoy the sun instead.

Hydration is key here. TGIN Rose Water Curl Refresher is a great misting spray that helps keep your hair moisturized and tidy between pool sessions. And don’t forget to dry your roots thoroughly to prevent mildew — it’s the not-so-glam part of summer but necessary!

I didn’t have to style my hair at all for days while in Cabo last year and that’s what makes this look special. Braids are a great way to style your hair, whether it’s short or long and they always look good after a day at the pool.

This style is more than easy — it’s empowering. It celebrates texture, style, and self-care all in one. If you’re considering it, now is the time to try.

Double French Braids with Attitude

As soon as I notice this style, I think: strong, polished and very low-maintenance. Tight and even summer french braids show that someone is confident and dedicated. You can use them for swimming and still look good during a brunch afterward. This is the way to go if you have thick hair and want to keep your curls fun and loose.

For this braid style, prep is everything. I always run a smoothing balm through my hair—IGK’s Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray is one of my holy grails. It helps keep flyaways at bay and gives your hair the right amount of grip without making it sticky, so braiding is easier and cleaner. Don’t skip that part, trust me.

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and empowering about double braids. It reminds me of summer camps and sleepovers, except I’m better at it and my outfits are way cuter now. If you’re dealing with long hair, this is how to make it low-maintenance and stylish all at once.

If you sleep in these braids after a day at the pool, you’ll wake up with beautiful heatless waves. So it’s basically two hairstyles in one.

The Lazy-Girl Low Tie

This one is for my bookworm beach babes. A low tie that is easy and doesn’t try to be fancy. Casual, breezy, and totally unbothered. It’s great for thin hair, as it gives your hair more body and style with less effort. A style that helps you relax when you’re reading by the pool which, to be honest, is a very special kind of self-care.

If your hair tends to frizz in heat, prep with a leave-in cream like Living Proof’s No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. It doesn’t weigh down your hair and keeps puffiness under control. It’s particularly useful for medium hair that loses its shape after being in the water.

This one is great because it’s not overly complicated — and that’s just what you sometimes need. Pool days shouldn’t be high-maintenance. This is my choice when I want to look pretty without much effort.

If you want to take it one step further, wrap a small piece of your hair around the elastic to hide it. It’s a small detail that helps everything look more organized.

Long and Airy Poolside Layers

There are days when you just want to take off all your clothes. This summer, long hair is about being free, big and flowing, so it works well with the wind. Even when you’re just relaxing on a towel, this hairstyle looks like a magazine ad.

To avoid your hair from looking limp or getting tangled in heat, just use a texturizing spray. Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray is famous for good reason; it adds bounce and movement to your hair without making it feel heavy. This is a great shampoo for people with thin hair looking for some extra volume.

It makes me feel like a “cool traveler.” I like to match it with a colorful bikini and a bright lip balm and my confidence comes right on.

If you’ve got highlights or balayage, it’s perfect to add some depth to your hair. The various layers of a scene give it a beautiful glow from the direction of the light.

Platinum Blonde Bombshell Waves

This hair is full-on glam but still pool-appropriate. Long hair with soft body waves, beach-lightened and bright. It’s the ultimate laid-back luxury. Having confidence and a pair of sunglasses is all you really need when you’re feeling like this.

Blondes, protect your tone. I often suggest using a violet toning mask like Amika’s Bust Your Brass Mask. It defends your skin from brassiness and hydrates after you have been in the sun or chlorine. Great for anyone who wants to keep their skin looking cool-toned all summer.

It’s a mix of vintage, pop star and something you won’t soon forget. Whenever I wear my hair like this at the pool, people compliment me. It’s a main character look, but in a subtle way.

Sometimes, the most attractive pool-day hair is the one that hasn’t moved after you’ve dozed on the lounger. These waves deliver.

Glossy Brunette with a No-Fuss Finish

Smooth, straight and so reflective it looks like a mirror. Achieving this look means having healthy hair, a blunt cut and a calm kind of grace. The shine speaks for itself, no accessories required. It’s not flashy, but it looks great — especially compared to all the beachy outfits.

I make sure the hair stays shiny and healthy with a shine serum that doesn’t contain silicone. Verb’s Ghost Oil is not heavy, smells wonderful and stands up well in the heat. If you’ve ever had a keratin treatment, this is the perfect cut for you.

I really enjoy this style when I’m in the mood for something mysterious. It’s the opposite of “trying.” It just is. And sometimes, that’s what makes it powerful.

If the crown or ends of your hair frizz, use a boar bristle brush to make it smooth before going in the pool. It’s an old trick that still works like magic.

Intricate Braided Crown with a Bun

This braid-meets-bun updo is a masterpiece of pool elegance. It’s snug in the right spots, soft in others and the braids around the crown are an eye-catching feature. It’s a blend of sporty and romantic, much like ballet-core but with protection from the sun. A great way to style your hair so it doesn’t touch your neck and still looks stylish.

Create the style by braiding your front hair tightly, close to your hairline and tying it into a low bun. For a hold that’s not stiff, I recommend Pattern’s Strong Hold Gel — it’s perfect for textured or curly hair that isn’t too long. It gives grip, sheen, and doesn’t flake.

It helps me feel confident and calm — despite the fact that humidity is trying to ruin everything else. You can wear it for a day on your yacht, during a resort dip or when you’re pretending your yard is in St. Tropez.

Plus, this quick hairstyle stays put all day, whether you’re playing in the water, having a drink or playing volleyball.

Retro Waves with a Twist

If you’ve ever wanted to look like a classic movie star at the pool, this is the style for you. In summer, long curly hair is defined, sculpted into waves and parted to the side with lots of volume. Red lips and shades finish off this look. You don’t have to use styling tools; the waves are already there.

After you’ve washed your hair, use a cream like Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer to keep your curls in place. Apply the product to damp hair, twist it up and let the air dry it. It keeps curly styles looking neat and reduces frizz in the brightest sunlight.

I was at a pool party on the Fourth of July and felt like nothing could stop me in this outfit. I love that retro waves are so bold — they let people know you care, but in a very stylish and confident fashion.

To be honest, red hair and this wave style? That’s a summer flex in itself.

The Forever Ponytail

Simple doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a simple, secure style that’s easy to do and still looks great for a night out. No matter if your hair is medium, long or anything in between, pulled up or down, it looks great.

The idea is to smooth the base without making it too hard. I go through the lengths with some R+Co Waterfall Moisture Shine Lotion and if the top needs it, I finish with a bit of edge control. And always, always secure with a no-pull elastic.

I always choose a ponytail when I’m going to spend the whole day in the water and sun. It’s simple, looks good on everyone and only takes a short time to apply.

If you flip the ends out with your fingers while it’s damp, you’ll get a cute little bounce. Pool day, upgraded.

Chlorine-Slicked and Confident

A summer look that always stands out is wet hair, no makeup and just your skin and the sunshine. It’s a natural progression after a couple of dips, but the truth is, you can make it look this good from the start. Think of it as the minimalist’s answer to everything else.

I use a rich conditioner like Davines OI Conditioner to avoid the slick look from becoming stringy, rinse it out and comb through my hair. You get hold and moisture in the same step which is important if your hair is short or you want to shape a natural wave.

There’s something so confident about not hiding anything. All you need is hair, water and sun to get the job done. It’s pure. And it gives me “model off-duty” energy in the best way.

If you’re always in and out of the pool, this is the one for you. It’s simple, chic, and low-maintenance.

High Volume Barbie Blonde

Go for a big, dramatic hair look this summer with this mega-volume blowout. The roots are easy to lift and the lengths are smooth, forming a gentle bend — the type of hair that looks great when it’s been blown by the wind and matched with big sunglasses.

Blondes know this look takes work — I rely on Pureology’s Strength Cure Blonde line to keep the brass away and maintain shine. If I don’t use heat, I’ll make two low twists and sleep with them to get a soft bend at the ends.

There’s an almost magical effect when you style extensions or thick layers like this. It adds mermaid and glam, but it’s still perfect for relaxing by the pool.

You’ll love it at beach clubs or during girls’ weekends, when everyone is in a great mood and lots of selfies are taken. Don’t leave out a claw clip for when the weather gets hot.

Loose Twin Braids with Face-Framing Strands

This simple braid gives your pool outfit a touch of romance. The twin braids are firm enough for swimming, but the loose strands around the face? That’s where the magic is. It adds just the right amount of undone. Perfect for those with curly hair, wavy hair or people using day-old styles.

If you’re braiding medium hair, use a light grip product — I like Not Your Mother’s Locking + Coconut & Grape Curl Sculpting Gel. It has a beachy scent and prevents your pieces from puffing or slipping when you’re in the pool.

Whenever I want a nice outfit that’s not too time-consuming, I turn to this style. Because of the loose front pieces, it’s easy to wear from the beach to a restaurant.

Air dry your braids and then release them after you’re done swimming for wavy hair. It’s like getting bonus hair on the same day.

Low Casual Braid with Soft Texture

If you’re looking for a braid that’s easy to do and looks good, this is the one for you. It’s easy to do, sits low on the head and is ideal for thin hair that can’t hold a tight braid. Slightly imperfect? Even better.

You can do this in less than two minutes. Add a little sea salt spray such as Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, to make the hair rougher before braiding it. It makes it feel a little French, a little effortful (but it’s not).

I rely on this one when I know I’m going to be active such as playing volleyball by the pool or walking along the boardwalk. It doesn’t hinder you and it never seems overdone.

If you’d like to change your look during the day, put on a hat or claw clip with your ponytail.

Mermaid-Approved Long Layers

This summer’s long hair trend feels like something from a fairy tale. If your hair is long and flowing and the sun has touched it, you’re basically rocking mermaid-core at the pool. No fuss, no elastics, no barriers. Just hair, sun, and water. A look that makes you want to jump in and enjoy yourself for hours.

But with hair this long, protection is key. I always apply Sun Bum’s 3-in-1 Leave-In to my ends before heading to the beach. It untangles, hydrates and protects your hair from salt and chlorine which is important for blonde or dyed hair.

That’s why this length is always in fashion. There’s something about summer hair that’s dramatic, easy and just plain fun. You don’t need waves or accessories — just confidence.

Want extra beachiness? Pull your hair to one side and let it dry while you are sitting. You don’t need a curling iron to get a natural bend with this method.

High and Playful Cheer Pony

The high ponytail on this pony is full of energy, held up with a scrunchie and makes her look youthful. It’s bouncy, close-fitting at the base and allows your long hair to move around freely while keeping you cool. Perfect for hot sporty afternoons, water game challenges or just spending time with friends.

For a clean lift, brush your hair upside down and tie it firmly with a strong grip tie. I love Kitsch’s satin scrunchies because they’re gentle on your hair and give it a fun touch.

I choose this style when I don’t want my hair in front of my face but still want to look feminine. It’s a sporty style too, but it’s still fun, especially when you flip the ends.

A great tip is to circle a band of hair around the base to hide the tie and have a smooth finish or simply leave the finish visible if you want a casual look.

Soft Straight Finish with Sun-Kissed Ends

Some days, it’s not about updos or styling tricks. This style is focused on how it looks in the end: shiny, softly straight and lightly textured by the wind. The simple center part and small movement at the ends make it look both elegant and easygoing. As if your hair had a perfect layer of lip gloss on it.

I spray Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Perfume on my hair before heading out and it makes it soft, shiny and smells amazing. A great choice for medium hair or people with straight hair who need a little help after swimming.

It brings to mind quiet mornings, cold lattes and songs played by the pool. It’s effortless, yes, but still intentional. The hair that looks fantastic on its own, without you having to worry about it.

If you want to add some interest, pull one side behind your ear and attach a small hoop or summer hairpin.