7 Beach Ready Hairstyles for Swimming, Sun & Fun

Whether you live at the shore, are going on vacation, or took a summer job, the right hairstyle can help you keep your hair healthy while never missing a moment of fun.  Salt water can cause your hair to dry out and the sun can cause it to lose its color if you don’t repair the damage.  That’s why we made sure each of these looks are not only fashionable, they can be styled and taken out easily so that you can moisturize and clean your hair helping to keep it healthy.

Some of the styles are perfect for taking in the rays because your hair will stay in place leaving your skin exposed.  Others hold tight while you swim, then look fabulous as you leave the water for lunch.  And most importantly, they look great!  Each one is a “shore” thing and best of all there are options that only require a couple hair ties or a claw hair clip so it’s easy to plan them if you’re limited on space.

With each style we share the hair length, skill level, and face shape so you can find the perfect one with ease.

Messy Bun

You cannot go wrong with a messy bun at the beach.  It takes under two minutes to do, looks casual and relaxed, and if you keep it in long enough you’ll have natural “waves” keeping the beach theme “flowing.”

1. Brush your hair to get rid of knots.
2. Gather all your hair at the top of your head.
3. Make a ponytail where you want the messy bun to sit (high, low, or middle) using a hair tie.
1. Coil hair ties are perfect if you plan on letting your hair out and putting it back into a messy bun because they’re easier to stretch and feed your hair through than elastic.
4. Twist your ponytail loosely around the ponytail base to make a bun and secure it with another hair tie.
5. Tug at the bun gently to make it look messier and use a finishing or light hairspray to hold it in place.  The spray is optional.

Side French Braid Bubble Braid

Ready to combine two classic and beachy looks for an ultimate beach hairstyle?  Then this one's for you!  It’s a side French braid with a bubble braid as the center strand. It can be teased out messy since it is a casual look, or held clean and neat. This makes it perfect for a fancy dinner or hanging with friends.

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Gather your hair off to the side of your head where you want the braid to start and split it into three sections.  
3. Divide this section into three strands.
1. The middle one should be a bit thicker, as it will become the bubble braid.
4. Tie little hair ties every couple inches down the middle strand only, then tease out each section between the ties to create 'bubbles'.  
1. You can tease the bubbles out after you’ve tied the French braid too, it is whatever works best for you.
5. Start doing a regular French braid by crossing the right strand over the middle (bubble) strand, then the left strand over the new middle strand down the side of your head.
6. As you continue the braid, each time you cross the outer strands, add more hair from the side of your head into the braid.
7. Keep braiding in this French braid style until you reach your neck's nape.
8. Finish the braid off in the regular style as there is no more hair to add.
9. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.
10. Tease the bubbles again until they match the look you’re going for, and tease some of the French braid loops to make them full and casual.  It is a beach day after all.

Beach Waves

Like the saying goes “When in Rome…” so why not wear beach waves when doing a beach day? They look fab while you're resting in a beach chair or having lunch on the boardwalk, and beach waves flow with your day perfectly for a party, bonfire, or relaxing at night after watching the sunset.

1. Brush any knots or tangles out of your hair.
2. Divide your hair into sections knowing that the smaller the section, the tighter the wave.
3. Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair to help prevent heat damage.  This is especially important since your hair is going to be out in the sun.
4. Wrap a section of hair around the barrel of a curling iron or wand and hold for a few seconds.
1. For fine hair, keep your iron under 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and thick between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Now repeat until you’ve done each section, then run your fingers through the curls to loosen them up. 

High Ponytail

The high ponytail is the perfect beach look for going for a run, sunbathing, or anything really.  It keeps your hair off your shoulders to keep you cool, and lets the sun's rays reach your skin for some vitamin D.

1. Remove any knots or tangles by brushing your hair.
2. Gather your hair up to the crown of your head making sure the top is flat and sleek.
3. Feed your hair through your hair tie and secure it.
4. Brush your ponytail to make it smooth and sleek.

If you’re looking for a fun version perfect for skating, walking, and other boardwalk activities, try the Barbie ponytail with or without a swoop.

Twisted Crown Braid 

You will need hair ties and hair clips for this one.  And it is totally worth it!  The twisted crown braid is boho, mermaid-esque, and helps you feel like you’re one with nature.  The style flows like the waves, and is calming in appearance.  That makes it perfect to wear to dinner, while walking along the water, and especially for a beach date.

1. Start with brushed, tangle-free hair.
2. Part your hair down the middle.
3. Grab a small section from the front of one side and divide it into two equal parts.
4. Twist the two parts around each other, then add more hair from your head into one of the parts and twist again.
5. Continue this process, twisting and adding hair, until you reach the back of your head.
6. When you reach the back, twist the rest of the section without adding more hair and secure it temporarily.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 7 on the other side of your head.
8. Now you should have two twisted sections reaching the back of your head. Unsecure these, combine and twist them together.
9. Secure the combined twist with a hair tie.
10. Twist any loose hairs around the name back up and tuck it into the crown braid.  If they aren’t staying secure, use a bobby pin.

Once you get the hang of this look, try the advanced version, the half-up half-down. 

Double Dutch Braids

If you love surfing, volleyball, kiteboarding, or any of the beach sports, the double Dutch braid is the perfect style for you.  It holds strong, doesn’t take long to do, and keeps your hair off your face so you can focus on the game.  

1. Remove any tangles from your hair with a brush.
2. Part your hair down the middle into two equal sections.
3. Starting with one side, pick up a small section at the front and divide it into three equal parts.
4. Now do the dutch braid by crossing the right strand under the middle, then the left strand under the new middle strand.
5. As you continue braiding, add more hair from that side of your head into the braid each time you cross the strands until you reach the end.
6. Secure this side with a hair tie.
7. Now, repeat steps 3 to 8 on the other side of your head.

Loose Side Fishtail Braid

This iconic beach look is perfect for a casual stroll, a dinner with friends, or a non-formal date night. If you like to fidget with your hair, have movement, and add some depth to your style, this is the way to go.  And you can add a ribbon through the weave, a pop of color with the hair ties, and loosen it to give as much width as you want.

1. Brush your hair to remove any knots and tangles.
2. Pull all your hair to one side of your head.
3. Split your hair into two large sections, right down the middle.
4. Take a thin strand of hair from the outside of one section, and pull it over the top, adding it to the inside of the other section.
5. Now take a thin strand from the outside of the other section, and add it to the inside of the first section.
6. Keep repeating steps 4 and 5, all the way down to the end of your hair.
7. Secure the end of your braid with a hair tie.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a day, a week, or the entire summer with hairstyles that work no matter how you enjoy the beach.  If you’d like more hairstyle ideas like these, enter your email and subscribe to the TELETIMES blog below.