26 Gorgeous Summer Hairstyles for Long Hair – From Beach Waves to Chic Braids

Summer is the perfect time to switch up your hairstyle. Whether you are heading to the beach, attending a summer wedding, or just want to stay cool in the heat, we have the best hairstyles for long hair. From effortless waves to trendy braids, these styles will keep you looking stylish all season.

Each hairstyle below includes styling tips, reasons to choose it, the best face shapes it suits, and how to make it last longer. Let’s get started.

Beach Waves – Effortless and Chic

Styling Tip: Use a sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch it with your hands or use a curling wand for more defined waves.

Why Choose It? This style gives you a relaxed, sun-kissed look, perfect for vacations and casual outings.

Best Face Shapes: Suits all face shapes but is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a texturizing spray and sleep in braids overnight for natural-looking waves that last longer.

Classic French Braid – Timeless and Elegant

Styling Tip: Start with a center or side part and braid tightly for a neat look or loosen it up for a more relaxed, boho feel.

Why Choose It? Keeps hair off your face and prevents frizz, making it great for humid summer days.

Best Face Shapes: Complements round and oval faces by elongating the face.

Long-Lasting Technique: Apply a light hair mousse before braiding to keep it secure all day.

High Ponytail – Sleek and Sporty

Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold elastic and wrap a small section of hair around the band to make it look polished.

Why Choose It? Keeps you cool and works for both casual and formal occasions.

Best Face Shapes: Ideal for round and square faces as it add height and definition.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a setting spray and a little hairspray to keep flyaways in place.

Messy Bun – The Ultimate Lazy Day Look

Styling Tip: Twist your hair into a loose bun and pull out a few strands for a relaxed, effortless vibe.

Why Choose It? Perfect for hot days when you want to keep hair off your neck but still look stylish.

Best Face Shapes: Works well for all face shapes but is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a few bobby pins and a spritz of dry shampoo for texture and grip.

Dutch Braid – Bold and Beautiful

Styling Tip: Braid your hair inside out by crossing sections under instead of over for a voluminous look.

Why Choose It? Great for workouts, outdoor activities, or a trendy festival look.

Best Face Shapes: Complements all face shapes, especially round and heart-shaped.

Long-Lasting Technique: Secure the braid with a hair tie and mist with a light-hold hairspray.

Half-Up Half-Down – Best of Both Worlds

Styling Tip: Tease the crown slightly before pulling the top section up for extra volume.

Why Choose It? Lets you enjoy the beauty of long hair while keeping it out of your face.

Best Face Shapes: Ideal for round and oval faces as it create an elongating effect.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a volumizing powder at the roots to keep the lift all day.

Bubble Ponytail – Playful and Trendy

Styling Tip: Secure hair ties along the length of your ponytail and gently pull each section for a fuller look.

Why Choose It? A fun, stylish twist on the classic ponytail that stands out.

Best Face Shapes: Looks great on oval and diamond face shapes.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use clear elastics for a seamless look and apply a shiny serum for a sleek finish.

Fishtail Braid – Intricate and Eye-Catching

Styling Tip: Divide your hair into two sections and take small strands from each side to cross over.

Why Choose It? Looks complicated but is actually easy to do, making it perfect for special occasions.

Best Face Shapes: Complements oval and heart-shaped faces best.

Long-Lasting Technique: Apply a texturizing spray before braiding for better grip.

Sleek Low Bun – Classy and Sophisticated

Styling Tip: Use a fine-tooth comb and a bit of gel to achieve a smooth, polished look.

Why Choose It? Works well for professional settings and elegant evening events.

Best Face Shapes: Best for square and oval faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep it in place all day.

Crown Braid – Princess Vibes

Styling Tip: Wrap a braid around your head and pin it securely for a regal effect.

Why Choose It? Keeps hair off your neck while looking stylish.

Best Face Shapes: Suits round and heart-shaped faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Secure with bobby pins and a light mist of hairspray.

Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle – Simple and Romantic

Styling Tip: Take two small sections from each side, twist them back, and pin them together at the crown.

Why Choose It? This is a quick and elegant style that works for both casual and formal occasions.

Best Face Shapes: Best suited for oval and round faces as it creates a soft, elongating effect.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a light hairspray and a few bobby pins to keep the twists secure all day.

Waterfall Braid – Soft and Feminine

Styling Tip: Create a classic French braid but drop one strand each time you cross a section, allowing it to cascade like a waterfall.

Why Choose It? Adds a delicate, intricate touch to long hair and is perfect for special events.

Best Face Shapes: Ideal for oval, heart, and square faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a texture spray before braiding for better grip and durability.

Rope Braid Ponytail – Sleek and Stylish

Styling Tip: Divide your ponytail into two sections, twist them individually, then twist them together to create a rope-like effect.

Why Choose It? A modern take on the classic ponytail that looks effortlessly stylish.

Best Face Shapes: Works well for square and diamond face shapes.

Long-Lasting Technique: Apply a light-hold gel before twisting to keep the braid secure.

Low Twisted Bun – Chic and Easy

Styling Tip: Twist two sections of hair from each side, gather them into a low bun, and secure them with bobby pins.

Why Choose It? Perfect for formal events or when you need an elegant hairstyle in minutes.

Best Face Shapes: Best for oval and round faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use strong-hold hairspray and a few hidden pins to keep the bun in place.

Boho Braided Crown – Festival Favorite

Styling Tip: Braid two small sections on each side and pin them at the back to create a crown effect.

Why Choose It? Gives off a free-spirited, bohemian vibe, perfect for summer music festivals and outdoor events.

Best Face Shapes: Complements heart and oval face shapes beautifully.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a dry shampoo for volume and secure the braids with small elastics.

Sleek Straight Hair – Glossy and Modern

Styling Tip: Use a heat protectant and straighten your hair section by section with a flat iron.

Why Choose It? A classic and sophisticated look that never goes out of style.

Best Face Shapes: Best for oval and square faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Apply an anti-frizz serum and a light-hold spray to keep it sleek all day.

Space Buns – Fun and Trendy

Styling Tip: Divide your hair into two sections and twist each into a bun on either side of your head.

Why Choose It? A playful and stylish hairstyle perfect for summer parties and festivals.

Best Face Shapes: Looks great on oval and round faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a few bobby pins and a firm-hold spray to keep the buns in place.

Claw Clip Updo – Quick and Effortless

Styling Tip: Twist your hair up and secure it with a claw clip for an easy, heat-free hairstyle.

Why Choose It? Keeps hair off your neck and is perfect for busy days.

Best Face Shapes: Works well for all face shapes.

Long-Lasting Technique: Choose a strong claw clip to keep the style intact throughout the day.

Side Swept Waves – Hollywood Glamour

Styling Tip: Use a large-barrel curling iron and sweep your curls over one shoulder for a vintage-inspired look.

Why Choose It? A glamorous and sophisticated style that works for formal events.

Best Face Shapes: Ideal for heart and oval faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain the curls without stiffness.

Boxer Braids – Sporty and Stylish

Styling Tip: Create two Dutch braids starting from the hairline and continuing down to the ends.

Why Choose It? Keeps hair secure and stylish, making it perfect for workouts or outdoor adventures.

Best Face Shapes: Looks great on all face shapes.

Long-Lasting Technique: Apply a light gel before braiding to keep them sleek and frizz-free.

Twisted Side Ponytail – Elegant with a Twist

Styling Tip: Gather your hair into a low-side ponytail, twist sections, and secure it with an elastic.

Why Choose It? Adds an elegant touch to a simple ponytail, great for casual or dressy occasions.

Best Face Shapes: Complements round and square face shapes.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a texturizing spray for grip and a few pins to hold the twist in place.

Half-Up Bow Hairstyle – Cute and Playful

Styling Tip: Take two sections from the top of your hair, tie them into a bow shape, and pin them in place.

Why Choose It? A fun and adorable hairstyle perfect for daytime outings.

Best Face Shapes: Looks best on oval and heart-shaped faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a small amount of hair wax to hold the bow shape.

Twisted Low Ponytail – Sleek and Unique

Styling Tip: Create a low ponytail, twist a section around the base, and pin it underneath.

Why Choose It? A stylish upgrade to a classic ponytail, perfect for any occasion.

Best Face Shapes: Ideal for oval and square faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a shiny serum for a smooth finish and secure with a strong hair tie.

Retro Victory Rolls – Vintage Vibes

Styling Tip: Use a curling iron to roll small sections of hair inward and pin them in place.

Why Choose It? A bold and unique look inspired by the 1940s, perfect for themed events.

Best Face Shapes: Best for oval and round faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the rolls in place all day.

Loose Side Braid – Casual and Chic

Styling Tip: Braid your hair loosely and pull out a few strands for a relaxed, effortless vibe.

Why Choose It? Works well for everyday wear and suits any occasion.

Best Face Shapes: Complements all face shapes, especially heart and oval.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a flexible-hold hairspray to keep the braid in place without making it stiff.

Pinned Back Waves – Subtle and Romantic

Styling Tip: Curl your hair lightly and pin back one side with a decorative clip or bobby pins.

Why Choose It? A simple way to add elegance to loose waves with minimal effort.

Best Face Shapes: Works beautifully on round and heart-shaped faces.

Long-Lasting Technique: Use a light-hold spray to keep the pinned section secure.

Find Your Perfect Summer Hairstyle

Whether you prefer waves, braids, or updos, there is a perfect summer hairstyle for you. These styles are designed to keep you looking stylish while staying cool in the heat.

If you want an effortless look for the beach or a polished style for a summer event, you now have plenty of options to choose from.

Which hairstyle will you try first? Let us know in the comments.