14 Summer Hairstyles for Long Hair

Come summer, long hair often calls for more natural, lived-in texture. Plus, the higher temperatures warrant styles that keep your mane off your neck and out of your face.

"This summer, I really think we’ll be seeing effortless, undone hairstyles like messy buns, textured waves, and low ponytails with face-framing strands," says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, whose clients include Gigi Hadid and Kourtney Kardashians. Kathleen Riley, the stylist behind Sofia Richie's wedding hair, echos the effortless theme, pointing to heatless curls, loose braids, and "chic party ponies" as styles to watch. Stylist Dhairius Thomas, who works with stars like Ziwe and Victoria Monét, adds long layers and knotless braids to the list.

Of course, the best summer hairstyles for long hair will also keep you cool and stand up to humidity. Think French twists, braided buns, and new takes on the slick-back pony. Accessories are sure to be everywhere as well. Amber Fillerup Clark, former hairstylist and founder of Dae Hair, says that bows, bandanas, and clips with charms will have their moment this summer.

Below, find 14 summer hairstyles for long hair worth trying this season.

Messy French Twist

"This look is perfect for day two hair or if your hair already has some texture," Riley says. "Gather all the hair in the back of your head while leaving out some face-framing pieces. Twist the hair into a messy French twist and secure it with Bobby pins. Leave out some pieces to create an effortless look."

Braided Pony

Upgrade your slicked-back pony to a slicked-back braid. Fillerup Clark says she's currently loving both skinny braids and bigger, messier ones.

Loose Braids

Here's a looser, more undone example. "My secret to big, voluminous braids is our Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo. It just gives you the perfect amount of volume and texture," says Fillerup Clark. Like with Zendaya's look, a thoughtful accessory makes the simple style shine.

Knotted Bun

When you want your hair out of your face, there are few styles as effective as a slicked-back bun. This knotted variation is polished but playful.

Riley, who did the style on Sofia Richie for the Grammy's, explains how to recreate it: "For this look, section the hair into three sections, one in the back and two on either side of your part. Put the back section into a ponytail. Combine the two front sections into the back while maintaining the part. Use the Nexxus slick stick along the hairline and part to smooth everything down. Use the Nexxus hair oil all over the ponytail, then wrap it into a bun. Secure with Bobby pins"

A Piecey Braided Bun

A braided bun with an undone front piece offers a more romantic look. To create Ziwe's Oscars look, Thomas started with a base of knotless boho braids and pulled them back into a bun, leaving one braid out to frame the face.

An Updo with Straight Front Piece

Over the past few years, we've seen plenty of updos with face-framing pieces, but the latest iteration involves pin-straight front pieces. Wondering how to achieve them? Giannetos lays it out below.

"Pull the hair back without touching the front pieces (we’ll get to that later.)  I always gather the hair into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic then go in with my favorite styling products. (Right now my favorite is the Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream that perfectly slicks the hair back.) Then, twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Take the front sections and straighten them using a flat iron for a smooth finish. Finish with a hairspray to lock in the style and tame any flyaways."

Side Parts

Have you heard? Side parts are back. Everyone from Taylor Swift to Jennifer Lopez has been spotted sporting the style lately.

Giannetos offered a word of advice for those who want to dip their toes in. "For first-time side part enthusiasts, I recommend starting by using a fine-tooth comb to create a clean part. Experiment with different parting angles to find what suits your face shape best."

Adding a volumizing mousse or texture spray to the roots can add definition, Giannetos adds.

Still-Wet Waves

Wet-looking hair appears on red carpets of all seasons. But it's particularly fitting during the summer, looking as though you've come right from the pool or had an after-beach shower.

Giannetos, who has done the style on Megan Fox and Kourtney Kardashian, explains how to get the look at home: "Curl your hair as you normally would, then finish off the look by creating a deep side part and slicking down the sides of your hair. Make sure to leave out the front piece of your deep side part to frame the face. Sweep all your hair to one side and secure it with bobby pins behind your ear. To recreate that amazing glossy finish, I recommend going in with a moisturizing leave-in."

An Accessorized Half-Up Half-Down

Thomas styled tennis star Coco Gauff's hair in a braided half-up, half-down style for the TIME Women of the Year gala. He used a leave-in conditioner to hydrate her hair and Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Hold Jelly to define her curls. A crystal-studded statement ponytail holder topped things off.

Tucked-In Front Pieces

If you're going for sleek and simple, add interest by tucking in the front sections of your hair. Thomas explains how to get the look at home: "Starting with a center part, go about 2-3 inches back from the hairline and draw another part down towards the ear. Repeat this on both sides. Clips all of the remaining hair up, Then, take the ends of each parted section and pull them together, meeting at the nape of the neck, and securing with an elastic. Finally, let the remaining hair down. "

A Headband Updo

Since Meredith Duxbury started using a thick cotton headband to push back her hair, cool girls everywhere began copying the look. They're usually worn with the hair down, but adding the accessory to an updo adds a '60s flair.

A Spiky Bun

A slick-back bun doesn't have to be all business, as Ziwe demonstrated here. Thomas explains how you can craft the look, too: "Snatch the hair up into a bun, then separate the ponytail into three sections, twisting each section separately around the base of the ponytail. Pin and leave the tail out for a flare."

Slick Back Wavy Pony

While slick back styles have been around for ages, they're usually accompanied by sleek buns or straight ponytails. Take a note from Selena and add contrast with a wavy ponytail. This is a great option for days when you want to forego heat and let your natural texture shine.

"I love to air-dry in the summer! My number one tip: spritz your hair with our new Mirage Mist Leave-In after towel drying," says Fillerup Clark. "It's the perfect elixir for an air-dried wave since it calms frizz, softens, and adds a beautiful shine."  

Statement Clips

Another hot summer accessory is the humble hair clip. "For a subtle touch, place them strategically to secure loose strands or add interest to a half-up hairstyle," Giannetos says. "For a bolder statement, layer multiple clips along one side of your head or use them to accentuate a sleek updo."

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