33 Trendsetting Beach Hairstyles for 2024: From Simple Short Hair to Elegant Long Updos
Summer 2024 is fast approaching, and with it comes the inevitable quest for the perfect beach hairstyle. Whether you’re planning to soak up the sun, enjoy a casual beach volleyball game, or attend a glamorous seaside event, the right hairstyle can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore 33 stylish and simple beach hairstyles for various hair types—from short to long hair, and from curly to wavy textures. These styles are not only cute and easy to manage but also tailored to enhance your summer experience.
The Breezy Beach Waves
For long hair and wavy enthusiasts, the Breezy Beach Waves offer a quintessential summer vibe that is both easy and effortless. This style is perfect for those with medium to long hair looking to add a playful twist to their beach day attire. It suits almost any face shape and highlights lighter eye colors, such as blue or green.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a salt spray and a curling wand. Apply the salt spray for texture, then use the curling wand to create loose waves. To maintain the look, a light hold hairspray is recommended, and using a moisturizing shampoo like Moroccan Oil’s Hydration Shampoo will help keep your waves supple and shiny.
The Classic High Ponytail
Ideal for medium and long hair summer styles, the Classic High Ponytail is not only simple but incredibly chic. It’s best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces and pairs well with any eye color. This versatile look is perfect for both a relaxing day under the sun and an active afternoon of watersports.
To master this hairstyle, pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a band. For added flair, wrap a strand of hair around the band. Use a smoothing serum to keep flyaways at bay. Aveda’s Smooth Infusion could be your go-to product for maintaining a sleek, frizz-free finish.
The Sultry Side Braid
A cute and simple choice for long hair is the Sultry Side Braid, which brings a romantic touch to your beach ensemble. This braid works well for round and square faces and is particularly flattering for those with dark eyes.
Start by gathering your hair to one side and braiding it loosely to hang over your shoulder. Secure the end with a clear elastic. This style can be maintained with minimal effort, but a spray-on conditioner, like Pantene’s Moisture Mist, will keep the braid smooth and free of tangles.
The Playful Pixie Cut
For those with short hair, the Playful Pixie Cut is a bold and freeing choice. It’s especially suitable for angular face shapes and can accentuate deep brown or black eyes. This short hair summer look is both edgy and easy to manage, making it a favorite for beachgoers.
Maintaining a pixie cut is straightforward with regular trims and minimal styling products. A good texturizing paste, such as TIGI’s Bed Head Manipulator, will help you style and hold the look throughout your beach adventures.
The Boho Chic Fishtail
Embrace a bohemian vibe with the Boho Chic Fishtail, ideal for medium hair and those who love a detailed yet easy style. This hairstyle suits elongated face shapes and highlights hazel or green eyes beautifully.
Craft this look by creating a fishtail braid at the back of your head. Pull out a few strands to frame your face for a more relaxed appearance. To keep your fishtail in place without weighing it down, use a lightweight mousse, such as Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse.
The Minimalist Bun
This sleek updo is perfect for those with medium to long hair who prefer a more understated, yet elegant beach look. The Minimalist Bun complements all face shapes and is particularly striking on women with bold eye colors.
Create this style by pulling your hair back into a tight bun at the nape of your neck. Ensure it’s neat and secure with bobby pins. For a glossy finish and extra hold, Schwarzkopf’s Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray will ensure your bun stays pristine from sunrise to sunset.
The Curly Mermaid
For those blessed with curly hair, the Curly Mermaid lets you flaunt your natural texture. This style is magical for heart and diamond-shaped faces and particularly accentuates light-colored eyes.
To perfect the Curly Mermaid, apply a curl-enhancing cream, such as Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, to damp hair and let it air dry. This method enhances your natural curls without the frizz, ideal for a humid beach day.
The Edgy Top Knot
If you have short hair but still want to rock an updo, the Edgy Top Knot is your go-to. This style works well with more angular face shapes and can make a statement regardless of eye color.
Gather your hair into a high top knot. For those with shorter layers, use a pomade to control and style stray hairs. American Crew’s Forming Cream provides excellent hold and shine, perfect for keeping your top knot in place all day.
The Laid-back Lob
A medium summer easy hairstyle, the Laid-back Lob is fantastic for oval and round faces, enhancing both light and dark eyes. This cut is particularly favored for its versatility and easy maintenance.
Style your lob with loose waves or straight tresses; either look is achieved with minimal effort. A heat protectant spray, like Tresemmé’s Thermal Creations Heat Tamer, will keep your hair healthy and styled to perfection.
The Twisted Halo Braid
Lastly, the Twisted Halo Braid is a divine choice for any hair length and offers a heavenly look for any beach day. It’s particularly charming on square and oval faces, suitable for enhancing any eye color.
To create this angelic look, twist two strands from each side of your head and secure them into a crown braid. Use small pins to hold the braid in place subtly. Spritz a bit of Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray to maintain the style’s ethereal feel without stiffness.
The Side-Swept Curls
For those with medium to long curly hair, the Side-Swept Curls offer an enchanting and feminine look. It’s perfect for round and oval faces, highlighting the eyes with its elegant sweep to one side.
To achieve this look, use a curling iron to enhance your natural curls and then sweep them to one side, securing them with decorative pins. Maintain the curls with a light, nourishing oil like Argan oil to ensure they stay bouncy and vibrant throughout the day.
The Beach Bob
An ideal choice for those with short hair, the Beach Bob is chic and manageable. This style suits all face shapes and is particularly complementary to those with bold facial features.
Style this bob with textured waves using a sea salt spray to add volume and a tousled look. To keep your bob in perfect shape, apply a lightweight hairspray for hold without stiffness.
The Undercut Braid
An edgy twist for those with medium to long hair, the Undercut Braid combines the cool comfort of an undercut with the elegance of a braid. This style works well for oval and square face shapes.
Create a small section of tight braids at one side of your head to mimic an undercut, while leaving the rest of your hair loose or in soft waves. This look is maintained with minimal product, but a good edge control can keep the braids neat.
The Saltwater Ponytail
A simple and sporty hairstyle, the Saltwater Ponytail is excellent for all hair types, particularly medium and long hair. It’s great for those active beach days, suitable for any face shape.
Simply pull your hair back into a high ponytail, letting the natural texture from the saltwater add waves and body to your hair. A spritz of texturizing spray can enhance the effect, giving you a playful, carefree look.
The Mermaid Crown
For a truly unique style, the Mermaid Crown is perfect for those with long hair, especially if you enjoy intricate designs. It suits heart and oval face shapes best, framing the face beautifully.
This elaborate braid circles the head, creating a crown-like effect. Use flowers or small shells to decorate the braid for that extra beachy feel. Keep the braid secure with bobby pins and a light hairspray.
The Retro Scarf Wrap
Add a touch of vintage glamour to your beach hairstyle with the Retro Scarf Wrap, ideal for any hair length. It particularly suits those with oval and rectangular face shapes.
Wrap a colorful scarf around your head, tying it at the nape or side for a chic, protective style. This not only looks great but also helps protect your hair from the sun.
The Pineapple Updo
Great for curly hair, the Pineapple Updo is a fun and functional way to keep your curls out of your face and neck during a hot beach day. It’s best for round and heart-shaped faces.
Gather your curls at the top of your head and secure them with a hair tie, allowing the curls to cascade beautifully around your face. A curl-refreshing spray can help maintain the moisture and definition of the curls.
The Sleek Wet Look
For a sophisticated beach look, the Sleek Wet Look works wonderfully on short to medium hair and is particularly striking on square and diamond face shapes.
Apply a generous amount of gel from roots to ends, combing your hair back for a sleek, wet appearance. This style is low-maintenance and perfect for a swim or a stylish beach lounge.
The Tousled Half-Bun
A relaxed yet trendy option, the Tousled Half-Bun suits medium and long hair. It’s a fantastic choice for those with oval and square faces looking for a simple yet stylish look.
Pull half of your hair up into a messy bun at the crown, letting the rest flow freely in loose waves. A texturizing spray can add volume and a carefree vibe to this laid-back style.
The Braided Mohawk
Bold and beautiful, the Braided Mohawk is an adventurous style for those with medium to long hair. It complements an oval or rectangular face shape.
Braid the center section of your hair from the forehead to the nape in a tight Dutch braid, leaving the sides sleek or slightly curled. This dramatic style can be held in place with a strong-hold gel or mousse, ensuring it lasts all day long at the beach.
The Soft Low Ponytail
An effortlessly elegant style, the Soft Low Ponytail is perfect for those with medium to long hair. This look is particularly flattering for those with oval and rectangular face shapes.
To achieve this, pull your hair back into a low ponytail at the base of your neck. Allow some strands to loosely frame your face for a softer appearance. Use a smoothing serum to tame any flyaways and give your hair a glossy finish. This style is not only chic but also practical for keeping hair off your neck on hot days.
The Double Dutch Braids
Ideal for any hair length, the Double Dutch Braids are a playful and secure hairstyle that works well for all face shapes, especially round and heart-shaped ones.
Start by parting your hair down the middle and creating two Dutch braids on each side of the head. Braid tightly to ensure they stay in place, even during active beach activities. This hairstyle is great for swimming or playing sports, as it keeps hair neatly tucked away while adding a youthful twist to your beach look.
The Beachy Headband Twist
For those with short to medium hair, the Beachy Headband Twist offers a charming and manageable option. It suits all face shapes and is especially handy for managing bangs or shorter layers.
Place a headband over your hair, then twist small sections of your hair around it, tucking the ends under the band. This not only keeps hair out of your face but also adds a bohemian vibe to your beach attire. Choose a floral or brightly colored headband to complement the summer scenery.
The Textured Lob
A trendy choice for those with medium hair, the Textured Lob combines ease with style and is particularly flattering for square and oval face shapes.
To style this, use a texturizing spray or salt spray to add volume and waves to your lob (long bob). Scrunch your hair to enhance its natural texture, creating a relaxed yet chic look that’s perfect for beachside lounging or a casual stroll along the shore.
The Elegant Fishhook Braid
The Elegant Fishhook Braid is a unique twist on traditional braiding styles, suitable for long hair and flattering for elongated and heart-shaped faces.
This braid starts at the crown of your head and curves around one side to drape over your shoulder, resembling the shape of a fishhook. Secure it with a decorative clip or flower at the end for a stylish finish. This hairstyle is not only beautiful but also practical, keeping your hair controlled and out of your face while you enjoy the beach breeze.
The Sleek Side Part
Ideal for those with short hair to medium hair, the Sleek Side Part exudes elegance and control, making it a chic choice for beachside events. It flatters angular and oval face shapes and highlights sharp facial features.
To achieve this style, use a fine-tooth comb to create a deep side part. Apply a light gel to maintain the sleekness throughout the day. This hairstyle is not only stylish but also practical for a polished, water-side look.
The Voluminous Pixie
A playful twist on the classic pixie cut, the Voluminous Pixie is perfect for those with short hair looking to add a bit of edge to their beach appearance. It works well with round and heart-shaped faces, enhancing the youthful vibe.
Style this pixie with a volumizing mousse and tousle your hair to add body and texture. This low-maintenance look is ideal for active beach days and requires minimal touch-ups.
The Modern Mullet
For the bold at heart, the Modern Mullet works great on short to medium hair and suits those looking to make a statement. This style is especially flattering for angular and oval faces.
Style your mullet with textured ends and a longer back to keep it contemporary. Use a light pomade to define the layers, giving you a playful yet edgy beach look.
The Low Boho Braids
Perfect for a bohemian look, the Low Boho Braids are suitable for medium to long hair and look great on oval and rectangular face shapes. This style adds a whimsical, artistic touch to your beach ensemble.
Create several small, loose braids starting at the mid-lengths and secure them with tiny, invisible elastics. Allow them to merge into the rest of your hair, which can be left flowing or slightly waved. This hairstyle is both charming and practical for a day spent by the sea.
The Beachy Bob with Bangs
A chic and trendy option for those with short hair, the Beachy Bob with Bangs works well with oval and heart-shaped faces. This style gives a youthful and modern look, perfect for a casual beach day.
Style your bob with loose waves using a small-barreled curling iron or wand, and let your bangs fall naturally. A bit of texturizing spray can add volume and a playful touch to this carefree hairstyle.
The Ribbon-Tied Ponytail
A simple yet charming style, the Ribbon-Tied Ponytail is perfect for long hair and suits any face shape. This hairstyle adds a touch of whimsy and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Pull your hair back into a high or low ponytail, then secure it with a colorful ribbon or scarf. This not only keeps your hair in place but also incorporates a playful element into your overall beach look.
These ten beach hairstyles for 2024 not only ensure you look fabulous but also cater to a variety of hair types and personal styles. From playful short cuts to elegant updos and wavy, curly textures, there’s something here for everyone to try out this summer. Feel free to share your experiences with these styles in the comments below or suggest your own twists on these classic looks. Enjoy your time at the beach with these stunning, hassle-free hairstyles!