Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means—time to switch up your hairstyle game! Whether you’re headed to a beach party, brunch with friends, or just need a fresh, breezy look to survive the heat, a cute updo is your best friend. But how do you ensure your updo maintains its stylishness, comfort, and on point all day long? So let’s look at some gorgeous summer updo hairstyles 2025 that not only look cute but are also useful for long, medium, and short hair.
Curious how to pull those updos with curly or straight hair? Or searching for something easily chic for your next summer concert? I’ve got you covered. From sleek buns to playful braids, let’s dive into the looks that are set to rule this summer!
Elegant Sleek Bun
The sleek bun is the epitome of effortless elegance. This look is great for long or medium length hair, and provides you with a chic, polished look while keeping your hair off your shoulders, which is perfect for hot summer days. The secret to this style is a shiny, glossy finish, which can be obtained with the help of a high-shine hair gel or serum.
To keep the sleekness, go for a humidity-proof product such as Redken’s Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Serum. It keeps your hair glossy without stiffening it so that your bun is sleek and smooth all day long.
Individually, I am a fan of this bun in both casual and formal occasions. It’s like the little black dress of hairstyles—versatile and always appropriate. You can even dress it up with a pearl hairpin or keep it minimalist with a little shine.
If you are going to a summer concert or spending a day at the beach, this updo is a winner. It not only keeps you cool but also makes you look like you are effortlessly put together. In addition, the tight grip means that it will not come undone in the middle of your day.
High Volume Messy Bun
Who says messy can’t be stylish? The high-volume messy bun is all about controlled chaos. It is the ideal look if you want to be laid-back but trendy. This style is amazing for medium to long hair and can be achieved with short hair as well if you have enough length on top.
To add volume, spray your hair with a texturizing spray such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray before loosely putting your hair in a bun. Tease the roots slightly for that extra lift.
What I love about this look is how it is so cool and effortless. You can combine it with casual clothes or even a flowy summer dress. And it’s also forgiving if your hair is a bit out of control, which is great for those days when you just can’t be bothered to do full glam.
This messy bun is your go-to if you are planning for a beach day. It is intentional even when wind-swept, and it goes with big sunglasses and a breezy attitude.
Sleek Low Bun with Accessories
Looking for something a bit more refined? A sleek low bun with a hint of sparkle is the thing. It is simple yet sophisticated and is therefore ideal for a summer evening out.
For that flawless finish, I suggest Moroccanoil Treatment to give shine and control flyaways. Add a statement clip or a string of pearls at the bottom for some glam.
This is one of those styles that appear to be much more complex than it is. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and timeless. To me, I adore combining this style with strong statement earrings and a little black dress.
This updo is perfect for a summer wedding or a sophisticated dinner and is all about understated glamour. And the best part? It holds up through hours of dancing or mingling.
Textured Top Knot
If you are looking for a carefree, sporty look, the textured top knot is the option. This updo is ideal for long or medium length hair and goes well with natural curls or waves.
To add to the texture, mist your hair with a sea salt spray such as Bumble and bumble Surf Spray. It gives the right amount of grit for that effortlessly undone look.
This is the style that I always choose when I’m running errands or going to the gym. It’s functional but cute enough for day to night. Just pop on some hoops and you’re good to go!
If you are going to stay outside, this style will not move. The height of the top knot means your hair stays off your neck, which is a life saver in the heat.
Elegant Low Chignon
The low chignon is your number one choice for formal summer occasions. It’s timeless, classic, and it looks amazing with both short and long hair. You can make it curly for that romantic vintage look.
I like to prep my hair with Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast for extra body and hold. Pin the bun tightly at the nape and leave a few loose curls to frame your face for a soft look.
This is my default when I want to be effortlessly graceful. It’s one of those styles that can be worn at a summer wedding as well as at a classy dinner.
If you’re looking for a little drama, finish the look with a decorative comb or a small flower.
Playful Headband Bun
If you’re looking to keep it cute and casual, this playful headband bun is the way to go. It is a basic top knot with a leopard print headband, which gives a bit of fun while keeping your hair secured and away from your face. Perfect for medium hair and long hair, it’s the perfect option for a relaxed summer feel.
To maintain that chic, effortless look, spray a bit of Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to add volume and texture before pulling your hair into a bun. It’s a light product that will make you feel like you just came out of the beach without the crunch.
I love the retro feel that this look has with the leopard print. It is ideal for a quick coffee run or a laid back day at the park. And if you’re going for a summer concert, you can even switch up the headband for a vibrant, neon print to amp up the style.
Whimsical High Bun with Butterfly Earrings
This high bun is the epitome of casual elegance. It’s soft, voluminous and a little bit tousled for that “I woke up like this” effect. The butterfly earrings are very delicate and give a whimsical touch to the look, which makes it perfect for summer parties or even a summer wedding.
In order to get that airy volume, apply a Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast spray before pulling your hair up. This adds body to your hair without weighing it down, so that it remains light and bouncy all day.
For me, this is my “go-to” style when I want to look cute but don’t want to spend hours getting my hair just right. The earrings give that sparkle that takes the look from plain to pretty without breaking a sweat.
Classic Twisted Low Bun
Sleek, sophisticated, and always classy – the twisted low bun is a classic for any formal event. This style suits long hair or medium hair and creates an eternal romantic look that is appropriate for evening events or date nights.
For that smooth, shiny appearance, apply a little amount of Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion on your hair then twist it into the bun. It’s ideal for controlling flyaways and giving a glorious sheen that will reflect the light beautifully.
I love this style because it’s so versatile. Add a dainty pearl pin for a bridal style, or make it sleek and understated for a business occasion. The best part? It keeps your hair away from your neck, which makes it perfect for those hot summer nights.
Chic Scarf Bun
Why have a plain bun when you can add a colorful scarf to it? This chic scarf bun is a fun and playful way to add color and print to your outfit. Moreover, it’s great for bringing some oomph to your summer updo hairstyles.
To securely hold, for anchoring the bun, use a Scünci No-Slip Grip Hair Tie and then wrap the scarf around it. This holds your style in check while allowing the scarf to have the spotlight.
To me, I’m obsessed with how easy this look is. It is ideal for a brunch date or a laid back summer walk. And if you’re feeling extra bold, go for a patterned scarf with bright, bold colors to make your look pop.
Double Space Buns
Ready to feel cute and a little bit rebellious? Double space buns are your go-to for summer festivals, beach days, or any other time you want to let your playful side come out. This is a great look for short hair, medium hair, and even curly hair.
For that perfectly tousled texture, spritz Bumble and bumble Surf Infusion to damp hair and let it air dry before sectioning into two buns. The salt spray gives volume and grip, so it is not so hard to keep those buns in place all day long.
This look always reminds me of summer music festivals – carefree, fun, and flaunt-worthy on Instagram. Moreover, it is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate some cute sunglasses or statement earrings.
Twisted Braided Bun
If you are looking to keep it classy yet cool for those moments, twisted braided bun is the way to go. It is sleek, polished, and has a stunning textured finish that provides dimension to your hair. This style is perfect for long hair and medium hair, so it is a must for summer weddings or high-end events.
To get that ultra-smooth, glossy finish, put a little Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss on to keep frizz away. This product is a wonder in controlling flyaways without making your hair look greasy.
To me, this is my preferred style for formal summer evenings. It is the kind of bun that makes you feel like a classic movie star regardless of whether you are wearing a chic maxi dress or a simple sundress. And if you want to make it pop, why not throw in a delicate hairpin or a pearl accessory for that little bit of glam.
Sleek Vintage Roll Updo
Vintage is now back in a big way this summer and the sleek vintage roll updo is a great example of retro chic done right. This style is best suited for short hair and medium hair, and it has serious Old Hollywood vibes with a modern twist.
For that shiny, polished look, use Gatsby Ultra Hard Gel to hold every strand in place. It’s durable enough to handle the summer heat and humidity while still having that vintage roll.
I love this look for cocktail parties or evening dates. It’s sophisticated but bold and is therefore perfect if you want to feel a little more glamorous without being too much. Match it with a daring red lip and you are ready to turn heads.
Scarf-Tied Low Knot
If you’re in the market for a cute and simple way to dress up a regular low bun, add a patterned scarf. This style is so effortlessly chic, great for a casual summer day or a brunch with friends. It’s a good choice for short hair, medium hair, and even for curly hair.
To hold your bun without weighing it down, use a spritz of Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray. It provides you with that beachy texture while making sure that your hair is in place.
What I love about this look is the fact that you can change the scarf to fit your outfit. Opt for a statement making bold print, or a more subdued, elegant feel with a neutral tone. It’s a small addition that makes a big impact.
Voluminous Textured Updo with Bangs
Messy but purposely styled, this voluminous textured updo with bangs is the perfect summer hairstyle for those days when you want your hair up but still want to have some face-framing softness. Great for short hair or medium hair, it’s flirty, fun, and all set for summer.
If you are looking for that extra volume and hold, I suggest using Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing Powder. Simply sprinkle a little at the roots and rub it in with your fingers before doing the updo.
This is one of my personal favorites when I feel playful and free. It’s perfect for beach parties, roof top hangouts or even a casual coffee date. Add some statement earrings, and you’re good to go.
Messy Glam Updo
For a summer night out when you do not want to let your hair down but still want to look glam, messy glam updo is your thing. It’s messy yet elegant, so it is a great option for long hair or medium length hair.
To keep the look safe and still have that soft romantic texture, use Tresemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray. It gives maximum hold without stiffness so that your updo can look tousled but stay put.
I just love the way this updo has that effortlessly undone feel to it. It is ideal for a night out with friends or even a summer wedding. And the best part? The more lived-in it looks, the better.
Sleek High Bun
Nothing says elegance like a sleek high bun. This is the look that is all about that polished, pulled-together look, which makes it perfect for both formal events and casual outings. It’s a flexible updo for long hair and medium hair, with that confident, sophisticated feel to it.
For that smooth, glossy finish, use Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel for maximum hold without flaking. Apply it liberally to wet hair and brush it back for that sleek look and then twist it into a bun.
This is my instant go-to when I want to have a little bit of glam without spending hours styling. It’s ideal for hot summer days when you want your hair up and out of your face but still want to look cute. Add some statement earrings to take the look up a notch.
Soft Romantic Low Bun
If you are looking for something more laid back, romantic, the soft low bun is your answer. It is the ideal updo for those days when you want to be simple and chic at the same time. The loose, face-framing tendrils give it a soft feminine touch that is perfect for weddings, date nights, or brunch with friends.
To maintain the light and airy look, apply Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast before putting the hair into a low bun. It gives volume and texture without making your hair heavy, giving you that undone look.
I love how easy this style is to recreate. It is one of those looks that automatically make you feel pretty without putting in so much effort. And if you are going out for the night, a shiny hairpin can transform it from casual to glam in seconds.
Elegant Textured Updo
For the times when you want to take it all the way to glam, the classy textured updo is your thing. This large style exudes that classic old Hollywood feeling with a contemporary touch. It is a great look for long hair or medium hair, especially when you want to make a statement.
To achieve that voluminous, tousled look, work a dollop of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray through your roots and then pull the hair up. Tease the roots to create volume, pin the sections lightly for that soft romantic look.
This look is ideal for weddings, formal dinner or when you want to feel like a total bombshell. And to be honest, there is nothing that makes me feel more glamorous than this type of updo – it’s that perfect mix of structured yet soft.
High Glam Updo with Face-Framing Pieces
When you want to make a dramatic entrance, this high glam updo with face-framing pieces is your show-stopper. It’s bold, it’s edgy, and it’s just the right amount of cute and confident. Perfect for long hair, medium hair, and even curly hair.
In order to maintain the updo stable and voluminous, apply Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing Powder. It gives that oomph without adding weight to your strands, ideal for a night out or a summer party.
This is one of those hairstyles that make you feel like a total diva. Match it with strong eye makeup and statement earrings for that full on glam look. And if you want to go dancing, don’t worry about it – the dance floor is here to stay.
Messy Summer Updo with Loose Strands
The messy summer updo is that not-so-done look that never goes out of fashion. It’s casual, slightly messy, but still perfectly chic. Ideal for long hair, medium hair and, most of all, curly hair.
For that perfectly imperfect texture, spray on a few spritzes of Bumble and bumble Surf Spray and scrunch the hair while blow-drying. This gives it that laid-back beachy feel that is perfect for the hot summer days.
I love how effortlessly cool this style looks. It is ideal for a picnic at the park, a day at the beach or just hanging out at home. And the best part? The more undone it looks, the better.
Sleek Business Bun
The sleek business bun is all about the understated elegance with a hint of sophistication. It is ideal for a professional environment, but it is also stylish enough to go from day to night. This style is most appropriate for medium hair and long hair and gives a smooth, polished finish.
For that ultra-glossy finish, apply L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray to lock in the sleekness without crunchiness. Use a soft boar bristle brush to make sure that every strand is perfectly in place.
I love this look for days when I want to feel like a total boss without wasting hours on my hair. It’s clean, professional, and absolutely timeless. In addition, a plain drop earring can instantly transform the entire look and get you from office to evening in no time.
Messy Textured Top Knot
For days when you simply want to throw your hair up and go but still look cool, the messy textured top knot to the rescue. It’s chill, a little bit edgy, and great for your hot summer days when you simply can not be arsed with your strands.
For that perfectly undone look, spray Ouai Wave Spray on your hair to give it that beachy, tousled look and then pull it up. Scrunch the hair a little to add the volume and fix it loosely for that carefree look.
This look is the definition of summer casual. Put on some layered necklaces, a cool band tee, and you are good to go. It’s a flawlessly stylish little outfit but with a whole lot of cuteness still coming through to make it great for a coffee run or casual lunch date.
