The Best Beach Hairstyles You’ll Be Obsessed With
There’s just something about beach days that calls for effortless hair. You know the look—sun-warmed skin, salty air, and a hairstyle that feels relaxed but still ridiculously cute. The best beach hairstyles don’t try too hard. They work with the ocean breeze, survive a dip in the water, and still look amazing when you’re grabbing fish tacos or walking along the sand at sunset.
Whether you’ve got long mermaid hair or a chic short cut, the right beach hairstyle keeps strands out of your face while adding that carefree, coastal vibe. Think loose braids, playful accessories, and textures that actually look better when the sea air hits them.
Here are 13 beach hairstyles that are equal parts practical and pretty—perfect for salty swims, sandy strolls, and spontaneous seaside photos.
Half Up With Curtain Bangs
This is the hairstyle that says “I woke up like this… but make it beachy.” Pulling the top section of your hair into a half-up style keeps things breezy and practical while still letting your long lengths flow freely in the ocean wind.
Curtain bangs soften the look and frame the face beautifully, especially when the humidity gives them that slightly tousled, piecey texture. It’s also one of the most forgiving beach hairstyles—if the wind gets wild or the sea spray adds texture, it only makes the style look more relaxed and effortless. Perfect for lounging on a beach towel with an iced drink in hand.
Twin French Braids With Short Hair
Short hair girls, this one’s for you. Twin French braids are an absolute lifesaver when you’re at the beach because they keep every strand secure—even if you decide to dive straight into the waves.
The braids hug the scalp, meaning wind, salt, and humidity won’t turn your hair into a tangled mess. Plus, the style looks sporty, cute, and a little bit surfer-girl chic. When you take them out later, you’ll also be rewarded with the prettiest crimped beach texture—so it’s basically two hairstyles in one.
Twin Dutch Braids on Long Hair
If French braids are the classic, Dutch braids are the cool older sister. Sitting on top of the hair rather than blending into it, they create that bold, sculpted braid look that’s perfect for long beach days.
Twin Dutch braids are incredibly practical because they hold your hair securely while swimming, surfing, or playing beach volleyball. And when you finally unravel them at the end of the day? Hello, dreamy beach waves. It’s one of those beach hairstyles that looks cute in the morning and even better by sunset.
Half Ponytail With Face Framing Mini Braids
This style has a carefree, boho-beach vibe that feels straight out of a summer music festival. Pull the top half of your hair into a relaxed ponytail, then add tiny braids at the front to frame your face.
The mini braids are more than just cute—they help keep smaller front sections from flying into your lip gloss every time the wind picks up. Meanwhile, the half ponytail keeps your hair cool while still showing off those long beachy lengths. It’s playful, feminine, and practically made for salty air and sunshine.
Face Framing Mini Braids on Long Hair
Sometimes the simplest beach hairstyles are the prettiest. Face-framing mini braids add just enough detail to make loose beach hair feel intentional rather than messy.
They keep the front pieces controlled while the rest of your hair flows freely in soft waves. The best part? Saltwater and sea breeze actually enhance this look, giving your hair extra texture and movement. It’s effortless, slightly bohemian, and perfect if you want something low-maintenance but still adorable.
Loose French Braid
A loose French braid is basically the definition of easy summer hair. It keeps everything neatly gathered while still looking relaxed and romantic.
The slightly undone texture is what makes this style ideal for the beach. A few wispy strands falling out only add to the charm. It also prevents tangles after a swim, which anyone with longer hair will appreciate. Pair it with oversized sunglasses and a linen shirt, and you’ve got instant coastal chic.
Low Ponytail with Scarf Tie
If you want your beach hairstyle to feel a little extra stylish, a scarf-tied ponytail is the way to go. Simply gather your hair into a low ponytail and wrap a lightweight scarf around the base.
The scarf adds color, personality, and a touch of vintage Riviera style. It also helps protect your hair from wind while looking incredibly chic in photos. Plus, if the beach breeze gets strong, the scarf actually helps keep the ponytail secure.
Bandana with Long Hair
The bandana look has serious laid-back beach energy. Simply fold a bandana and tie it over your hairline to keep your hair back while leaving the lengths loose.
Not only does it look cute, but it also protects your scalp from the sun and keeps hair from sticking to sunscreen or salty skin. It’s effortless, practical, and gives off that carefree surfer-girl aesthetic that always looks cool.
Loose Low Messy Bun
The messy bun was practically invented for beach days. It’s quick, easy, and somehow always looks better when it’s a little imperfect.
Gather your hair loosely at the nape of your neck and twist it into a relaxed bun, letting a few strands escape naturally. The low placement makes it comfortable if you’re leaning back on a beach chair, and the undone texture fits perfectly with the relaxed seaside vibe.
Long Crinkly Beach Waves
This is the hairstyle everyone secretly hopes to achieve after a day in the ocean. Long crinkly beach waves have that natural, salty texture that screams summer.
The key is embracing the imperfection. A little frizz, a little bend, and lots of movement make the look feel authentic and carefree. It’s one of the most iconic beach hairstyles because it works with the elements instead of fighting them.
Half Up Braid With Seashell Clips
If mermaids had Pinterest boards, this hairstyle would definitely be on them. A half-up braid keeps hair out of your face while still letting your lengths flow freely.
Add a few delicate seashell clips along the braid and suddenly the whole look feels whimsical and beachy. It’s playful, feminine, and perfect for vacation photos, sunset walks, or seaside dinners.
Twin Bobble Braids with Seashell Hairties
Twin bobble braids are fun, youthful, and perfect for beach days when you want something secure but playful. Instead of one continuous braid, small elastics are spaced along the length of each section to create a bubble effect.
Using seashell hair ties takes the look to the next level. The style stays put through wind and waves while giving off a cute, summery vibe that feels made for tropical holidays.
Starfish Encrusted Waterfall Braid
This hairstyle is pure beach magic. A waterfall braid creates a cascading effect through the hair, allowing sections to fall gracefully through the braid like little waves.
Adding tiny starfish accessories turns it into something truly special. It’s romantic, whimsical, and perfect for beach weddings, sunset dinners, or dreamy vacation photos. It might look intricate, but the relaxed texture of beach hair actually makes it easier to achieve.
