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Abby Burns
Updated on April 18, 2021

We all want to look our best at the beach, especially when it comes to our hair. But no one wants to spend a lot of time doing their hair only to get it sandy or salty from the ocean. If you’re looking for beach hairstyles that are easy and effortless check out these 20 inspiring hairstyles!

Girls Just Wanna Have Gorgeous Beach Hair

Are you ready for your vacation? Well, here’s the finishing touch! Start scrolling and you’ll find the most alluring beach hairstyles to get inspired by.

1. Permanent Beach Waves

When you think of beach hair, you probably think of textured loose waves that are usually a result from the salt water and humidity at the beach. If you want beach-inspired hair all summer long check out if your salon offers a beach wave perm. The loose waves that the beach perm creates last a few months and makes hair easier to maintain while still looking voluminous and stylish!

Beach Wave Perms

Instagram / @morgulbipking

2. Messy Updo

When the sun is beating down on you at the beach, sometimes the last thing you want is to wear your hair down. A messy updo with pieces of twisted hair is the perfect hairstyle for looking cute and comfortable.

Messy Low Fishtail Bun

Instagram / @missysueblog

3. Tight Side Braids

For girls looking for short beach hairstyles who can’t put all of their hair up, try this cool look of tight braids on one side of your head. It’s perfect for pulling back some of your hair, while you play in the sun. It also allows you to let the rest of your hair fall in beachy loose waves.

Blonde Bob With Side Cornrows

Instagram / @the_braid_bar

4. Braided Low Bun

A day at the beach doesn’t mean you have to have perfect hair-in fact, we love messy hairstyles for beach day inspiration! Braid a few sections around your head to get your hair out of your face, and then tie the braids in a low bun with the rest of your hair. The look is effortless and cool but takes no time at all.

5. Peek-a-Boo Braids

This style is perfect for shorter hair and it’s super cute and trendy. The two side braids really frame the face and let you relax. This hairstyle allows you to enjoy the beach without worrying about touching up your hair.

Tiny Braids On Relaxed Hair

Instagram / @orabeauty.co

6. Messy Fish Tail

Fishtail braids are the perfect solution for the beach, especially for long-haired girls who don’t want their hair to blow in the wind or get tangled in the water. This type of braid also delivers a cool crimped look after you take it out. In just a few hours you’ll be sure to have perfect beachy waves.

Messy Fishtail Braid

Instagram / @alannarhodes1

7. Multiple Braids

If one braid isn’t enough, a full head of braids is a great option for a really unique look. The finished style also gets hair out of your face, but you still have the option of wearing your hair down.

Fiery Red Thick Box Braids

Instagram / @velvetcloouds

8. Cornrows and Knots

Natural hair is beautiful, but if you want to try a hairstyle that will really stand out you should braid tight cornrows on the sides of your head and create knotted buns. Allow the rest off your hair to flow naturally.

Curly Faux Hawk Hairstyle

Instagram / @hair_by_pelerossi

9. Heart-Shaped Braid

This pretty style is definitely Instagram-worthy and perfect for a special occasion at the beach. The look is completed with loose beachy waves, giving the style a more relaxed and easygoing vibe. If you’re not sure how to get beach waves check out this article for a quick tutorial and tips.

10. Flower Crown

What’s more tropical than having flowers in your hair? Wearing a flower crown or colorful fresh flowers is perfect for sunny beach days and taking pictures with your friends. The best part is a flower crown is an easy way to get noticed!

Dark Hair With Tropical Flower Crown

Instagram / @bonniehoellein

11. Bubble Ponytail

For a fun twist, try creating the bubble ponytail simply by adding more hair bands throughout your ponytail and pulling your hair slightly to make it loose and messy. This style is an ideal choice for active adventures and chilling near the swimming pool.

#12: Braided Buns

If you want your hair to be completely off your neck and out of the way at the beach, create small braids all around your head and gather them into two tight buns. Your hair is sure not to move from this modern style, and you can have fun at the beach without having to worry about how your hair looks!

Two Neat Braided Buns

Instagram / @blowoutmaven

13. Straw Hat

Hats are a beach essential-not only do they keep your head and face protected from the sun, but they also look stylish and cute! Big straw hats are on trend right now, just wear your hair down in loose waves and your stunning beach look is complete.

Srtaw Hat With Loose Wavy Hair

Instagram / @sivanayla

14. Half-Up Braided Style

While you could just wear your hair in a normal half-up style, why wouldn’t you want to add a little something extra that takes only a few extra minutes? Instead of just pulling your hair together try braiding three sections, and then wrapping the braids around the elastic for an enchanting mermaid look.

Braided Half Up Half Down Style

Instagram / @johnwhelancolor

15. Space Buns

Space buns are a popular style all year round and they’re also a great alternative during the summer months! To make the buns even more beachy, try creating two French braids at the top of your head and then gather the braids into buns. If you really want to make your look pop add glitter or even hair stickers!

Space Buns With Glitter

Instagram / @eviehagensmakeup

16. Boho Headwrap

Headbands are the perfect beach accessory, especially on extremely windy days by the ocean. Headwraps with interesting designs and bright colors will really stand out at the beach. Turn on your imagination and create a truly unique DIY piece!

Straight Hair With Bohemian Headband

Instagram / @julz_jane

17. Bandana Girl

Bandana hairstyles feel both rebellious and elegant. It’s a great alternative to headbands and it can keep your hair out of your face just as well. Choose bright colors, silky or cotton textures and hypnotic patterns to really stand out because hot summer days were created for having fun!

Vintage Bandana Hairstyle

Instagram / @ichnatascia

18. Stand Out Hair Pieces

Big hair clips and barettes are a trendy hair accessory, and they’re perfect for clipping back hair at the beach. Twist back two pieces from the front of your hair and secure them with an unusual hair clip for an easy and loose hairstyle. Check out our favorite summer hair accessories here.

Low Updo With Hair Accessory

Instagram / @chloeandisabel

19. Messy Mohawk Buns

This edgy style is so easy to create but the finished product looks as if it took a lot of time and effort. It’s easy to create a hip hairstyle like this, simply gather three sections of hair from top to bottom and tie them into messy buns. Take your time, do your best and remember patience is key here!

Messy Mohawk Buns

Instagram / @frizzzyrizzy

20. Beachy Curls

Some days we just want to let our hair down at the beach and rock beach wave hair. To get beach hair at home just use sea salt spray, twist your half while it’s damp into a few loose knots overnight and divide your hair into two parts then twist each one and flat iron the twists. The simplest alternative though is to create loose waves with a flat iron or curling wand.

Balayaged Beach Waves

Instagram / @jakebmartin

Beach days should be all about relaxation and having fun-that’s why as much as we love complicated and unique hairstyles, we can still stand behind trendy, effortless beach-inspired looks! Days by the ocean mean we get to experiment with trendy hair accessories and creative approaches to help keep our hair out of our face. Don’t worry though, we aren’t judging if you decide to stick with the classic ponytail, but we hope you’ll try out some of these inspirational styles. What are your favorite beach-inspired looks?

Beach Wave Perms Messy Low Fishtail Bun Blonde Bob With Side Cornrows Loose Braided Updo Tiny Braids On Relaxed Hair Messy Fishtail Braid Fiery Red Thick Box Braids Curly Faux Hawk Hairstyle Heart Shaped Half Updo Dark Hair With Tropical Flower Crown Lond Bubble Ponytail Two Neat Braided Buns Srtaw Hat With Loose Wavy Hair Braided Half Up Half Down Style Space Buns With Glitter Straight Hair With Bohemian Headband Vintage Bandana Hairstyle Low Updo With Hair Accessory Messy Mohawk Buns Balayaged Beach Waves