It can be tricky to manage your hair on a beach day while the wind is blowing and you are in and out of the water. Although we can all hope for our own Baywatch moment, with flawless, beachy waves gracefully falling down our backs while we walk on the sand, we need to prep for those messy hair days.
Sometimes we just need to shove our hair into our beach hats and go on with the day, but others, we yearn for the perfect beach hairstyle. Luckily, there are plenty of easy and cute beach hairstyles that won’t take up too much of your time. And no matter the length, cut, or texture of your hair, there is a style for you.
Here is a list of our favorite beach hairstyles that you have to try on your next beach day, as well as some other styling tips for your fun in the sun.
Fishtail Braid
If you have long locks and are looking for a way to keep them out of your face, a fish braid is your next favorite hairstyle. A fishtail braid will keep your hair in place and is a fun change of pace compared to a normal braid.
To fishtail braid your hair, simply follow these steps:
- Separate your hair into two sections at the back of your head.
- Take a thin strand of hair from the left section, gathering it from the outside.
- Pull the thin strand up and across the left section and place it in the right section.
- Tuck the thinner strand under the right section — now it's part of the right section.
- Grab a thin strand from the right section, gathering from the outside, and place it in the left section.
- Continue alternating sides until you reach the end of your hair.
- Use a hair tie to secure the ends.
Half-Up-Half-Down
A half-up-half-down hairstyle is the perfect way to keep your hair out of your face while still letting most of your hair flow freely in the wind. There are tons of variations of this classic style, but the simplest only requires you to gather the top layer of hair at the back of the head. Use your favorite hair tie to keep the style neat.
You can stop there, or you can poke your fingers through your hair right above your hair tie. While your fingers are through the hole, grab your ponytail and pull it through the hole. This ponytail is a unique *twist* on a fan-favorite look.
Twisted Low Bun
To get all the hair out of your face, but keep your hair looking stylish, try a twisted low bun. Gather all of your hair at the nape of your neck and put it in a hair tie. Once you have a ponytail, gather your hair into two sections. Twist them around each other until you have reached the bottom of your hair.
Once your hair is twisted, wrap the loose section around your hair tie and pin it with a bobby pin (or a strong clip). Then, you can pull at the bun until you like the way it looks. This hairstyle takes less than a minute to do and is a step above a basic messy bun.
If you want to match your swimsuit or elevate your hairstyle, try tying a ribbon or thin scarf around the base of the bun. You can tie the strands in a bow or leave them hanging down your neck for a relaxed and chic look.
French Braid
This hairstyle is a classic for a reason: it keeps your hair out of your face, stays in all day, and works with a variety of hair lengths.
If you have never French braided your hair, follow these easy steps:
- Pull a section of hair at the crown of the head and separate it into three equal sections.
- Take the strand on the right and cross it over to the middle.
- Take the strand on the left and cross it over to the middle.
- Keep repeating steps 2 and 3, but grab a nearby strand of hair each time and bring it along as you cross over to the middle.
- Repeat until you have reached the nape of your neck, then continue to braid your hair normally before tying it off with a hair tie at the end.
French braids will stay secure in place no matter what your beach day entails.
Scarf
For a fashionable yet simple way to pull your hair back while accessorizing, use a scarf or a bandana. Lay out the piece of material and fold one corner to the opposite corner, creating a triangle. Then, fold over the base of the triangle in one-inch sections until it is about eight to ten inches long.
Place the base of the material on your hairline, with the tip of the triangle falling over the back of your head, and tie the ends under your hair at the nape of your neck. This stylish headband can complement your favorite swimsuit while preventing your hair from flying everywhere or getting tangled.
Claw Clip
Claw clips have made a total comeback recently, on and off of the beach. The ease and convenience of these plastic heroes can truly come in handy during a day by the water. Pick a clip with your favorite patterns and colors, and make sure it’s the right size for the amount of hair you have. The more hair on your head, the bigger the claw clip needed.
Take your hair and gather it at the nape of your neck and twist it to the end. Pull your twisted hair to sit against the back of your head, and clip it with a claw clip. Putting your hair up and taking it down will be a breeze throughout the day.
Beach Waves
If you don't have naturally wavy hair, there are a few ways to make them work with your own hair. If you are planning ahead, you can French braid your hair the night before your beach day. When you wake up, it will only take a moment to take your hair out of the braids and brush through it to get the iconic loose waves.
There are also plenty of hair products meant to be worked through your hair while you are in the sun and swimming in salt water. Scrunching these products into your hair will help you get natural-looking waves.
Beachy Accessories
Putting your hair into a beachy hairstyle is only half the fun: now it’s time to build your collection of beachy accessories that are stylish and practical.
Bag
For an entire day at the beach, you’ll need to be prepared with some entertainment, ponytails, a bandana, bobby pins, hair products, sunscreen, and more. To store all of this away in a fashionable way, invest in a beachy tote bag.
Our Jane Tote is big enough to fit all of your belongings, and the raffia material screams, “take me to the beach!”
If you need something a tad smaller that will fit the essentials and can also be used as a clutch when walking through the beach town, check out our Mini Slouch Bag. Also made out of raffia, this bag will look perfect on the sand or at your favorite seafood restaurant.
Sunglasses
If you don’t want a hat to cover up your beachy hairstyle, you need another way to protect your eyes from the harsh rays. Sunglasses will keep you from squinting through your day and are also one of the best ways to accessorize.
For a dramatic cat eye to match your 50s-style swimsuit, try the Victoria shades. Or, for a more classic look, rely on the tortoiseshell pattern on the Lyon glasses.
Whatever sunglasses you choose to get, be sure they have the proper UV protection to prevent damage to the eyes after hours in the sun.
A Cover-Up
Once you are ready with a comfortable and stylish swimsuit, beach bag, sunglasses, and beach hairdo, all that’s left is a cover-up. Rather than throwing in a pair of pajama shorts and an old t-shirt, having a designated coverup in your bag will make walking to and from the beach more comfortable.
While there are many to choose from, linen cover-ups are a wonderful option because they are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable under the hot sun.
For something that emulates a country club, or poolside look, check out our terry cover-ups. These soft, cozy options double as a stylish outfit when you need to run into a shop or restaurant for a midday pick-me-up.
You’re Ready To Go
Once you have a few beach hairstyles in your back pocket, you’ll never have to worry about tangled or unruly hair again. These hairstyles will get you through swimming, lounging, beach games, and more.
Once you have your favorite hairstyle in place, top it off with your best swimsuit and favorite beachy accessories, and you are ready to go!
Sources:
Seven Quick and Easy Step-by-Step Guide to French Braids | Ogle School
Claw Clips Claw Their Way Back | The New York Times
How to Tell If Your Sunglasses Are Really Protecting Your Eyes | University of Utah Health