13 Heatless Hairstyles to Try on Summer’s Hottest Days

In a perfect world, on a hot and humid summer morning, I’d wake up with soft, shiny, beachy waves—just like a salon-quality hairstyle. I’d walk to my home office with smooth, frizz-free, luscious hair that stays perfect all day.

But in reality, the moment I step outside, whether I curled or straightened my hair using the best flat iron or curling wand, the humidity ruins everything. My hair turns into a frizzy, messy, half-curled disaster in just 10 seconds.

When the weather is hot and the humidity is even worse, no one wants their hair sticking to their neck—or spending time styling it in the morning only to have it ruined before 9 a.m. And honestly, is there anything more uncomfortable than blow-drying your hair when it’s already 100 degrees outside?

The good news? You don’t need heat styling tools to look great. There are many easy, heatless hairstyles that are perfect for hot and humid summer days. These styles save time, reduce hair damage, and keep you cool. So put down the curling iron and flat iron, and try these no-heat summer hairstyles that actually work.

1. Braided ponytail

If you’re wearing a protective hairstyle right now, one of the best ways to stay cool in the summer heat is by pulling your hair up into a high ponytail. It’s a simple yet powerful style—all you really need is a strong hair tie or two.

This quick fix can help you avoid that sticky feeling of hair on your neck and scalp. It’s an easy way to beat the heat, especially on hot, humid days, and still look polished with minimal effort.

2. Hair scarf

Hair scarves are a huge trend right now (thanks to Sydney from The Bear), and they’re also a stylish way to stay cool during warm weather. On hot summer days, a silk or satin hair scarf can help keep your hair out of your face while adding a chic, effortless look.

Just pick a scarf you love, fold it into a triangle, and tie it around your hair. Whether you’re heading to a summer picnic, the beach, or just running errands, this heatless hairstyle is both fashionable and functional.

3. Messy with clips

If doing a full updo feels like too much work, no worries—hair clips are your best friend. On hot and humid days, you can easily keep hair out of your face by placing a few cute hair clips throughout your strands.

The best part? This look doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, the messier, the better. Just grab your favorite trendy hair accessories, clip them in randomly, and you might discover a fun, effortless hairstyle that keeps you cool and stylish.

4. Short high ponytail

If you have short hair, you know how tricky it can be to pull it into a ponytail. But during the hot summer months, the effort is totally worth it. Even if a few pieces fall out, a short-hair ponytail can look super chic and stylish—especially when the goal is to stay cool and comfortable.

Use a strong, no-slip hair tie and let those loose strands frame your face for a soft, effortless vibe. This is one of the easiest and trendiest summer hairstyles for short hair that works without needing heat tools.

5. Low slicked-back braid

One of the best ways to fight frizz and humidity is by going for a slicked-back hairstyle. A slicked-back braid is not only sleek and stylish but also perfect for hot, humid weather.

To create this look, start by applying a bit of anti-frizz hair oil or smoothing serum, then pull your hair into a tight, low ponytail. Use a strong hair tie to secure it, then braid the ponytail as usual. Finish by tying the end, turning your hair into a long, smooth, and manageable rope that stays put all day.

6. Braided top knot

Is your braided ponytail not keeping you cool enough in the summer heat? No problem. Take it up a notch by pulling your braids into a super-high ponytail, then twist and wrap them into a sleek top knot.

This easy and stylish look keeps hair off your neck and helps you stay comfortable on hot, humid days. Leave a few strands out in the front for a soft, face-framing finish. It’s the perfect protective hairstyle that’s both functional and fashionable.

7. Classic claw clip

Sometimes, a girl’s best friend in the summer heat is her trusted claw clip. When it’s warm and humid, it’s smart to always keep one in your bag for a quick fix. But instead of tossing your hair up last-minute, you can create a more intentional, stylish look before stepping out.

Try brushing your hair back and twisting it into a chic claw clip updo. It’s one of the easiest and trendiest heatless hairstyles for summer, and it keeps your hair off your neck while still looking put-together.

8. Half-up bow

If you have natural wavy hair, this is the perfect summer hairstyle—especially when the humidity kicks in. It’s soft, lightweight, and not too tight, so you stay comfortable while still keeping your hair under control.

All you need to do is loosely tie the top half of your hair into a half-up style using a cute bow or ribbon hair accessory. It’s an easy, heatless hairstyle that works great for frizz-prone hair and looks effortlessly pretty all day.

9. High messy bun

Can we please bring back the glory days of the messy bun? It’s the ultimate lazy-girl summer hairstyle—perfect for when the weather is super hot and humid. All you need is a loose ponytail, a few bobby pins, and zero stress about flyaways or loose strands.

This effortless updo is ideal for a beach day, a patio hangout, or anytime you want to look cute without using heat tools. The messy bun keeps your hair off your neck while giving you that relaxed, carefree summer vibe.

10. Low curly messy bun

If you have natural curls, a messy low bun is one of the best ways to stay cool and stylish during hot and humid weather. This low-maintenance hairstyle helps keep your curls in place without needing heat tools or a lot of effort.

You can smooth a few frizzy flyaways with a little curl cream or anti-frizz serum, but don’t overdo it—this style looks best when it’s relaxed and easy. It’s a perfect go-to look for curly hair in humidity and gives off that effortless summer vibe.

11. Loose braided ponytail

If a low braid isn’t your thing, try a high-braided ponytail instead. It’s the perfect summer hairstyle when you want to keep cool and still look put together. Even better—it’s great for pulling through a baseball cap, whether you’re going to a sports game or just need extra sun protection on a hot day.

This heatless, no-fuss style keeps your hair off your neck, helps fight humidity, and pairs perfectly with casual summer outfits.

12. Low loose bun

If a high messy bun feels like too much effort, meet its low-maintenance sister: the low messy bun. This style gives you that effortlessly chic look without the arm workout. Perfect for hot summer days, it keeps your hair off your neck and still looks stylish.

Just gather your hair into a loose knot at the nape of your neck, secure it with a soft hair tie or scrunchie, and you’re ready to go. It’s a quick, heatless hairstyle that works great for busy mornings, beach days, or outdoor events.

13. Wet

Sometimes, the only real solution to a hot and humid hair day is to jump into some water. Whether it’s a pool, lake, or the ocean, take full advantage of the season and let your hair air-dry naturally in the summer sun.

Letting your wet hair dry in the sun not only feels refreshing but also gives you those effortless, beachy waves without using any heat tools. Sure, the heat can be intense—but remember, summer only comes once a year, so make the most of it!