If you have a busy summer and lots of meetings, you don’t want to worry about your hair. Can you still look polished and keep cool? If your hair is being difficult or you didn’t get a chance to wash it the night before, what then? That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve gathered a list of summer work hairstyles that are simple, look good and keep you cool before work. If your hair is long, medium or short, if it’s oily or just been freshly styled—we have a solution for you. And it looks good.
Soft Layers with a Sleek Side Part
A bob with soft layers and a side part looks so professional, but it does so in a simple and understated way. The sleek finish and neat ends give off a professional look that we want on important days. Because the shape is open, it adds volume and bounce to fine or thin hair.
Maintaining a sharp, shiny bob like this requires a good heat protectant (I love Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray) and a flat iron with adjustable heat. If your air conditioner is on all day at work, make sure to deep condition your hair every week during summer. The Olaplex No. 8 Moisture Mask is a great hydrating mask.
Whenever I have a full day of meetings, I choose this style because it looks like I tried even when I didn’t. I can count on it to stay in place even in humid weather if I use a little Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil.
The right part and collar can do a lot for your appearance. This mix is helping people in boardrooms feel confident and capable.
Textured Pony with Laid Edges
This look is a power move. A pulled back ponytail with high texture and styled baby hairs gives you a work look that’s both trendy and professional. If your hair has some product and grit left over from the day before, it’s perfect for making your hair look neat and polished.
If your hair is naturally curly or if you use extensions, set those curls with Pattern Curl Gel and use Eco Style Olive Oil Gel and a boar bristle brush to smooth the front. Lay your edges using a toothbrush (yes, really) or a dedicated edge brush with Style Factor Edge Booster.
This style has helped me get from my desk to a drink on many summer Fridays. I don’t have to change the style—it’s still going strong and always gets noticed.
There’s just something about this that radiates boss energy. Add a blazer, and it’s game over.
Polished High Pony with Soft Waves
The ultra-sculpted pony tail is both elegant and practical. The high pony keeps your hair clear of your neck, highlights your jawline and the wavy finish gives it a soft and strong look.
If you want to add volume, try a clip-in ponytail extension and then wrap a strand of hair around the elastic to hide it. Kristin Ess Working Texture Spray allows you to keep your waves and keeps your hair from becoming flat later on.
I’ve chosen this style for my presentations because it looks confident and is ready for filming. It’s also wonderful if your hair is long and thin and you want to make it look thicker.
It’s the kind of hair that gives you confidence to wear your best heels. You won’t have any trouble getting through your entire workday.
Long Volume Layers with Face-Framing Highlights
If you prefer to leave your hair loose, even in the office, this messy blowout is perfect for you. The highlights make the face shine and the soft bends prevent frizz, so this style is perfect for a stylish workday.
Keep strands looking glossy (not greasy) with Moroccanoil Treatment Light—especially helpful for thin medium hair prone to oil. Dry shampoo at the roots (Batiste Original never fails me) keeps everything fresh even on second-day hair.
There’s an impact to wearing your hair long and free when everyone else is wearing a neat bun. It’s a way of saying “I’m here and I know what I’m doing” without actually saying anything.
The bounce. The volume. The glow. This one doesn’t just whisper confidence—it sings it.
Braided Low Pony with Peekaboo Blonde
This braided low ponytail is a beautiful variation on the usual updo. It’s breathable, easy to wear and does a great job covering up that greasy spot at the top of your head. The light highlights in the braid give it a professional and perfect look for hotter days at work.
It saves me when I don’t have time for a full wash and style. I spray the dry shampoo on my roots, loosely braid my hair down the back and tie it up with a neutral band. I sometimes put a few drops of Gisou Honey Hair Oil on the ends to avoid them looking crisp.
It helps me feel more together than I really am. It also works well when you’re rushing to the train or bus in the morning.
If you’ve been stuck in a topknot loop, this is your summer cue to try something new—and yes, it’s just as quick.
Romantic Half-Up with Pearl Pins
Soft waves secured with pearls have a special elegance and charm about them. This hairstyle is perfect for long, thin hair, adding volume near the head and letting the rest of your hair fall freely—it’s like a mermaid meets a Monday meeting.
If my curls start to fall in the afternoon, I spritz Ouai Wave Spray on damp hair, curl them with a wide barrel and finger-comb them for a soft finish. The pins? You don’t have to, but you might want to wear them if your workplace dress code allows some sparkle.
It quickly makes a dress or blouse look more elegant. People I work with and those I meet at the coffee shop often compliment me when I wear my dress.
If you’re tired of your usual ponytail, this is your new go-to. Still breezy, but so much more interesting.
Slicked-Back High Bun
This is the ultimate easy hairstyle for work when you’re battling second- or even third-day greasy hair. A bun that’s pulled high and tight and looks shiny, will always seem planned—especially when accompanied by bold brows and a strong look.
I apply a good amount of No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream to my roots, brush my hair up and twist it into a style. Garnier Pure Clean Styling Gel will give you a super sleek finish and a light mist of hairspray will secure it.
It feels like I’m ready for ballet and for leading a company and I like that it keeps me comfortable and professional as I go through my day.
There are days when we’d rather not worry about our hair until it’s time for dinner. This bun lets you do exactly that.
Precision Bob with Full Fringe
Few hairstyles look as professional as a bob with a thick, full fringe. It’s crisp, it’s bold, and it’s ideal for short hairstyle women easy for work. Plus, there’s zero temptation to pull it up—it’s meant to be worn down.
For a sharp edge, you should trim your hair every six weeks and apply CHI 44 Iron Guard before flat ironing. It’s also a good idea to use a lightweight shine serum (try Verb Ghost Oil) to smooth ends without weighing them down.
There’s power in a hairstyle that doesn’t budge. This kind of cut is clear and I feel both sharp and more confident when I wear it.
Not every summer hairstyle has to be flowy. This watch keeps a low temperature, stands out and always fits in wherever the pressure is high.
Low Bun with Face-Framing Layers
It’s a great hairstyle for work since it looks both simple and polished. The loose layers at the front make it look soft and the bun is neat enough for a business meeting.
I apply Drybar’s Prep Rally Detangler to my hair for smoothness and then gather it into a low twist and pin it with U-shaped hairpins. If I don’t have time, I can even use a clear elastic.
To be honest, this is the hairstyle I go for when I can’t decide what to wear. Whether I have a button-up or a wrap dress on, a necklace always makes me feel organized.
It’s a style that appears elegant without any effort. Which, let’s be real, is the dream.
Curled Half-Up with Sparkling Headband
If you’re looking for something a little more elevated—but still easy work hairstyle long hair approved—this curled half-up look with a sparkly headband totally fits the brief. It’s sweet, versatile, and doesn’t collapse in humidity.
I apply Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Mousse, diffuse my hair and tie the top half loosely with a claw or barrette before adding a headband. (Pro tip: this style works beautifully on medium hair updo textures too.)
I like to wear it when I want a bit of glamour but don’t want to look too fancy. Think: important client calls or team brunches with leadership.
It adds a little shine to any outfit, especially when we tend to wear simple things during the summer.
Glossy Layers with Face-Framing Color
For me, the long, dimensional style works best when you want to polish your long hair just a bit. The layers make the hair look more manageable and the money-piece lifts the face right away. It’s stylish, elegant and professional enough for when your clothes are plain but your hair needs to shine.
If your strands lean oily or heavy, a good clarifying wash once a week (like Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo) will help keep this look airy, not flat. I also use OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil on the ends, as it makes my hair soft but not greasy.
I always look more put-together in this style. It’s not too bold but still put together which is ideal for days when you want to fit in but still look nice.
Low effort, high impact. That’s the goal here, and this one nails it.
Textured Updo with Front Tendrils
A neatly styled look isn’t always better—this tousled bun and loosely curled face pieces make this look very elegant. For those with long hair, this is a simple hairstyle that can be worn to work and then out at night.
I start by curling the whole head with a 1-inch wand and then spray Kenra Dry Texture Spray to give it some grip before pinning. Use long pins to twist and secure sections loosely. Let a few strands fall forward and spritz with L’Oréal Elnett for hold.
I like to wear this style when I want to feel more special, but not let it show. Although it’s fast to make, it looks like it took a lot of effort.
It looks great under a blazer or a deep V-neck—it matches with everything.
Long and Effortless with Natural Shine
If you’re someone who likes to keep things minimal but still cute, this style is the definition of effortless beauty. If you want a simple work hairstyle for long hair, this look with a center part is ideal when you don’t want to tie it up but still need some control.
For this style, I brush my damp hair with the T3 AireBrush Duo and finish with a little R+Co Shine Spray. It keeps everything sleek but still touchable.
I use this when I’m too tired for clips or elastics but still want to look nice. It’s also amazing for showcasing earrings or bold lipstick.
You don’t always have to style your hair, as this hairstyle shows.
Playful Ponytail with Curtain Bangs
This quick high ponytail is light and fresh and the curtain bangs add a gentle retro touch to it. The scrunchie keeps it casual while still feeling polished, and it’s a savior on sticky days when all you want is your neck free.
I spray Batiste Dry Shampoo on my hair for extra volume and then collect it high and tie it with a soft silk scrunchie. Curtain bangs are given a light curl under with a round brush to shape the face.
Just looking at this style makes me happier—it’s both cute and fun, even when I’m feeling stressed in the morning.
Yes, it’s absolutely office-friendly, especially when it’s casual Friday or the office is in a creative mood.
Boho Waves with a Headband
If you have medium hair, this simple headband wave combo is a great option for your summer style. It helps when your hair is acting up—and keeps those front strands out of your eyes.
I spray my hair with Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray and let it dry naturally, then tie a wide headband around my head for a chic look at work. To give it extra shine, I apply a little Color Wow Dream Coat to the hair.
Whenever I snooze my alarm too much, this style is always there for me. It’s forgiving, fast, and keeps things pretty.
A little ‘70s energy meets 2025 hustle—yes please.
Bubble Ponytail with Metallic Bands
This version of a ponytail gives your work look a touch of both structure and fun. A bubble ponytail gives more volume to long, thin hair and keeps everything tidy and secure all day. It’s perfect for days when you need a lot of hair and when your clothing is simple.
I use a smoothing balm like Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm to prep the length, then tie the ponytail with clear or decorative elastics to make the bubbles even. This hair spray from TRESemmé Ultra Fine Mist gives your hair a nice shine without leaving it sticky.
Whenever I put on this look, I feel a little more fashionable, even if it’s just with slacks and a tee. The structure adds polish in the best way.
After trying it out, you’ll realize you want to bubble everything.
Braided Low Bun with Twists
If you have medium or fine hair, this braided and twisted low bun is a fun alternative to the typical work chignon. The braids add style and movement and the shape won’t fall out all day. It’s ideal when you need to work fast and the weather is hot.
I start by spraying Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray and then twist the front sections back and fix them underneath a soft braid held with pins. It’s the imperfections that give your meal character.
When I have this on, I feel like I’ve put some thought into my appearance, even if it didn’t take much time.
It’s simple, professional and can be used in any work environment.
Half-Up Clip on Short Blunt Hair
This is a simple hairstyle for work short hair that’s fast, looks good and is practical. The blunt cut keeps it up-to-date and the half-up lift and clip add a little shine to make it look like you made an effort, even when you didn’t.
A flat iron and a little Verb Ghost Oil will give you that smooth, shiny look. After that, separate the top section and hold it back with a striking clip—animal print, metallic or tortoiseshell are always a great choice.
This is what I go for if I’m late or my bangs are giving me trouble. It never fails me.
If you have medium hair, thin hair or just want to avoid bobby pins, this is for you.
Slicked-Back Bun with Contrast Roots
A slicked bun on short hair with edge gives you both style and a dramatic touch. The shine is highlighted by the center part and root and this style is a great easy updo for work for anyone who dresses and plans sharply.
Spray Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray on your hair to control frizz and then brush it back tightly into a bun with a bristle brush. I use Got2B Glued Blasting Freeze Spray to give the style more grip.
I always reach for this on meeting days, especially if I’m wearing a blazer or a structured top. It still looks and feels very authoritative, even when I’m not feeling my best.
And let’s be honest—it’s way easier than it looks.
Classic Long Braid for Busy Mornings
When I’m in a rush but want to look put-together, a neat, centered braid helps me out. This simple braid is perfect for work and can make even the most difficult hair look neat with a blouse or jumpsuit.
I pull everything back, tie it in a ponytail and braid to the ends. After that, I use a clear elastic and a little Moroccanoil Treatment Light on the tips to finish. So simple, but so polished.
If you have long, thin hair or your hair becomes frizzy during the day, it’s a good choice. It’s just as useful for Zoom meetings as it is for working in the office.
Sometimes simplicity really is the ultimate sophistication.
Twisted Half-Up with Natural Flow
With loose waves running down and cute twists on the sides, this updo looks perfect for a slow or engaged night out. If your hair is wavy or only slightly textured, you’ll love this one.
I spray the bottom with IGK Beach Club Texture Spray for hold and then loosely twist the front sections and secure them with a small pin or invisible elastic. It’s best if your hair isn’t perfectly symmetrical—a little messiness is more appealing.
Whenever I want to feel comfortable and friendly but also look professional, this is what I wear.
It’s the ultimate hybrid: part easy hairstyle work, part “I woke up like this.”
