Summer 2025 is all about heat with ease. Whether you’re packing for a dreamy trip to Florida or just booking that rooftop brunch downtown, your hair deserves to live its best life too. I thought I’d put together some vacation hairstyles that are perfect for the season: easy to do, look good in any light and are totally honest. A little flirty. Ready to meet your new go-to?
Slick High Pony with Glossy Waves
A ponytail that’s tight and neat, with waves running through it, gives you an elegant look without much effort. It’s clean at the crown, dramatic at the back, and somehow always fits—whether you’re doing a beach club day or late cocktails in a little black dress. I like how it makes your hair look lifted and confident, yet still keeps it out of your face.
I always start with Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray before styling my hair, as it keeps humidity away. Using a light brush and a bit of gel around your hairline helps to make your style extra sharp.
I feel like I’m on a yacht, not just ordering tacos by the boardwalk, thanks to this pony. It gives you a fierce, confident feeling—and it keeps you energized all day long.
Soft Sunset Waves for Natural Glow
The relaxed, wavy hair and soft makeup with small earrings give this a look that’s always in style. The length is right at the shoulders and the light texture is enhanced by the ocean breeze. It’s giving golden hour, wrapped in comfort.
I tend to avoid curling irons and just scrunch my hair with a little sea salt spray and I like R+Co’s Rockaway best. If your hair is medium length or longer, avoid overdoing styling. Let it dry as-is and embrace the soft volume.
This style is a favorite for natural hair on vacation. It’s calm, it’s feminine, and it goes with everything—from swimsuits to sarongs.
Statement Braids with Sculpted Edges
These braids which hang nearly to your waistline, are daring and definitely make an impression. If you part baby hairs and put on chunky gold hoops, you’ll add some confidence to your hairstyle. Whether you’re traveling with besties or just want a look that keeps its shape through sun, sweat, and splashes—this style wins.
This hairstyle is very protective for black women and it really does hold up well. I spray my scalp with tea tree oil and use a drop or two of Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Oil to add shine to my hair.
If you’re going to a place with high humidity or dancing at a beach party all night, your hair won’t move. It’s also a favorite among black women who want a stylish look without much effort when on vacation.
Glam Waves with Metallic Headband
Putting my bouncy wavy hair into a soft metallic headband makes me feel like a golden goddess right away. The soft curls frame the face and fall over the shoulders, but the headband makes the whole style stand out—great for dinner or parties at sunset.
The best barrel size for soft bends is 1.25 inches. I end by spraying Flex Shaping Hairspray by Living Proof to keep everything in place without making my hair hard.
It also works great for curly hair—just adjust your curls and make the headband stand out. You’ll look effortlessly styled but still comfortable and playful.
Messy Bun with a Bright Scarf
A messy top knot and a bright scarf create a look that is just what you need for summer. With its loose front tendrils and big twist, it’s perfect for hair that’s a bit dirty, has a beachy style or is curly on days you just want something simple.
This one’s a quick and easy lifesaver, especially if you’re heading out last-minute. A few bobby pins, some dry shampoo (I love IGK’s First Class), and a scarf you love—that’s all you need.
It makes me feel like I’m on vacation with my hair. It’s still trendy but not overdone and you can add color or print without getting too hot.
Layered Flow with Windproof Volume
I love this straight hair style when I want my hair to be both organized and soft at the same time. The layered structure moves nicely without causing frizz and the feathered bangs add a neat-looking touch to the face shape. When you wear a black ribbed tank, the look tells people you’re relaxed, but you’re still in charge. I always find this style perfect for when you’re traveling and need to look good without spending time getting ready.
If your hair is straight or only slightly wavy, you’re in luck. I apply one pump of Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil from the mids down to the ends to get that smooth look.
If you’re looking for a vacation hairstyle that looks stylish but doesn’t require you to fix it every day, this one is great for long hair. Just a brush and go, baby.
Center-Part Simplicity with Subtle Shine
Often, the best hairstyles for vacation are the ones you don’t plan too much. A long, clean hairstyle with a middle part and hoops is an easy way to look luxurious. The hair is healthy, the cut is sharp and the color remains natural and fresh, just like that effortlessly cool girl.
When it’s hot out, I suggest straightening only the ends and applying Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil to keep your hair shiny and hydrated.
It’s also a great look for people who want to keep their vacation hairstyles for natural hair simple but well-groomed. It transitions so easily from sightseeing to candlelit dinners.
Soft Blonde Balayage with Signature Waves
This look with its golden balayage and amazing waves is the true meaning of “I woke up flawless.” When you throw on a hot pink zip-up and add a glowing makeup look, it looks confident, updated and perfect for poolside pictures. In fact, it captures the Florida vacation spirit, with a touch of glamour.
Most of the time, I suggest using Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream to keep your curls in place and your color shining. If you’re at the beach in this, don’t forget to apply UV-protectant spray.
If you want vacation hair for curly hair that’s both stylish and sun-kissed, this is the one for you.
Chic Mid-Length Blunt with Subtle Layers
When you have sleek, blunt mid-length hair, you can easily get a model-off-duty look by adding high-waisted joggers and a fitted tank. The bottom is soft, so it’s not too severe and the center section gives it a nice amount of edge. It’s minimal, but the result? Super clean and confident.
If you prefer short hair but want some movement in your vacation hairstyle, this is the one for you. Spray a little R+Co’s Moon Landing Anti-Humidity Spray and use a paddle brush to finish in just a few minutes.
I feel like this cut works in every climate. It’s easy to wear this with swimwear in the daytime and switch to hoops and lip gloss at night and it will still look great.
Textured Beach Curls with Volume
The look with lots of body and curls is what I want when I want to feel both free and a bit wild. It has a hint of 70s glam, yet it’s light and fresh, so it’s great for parties on a roof or a walk on the beach. It’s long enough to feel carefree but not too long to be hard to handle.
For curls like this, I always recommend scrunching with a diffuser and using Ouai Curl Crème for frizz control that doesn’t flatten. Don’t overwork it—let the texture speak.
If you like, you can do this before your vacation so your curls look even better as the days go by. The beach can throw your plans off—but your hair won’t be bothered.
Bold Blonde with Wild Print Energy
A smooth long blonde hairdo and a daring leopard headband look like they were made for a jet set life. The bold, smooth strands, tan color, gold sparkles and big hoops are sure to make a statement — just like you’re ready for a pool party in Miami. It’s confident, golden, and full of that hot-girl-on-holiday mood.
If you want to keep this look perfect, I recommend using IGK’s Good Behavior keratin smoothing serum, especially if you have beachy frizz. The headband also serves two purposes: it covers your head and adds a lot of style.
This style would make my top list for vacation hairstyles for black women wearing wigs or straight wigs — it’s chic, safe and can handle any weather.
Knotless Braids That Radiate Elegance
These neat braids, all silky smooth and with perfect baby hairs, are every bit as fabulous as you’d expect. There’s so much grace and confidence in this look—it’s soft, feminine, and screams effortless beauty. This is the obvious choice for trips that last a long time or weddings at faraway places.
I always advise using a light braid spray such as African Pride’s Olive Miracle, to keep your hair shiny and moisturized. It makes your scalp feel refreshed, especially when you are in the sun or near salt.
This is a favorite hairstyle for black women on vacation and it’s easy to see why. It lasts, protects, and looks fabulous 24/7.
Electric Sleek Ponytail with Baby Hair Art
The precision in cutting her baby hairs and the sharp look of the blue match the elegance of the ponytail. The bright hair and makeup make it feel like a futuristic island party, but on Mars instead. The film runs long, but the way it is made is precise, clear and strong.
I get the glassy look by using the ORS Olive Oil FIX-IT Liquid Gel. It holds the hair in place, but it doesn’t feel heavy or dull which is necessary for summer styles.
You can find this hairstyle in all the Pinterest boards labeled vacation hairstyles baddie and vacation hairstyles for black women easy. It’s both attractive and practical—you can dance with it and your edges are still in place.
Dimensional Brunette Waves That Catch the Light
Wavy hair that’s loose and full with dark brown highlights and layers around the face? Yes, please. Even though this style is a classic, it always looks unique because of its depth and gentle shine. A black off-shoulder top makes the look both comfortable and elegant.
I’d spray a little Ouai Wave Spray on to keep the waves neat and then diffuse only the ends. In fact, the texture improves as the day continues.
I love this style for curly hair that’s short or mid-length, since it’s simple and always looks great in photos.
Undone Beach Volume with Casual Cool
This style is all about that messy-but-make-it-chic energy. The layers in medium length waves make them look easy and full of motion. A white tank and a little bit of wind in the hair? Instant beach bar material. It’s the hair version of having tanned shoulders and a cold coffee.
You can skip the heat and simply air-dry, scrunch with salt spray and you’re set. Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe gives me a nice matte finish without making my hair crunchy.
If you’re looking for a simple beachy wave or a natural style for day two, this is your choice. Low effort, big reward.
Layered Shine with a Breezy Center Part
This soft, layered blowout with a center part is the kind of hair that makes you feel instantly more glamorous — even if all you’re doing is sipping iced coffee near a palm tree. The little flick at the end makes the hair move and the color is bright and sunny without being too noticeable. With a strapless top, this outfit is easy, classy and looks perfect for summer evenings.
I usually recommend taking a round brush and a light volumizing spray like the Color Wow Raise the Root for summer trips. You can get a refreshed look just by touching up your hair in your hotel room.
This style works great for people who want vacation hair that doesn’t take much effort. It’s breezy, but makes an impact.
Polished Bob That Glows at Golden Hour
A chin-length short bob with a slight curve at the ends and a side part is the simplest way to look stylish. Its straight lines and shiny surface make it look new, stylish and ideal for holidays. Consider a brunch on the terrace look — simply add a nice pair of earrings to your favorite dress.
I find it helpful that you can use this with a weave, your own hair or a wig. Just use a smoothing cream (like Davines OI All-in-One Milk) for softness and a bit of control.
Certainly a top pick for short hair styles that are perfect for your vacation from day to night. A touch of red lipstick or a little glow on the skin will make this look your own.
Low Beach Bun with Statement Clip
This low knot is a beach lover’s dream. After smoothing it and pinning it with gold, it becomes classy without adding fuss or fluff. It’s ideal for a day at the beach, whether you’re walking or eating, as it keeps your hair away and your outfit looking good.
I always keep coming back to this because it’s so easy to find and enjoy. I apply a bit of Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil and twist my hair before I go. It stays clean even in the wind.
Natural hair looks great in this style when you want a polished look but don’t want to try too hard. And the accessory? That’s your whole personality for the day.
Slicked-Back Power Waves
Wearing this wet-look hairstyle and dramatic blue eyeshadow is a style that fits the runway and pool-side just the same. The hair at the roots is smoothed back and the rest is left unstyled. It feels edgy, creative, and ultra-confident — like you came to take up space (and why shouldn’t you?).
I use Sebastian’s Wet Look Gel for a precise look and then use a diffuser to make the ends look slightly undone but still intentional.
This one is best for those who like to stand out — and it’s perfect if you’re going for baddie vacation hair or shooting photos during your trip.
Half-Up Clip with Laid-Back Blonde Waves
Loose wavy hair caught with a tortoise-shell claw clip? That’s beach-day simplicity at its finest. It’s a simple look that implies you just threw it on, but it still gives you shape, a bit of softness and the height needed to highlight your earrings. The light blonde waves are relaxed and look like you’ve spent time in the sun and they won’t mess up your outfit.
I also turn to this hairstyle when I need something quick for a trip — it looks great on dry hair, beach waves or hair from the day before. Just clip and done.
If you’re looking for a view or a tasty treat, this bag will be there for you.
