10 Vacation Hairstyles For Every Hair Type

Summer vacation can be rough on your hair. Your strands may be dealing with sun exposure, salt water, chlorine, sweat, and product buildup to name a few. In addition to keeping your hair protected with a nourishing hair supplement—and packing vacation hair staples like a hydrating leave-in conditioner and scalp-safe dry shampoo—how you wear your hair on vacation can help, too. 

Updos and braids are a great way to keep your hair tucked away safely from factors like sweat, dirt, and the environment. So from rainbow braids to sexy slick-backs, we’ve got 10 easy, chic vacation hairstyles for every type of hair. 

Table of Contents

    Vacation Hairstyles for Type 1 Hair (Straight Hair)

    The Wet Look
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    A post shared by Make-Up Artist | Brow Stylist (@karina.magneby)

    Photo: Nicole Schneeberger

    Hair & Makeup: Karina Magneby

    If you’ve been shy about this look for everyday life, vacation is the perfect time to give it a whirl. It’s basically mimicking fresh-out-of-the-water hair. You need a hair gel to slick the front back, and for an extra boost (and to keep hair from getting crunchy) you can mix the gel with a bit of leave-in conditioner before applying. Add in some extra hydration by running hair oil through the ends of your hair.  

    Colorful Clips
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    A post shared by abigail crooks (@abigailcrooks)

    Neon is a neutral in summer, right? Grab yourself a brightly colored claw clip and get twisting! You can also go for a neon scrunchie or multi-colored barrettes, but we love the simplicity of a claw-clipped twist with a few piecey layers hanging free.

    Mini French Braid
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    A post shared by Komal | Hairstyle Artist ???? ?Michigan (@im_trendylady)

    If you’re not visiting a hot, sweaty climate but still want to keep your hair out of your face, this mini French braid is simple and elegant. To get the look, create a deep side part, section a large swath of hair, and French braid until you get to your ear. Tie with a clear hair-tie or secure with Bobby pins. Try leaving the section of hair closest to your face free to copy the gorgeous hairstyle above.

    Vacation Hairstyles for Type 2 Hair (Wavy Hair)

    The Wet Low Bun
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    A post shared by Némesis Marie (@nemesismarie06)

    This combo is killer! You can employ all of the hair-hydrating products used in the wet look while also keeping your hair off your back. Make your curls known by leaving a few pieces out in the front and leaving the ends of the bun untucked.

    Scarf Top Knot
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    A post shared by Melissa Frusco (@melissa.frusco)

    A hair scarf (or five) is an essential packing item for summer vacation. You can wear them as a headscarf, headband, or hair-tie for a top knot as seen above. The trick is to secure the top knot with a regular hair-tie first, then wrap the scarf around for the finishing touch.

    Vacation Hairstyles for Type 3 Hair (Curly Hair)

    Loose Side Braid
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    A post shared by Anna Sullivan | Dallas Hairstylist (@annasullivanhair)

    Braids don’t have to be complicated or give you a sore arm. This low, loose side-braid can be achieved in about a minute. Pull hair to the side and loosely braid starting at the nape of the neck. After you fasten the end, gently pull the braids to loosen them even more.

    The Pineapple
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    A post shared by Jazz Of All Trades? (@sojazzaye)

    The pineapple is the curly girl ponytail. You know it, you love it, and you can get the look in the amount of time it takes to put on lipstick. It’s as simple as making a ponytail on the top of your head. For type three hair, there is no better beach or pool hairstyle than the pineapple.

    Vacation Hairstyles for Type 4 Hair (Tight Curls)

    Knotless Rainbow Box Braids
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    A post shared by Tshani Marite – Braids (@tshanimarithe)

    Braids are the name of the game when it comes to protective summer styles for natural hair. The only thing that could make them better? The colors of the rainbow. A sunset gradient of yellows, oranges, and reds could also be extremely on trend for summer.

    Bejeweled Braids
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    A post shared by ♡ ❝??????? ?????❞ ♡ (@shimottey)

    There’s something so romantic about these Dutch braids with little cuffs attached throughout. It’s giving “Ever After” fairy tale hair. The braids can also be twisted into a low bun for an alternate look. Imagine accenting a braided, bejeweled low bun with a sprig of tropical flora?! Vacation hair goals, unlocked.

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