Suns Out, Buns Out: Easy Hair Updos for the Ultimate Summertime Look

The summer is finally here, and it's finally time to embrace the carefree vibes and enjoy our time outside. 

Whether you're headed to a beach party, a weekend brunch, or simply strolling through the sun-kissed streets, we have prepared some easy hair updos that you can do for staying cool and fashionable throughout the summer months.

So, without further ado, let's get right into them:

1. Zulu Knots

Also called bandu knots, zulu knots are a funky but classic alternative to the standard top knot or double-bun.

Allure published an easy tutorial (starting on the 13th slide) on creating summer-ready zulu knots.

You can divide hair into six sections and secure with clear elastics. If you need a little hold, before brushing and dividing the sections spray your brush with a hair spray such as our Freeze Please Hair Finishing Spray.

You then twist each section until it starts to roll into that cinnamon bun-looking shape naturally. Then, secure another elastic and double-secure with bobby pins. And this is how you can quickly do one of these super easy hair updos!

2. Twisted Low-Do

Next on our list of easy hair updos is the Twisted low-do.

This twisted low-do, created and demonstrated by YouTuber Cinthia Truong here, is totally doable and elegant.

Outdoor wedding season, anyone? To recap her video, you'll make sections on each side of your head with the hair closest to your face, then pin the rest together in the back in a slight twist.

Divide that back section into two, and turn each into rope braids. Wrap those braids around your fingers and secure into the crown with a pin. Then you'll twist and pull the two front sections back and pin.

Besides making sure you have hair spray and bobby pins ready, you might also want to consider starting with a base of the hair that's full.

You can either use a root lifter like our Root Werk Root Lifter before blowing out, and/or use a larger barrel curling wand (our Classic Curling Wand with a 32mm barrel, for example) to create fullness before you put your hair up.

You can also gently tug on the hair in each section once it's pinned, to make it softer and more voluminous, as Truong shows in the tutorial.

3. Fishtail Braid

Speaking of awesome and easy hair updos, we can't forget to mention the fishtail braid.

While a fishtail braid might technically be an "updo" in the traditional sense, it has such a fun summertime vibe.

These updo hairstyles for summer look like they might be too difficult to achieve for yourself, but YouTube vlogger and stylist Kayley Melissa created a how-to video for fishtail novices that's very user-friendly. 

Regardless of the length or texture of your hair, braids seem to hold better when it's not fresh-off-a-blowout-clean.

To add some texture and mask any greasy roots so the hair can be slightly dirty for this braid, we'd recommend applying a product like our NuMe Dirty to Flirty Shampoo Aerosol.

4. Double Rope Twist Braids Updo

Our girl, beauty influencer Milabu, always delivers, especially with braids. We particularly like her take on double rope twist braids in this simple tutorial of easy hair updos for summer.

As she demonstrates in the video, you divide your hair into two sections at a diagonal. After tying off one side, start with a front section of hair on the other side then separate that into two sections.

Twist the bottom section toward your face a few times, then the top section away from the face a few times (another option you can play with is twisting both sections the same direction).

You will then pull that bottom section over the top (always over bottom over top with these braids), and work your way down repeating that technique, adding more hair to the bottom and top sections as you go.

Repeat on the other side then pin the ends of the braids in back—or create a small, messy bun and secure with elastics at the end of each braid.

Secure the rope twist braids with hair spray. Our Hottie Alert Shine Hairspray is excelling for setting all styles.

Hair tips for the summer

This summer, we are all about the easy hair updos that makes us keep cool under the hot temperatures! Here are some additional tips to take care of your hair this summer:

1. Start with textured hair

Updos tend to hold better on slightly dirty or textured hair. This means that they are a perfect solution in between washes if you don't want to wash your hair every day in the summer.

If your hair is freshly washed, add some texturizing spray or dry shampoo to give it grip and hold.

2. Embrace the messy look

If there was time to not stress about perfection, it is now! This summer, embrace the messy look without worrying about every single detail - this way, you will not only enjoy a more relaxed and carefree summer vibe, but you will also avoid putting too much tension on the hair which can be damaging for it.

3. Use hair accessories

Cute hair accessories are a perfect addition for these easy hair updos - from pins to scrunchies and hair clips, you can repeat these hairstyles all the time, and yet make them look different each time. 

They will not only help you keep your updo in place, but will also hide any flyaways and add a touch of style to your summer look. Visit the NuMe shop for some of the best hair accessories. 

4. Tease for volume

If you have fine or flat hair, gently tease the roots before creating your updo to add volume and fullness. As a rule of thumb, avoid being too aggressive with it to avoid inflicting damage to your hair.

5. Tease for volume

Use bobby pins and hairpins to hold your updo in place securely. Cross them over each other for better grip, and choose pins that match your hair color for a discreet look.

6. Experiment with different hairstyles

Try various updos, such as messy buns, top knots, braided updos, or twisted styles, to find the ones that suit your hair type and face shape best.

7. Consider your hair length

Not all updos work for every hair length. Look for updo styles that complement your hair length and adapt them to suit your needs.

Conclusion

We hope these looks we'll help you stay cool but still cute this summer. You can also spare yourself the extra heat since none of them styles require using heat tools—because nobody likes to start sweating before they even leave the house.

For more hair ideas, inspiration, and how-to's, find us on Instagram @NuMeHair. Sign up for our NuMe Rewards & Loyalty Program to earn points so that you'll be on your way to achieving gifts, products, tools, and even tickets to exclusive NuMe events!

Looking for more hair inspo? Check it out here & here!

Author: Mary Patterson Broome