22 Refreshing Hairstyles for Swimming: Stylish Looks That Stay Put in the Water
Looking for hairstyles that can handle your next swim? Whether you’re hitting the pool, lounging beachside, or training like a pro, your hair deserves to look good and stay in place.
Screenshot? Nah. Pin it like a pro 📌
In this list, you’ll find 22 refreshing hairstyles made for movement, moisture, and all things water. From sleek buns to braided looks that won’t budge, each style blends function with flair.
No more fussing with frizz or redoing your hair after every splash. Scroll on and find your new go-to look that keeps up with your swim days. Ready to make waves with your style? Let’s get into it.
1. Double Dutch Braids into High Pony
This sleek and sporty hairstyle blends form and function for swim days. Two tight Dutch braids frame the crown, keeping every strand locked in place—even during laps or beach volleyball. They feed seamlessly into a high ponytail, which adds bounce and flair without getting in the way.
This look stays secure in the water while still showing off length and volume. Great for long hair, it keeps things practical but polished. Whether you’re hitting the pool or lounging by the water, this braid-to-pony combo brings just the right touch of edge and effortlessness.
2. Textured Top Knot with Floral Head Wrap
Here’s an easygoing hairstyle that thrives in beach settings and poolside plans. The tousled top knot sweeps hair up and off the shoulders, creating a breathable style that handles water, wind, and sun with ease. Wrapped in a wide floral headband, the look adds personality while keeping flyaways under control.
Loose face-framing strands soften the overall vibe and give the style a carefree finish. It works well with naturally wavy textures and suits any casual swimwear look. Quick to tie up, this bun and band combo blends beauty with simplicity.
3. Sleek Low Twist Bun for Wet Hair
A go-to style when your hair is soaked and the waves keep calling. This low twist bun keeps things tidy without requiring much effort. Pulled back with precision, it hugs the nape securely while showcasing the natural texture of wet strands.
There’s zero fuss—just a clean, streamlined shape that handles saltwater, chlorine, or sunblock without unraveling. The sleekness helps prevent tangles, especially for longer hair. Whether you’re heading into the ocean or laying out with a towel, this bun stays put and looks polished straight out of the water.
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4. Side Dutch Braid with Loose Ends
This relaxed side Dutch braid offers a blend of structure and softness for beachy moments. Starting at the crown and sweeping across, the braid hugs the scalp before trailing into a thick, low-hanging plait. A few strands are gently pulled loose to frame the face, giving it that windswept charm.
It’s a great option when you want your hair out of the way without pulling everything too tight. This braid works well with damp hair too—whether you’re fresh out of the ocean or just prepping for a pool day. Versatile, graceful, and always camera-ready.
5. Playful Space Buns for Kids
This cheerful hairstyle is as fun as it is functional for swimming days. Two messy space buns sit high on either side, giving a playful look that keeps hair neatly tucked away. The center part keeps the style balanced, while the coiled buns stay light and secure—even through cannonballs or water slides.
A few loose curls at the nape add a sweet touch and keep it relaxed. Great for kids with medium to long hair, this style is easy to manage and super cute in or out of the water. It’s swim-ready with a side of whimsy.
6. Classic Twin French Braids
Nothing beats twin French braids when it comes to swim-friendly structure and all-day hold. Braided tightly from the crown down to the ends, this style locks hair in place while you move freely in and out of the water. It minimizes tangling and keeps strands off the face—making it a great choice for active beachgoers.
A few loose pieces in the front soften the look, giving it a casual touch without sacrificing function. Whether you’re surfing, swimming laps, or just relaxing, this timeless braid set delivers clean lines and reliable hold from morning to sunset.
7. Dutch Braided Crown into Low Bun with Bow Accent
This charming hairstyle blends beauty and practicality, especially for kids heading to swim class. Two Dutch braids frame the head in a crown-like shape, leading neatly into a smooth low bun at the nape. The finish is secure and polished, making it easy to fit under a swim cap without tugging or slipping.
A playful white bow dotted with colorful gems adds a cheerful touch, perfect for brightening up any swim day. Not only does the style stay in place during water play, but it also transitions beautifully to post-swim activities without needing a redo.
8. Messy High Ponytail with Face-Framing Layers
This carefree high ponytail strikes a balance between sporty and stylish, making it a reliable choice for a swim day or coastal walk. Pulled back with a relaxed grip, the pony adds bounce while keeping the neck free and cool.
Light strands fall naturally around the face, adding softness and a touch of movement in the breeze. It’s a low-maintenance look that works well with both wet and dry hair. Whether you’re heading for a swim or strolling the boardwalk, this breezy ponytail pairs effortlessly with activewear or beachwear.
9. Loose Twin Braids with Face-Framing Layers
This laid-back braided style pairs softness with control—ideal for long swim days or casual beach outings. Two loose braids fall evenly on each side, allowing movement while still keeping hair from tangling or flying into the face.
The center part adds symmetry, while long face-framing layers give the look a romantic, wind-kissed finish. Unlike tighter styles, these braids offer comfort without pulling too much at the scalp. It’s an effortless pick that works with natural textures and still looks chic after a swim or a sunset stroll.
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10. Messy Double Braids for Beach and Boardwalk
These relaxed double braids offer a sporty, no-fuss option that’s made for movement—on land or in water. Loosely woven from crown to tips, they keep hair out of the face while giving off a casual, sun-kissed vibe. A little texture and frizz only add to the charm, especially after ocean dips or long walks in the heat.
The style holds up through sweat, salt, and swim, making it ideal for active beachgoers. It’s the kind of braid that doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to stay put, and it does.
11. Messy Double Buns with Natural Texture
These high double buns bring all the carefree energy you want for sunny swim days. Set loose and slightly tousled, the buns sit high on each side, letting curls or waves peek out for extra volume. It’s a playful style that doesn’t require perfection—just a quick twist and pin.
The look holds well even after splashing around, and works especially well with thick or naturally textured hair. Flyaways add charm, not chaos. Whether you’re wading in shallow water or just soaking up sun, this style matches the moment with fun and ease.
12. Braided Crown with Wavy High Ponytail
This polished swim-ready look mixes practicality with a little flair. A tight braid sweeps across the crown, acting as a built-in headband while keeping front pieces secured. It leads into a high ponytail full of loose, natural waves that bring texture and bounce.
Face-framing strands soften the edges, giving the whole style an effortless charm. It holds well during laps or lounging, and transitions smoothly from water to hangout. The braid adds grip and control, while the ponytail brings movement and style—perfect for beach days or poolside hangs.
13. Side Dutch Braid into Sleek Ponytail with Yellow Bow
This all-day hairstyle is designed to handle it all—from dance class to swimming lessons. A tight Dutch braid curves neatly along the crown, guiding hair into a secure low ponytail that stays put through every activity.
The style holds well under swim caps and keeps hair out of the face, making it great for busy, active kids. A cheerful yellow bow adds a splash of color and personality, turning function into something extra fun. It’s clean, pretty, and built to last through even the busiest schedules.
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14. Scrunched Top Knot with Textured Headband
This easy top knot is a swim-day essential—quick to throw up, comfy to wear, and cute without trying too hard. Tied with a fabric scrunchie, the bun sits high and relaxed, letting you keep hair off your back while staying stylish.
A soft headband wraps around the crown, holding back flyaways and giving the whole look a cozy, boho vibe. Great for after-swim errands or chill moments by the pool, it holds up even when your hair’s damp. It’s effortless, functional, and fits right into any beachside routine.
15. Tight Cornrows with Braided Lengths
This neat cornrow style is a strong pick for swimming—secure, long-lasting, and low-maintenance. Braids are sectioned with care, following clean lines that hug the scalp and lead into full-length plaits.
The style keeps hair completely tucked away, minimizing frizz and tangling whether you’re in saltwater or chlorinated pools. It’s perfect for protecting natural textures while offering a sharp, confident look.
No need to restyle daily—it holds up across beach days and pool parties with ease. This is a classic protective style that looks sharp and stays practical from start to finish.
16. Curly Textured Pixie Cut
Short, free, and ready for the water—this curly pixie cut brings maximum ease to swim days. The tousled curls give it shape and volume without needing clips, ties, or bands. It air-dries beautifully, holds texture after a dip, and never weighs you down.
No tangles, no bulk—just a lightweight style that lets your natural texture shine. This look is especially great for humid or beachside climates where less fuss is more fun. If you’re looking for something stylish that thrives in and out of the pool, this cropped cut keeps things cool and carefree.
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17. Bubble Ponytail with Soft Tendrils
This bubble ponytail brings a fun twist to a classic style, perfect for adding bounce to your poolside look. The hair is pulled back high and tied at intervals, creating defined “bubbles” that hold shape even after swimming. Soft tendrils are left loose at the front, adding movement and a bit of charm.
The style is lightweight yet secure, making it a smart option for both dry lounging and splashing around. It works beautifully with thick, long hair and looks just as good wet as it does dry—making it swim-approved with a fashion-forward edge.
18. Stacked Bob with Face-Framing Layers
This short and structured bob is a breeze to manage for swim days. With its layered volume and clean shape, it stays stylish even when damp. The length keeps hair off the neck, helping you stay cool whether you’re poolside or waist-deep in water.
The face-framing layers bring softness and movement without the need for clips or ties. It’s a quick-dry cut that looks good without much styling, making it a smart pick for low-effort, high-style swim looks. Simple, fresh, and ready to go from splash to stroll in seconds.
19. Topsy Tail Half-Up Braid with Colorful Beads
This playful half-up style combines function with fun, making it perfect for a first swimming lesson. The hair is gathered into a topsy tail at the crown, then flows into a sleek braid secured with red ties and scattered with patriotic-colored beads.
The style keeps hair neatly controlled while leaving the lower lengths loose for a lighter, breathable feel. It’s simple to fit under a swim cap, and the added pops of color make it extra cheerful for school or pool. Great for kids who want something cute, secure, and easy to manage all day long.
20. Loose Beach Waves with Natural Volume
This tousled, sun-kissed hairstyle captures everything fun about a carefree beach day. Long, loose waves fall with just the right amount of volume, moving naturally with the breeze. There’s no need for heat styling or hairspray—just let the saltwater and sun work their magic.
A few strands naturally fall over the face, adding softness and an effortless vibe. Perfect for those who love to let their hair down, this style thrives in sandy, salty conditions and only gets better as the day goes on. It’s free-spirited, relaxed, and totally beach-ready.
21. Braided Low Bun with Frangipani Flower Accent
This vacation-ready style blends elegance and ease, crafted from tight individual braids pulled into a secure low bun. It’s the kind of hairstyle that handles water, wind, and sun without slipping—perfect for tropical getaways or full days at the pool.
The frangipani flower tucked into the side adds a soft island touch, giving it that dreamy beach vibe. The bun stays firm and compact, keeping braids neatly in place whether you’re floating in the ocean or relaxing under a palm tree. It’s timeless, protective, and radiates relaxed confidence.
22. Side Cornrow Braids with Free Curly Lengths
This fierce and functional style combines the control of cornrows with the freedom of natural curls. One side is tightly braided in clean, neat rows, keeping hair close to the scalp and fully secured. The other side is left loose, allowing soft curls to tumble freely—adding volume, movement, and personality.
It’s a striking look that works perfectly for swimming, as the braided side keeps everything in place while the curls can air dry with ease. This bold mix offers the best of both worlds: protective styling and natural texture on full display.
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Aria Winslow
Zara Montoya, a trailblazing hairstylist and innovative beauty expert, is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of StyleStrands Magazine.
Drawing from her two decades of transformative experience in high-end salons and fashion runways, Zara curates cutting-edge hair trends and timeless techniques.
Her groundbreaking approach to hairstyling has inspired countless individuals to reimagine their personal aesthetic and embrace bold self-expression.
Zara’s guiding principle: Every strand tells a story, and your hair is the most personal canvas of creativity.
