17 Stylish Vacation Hairstyles: Chic and Easy Options for Getaways
Vacation hair should be fun, effortless, and full of charm. Whether you’re beach-bound, city-hopping, or exploring tucked-away gems, the right hairstyle can set the tone for your entire look.
Screenshot? Nah. Pin it like a pro 📌
This curated list of 17 stylish vacation hairstyles brings together breezy braids, tousled waves, and quick updos—all designed to handle heat, humidity, and nonstop photo ops. Each one strikes a balance between looking polished and staying low-effort, so you can spend less time styling and more time enjoying the moment.
Ready to feel fresh, confident, and camera-ready? Let’s get into the hair mood your getaway deserves.
#1. Effortless Beachy Waves with a Salt Spray Boost
You want hair that looks sun-kissed and carefree. Beachy waves deliver that relaxed vibe without much work. Start with damp hair and spritz a salt spray from mid-lengths to ends. Scrunch your hair with your fingers as it air-dries.
For extra texture, twist small sections and let them unravel naturally. This style holds up in humidity and looks better as the day goes on. Pair it with a wide-brimmed hat for a stylish touch. Salt sprays add grip, so your waves stay defined even in ocean breezes. If your hair is fine, use a lightweight formula to avoid crunchiness.
#2. The Sleek High Ponytail with a Hidden Hair Tie Trick
A high ponytail keeps hair off your neck while looking polished. For extra lift, backcomb the crown lightly before smoothing hair into a ponytail. Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic—this adds a luxe finish. Use a soft bristle brush to tame flyaways.
A light mist of hairspray keeps everything in place. This style works for poolside lounging or a night out. If you have layers, apply a bit of gel to slick shorter pieces down. The hidden tie trick makes it look like you spent way more time than you did.
#3. Braided Crown for All-Day Elegance
A braided crown keeps hair secure and looks romantic. Part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids along your hairline. Wrap each braid across the top of your head and pin them in place. Leave some face-framing strands loose for softness.
This style stays put during sightseeing or beach walks. It also hides second-day roots effortlessly. For extra volume, gently tug on the braids to loosen them before pinning. A light-hold spray ensures the style lasts without stiffness. Pair it with hoop earrings for a boho-chic finish.
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#4. The Half-Up Top Knot for Quick Style
A half-up top knot is playful and practical. Gather the top section of your hair into a high ponytail, then twist it into a loose bun. Leave the rest of your hair down for movement. This style keeps hair out of your face while showing off your length.
It takes less than two minutes but looks intentional. Tease the crown slightly before tying for extra height. If you have bangs, let them fall naturally for a laid-back feel. This works on straight, wavy, or curly hair. A texturizing spray adds grip if your hair is too silky.
#5. Low Messy Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
A low messy bun is the ultimate lazy-girl vacation hairstyle. Pull your hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist it into a bun and secure with pins—don’t worry about perfection. Pull out a few wispy pieces around your face and ears for a soft effect.
This style looks great with sunglasses and a bold lip. It also transitions easily from day to night. For texture, rub a bit of pomade between your palms and lightly tousle the bun. The more undone it looks, the better.
#6. The Voluminous Side Braid for Windy Days
A side braid keeps hair tamed in breezy weather while adding a touch of romance. Start by sweeping all your hair to one shoulder. Create a loose three-strand braid, gently pulling on the edges to make it look fuller. Secure the end with a clear elastic or a small scarf for a boho touch.
This style works on second-day hair—the natural oils help prevent frizz. For extra volume, backcomb the crown slightly before braiding. It’s perfect for boat rides, hiking, or exploring coastal towns. The best part? It takes less than five minutes but looks like you put in effort.
#7. Textured Pixie Pins for Short Hair
Short hair deserves vacation style too. Twist random sections of your pixie cut and pin them loosely with bobby pins for a playful, tousled look. Spritz with a light-hold texturizing spray to add grip and movement. Leave some pieces free around your face for softness.
This style keeps hair off your neck while looking effortlessly cool. It’s great for hot climates or spontaneous dips in the pool. If your hair is layered, embrace the natural texture—the messier, the better. Add a swipe of glossy lip balm to complete the carefree vibe.
If you’re looking to frame your face while keeping things travel-friendly, check out these flattering hairstyles for oval-shaped faces.
#8. The Slicked-Back Bun for Poolside Glam
When you want to look polished but don’t want to fuss, a slicked-back bun is the answer. Comb damp hair straight back, apply a strong-hold gel, and gather it into a tight or loose bun at the crown. Smooth down flyaways with a toothbrush sprayed with hairspray.
This style stays flawless through humidity, swimming, or sightseeing. It also elongates your neck, making it ideal for statement earrings. For a modern twist, leave out a few face-framing strands. The high-shine finish gives off major resort-ready energy.
#9. Double Bubble Ponytails for a Playful Look
Channel retro vacation vibes with double bubble ponytails. Divide your hair into two high ponytails and secure each with clear elastics spaced a few inches apart. Gently tug on the sections between the ties to create “bubbles”.
This style is fun, keeps hair secure, and works on all lengths. It’s great for theme parks, beach days, or music festivals. For extra flair, wrap a colorful scrunchie around the base of each ponytail. The bubbles add bounce, making your hair look thicker. A light mist of shine spray keeps everything sleek.
#10. The Headscarf Wrap for Vintage Charm
A silk or cotton headscarf instantly elevates your look while protecting hair from sun and saltwater. Fold the scarf into a triangle, tie it under your hair at the nape, and let the ends drape over your shoulders. Or, wrap it around a high ponytail for a retro pin-up feel.
This style hides unwashed hair and adds a pop of color to simple outfits. Choose patterns that complement your swimsuit or sundress. For extra hold, bobby-pin the scarf in place at the sides. It’s chic, functional, and takes seconds to pull off.
#11. Wavy Lengths with Crown Accent Braids
Sunlight catches every soft wave in this effortless vacation hairstyle. A sleek pair of tight crown braids near the hairline pulls focus while adding structure to the otherwise flowing, glossy strands. The style keeps hair off the face without sacrificing length or elegance.
Loose front tendrils frame the cheeks with ease, creating a flattering profile for warm-weather getaways. Whether it’s a walk along the coast or a golden hour photo moment, this look stays confident and cool.
#12. Half-Up Boho Locs with Rope-Wrapped Topknot
A breezy island backdrop sets the mood for this vacation-ready hairstyle. Thick locs fall freely over the shoulders while a textured half-up topknot adds height and structure. The bun is wrapped with twine for an earthy, handcrafted touch that fits the tropics.
This look strikes a balance between carefree and styled, offering both comfort and flair under sunny skies. Whether you’re sipping fresh juice on the balcony or heading to a beach café, this hairstyle brings ease and character to the moment.
Heading from a getaway straight into work mode? These office hairstyles blend polish with practicality.
#13. Twisted Headband Braid for Effortless Elegance
Create instant polish by transforming a front section of hair into a living headband. Take a thick strand from one temple, twist it back toward your ear, then continue twisting as you wrap it across your crown. Secure behind the opposite ear with bobby pins.
Leave the rest of your hair down or pair with a low bun. This style takes three minutes but looks like you visited a salon. It’s perfect for keeping hair off your face during tropical dinners or sunset cocktails. The twisted detail adds interest while requiring zero styling tools.
#14. The Pineapple Updo for Curly Hair
Curly girls know the pineapple is the ultimate vacation hack. Before bed, gather all your curls into a loose, high ponytail on top of your head using a silk scrunchie. When you wake up, release for instant volume with defined curls.
During the day, keep it pineapple’d to prevent humidity-induced frizz while showing off your curl pattern. For extra definition, apply a curl cream before piling it up. This protective style works for everything from lazy pool days to exploring local markets. Bonus: it prevents neck sweat in hot climates.
#15. The Knotted Ponytail for Quick Glam
Elevate a basic ponytail with strategic knots. Create a high ponytail, then divide into two sections. Tie them in a loose knot, then repeat 2-3 times down the length. Secure the end with a clear elastic. The result looks intricate but takes seconds to create.
This style adds visual interest to straight or wavy hair while keeping it securely in place. It’s ideal for boat excursions or museum days when you want to look put-together without effort. For extra texture, lightly backcomb the crown before tying your initial ponytail.
#16. The Scarf-Wrapped Low Bun for Dinner Ready Style
Transform a simple bun into a vacation showstopper with a silk scarf. Create a low bun, then take a long rectangular scarf and wrap it around the base, tying the ends in a chic knot. Let the tails drape down or tuck them under for a cleaner look. This works equally well on sleek or textured hair and instantly dresses up any outfit.
Choose a scarf with vibrant colors or patterns to complement your evening look. It hides day-old hair beautifully while protecting your strands from restaurant humidity. The wrapped detail makes it look far more sophisticated than a regular bun.
For those planning a holiday vacation in winter wonderlands, explore these playful Christmas tree hairstyles for a bold seasonal statement.
#17. Voluminous Curly Ponytail with Fringe Curls
Vacation days call for styles that bring movement and charm—and this high curly ponytail delivers both. Lush, bouncy curls gather at the crown, while shorter ringlets soften the forehead with a light fringe. The sleek sides add contrast to the texture, keeping things refined yet playful.
This look travels well from a scenic village stroll to golden hour dinners. Paired with a bold floral top and a crossbody bag, it creates a full-on getaway vibe that feels bold and effortless.
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.
