Summer is the season of sun, sand, and saltwater, and nothing completes a beach day quite like a stunning hairstyle that holds up through it all. While loose, flowing locks may seem like the go-to choice, beach hairstyles updo styles are rising as the ultimate combination of elegance and practicality. An updo keeps your hair off your neck, protects it from wind and salt damage, and still allows you to look effortlessly polished whether you are lying on the sand or heading straight to a beachside dinner. The best part is that you do not need hours in front of a mirror or a bag full of styling tools. These 12 elegant updo ideas are designed to be easy, long-lasting, and genuinely beautiful from morning waves to sunset.
Why Beach Hairstyles Updo Styles Are the Smartest Summer Choice
When the temperature rises and the humidity sets in, wearing your hair down becomes a battle against frizz, tangles, and the relentless ocean breeze. Beach hairstyles updo styles solve every one of these problems in a single twist or tuck. They keep strands secure, reduce sun exposure to your hair, and eliminate the need for constant touch-ups. Whether you have long, medium, or short hair, there is an updo that flatters your length and texture while keeping you looking summer-ready all day long.
1. The Classic Messy Bun
No list of beach hairstyles updo ideas is complete without the iconic messy bun. Pull your hair into a high or mid ponytail, twist it loosely around the base, and secure with a hair tie and a few bobby pins. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for that effortless, undone look. A quick spritz of texturizing spray adds hold and gives the bun a relaxed, tousled finish that feels right at home on the beach. This style works on all hair types and is done in under two minutes.
2. Braided Crown Updo
The braided crown is one of the most elegant beach hairstyles updo options available. Part your hair down the middle, create two braids from the front of your head, and wrap each one across the top toward the back, securing with bobby pins as you go. This style creates a halo effect that looks intricate but is surprisingly manageable. It keeps every strand off your face and stays intact even in strong ocean winds.
3. Twisted Low Bun
For a look that transitions beautifully from beach to evening, the twisted low bun is your best option. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it tightly, and coil it into a neat bun. Secure it firmly with pins, leaving a few soft pieces around the face for a romantic finish. This style pairs perfectly with a sundress and sandals and holds its shape through hours of outdoor activity.
4. Scarf-Wrapped High Bun
Elevate a basic high bun by adding a colorful or patterned scarf. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun, and wrap a silk or cotton scarf around the base, tying it into a knot or a bow. This beach hairstyles updo idea adds personality and color to your look while also providing light UV protection to your strands. Choose bright colors, tropical prints, or metallic fabrics to match your swimsuit or beach outfit.
5. Fishtail Braid Updo
The fishtail braid is a timeless option that looks far more complex than it actually is. Divide your hair into two sections and alternately cross thin pieces from each side over to the other. Once you reach the ends, coil the completed braid into a low bun and pin it in place. The result is a beautifully textured beach hairstyles updo that holds up against salt air and humidity while looking genuinely stunning in photos.
6. Space Buns with French Braids
Space buns have made a powerful comeback, and when paired with French braids, they become one of the most playful and polished beach hairstyles updo combinations around. Divide your hair down the center, create a French braid on each side from the front, and gather each into a high bun. Secure tightly and smooth any flyaways with a light hold spray. You can even add small shells or glitter clips to enhance the summer aesthetic.
7. Claw Clip French Twist
The claw clip updo is perhaps the easiest beach hairstyles updo you can master. Gather your hair at the back of your head, twist it upward into a loose French twist, and secure it with a large claw clip. Leave a few soft pieces loose around the face for a sophisticated yet casual finish. This style works beautifully on damp hair after a swim and requires no pins or elastic bands beyond the clip itself.
8. Knotted Triple Bun
For a bolder, more editorial beach hairstyles updo, try the knotted triple bun. Divide your hair into three horizontal sections from top to bottom and tie each section into a messy bun. Layer them vertically down the back of your head and secure each with a hair tie and pins. The result is an edgy yet elegant style that stands out on any beach and holds its shape throughout a full day outdoors.
9. Twisted Pigtail Updo
Twisted pigtails offer a fresh and practical spin on traditional pigtails. Part your hair down the center and twist each section tightly away from your face, incorporating new hair as you go down toward the nape of the neck. Secure each twisted section and coil them into small buns at the back. This beach hairstyles updo idea keeps your hair completely controlled on windy days while giving you a clean, polished appearance.
10. Slicked-Back Low Chignon
A slicked-back low chignon is the most refined of all beach hairstyles updo styles. Apply a small amount of hair oil to damp or dry hair, smooth it back tightly from the face, and gather it into a low, sleek bun at the nape of the neck. Twist the ends neatly and secure with pins. This look radiates confidence and sophistication, working equally well for a casual swim or a beachside cocktail party.
11. Boho Half-Up Twisted Updo
For those who prefer to wear some hair down, the boho half-up twisted updo is the perfect compromise. Take the top half of your hair and twist two sections from each side toward the back, securing them together with a pin or a small elastic. Let the rest of your hair fall freely in natural waves. This beach hairstyles updo style is effortless, flattering on all face shapes, and perfectly suited to the relaxed energy of a summer beach day.
12. Shell-Adorned Top Knot
Finish this list with a beach hairstyles updo that fully embraces the summer spirit. Pull your hair into a high top knot and secure it tightly. Then use small decorative pins, shell clips, or pearl accessories to adorn the bun. This simple addition transforms a basic updo into a statement hairstyle that photographs beautifully and feels completely on-theme for a day by the water.
How to Make Your Beach Updo Last All Day
Regardless of which style you choose, a few key practices will ensure your beach hairstyles updo stays in place from sunrise to sunset. Always start with clean, product-free hair or lightly textured hair using a salt spray for better grip. Use strong-hold bobby pins and secure them in a crisscross pattern for maximum hold. Finish every style with a light mist of hairspray and consider a UV protection spray to shield your strands from sun damage. Avoid tight styles on wet hair, as hair is more fragile when saturated with saltwater.
Conclusion
A beautiful beach hairstyles updo is the perfect marriage of style and function. Whether you prefer the polished simplicity of a twisted low bun, the intricate elegance of a braided crown, or the playful charm of space buns, there is an updo on this list that was made for you. Summer is short, and you deserve to spend every beach day looking and feeling your absolute best without spending hours styling your hair. Choose one of these 12 ideas, grab your bobby pins, and head to the shore with full confidence that your hair is ready for whatever the day brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the best beach hairstyles updo for long hair? The braided crown and fishtail braid updo are both excellent for long hair. They keep all strands secured and look stunning while protecting your length from saltwater tangles.
Q2. Can I do a beach updo without any styling products? Yes, many of these styles such as the claw clip French twist and messy bun work well without products. However, a light texturizing spray or salt spray can add grip and help the style last longer.
Q3. Which beach hairstyles updo works best for short hair? The twisted pigtail updo and slicked-back low chignon work well for shorter hair. You can also use bobby pins to create small pinned-back styles that keep hair off the face.
Q4. How do I protect my hair at the beach while wearing an updo? Use a UV protection spray on your hair before heading out. Keep the style loose enough to avoid breakage, and rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to remove salt and chlorine buildup.
Q5. Are beach updos suitable for all hair types? Absolutely. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, there is a beach hairstyles updo that works for your texture. Curly hair looks especially beautiful in braided crowns and messy buns, while straight hair suits sleek chignons and twisted styles.