Finding the perfect hairstyles for the pool can completely change your summer aesthetic from a frizzy mess to effortless chic. When the temperatures rise and the humidity hits, you need hair solutions that look incredibly cute while keeping sweaty strands off your neck. Whether you are lounging on a striped chair with a good book or actually diving into the deep end, your pool day look should be low-maintenance and highly photogenic. I have put together a list of practical, stylish options featuring clever claw clips, waterproof scrunchies, and protective braids that survive the splash zone. Let's dive into these easy summer looks so you can spend less time wrestling with your hair and more time soaking up the sunshine.
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How we ranked these: every pool hairstyle below was chosen for real-world fit — practicality, style, value, and how easily it works in a real home. We count down from #12 to our #1 pick, so keep scrolling for the top spot.
12
Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap
Best for: Post-swim drying and minimizing frizz on wet hair.
For the post-swim transition from the pool to the patio, a chic microfiber hair towel wrap is the ultimate lifesaver. Once you are done swimming, wring out your hair and twist it up into one of these ultra-absorbent turbans. Microfiber is incredibly gentle on wet hair, drastically reducing frizz and preventing the breakage that comes from aggressively rubbing with a standard cotton beach towel. Many of these wraps come with a convenient button loop at the back so they stay perfectly in place while you reapply sunscreen, eat a snack, or chat with friends. They come in adorable prints and pastel colors, so you still look incredibly cute and put-together while your hair dries safely and naturally out of the hot sun.
Did you know? Leaving a little bit of your favorite leave-in conditioner in your hair before wrapping it up creates a mini deep-conditioning spa treatment.
Best for: Maximum sun protection and effortless, zero-styling days.
Sometimes the best hairstyle for the pool is simply letting your hair down and throwing on a fabulous wide-brimmed sun hat. However, a sudden summer breeze can easily send your hat flying into the deep end. Opting for a stylish straw hat with a built-in ribbon or leather chin strap solves this problem instantly. Leave your hair in loose, natural waves and let the hat do the heavy lifting of protecting your scalp, face, and colored hair from sun damage. The chin strap adds a chic, utilitarian detail while ensuring your hat stays firmly on your head while you read or sip a frozen drink. This look screams coastal chic and requires absolutely zero hair styling skills, making it the ultimate lazy-girl pool day hack.
Did you know? Tucking your hair behind your ears before putting the hat on helps frame your face and keeps strands from blowing into your lip gloss.
Best for: Thick, heavy hair that needs waterproof, headache-free support.
Spiral coil hair ties, often resembling old telephone cords, are absolute must-haves for a secure, waterproof messy bun. Unlike traditional fabric elastics that soak up pool water and become heavy, these smooth polyurethane coils completely repel water. Gather your hair into a high, loose bun and wrap the coil around it. The unique spiral shape grips the hair firmly without pulling or causing breakage, and it distributes pressure so you will not get a headache while lounging in the sun. They slide easily out of wet, tangled hair without ripping out your strands. Plus, if the coil ever stretches out from holding your thick hair, you can simply drop it in a cup of hot water to shrink it right back to its original size.
Did you know? The smooth plastic material prevents the growth of bacteria that can sometimes happen when fabric scrunchies stay wet for too long.
Best for: Adding a pop of pattern to your outfit and protecting hair from UV rays.
Incorporating a brightly printed silk scarf into a simple low braid instantly transforms a basic hairstyle into a chic, resort-ready masterpiece. Tie the center of a long, skinny silk scarf around the base of your low ponytail, then use the two tails of the scarf as the second and third strands of your braid. Secure the end with a small elastic and let the remaining silk fabric drape beautifully down your back. This not only looks incredibly stylish and romantic, but the silk actually creates a physical barrier that protects your hair from harsh UV rays. Choose a scarf with vibrant tropical florals or a classic nautical stripe to elevate your poolside ensemble. It is an unexpected, creative look that guarantees you will be the best-dressed person at the cabana.
Did you know? You can also tie the scarf around your neck or to your beach tote bag when you are ready to take your hair down.
Best for: Medium length hair and achieving a minimalist, elegant aesthetic.
A sleek tortoiseshell French pin is the secret weapon for achieving an effortlessly sophisticated low chignon. If you want to look like you just stepped off a yacht, this is the tool for you. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a tight coil, tuck the ends under, and weave the two-pronged French pin through the center to lock it against your scalp. It creates a beautifully minimalist look that holds surprisingly well without causing any tension headaches. The tortoiseshell pattern is a timeless classic that matches any swimsuit and looks elevated even when your hair is damp. It is incredibly lightweight, making it a comfortable alternative to heavy clips or tight bands for a relaxing day of sunbathing.
Did you know? French pins distribute the weight of your hair evenly across the twist, preventing the sore scalp feeling you get from tight ponytails.
Best for: Long hair needing wind-proof and water-proof protection.
A braided crown or halo braid is a fantastic protective style for long hair that keeps everything tightly woven and out of the way. By using snag-free clear elastics, you can seamlessly secure the ends without chunky hair ties ruining the illusion of the crown. Part your hair down the middle, create two pigtail braids, and then pin them up and across the top of your head. This style is incredibly secure, meaning you can swim, jump, and lounge without worrying about your hair falling in your face. It also protects your ends from excessive sun and chlorine exposure by keeping them tucked away. When you finally take the braids out at the end of the day, you will be left with gorgeous, heatless mermaid waves for your evening plans.
Did you know? Coating your strands in a leave-in UV protectant before braiding helps lock in moisture and prevents color fading.
Best for: Layered hair, curly hair, and playful summer aesthetics.
Half-up space buns secured with colorful mini jaw clips offer a playful, festival-ready vibe that looks incredibly cute in pool selfies. This style gets the heaviest top layers of your hair off your face while leaving the back flowing free. Part the top half of your hair down the middle, twist each side into a tiny bun on the crown of your head, and snap a few mini butterfly or floral jaw clips around the base to hold them. It is a fantastic option if you have layered hair that always seems to fall out of a traditional ponytail. The mini clips add pops of color and visual interest, making it a fun, youthful look that pairs wonderfully with a crochet cover-up and some colorful beaded jewelry.
Did you know? Criss-crossing two mini clips at the base of each bun provides double the security for thicker hair textures.
Best for: Glamorous pool parties and short bob haircuts.
For a glamorous pool party or a luxury resort day, a slicked-back look secured with oversized pearl bobby pins is stunningly elegant. Start by using a hydrating leave-in conditioner or a dab of hair oil to comb your hair straight back, giving it that trendy wet-look finish while deeply nourishing your strands in the sun. Then, slide three or four large pearl-embellished bobby pins right above your ear to lock the front sections tightly in place. The pearls add a beautiful, mermaid-inspired touch that catches the sunlight brilliantly. This style requires zero heat, works perfectly on damp hair, and transitions flawlessly from a daytime pool lounger to an evening cocktail at the cabana bar. It is the perfect blend of high-fashion styling and effortless summer ease.
Did you know? Using a UV-protectant hair oil to slick back your roots doubles as a deep conditioning treatment while you tan.
Best for: Underwater swimmers and active water sports enthusiasts.
If you are someone who actually swims laps or loves to dive under the water, a waterproof pool scrunchie is a total game changer for your high ponytail. Made from quick-drying swimsuit material like nylon and spandex, these genius hair ties will not get heavy, soggy, or stretched out when fully submerged. Simply brush your hair back into a tight, slicked-back high ponytail and secure it with the water-friendly scrunchie. The smooth fabric will not tangle in wet hair, saving you from a painful post-swim brushing session. It is practical, sporty, and comes in tons of fun neon colors or tropical prints to match your favorite swimwear. This is the ultimate functional accessory for the active swimmer who still wants to look put-together on the pool deck.
Did you know? These scrunchies dry almost instantly in the sun, so you will not be dripping water on your shoulders during the car ride home.
Best for: Managing bangs and absorbing sweat during active pool days.
Channel your inner retro resort queen with a plush terry cloth headband. This is the absolute easiest way to keep baby hairs, bangs, and flyaways out of your face and away from your freshly applied facial sunscreen. Terry cloth is naturally highly absorbent, meaning it acts as a stylish sweatband while you are baking in the sun or playing a competitive game of beach volleyball. Leave your hair down and natural, or throw it into a low ponytail, then slide the thick headband right past your hairline. It gives a nod to vintage nineties styling and looks incredibly cute with high-waisted bikini bottoms. Choose a bright, poppy color like tangerine or hot pink to add a fun, vibrant focal point to a classic black swimsuit.
Did you know? You can toss a terry cloth headband right into the washing machine with your beach towels to keep it fresh.
Best for: Protecting fragile or color-treated hair from breakage.
The high top knot is a timeless summer staple, but upgrading to a pure silk scrunchie elevates the entire vibe while protecting your delicate strands. Chlorine and salt water can make hair incredibly brittle, so the last thing you want is a tight elastic snapping your ends. A silk scrunchie glides effortlessly over your hair, preventing breakage and those annoying ponytail creases. Flip your head upside down, gather your hair at the very crown, twist it into a messy bun, and wrap the silk scrunchie around it twice. It gives off a relaxed aesthetic that pairs beautifully with a sporty bikini or a sleek one-piece. Best of all, if you decide to take it down later for dinner, your hair will still have a soft, natural wave instead of a harsh dent.
Did you know? Silk naturally repels moisture, helping to keep your bun relatively dry if you are just wading in the shallow end.
Best for: Thick or long hair that needs heavy-duty hold.
A classic French twist held by a jumbo matte claw clip is the ultimate summer look. It keeps every single hair securely off your neck, which is exactly what you want when the midday heat hits its peak. To get this look, simply gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it tightly upward, fold the ends down, and secure the entire bundle with a strong-hold claw clip. Opting for a matte, rubberized finish ensures the clip will not slip out of your hands if your fingers are coated in sunscreen or pool water. Plus, it looks incredibly chic paired with an oversized linen button-down cover-up and some cat-eye sunglasses. This style is completely damage-free and takes about ten seconds to execute, making it a staple for any spontaneous swim day.
Did you know? Applying a little sea salt spray before twisting adds grip and texture so the clip stays anchored all day.
Our #1 pick is Matte Jumbo Claw Clip French Twist — thick or long hair that needs heavy-duty hold.. Still, the right choice comes down to your space, routine, and what you value most. Any pool hairstyle on this list is a solid place to start.
Frequently asked questions
How can I protect my hair from chlorine at the pool?
Before jumping into the pool, rinse your hair with clean tap water. Your hair acts like a sponge, so if it is already saturated with fresh water, it will absorb significantly less chlorinated pool water. Following up with a generous layer of leave-in conditioner also creates a helpful protective barrier against harsh pool chemicals.
What is the best way to detangle wet pool hair?
Always use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair. Start detangling from the very bottom of your ends and slowly work your way up to the roots to prevent severe breakage. Applying a hydrating detangling spray or a few drops of hair oil will help the comb glide through chlorine-tangled strands effortlessly.
Are silk scrunchies safe to wear in the pool water?
While pure silk scrunchies are incredible for preventing hair breakage, they are best saved for poolside lounging rather than underwater swimming. Chlorine and harsh pool chemicals can degrade delicate silk fibers over time. If you plan on fully submerging your head, swap your silk accessory for a waterproof, swimsuit-material scrunchie or a plastic spiral coil instead.
How do I prevent my scalp from getting sunburned?
Your scalp is highly susceptible to sunburn, especially along your natural hair part. The most effective protection is wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat or a stylish silk scarf. If you want to leave your head uncovered, gently dab a powder mineral sunscreen or a specialized hair and scalp SPF mist directly along your part line.
