25 Splashy Pool Hairstyles That Will Make Waves This Summer

Summer means pool days, and pool days demand hairstyles that can handle both fun and function.

No one wants to deal with tangled, chlorine-damaged locks or styles that fall flat the moment they hit the water.

You deserve to look fabulous while lounging poolside and to maintain that gorgeous look even after taking a dip.

These 25 pool-perfect hairstyles combine protection with style, ensuring you’ll turn heads whether you’re swimming laps or sipping cocktails.

Ready to upgrade your pool hair game? These styles work for all hair types and lengths, offering something for everyone who wants to make a splash this season.

1: The High Ballerina Bun

This classic never goes out of style for a reason. Sweep all your hair into a high, tight bun at the crown of your head.

Secure with bobby pins and hairspray for maximum hold against splashes. This elegant style keeps hair completely off your neck and shoulders.

The high placement means you can float on your back without your bun getting wet.

2: Braided Crown

Channel your inner goddess with this protective style that looks sophisticated poolside. Start by creating two braids on either side of your head.

Wrap them around your crown and secure with pins. This style works best on longer hair but can be modified for medium lengths.

The braided crown stays put during swimming and protects your hair from chlorine exposure.

3: Double Dutch Braids

These sporty, practical braids offer serious staying power in water. Part your hair down the middle and create two tight Dutch braids.

The inverted braiding technique helps these braids stay intact even during active swimming. They work especially well for thick or curly hair.

Plus, when you take them out later, you’ll have gorgeous beach waves.

4: Twisted Top Knot

This effortless-looking style actually offers serious protection from pool water. Gather your hair at the crown and twist until it begins coiling around itself.

Secure with pins or a hair tie, tucking any loose ends. The twisted nature creates a style that’s more secure than a regular messy bun.

It works wonderfully for medium to long hair and all textures.

5: Sleek Ponytail With Wrapped Base

Elevate the basic ponytail with this chic, water-resistant option. Create a high, smooth ponytail using a strong elastic.

Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic. Secure with a bobby pin underneath.

Apply a lightweight serum to keep flyaways at bay even after swimming.

6: Boxer Braids

These tight, close-to-the-scalp braids offer maximum protection and style. Create two cornrow-style braids from your hairline to the nape.

The technique keeps hair completely controlled during swimming. These work for most hair lengths except very short styles.

They’re particularly great for workouts in the pool.

7: Bubble Ponytail

This playful style adds fun detail while keeping hair managed in water. Create a regular ponytail, then add hair ties every 1-2 inches down the length.

Gently pull the sections between ties to create “bubbles.” This style works best for medium to long hair.

The multiple ties help prevent tangling during swimming.

8: Braided Space Buns

These fun, practical buns offer both style and function for pool days. Part your hair down the middle and create two braids.

Wrap each braid into a bun on either side of your head and secure with pins. The braiding-before-bunning technique creates a more water-resistant style.

This works even for shorter hair that might not stay in regular space buns.

9: Pineapple Updo

This protective style is perfect for curly and coily hair types at the pool. Gather all your hair high on your head, securing loosely with a scrunchie.

The style keeps curls piled on top, minimizing contact with chlorinated water. It also prevents tangles and makes post-pool detangling easier.

Plus, it showcases your beautiful curl pattern.

10: French Braid Ponytail

This hybrid style combines the security of braiding with the simplicity of a ponytail. Start a French braid at your crown, continuing to your nape.

Secure the rest of your hair in a ponytail. This style keeps hair off your face while swimming.

The braided section adds extra security against the ponytail falling out.

11: Twisted Headband Tuck

This vintage-inspired style keeps hair completely protected from pool water. Wrap a scarf around your head as a headband, then tuck and roll your hair around it.

Secure with pins as you go. This protective style works for all hair types, especially those concerned about chlorine damage.

You’ll emerge from the pool with perfectly dry hair.

12: Side Fishtail Braid

This eye-catching style offers both beauty and functionality poolside. Create a deep side part and fishtail braid all your hair over one shoulder.

The intricate weaving pattern helps the braid stay intact in water. This style works best for longer hair.

It transitions perfectly from pool to dinner plans.

13: Half-Up Braided Crown

This pretty style offers a compromise between hair up and down. Braid two sections from your temples and connect them at the back.

Leave the rest of your hair loose or in beachy waves. While not fully water-protected, it keeps hair off your face for swimming.

It’s perfect for those who want to show off their length while staying practical.

14: Twisted Rope Braid Ponytail

This secure style combines twisting and braiding techniques for maximum hold. Create a high ponytail, divide it into two sections, and twist each section.

Then twist the two twisted sections around each other and secure the end. The multiple twisting creates a style that resists coming undone in water.

It works for medium to long hair of all textures.

15: Protective Swim Cap With Cute Scarf

This ultra-protective option offers both function and style. Tuck all your hair into a silicone swim cap, then tie a cute scarf around it.

The cap gives complete protection from chlorine and salt water. The scarf adds style and helps keep the cap in place.

This works for all hair types especially those concerned about color damage.

16: Milkmaid Braids

This sophisticated style keeps all hair secure and off your neck. Create two braids, then wrap them around your head in opposite directions.

Secure with plenty of pins. The wraparound style stays put during swimming.

It works best for longer hair and offers an elegant poolside look.

17: Slicked-Back Low Bun

This sleek, minimal style looks chic while offering water protection. Apply a lightweight gel to wet hair and comb straight back.

Gather at the nape of your neck and twist into a secure bun. This style works with hair’s natural wetness from swimming.

It transitions perfectly from pool to evening events.

18: Braided Bantu Knots

These protective knots offer style and complete protection from water damage. Section your hair and create small twisted knots all over your head.

Secure each with pins or small elastics. This protective style works beautifully for curly, coily, and kinky hair textures.

It completely prevents tangling during swimming.

19: Waterfall Braid With Bun

This pretty hybrid style offers facial protection with elegant detail. Create a waterfall braid along one side of your head.

Gather all hair including the braid into a low bun at the base of your neck. The style keeps hair off your face while swimming.

The braided detail elevates it above a simple bun.

20: Twisted Faux Hawk

This edgy style offers serious hold during active swimming. Create three or more horizontal twists from front to back of your head.

Secure each with pins, creating a mohawk-inspired shape. This style works for short to medium hair lengths.

It stays put during underwater swimming and diving.

21: Braided Top Knot

This secure bun style offers maximum hold for active pool days. Braid your ponytail before wrapping it into a bun at the crown.

The braiding adds extra security against the bun falling out during swimming. This works for medium to long hair.

It transitions well from morning swim to afternoon errands.

22: Side Dutch Braid With Low Bun

This asymmetrical style combines facial protection with secure styling. Create a Dutch braid along one side of your head.

Gather all hair including the end of the braid into a low bun. This style keeps hair off your face while swimming.

The combination of braiding and bunning creates extra security.

23: Four-Strand Braid

This intricate braid offers better water resistance than standard three-strand versions. Divide your ponytail into four sections instead of three.

Follow the four-strand technique for a thicker, more complex braid. The additional strand creates a braid less likely to unravel in water.

It works best for medium to long hair.

24: Mini Buns

These playful buns distribute hair weight for better water resistance. Section your hair into 4-8 parts (depending on thickness).

Create mini buns from each section and secure with pins. The distributed weight makes these less likely to fall out than one heavy bun.

They work for medium to long hair and create a playful poolside look.

25: Twisted Side Ponytail

This asymmetrical style combines elegance with swim-friendly security. Create a deep side part and twist sections of hair as you gather into a low side ponytail.

Secure with a covered elastic. The twisting helps prevent hair from slipping out while swimming.

It works for all hair lengths that can reach a ponytail.

Conclusion

These 25 pool-perfect hairstyles prove you don’t need to sacrifice style for swim functionality.

Pick your favorite, grab your sunscreen, and make waves with confidence this summer!