25 Splashy Pool Hairstyles For Women
Summer pool days call for hairstyles that keep you cool and looking fabulous while protecting your hair from chlorine and sun damage.
The perfect pool hairstyle combines practicality with style. You need options that stay put when you dive in but still look Instagram-worthy when you’re lounging poolside.
The right style can prevent tangles and minimize damage from chemicals and UV rays.
Ready to make a splash this season? Try these 25 pool-perfect hairstyles that combine functionality with fashion for your next aquatic adventure.
1: High Braided Ponytail
This classic style keeps hair completely off your neck while looking polished and sporty. The braid prevents tangles that often happen with regular ponytails in water.
Secure your ponytail high on your crown, then braid it all the way down. Finish with a covered elastic that won’t snag or break your hair.
Apply a leave-in conditioner before styling to create a protective barrier against chlorine.
2: Double Dutch Braids
These sporty braids keep every strand secure while you swim and prevent the dreaded post-pool hair knots.
The style distributes tension evenly, preventing headaches during long pool days.
Part your hair down the middle and create two inside-out braids from front to back. Secure each with small covered elastics that won’t catch on your hair.
This style looks equally cute wet or dry, making it perfect for transitioning from pool to lunch.
3: Braided Top Knot
This elevated bun keeps your hair completely off your neck and face while adding style points.
The braided element adds security, ensuring your bun stays intact even during active swimming.
Start with a high ponytail, braid it, then wrap the braid around itself to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins designed for wet use.
This style works particularly well for medium to long hair and keeps your ends protected from chlorine.
4: Twisted Crown Braid
This bohemian style keeps hair secure while looking effortlessly chic at upscale pool parties. The crown placement prevents hair from floating in your face while swimming.
Create two loose braids, one on each side of your head. Bring them up and across the top of your head, securing with pins.
Apply a light styling cream before braiding to help the style hold even when wet.
5: Bubble Ponytail
This playful style adds visual interest to a simple ponytail while keeping hair contained.
The segmented design prevents your hair from becoming one tangled mess after swimming.
Create a regular ponytail, then add elastics every two inches down its length. Gently pull each section outward to create “bubbles.”
The style looks even better slightly damp, making it perfect for pool-to-party transitions.
6: Sleek Low Bun
This elegant option keeps hair completely contained for serious swimming sessions. The low placement doesn’t interfere with the back of your head when floating.
Brush your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape, twist into a bun, and secure with pins. Apply a small amount of anti-humidity gel before styling for extra hold.
This minimalist style complements statement earrings and looks sophisticated for resort poolside dining.
7: Braided Space Buns
These playful double buns keep hair completely off your face and neck while adding a fun, youthful vibe to your pool look.
Divide your hair into two sections, braid each, then twist into buns high on each side of your head. Secure with pins designed for wet hair.
The braided element adds security during active swimming. This eye-catching style looks great in poolside photos and prevents hair from floating in your face.
8: Wrapped Ponytail
This elevated take on a basic ponytail adds style while providing the practicality needed for swimming.
The wrapped section conceals your hair elastic for a more polished finish.
Create a mid-height ponytail, take a small section of hair from underneath, and wrap it around the elastic. Secure with a bobby pin tucked underneath.
Apply a leave-in protectant before styling to shield your hair from chlorine and salt water.
9: Fishtail Side Braid
This intricate-looking braid keeps hair contained while adding visual interest to your pool look.
The tight weave prevents tangles and keeps hair from floating in your face.
Gather your hair to one side and create a fishtail braid from top to bottom. Secure with a small covered elastic that won’t break your hair.
This style actually looks better slightly messy, so don’t worry if it loosens a bit while swimming.
10: Twisted Rope Bun
This secure style combines the benefits of twisting and Bunning for maximum hold during active swimming.
Split your ponytail into two sections and twist them together rope-style. Wrap this twisted rope around itself and secure with pins.
This style works well for both thin and thick hair types and stays put through multiple dives. The rope technique creates a tighter hold than a regular bun.
11: Half-Up Braided Crown
This versatile style keeps your face framed while allowing longer hair to stay cool on your back.
The braided section adds security and prevents face-framing pieces from getting wet.
Take sections from each temple, braid them, and connect them at the back of your head. Secure with pins designed for wet hair.
This partially up style offers the perfect compromise between protection and showing off your length.
12: Nautical Headscarf Wrap
This retro-inspired style keeps hair completely covered while adding vintage charm to your pool look.
The scarf creates a barrier between your hair and harsh pool chemicals.
Twist your hair into a bun, then wrap a waterproof or quick-drying scarf around your head. Tie it securely at the front or side.
Choose bright colors or nautical patterns to enhance your poolside fashion statement.
13: French Braid Pigtails
These secure braids distribute tension evenly across your scalp while preventing tangles. The style keeps hair off your face and neck for comfortable swimming.
Part your hair down the middle and create a French braid on each side, incorporating all your hair as you go. Secure each with covered elastics.
This youthful style works for all hair lengths above the shoulders and stays put through active water sports.
14: Pineapple Up-do
This protective style piles hair high on your head, keeping it dry if you’re wading rather than doing full immersion swimming.
The gathered shape prevents your ends from touching the water.
Gather all your hair at the very top of your head and loosely secure it with a scrunchie. Allow the ends to cascade down naturally.
This style works beautifully for curly hair and prevents unwanted frizz from humidity around the pool.
15: Twisted Side Bun
This asymmetrical style keeps hair elegantly contained while adding visual interest to your pool look.
The twisted technique provides better hold than a regular bun when wet.
Gather your hair to one side at the nape, twist it tightly, then wrap it into a bun. Secure with pins designed for wet hair.
This sophisticated style transitions well from daytime pool to evening resort dining.
16: Braided Headband
This face-framing style keeps flyaway contained while adding a decorative element to your pool look.
The braid creates a natural barrier that prevents hair from falling in your face.
Take a section of hair from behind one ear, braid it, then bring it across your forehead. Secure behind the opposite ear with pins.
Leave the rest of your hair loose or gather it into a low ponytail for versatile pool-friendly styling.
17: Twisted Topknot
This elevated bun sits high on your head, keeping hair completely off your neck for maximum comfort in hot weather.
The height prevents your hair from getting wet during casual swimming.
Flip your head upside down, gather hair at the very top, twist it tightly, then wrap it around itself. Secure with pins in an X formation for best hold.
Apply a small amount of light-hold gel before styling to tame flyaways around your hairline.
18: Four-Strand Braid
This intricate braid creates a secure style that resists loosening even during active swimming. The four-strand technique lies flatter against your head than traditional braids.
Divide a ponytail into four sections instead of three, then weave them following the four-strand pattern. Secure with a covered elastic band.
This impressive-looking braid actually holds better in water than simpler varieties.
19: Bandana Tie-Up
This retro-inspired style completely covers and protects your hair while adding vintage flair to your pool ensemble.
The fabric creates a barrier against chlorine and sun damage.
Gather your hair into a low bun, then fold a bandana into a triangle and tie it over your head. Knot it securely at the nape of your neck.
Choose quick-drying fabrics specifically designed for water activities for best results.
20: Milkmaid Braids
These wrapped braids keep hair completely off your neck and face while creating a feminine, ethereal pool look.
The style distributes tension evenly, preventing headaches during long pool days.
Create two braids, one on each side, then wrap them around your head like a crown. Secure with pins designed for wet hair.
This style works best on longer hair and stays remarkably secure even through underwater swimming.
21: Low Braided Bun
This elegant style keeps hair neatly contained while adding textural interest for upscale pool settings.
The braid-wrapped bun stays secure even when completely submerged. This versatile style complements both casual and formal poolside attire.
Create a low ponytail, braid it, then wrap the braid around itself to form a bun. Secure with U-shaped pins for maximum hold.
22: Side-Swept Fishtail
This asymmetrical style keeps hair elegantly gathered to one side while the intricate braid prevents tangles.
The side placement allows you to keep one shoulder in the water while keeping hair dry.
Gather all your hair to one side and create a fishtail braid from top to bottom. Secure with a small covered elastic.
Gently pull the edges of the braid for a fuller, more relaxed look that’s perfect for resort pool settings.
23: Twisted Ponytail Bun
This hybrid style combines the security of a ponytail with the containment of a bun. The twisted element adds extra hold for active swimming sessions.
Create a high ponytail, twist it tightly, then wrap it halfway around the base. Secure the ends with pins rather than tucking them under for a modern look.
Apply a leave-in conditioner before styling to create a protective barrier against pool chemicals.
24: Boxer Braids with Buns
This athletic style keeps hair extremely secure for serious swimming sessions.
The combination of tight braids and secure buns prevents any hair from escaping during active water sports.
Create two tight Dutch braids from front to nape, then twist the remaining length into small buns. Secure each with covered elastics.
This dual-secured style stays put through diving, water slides, and other high-motion pool activities.
25: Waterfall Braid Ponytail
This romantic style keeps most of your hair contained while adding visual interest around your face.
The waterfall technique creates a decorative element while keeping hair out of your eyes.
Create a waterfall braid along one side of your head, continuing around to the other side. Gather all hair, including the “falling” pieces, into a ponytail.
This pretty style works well for casual pool lounging when you’re not planning on full immersion swimming.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect pool hairstyle balances protection, practicality, and style. With these versatile looks, you’ll make waves with your hair game all summer long!
Choose options that keep your hair secure and minimize damage, while complementing your face shape and personal style.
