7 Easy Summer Updos for Beginners: Stay Cool and Look Gorgeous All Season
Why Summer Updos Are a Total Game-Changer
Can we talk about how summer hair is basically a full-time job? Between the humidity, the sweat, and the constant battle with frizz, keeping your hair looking cute in the heat feels almost impossible. That’s why I’m absolutely obsessed with easy summer updos — they keep your hair off your neck, look effortlessly gorgeous, and honestly take less time than trying to style your hair down.
Whether you’re heading to a backyard BBQ, running errands with your daughter, or just trying to survive a hot afternoon at the park, a good updo is your best friend. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional hairstylist to pull these off. I’ve been doing these styles on myself and my daughter all summer long, and trust me — if I can do them while wrangling a toddler, you can too.
So grab your bobby pins and your favorite claw clip, because I’m sharing 7 easy summer updos for beginners that will keep you cool, cute, and confident all season long!
1. The Classic Claw Clip Twist
Let’s start with the easiest updo in the game. The claw clip twist is giving effortless French-girl energy, and it takes literally 30 seconds.
How to do it:
- Gather all your hair at the back of your head as if you’re making a low ponytail.
- Twist the hair upward in a loose spiral.
- Tuck the ends under the twist.
- Secure with a large claw clip, pressing it firmly at the base of the twist.
Pro tip: Don’t stress about making it perfect — the messier it looks, the chicer it is! Pull out a few face-framing pieces for that relaxed, I-woke-up-like-this vibe.
2. The Sleek Low Bun
This one is my go-to for days when I need to look polished but don’t have a lot of time. Think school pickup meets brunch with the girls.
How to do it:
- Brush your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Use a hair wax stick to smooth down any flyaways and baby hairs.
- Twist the ponytail into a tight coil around the base of the elastic.
- Pin in place with bobby pins or spiral spin pins (they’re a game-changer for holding buns in place!).
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Why I love it: This style works beautifully on both freshly washed hair and second-day hair. Actually, second-day hair holds even better!
3. The Messy High Bun
When it’s 95 degrees and you need every strand off your neck immediately, the messy high bun is your best friend. It’s casual, it’s cute, and it’s basically the unofficial hairstyle of summer.
How to do it:
- Flip your head upside down and gather all your hair into a high ponytail.
- Secure with a hair elastic — don’t pull your hair all the way through on the last loop, leaving a loopy bun.
- Wrap any loose ends around the base and pin if needed.
- Gently pull at the bun to make it fuller and more relaxed.
Beginner hack: If your hair is fine or you want a bigger bun, try using a donut bun maker. It adds instant volume and makes even thin hair look full and bouncy. My daughter loves using the smaller size for her ballet buns!
4. The French Twist
Okay, this one sounds fancy, but hear me out — it’s way easier than you think, and it looks absolutely stunning for summer date nights, weddings, or any occasion where you want to feel a little extra.
How to do it:
- Sweep all your hair to one side.
- Place a row of bobby pins vertically down the center back of your head (this creates an anchor).
- Now take all the hair and roll it inward toward the center, tucking the ends under as you go.
- Pin the roll in place by sliding bobby pins horizontally into the twist.
- Pull out soft tendrils around your face and ears.
Styling note: A light texturizing spray before you start gives your hair more grip and makes the twist hold beautifully all evening.
5. The Half-Up Claw Clip Bun
Not ready to commit to a full updo? The half-up claw clip bun gives you the best of both worlds — hair off your face but still flowing and pretty.
How to do it:
- Section off the top half of your hair (from temple to temple).
- Twist it into a small bun at the crown of your head.
- Secure with a medium-sized claw clip.
- Let the bottom half hang loose — you can add some waves with a quick scrunch if you want!
This style is adorable on literally everyone, and it’s one of my daughter’s favorites because it’s so quick and easy. We do matching half-up buns for our summer outings and I’m not going to lie — it’s the cutest thing ever.
6. The Bubble Ponytail Updo
If you’ve been on social media at all this summer, you’ve probably seen the bubble ponytail everywhere. It’s playful, it’s trendy, and it’s shockingly simple.
How to do it:
- Pull your hair into a high ponytail.
- Add a small elastic every 2-3 inches down the length of the ponytail.
- Gently tug and pull each section between the elastics to create a round “bubble” shape.
- Repeat until you reach the ends.
Make it special: Add tiny flower clips or decorative pins between the bubbles for a summer garden party look. This is also one of the most kid-friendly updos out there — my daughter sits still for this one because she thinks it looks like a caterpillar (her words, not mine 😂).
7. The Double Low Buns (Space Buns’ Sophisticated Cousin)
Space buns got a grown-up glow-up, and I am here for it. Low double buns sit at the nape of your neck and give you a bohemian, festival-ready look that’s perfect for summer.
How to do it:
- Part your hair down the middle.
- Create two low ponytails behind each ear.
- Twist each ponytail into a small bun and secure with pins or small elastics.
- Pull out face-framing pieces and loosen the buns slightly for a relaxed feel.
Mommy-and-me moment: My daughter and I rock matching double buns to the farmer’s market and we always get compliments. It’s one of those styles that looks just as adorable on little girls as it does on grown-ups!
Summer Updo Tips for Beginners
Before you start styling, here are a few essential tips that will make all the difference:
- Start with second-day hair. Freshly washed hair can be slippery and harder to work with. A little natural oil gives your updos more grip and staying power.
- Use a hair wax stick for flyaways. This is my secret weapon for smooth, polished updos without the crunchiness of hairspray.
- Invest in good tools. Quality claw clips, spiral pins, and bun makers make a HUGE difference. Cheap clips break and slip — trust me, I learned the hard way!
- Don’t aim for perfection. The beauty of summer updos is that they’re meant to look effortless. Embrace the imperfection!
- Protect your hair. Even in an updo, UV rays can damage your hair. Look for products with UV protection or wear a cute hat over your style.
🏆 Our Top Picks: Must-Have Tools for Easy Summer Updos
Ready to recreate these looks? Here are the tools and products I personally use and recommend to make summer updos a breeze:
1. Kitsch Medium Claw Clips (2-Pack)
These are hands-down my favorite everyday claw clips. They’re made from recycled plastic, have a strong grip that won’t slip, and come in a classic black-and-tortoise combo that goes with everything. Perfect for the claw clip twist and half-up styles!
👉 Kitsch Medium Claw Clips — $7.99 on Amazon
2. TOCESS Big Hair Claw Clips (8-Pack)
If you have thick hair or just love having options, this 8-pack of large matte claw clips is incredible. Eight gorgeous colors for under $8? Yes, please! The 4.33-inch size handles even the thickest hair with ease, and the matte finish looks so chic.
👉 TOCESS Big Hair Claw Clips (8-Pack) — $7.99 on Amazon
3. Teenitor Hair Donut Bun Maker Set (4 Sizes)
This set includes four different sizes (extra-large, large, medium, and small) plus 20 bobby pins — everything you need for a perfect donut bun. I use the large for my hair and the small one for my daughter’s ballet buns. It makes creating a full, polished bun SO much easier, even for total beginners.
👉 Teenitor Hair Donut Bun Maker Set — $8.99 on Amazon
4. FANDAMEI Spiral Hair Pins (50-Pack)
Forget regular bobby pins — spiral spin pins are the secret to buns that actually stay put all day. You just twist them in, and they grip your hair from the inside. These have non-scratch rounded tips so they’re comfortable all day, and 50 pins means you’ll have plenty for every updo. I always keep a stash in my bag for on-the-go touch-ups!
👉 FANDAMEI Spiral Hair Pins (50-Pack) — ~$8 on Amazon
5. SWEET VIEW Hair Wax Stick & Slick Back Brush Set
This little duo is a summer styling essential. The wax stick tames flyaways, frizz, and baby hairs without making your hair crunchy or greasy, and the slick back brush helps you smooth everything into place. It’s perfect for that polished sleek low bun or anytime you want a clean, put-together look. My daughter calls it the “magic stick” because it makes her hair so smooth! 😊
👉 SWEET VIEW Hair Wax Stick & Slick Back Brush — $8.99 on Amazon
Final Thoughts: Your Best Hair Summer Starts Now!
Summer hair doesn’t have to be stressful, friend. With these 7 easy updos and a few affordable tools, you can look amazing every single day — even when it’s a million degrees outside. The best part is that most of these styles take under 5 minutes, so you’ll have more time for what actually matters: making memories with your family, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying every moment of this beautiful season.
I’d love to see your summer updos! Tag me on Instagram @betsydianna or drop a comment below with your favorite style. And if you want to see video tutorials for any of these looks, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel — I’ve got some fun hair content coming soon! 🎬
📌 Pin this post for later so you always have your summer hair inspo ready to go!