Best Short Hairstyles for Summer 2018

Flowers are blooming, temperatures are rising, sundresses are making their debut—yep, all signs point to our favorite time of year: summer! The warmer months ahead are something we all probably look forward to all year long. And when it comes to your mane, there are plenty of super-cute hairstyles to try out this season—even if you have a short mane. Keep reading for the seven best short hairstyles for summer, including braids and updos. Grab your hair brush and follow along!

SHORT HAIRSTYLE IDEA #1: MESSY BRAIDED PONYTAIL

Summer is a time to let your hair down (figuratively). Basically, it’s the perfect occasion to rock a new messy hairstyle. Instead of going with your traditional messy bun, we love the look of a messy braided ponytail hairstyle. Equal parts intricate design and relaxed flair, this look is gorgeous when paired with everything from sundresses at brunch to skinny jeans and a blazer at the office. All you have to do is pull your hair back loosely, secure it with a hair tie, and braid it to the ends. Pull a few wisps out to frame your face and you have yourself a super-simple, totally chic new look just in time for the warmer weather.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE IDEA #2: DOUBLE-DUTCH BRAIDED UPDO

As the heat rises this season, getting your hair off your neck can offer some sweet relief. And what better way to get that done than by sporting a braided updo? Simply create a Dutch braid along your hairline from your side part down just past your ear. Then, weave another Dutch braid directly behind it before tying both into a whimsical messy bun hairstyle. Secure it in place with a few bobby pins and a spritz of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold before taking off on a magical summer adventure.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE IDEA #3: HALF-UP WAVY BRAIDS

Braids and beachy waves go together like sand and the ocean come summertime. This look incorporates just enough detail while maintaining a beautiful beach babe vibe that’s not overpowering. To get the look, spray your towel-dried hair with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray before braiding a small section of hair on each side of your head and combining them together behind your crown with a clear mini elastic. Voila! Picture-perfect and pretty easy to boot!

SHORT HAIRSTYLE IDEA #4: HALO BRAID

Forever a classic, a halo braid can help you achieve an angelic look that pairs nicely with just about any wardrobe choice. To create it, part your hair on the side and begin braiding on the side with more hair. French braid along your hairline, incorporating more hair as you go, all the way down to the nape of your neck. Once you reach your neck, braid your strands all the way to the end. Repeat this same process on the other side of your head. Next, to really nail the halo look, pin each braid up and around to the other side of your head. For added romantic charm, pull out a few face-framing strands before finishing the rest of your beauty routine.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE IDEA #5: BOHO BRAIDED UPDO

While we’re suckers for braids all year long, we especially love wearing them come summer. There’s just something about the tiny intricacies of braids that take a laidback messy short hairstyle to the next level. To get this particular look, divide your hair into four sections. For the two side sections, create Dutch braids from your hairline all the way down to your ends. Next, create a fishtail braid and rope braid with the remaining sections. With all four braids in hand, pin them however you like into a bun at the nape of your neck. Be sure to pancake each braid in order to give your boho braided updo as much volume and style as possible. Once everything is pinned in place, spray it with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE IDEA #6: Smooth Roots with slides

You know us, we love a good beauty trend. And, when it comes to the season’s top hairstyles, none are quite as popular as the super simple slides look. Slides, honestly just a fancy name for adorned bobby pins, are an effortless way to take your short hairstyle to a whole new level. To get the look, start with dry hair. Give it a quick spritz of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray to amp up the shine while also giving it a little extra hold. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth out your strands after spraying them down. Section your hair into a middle part and slip two to three slides along your hairline. While you may initially feel like this is too in your face, you’ll be pleased to know that visible bobby pins are all the rage right now. So much so, in fact, that they’re worn by models, celebrities, and everyday it girls alike.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE IDEA #7: Lived-in locks

Beloved by the same girls that are head over heels for no makeup makeup, lived-in hairstyles are all about that effortless chic look. The best part is that the style goes incredibly well with day two ‘dos. To get the look, refresh your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo before using a flat iron to create bends—read: not harsh kinks—in a few sections of your hair. By creating varying textures throughout your hair, you’ll be able to perfectly embrace a realistic, just-rolled-out-of-bed look. And trust, everyone—including yourself—are sure to love it.

Now that you know all the ways you can style short hair in the summer, you might be inspired to actually make the chop. Before getting any old short base cut, check out our article, Best Short Haircuts for Summer 2018. This way your hair will be able to look it’s best when its loose and flowing or when it’s styled into one of the above hairstyle ideas.