As relaxing as vacation is, there’s nothing more stressful than vacation prep. There are a million things to do in the days leading up to your big trip, from shopping for clothes and packing your bags to scheduling manicures, pedicures, and waxing appointments. With so much on your plate, the last thing you want to stress about is what hairstyles to wear for vacation—that’s why we’re doing the hard work for you.
We’ve curated a list of 25 low-maintenance hairstyles for vacation that will impress on your next vacation. Whether you’re looking for a protective style you can slay all week or a quick hairstyle you can throw together before stepping out for the night, we’ve got you covered.
The Best Low Maintenence Hairstyles for Vacation
Good hair day by @kristina.manners
Side Part High Ponytail
A ponytail is a quintessential hairstyle for vacation. It’s simple, chic, and everyone can pull one off. Take your ponytail from the beach to the party with a few accessories, a clip-on pony for extra volume and Matrix Vavoom Freezing Spray Extra Hold to lock your look in place.
Good hair day by @jenniifernicolle
Glitter Hair
The best part about hair glitter is that you can pair it with any hairstyle. Style your hair in your go-to vacation hairstyle, and finish your look with a few shakes of hair glitter.
Good hair day by @rosaliekanda
Half-Up Loose Knot
There’s nothing more low maintenance than a hairstyle that doesn’t require any hair accessories. Simply use the length of your hair to create a loose knot to keep the hair up and away from your face.
Good hair day by @rosaliekanda
Afro
Whether your ideal vacation includes lounging on the beach or taking in the city's sights, an afro pairs perfectly with any vacation destination. Keep a bottle of Mizani 25 Miracle Milk on hand to nourish and moisturize your afro.
Good hair day by @lamajbackwards
Comb Coils
We love how these comb curls bring out the texture in this teeny ween afro. Give your texture definition and lasting power with Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel.
Headband
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make your sea-salt curls look chic and sophisticated, pop on a padded headband to take your look from the beach to the lounge.
Good hair day by @alexthaohair
Half-Up Butterfly Clips
Hair accessories like butterfly clips are among the best and most low-maintenance ways to make your hairstyles for vacation stand out. Use a few butterfly clips to strategically clip your hair up and away from your face for a style perfect for an all-night beach party.
Half-Up Twists
Keep your outgrown curtain bangs up and out of your face with this elegant half-up twisted updo. We love that this low-maintenance hairstyle only takes a few minutes to create, but it looks as though you put in a lot more effort.
Good hair day by @cynthiaglam and @laurenridloff
Half-Up Roll Flat Twists
Roll flat twists are one of those styles that looks complicated to create, but we promise once you’ve got the technique down, you’ll be able to do them with your eyes closed. Begin by parting your hair with your desired amount of sections, and tie each section off with a small hair elastic. Working with one section at a time, apply an edge control product like Mizani’s Artful Edges Edge Gel and begin rolling the portion of hair while keeping it flat on your scalp. Continue rolling and grabbing more hair from the section as you make your way down. Secure the twist with a small elastic once you’ve reached the halfway point. Repeat this technique on the remaining sections.
Good hair day by @kgm.hair
Claw Clip Updo
Our favorite ‘90s hair accessory is back and better than ever! Be sure to toss a claw clip into your beach bag to create an on-trend updo in a hurry.
Good hair day by @bycandicejones
Half-Up Bantu Knots
If you love the look of Bantu knots but don’t have the time or the patience to commit to a full head, consider these half-up Bantu knots. Creating a few Bantu knots with the front section of your hair will save you a lot of time without sacrificing style.
Good hair day by @annette_updo_artist
Knotted Scarf Bun
Looking for an unexpected way to incorporate your favorite scarf into a hairstyle? Look no further than this knotted scarf bun.
Good hair day by @sunniebrook
Bubble Braid
If you love the look of a braided ponytail but have yet to master the technique, try this bubble braid. All you need to create this look is a bristle brush, several hair elastics, and a bit of Biolage Professional Finishing Spritz Styling Hairspray.
Good hair day by @sunniebrook
Side Braid
This classic hairstyle has stood the test of time because it’s easy to do and works on any hair texture and type. Simply sweep your hair over one shoulder and create a simple three-strand braid.
Good hair day by @marcelcurlsyouon
Half-Up Hair Clip
Want to create a chic hairstyle in little to no time? Invest in a stunning hair accessory like this pearl-embellished jumbo clip. However you style it, you’ll have a sleek hairdo in seconds.
Good hair day by @ellyciaaaa
Half-Up Mini Claw Clip
Opt for a half-up style if your mini claw clips can’t contain your entire mane.
Good hair day by @hairdotcom
Tucked Behind Ears
There’s nothing better than the effortlessly chic look of casually sticking your hair behind your ears. Don’t leave it up to chance, and ensure you slay the look all day by securing the sections behind your ears with a couple of bobby pins and a hair elastic.
Good hair day by @baileyroseking
Accent Braid
The windswept texture of salty beach waves is the perfect canvas for a couple of accent braids. Stick with one accent braid, or create a few of various sizes throughout your hair for a bohemian look.
Sleek Look Ponytail
The key to a sleek, long-lasting ponytail is a strong-hold hair gel that can withstand the elements. Redken Max Sculpting Gel provides a strong hold with long-lasting style shape memory that doesn’t flake.
Good hair day by @alexislconway
Knotless Braids
Anyone who has had knotless braids knows they’re anything but low maintenance to get installed. But the hours spent in the salon will be well worth it when you don’t have to worry about styling your hair for a few weeks! Knotless braids are staples in hairstyles for vacation because your hair will always look flawless whether you hit the beach, the slopes, or go party-hopping in town.
Good hair day by @kensthetic_
Two-Strand Twist Out
We love a two-for-one hairstyle. Before leaving on vacation, style your hair in two-strand twists. Mizani True Textures Coil Stretch Cream will help to elongate your curls and give your twists a major shine. After a few days, undo the twists for stunningly defined curls.
Cornrows
Cornrows are another protective style we love to wear on vacation. Not only do they look stunning on their own, but they also lay perfectly under wigs allowing you the ultimate versatility on vacation.
Good hair day by @madisonsullivanhair
Casual Curly Top Knot
When it comes to cooling hairstyles for vacation, this top knot is an excellent way to keep your heavy curls off your neck in the island humidity. Warm up some Redken Oil For All Multi-Benefit Hair Oil in your palms before gathering your curls on the top of your head with a hair elastic. Then wrap the length of your ponytail around the base of the hair elastic and secure the top knot with a claw clip.
Good hair day by @nesti_skorupka,
Space Buns
Need a hairstyle for vacation that’s equal parts easy and fun? These space buns are perfect for a music-festival-filled travel itinerary.
Slicked Back Wet Look
Keep the beach vibes going well into the night with this wet look. Once your hair is saturated (but not soaking wet), use a light hold gel like Matrix Controller Gel to set your texture. Allow your hair to dry before walking out of the door, and it’ll look chic and shiny all night long.
Discover more expert-backed advice and product recommendations on Hair.com. Want to visit a professional? Use our salon locator to book a styling appointment near you!
