9 Easy and Chic Hairstyles to Keep Cool

Buns and braids and ponytails, oh my! There seems to be a million and one ways to style hair these days. We're never at a loss when all we have to do is simply log onto Pinterest and check out our "Luscious Locks" board. The trouble is, we don't have personal stylists at our disposal and that inverted braid looks pretty tricky -- and we resort back to the flat iron. This summer, we're tired of the same old straightened hair routine every day and are ready to break out of our shell. When it gets hot, hot, hot all we want is to get our hair off the back of our neck. We encourage you to say no to the same boring ponytail you've known how to do since you were 9 and try something new -- it isn't nearly as hard as it looks! Here's 3 different ways to dress your hair up this summer. 

BUNS:

Level 1 - The Messy Bun

This look is a simple one. Forgo washing your hair the morning of a messy bun. Spritz some beach salt spray into your hair, run your fingers through it, and pull it through a pony tail a few times before leaving it half through. Try this style at different heights to change up the look.

Level 2 - The Side Bun

For an easier "level 2" style, brush your hair out and pull it off to the side. Freestyle a bun by twisting and pulling your hair through the elastic until you find a look you like and pin it in place. The best spot to secure a low, side bun is a few inches below your ear along the nape of your neck.

Level 3 - The Sock Bun

The reviews are in and everyone is saying that this hairstyle is easier to do than we all think. Just cut off the tip to an old tube sock and roll it up to create the perfect hair donut. Put your hair up in a ponytail, slide the sock on and then pull it back up to the tips of your hair. While working it back down, wrap and roll hair over the edges of the sock and smooth them out until you like what you see. Voila! Secure hair in place with an extra hair tie.

BRAIDS

Level 1 - The Messy French Braid

Take this elementary school look to the next level. After pulling your hair back into a single French braid, tighten the end of the elastic like you would a ponytail. This will roughen up the braid and give it some volume. Go back through and pull out a few strands of hair here and there to really give it the, "oh, this only took me nanoseconds to do!" vibe. You'll be beach ready in no time!

Level 2. The Fishtail Braid

Learning how to do a fishtail braid will impress all your friends. We've seen the coveted look online a million times and wondered time and time again just exactly how we can make four strands of hair look like that. We'll let you in on a little secret -- it's easy! Check out this easy-to-follow tutorial and give it a go.

Level 3. The Braided Crown

The runways have been braid-crazy recently, and we have been nothing short of impressed with the chic up-dos stylists have been managing to conjure braids. The braided crown is one trend we don't want to miss out on. Part your hair down the middle and fashion a French braid on each side. Then, just pull them up over your crown like a head band and secure in place with a few bobby pins. Turn it up another notch and try this look with fishtail braids!

PONYTAILS

Level 1 - The Low Pony

This style is our level one choice for a reason -- it's a classic and simple look! Let your hair dry straight and then just comb it back. Secure it with an elastic at the nape of your neck. Polish off the look by wrapping a strand of hair around the elastic.

Level 2. The High Pony

Our secret to the long, high pony is actually two ponytails! Pull half of your hair up to the very top of your head and secure it there. Then, take the lower half of your hair and create a ponytail just under the top one. The ponytail will look a lot longer and the one underneath will be hidden.  

Level 3. The Sleek Pony

We love this style for a night out. The sleek ponytail is a timeless look and is perfect to pair with those new black leather shorts. Douse hair with hairspray and then brush it back, pulling it into a tight ponytail. Spray around the crown of your head and run your hands over fly-aways to stick them down and complete your glossy look!