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When you’re heading out for a sunny, splash-filled lake day, your hair deserves just as much thought as your swimsuit. A lake day hairstyle isn’t just about looking cute—it’s about choosing a style that stays put, dries fast, and handles water, wind, and fun like a pro.
In this article, you’ll find 13 stylish looks perfect for tubing, tanning, or chilling on the dock. You’ll also discover how to choose the right style for your hair type, which accessories work best by the water, and how to fix your hair if it gets wet.
Get ready—you’re about to level up your lake look!
Here are the top 13 lake day hairstyles perfect for summer sun, splashes, and selfies:
Messy Low Bun with a Bandana
Get that effortless lake-ready vibe by tying your hair into a low, messy bun using a scrunchie, then wrap a colorful bandana around the bun’s base. Pull out a few face-framing strands for softness.
This lake day hairstyle is perfect for women with oval or round faces and works great on wavy or straight hair. It pairs beautifully with oversized tees or crochet tops. Pop on waterproof mascara and SPF lip balm, and you’re selfie-ready.
Inspired by Vanessa Hudgens’ boho flair, this easy lake day hairstyle stays put while boating and dries quickly post-swim. Add seashell pins for a beachy twist!
SaveHigh Braided Ponytail
Brush hair up and secure it into a high ponytail. Braid it tightly to keep things wind-proof and chic. Use a shine spray to tame flyaways. This is one of the best lake day hairstyles for long hair, perfect for sporty women and girls who love sleek, feminine looks.
Rock it with a sporty swimsuit or denim shorts. Think Megan Thee Stallion glam: bold, confident, and fun! Pair it with dewy skin tint and a high-gloss SPF balm.
This hairstyle is ideal for heart-shaped faces and thick hair. Bonus: It stays fabulous even after tubing or wakeboarding.
SaveClaw Clip Twist
Twist your hair upward and clip it with a large claw clip—super easy and stylish! Add texture with a bit of salt spray for grip. This lake day hairstyle is amazing for women who want quick and cute styles for lounging or walking the dock.
It pairs effortlessly with flowy cover-ups and oversized sunnies. Add a beachy highlighter for that soft, feminine glow.
Inspired by Alix Earle’s chilled glam, this look suits round or oval faces and works best on straight or wavy hair. Upgrade it with mini braids for flair. It’s humidity-proof and keeps your neck cool, too!
SaveBubble Braids
Section your ponytail with elastics every 2-3 inches to create the trendy bubble effect. Lightly tug each section to fluff. Add a glossy serum for shine. One of the cutest lake day hairstyles, this style suits heart-shaped faces and medium-to-long hair textures.
It pairs fabulously with breezy dresses or crochet cover-ups. Add a visor and waterproof blush for the ultimate glam. Perfect for outdoorsy girls who love a girly twist.
Inspired by Blake Lively’s fun red carpet looks, it’s tubing-approved and won’t tangle in the wind. Add colorful ties for extra fun!
SaveSpace Buns
Split your hair down the middle and twist each half into two high buns. Secure with elastics and scrunchies. Spray with a little hairspray for hold. These easy lake day hairstyles scream fun and flirty, perfect for young women and girls who want playful, feminine energy.
Pair with sporty swimsuits and jelly sandals. A swipe of SPF lip tint and waterproof mascara completes the vibe.
These buns are great for oval and heart-shaped faces with straight or curly textures. Inspired by Sydney Sweeney’s playful style, this look is both adorable and practical on breezy boat rides.
SaveWet Slicked-Back Look
Towel-dry your hair post-swim, then comb back with leave-in conditioner and a shine gel for a sleek, wet-hair look. This lake day hairstyle, short hair option works amazingly well on all face shapes and hair types.
It’s low-fuss and high-style, making it ideal for lakeside lounging or grabbing lunch after a swim. Pair with a swimsuit and denim shorts combo and add a glossy blush.
This sleek look gives off cool-girl vibes à la Kim Kardashian. Add gold hoops or shell earrings for an instant upgrade. You’ll stay cool, stylish, and protected from frizz!
SaveBraided Crown
Braid two sections from either side of your face and pin them across the crown like a headband. Set it with a flexible-hold spray. This feminine, lake day hairstyle is ideal for curly or textured hair and oval faces.
Pair with a breezy sundress and dewy cheek tint. It’s sweet, soft, and stays secure during paddleboarding or kayaking.
Inspired by festival goddess looks from Vanessa Hudgens, this hairstyle is not just cute, it’s photo-ready. Add mini daisies or a floral pin to level up the look.
SaveFishtail Side Braid
Brush your hair over one shoulder and create a fishtail braid. Add texture spray to make it beachy. This lake day hairstyle for long hair is perfect for romantic girls who love a soft, feminine aesthetic. Style with a breezy romper or a crochet top.
Add shimmer highlighter and a coral lip balm for glow. Ideal for heart-shaped faces and long, wavy hair. Megan Thee Stallion’s vacation braid moments are total inspo here!
Add hair rings or wrap a strand with neon string for a trendy twist. Great for keeping hair in place while jet skiing!
SaveLoose Beach Waves
Apply sea salt spray to damp hair, scrunch, and air dry for effortless waves. These cute lake day hairstyles are perfect for oval and round faces with naturally wavy or fine hair. Pair this look with a crochet bikini and oversized sunglasses.
Use a beachy highlighter and peach blush for that soft sun-kissed glow. Inspired by Blake Lively’s iconic waves, this style screams breezy lake hair. Add a claw clip or shell pin for detail. It’s humidity-proof and requires zero heat tools, making it lake-perfect.
SaveHalf-Up Twist with Scrunchie
Take the top half of your hair, twist, and secure with a chunky scrunchie. This easy lake day hairstyle gives you a mix of polish and playfulness. Perfect with denim shorts and a tie-front top. Works well for women with round or oval faces and medium to long hair.
Use volumizing spray for added bounce. Add a touch of shimmer balm and waterproof liner for a fresh face. Think Alix Earle’s effortless TikTok glam. Great for tubing or lounging and keeps hair off your face while looking super cute!
SaveBraided Pigtails
Divide your hair into two sections and create simple three-strand braids on each side. Use colorful elastics for a playful pop. These cute lake day hairstyles are perfect for sporty girls and fun-loving women who want a look that stays put while swimming or paddleboarding.
Pair with a cropped tank and denim shorts. Add peach-tinted SPF balm and a swipe of waterproof mascara.
Inspired by the playful styles of Sydney Sweeney and Alix Earle, these pigtails work on straight or wavy textures and flatter oval and round faces. You can also add beads or a visor for a cool twist!
SaveFrench Braid Into a Bun
Braid your hair down the center, then twist the ends into a low bun and secure with bobby pins. Spritz with anti-frizz spray for control.
This is one of the best lake day hairstyles for keeping hair neat, especially for long lake days full of boating and tubing. Pair with sporty swimwear or an oversized graphic tee. Add a coral blush and glossy sunscreen for the glow.
Great for oval and heart-shaped faces, this look channels sporty-meets-sophisticated vibes. Inspired by Hailey Bieber’s polished braid looks, it’s super protective, feminine, and water-friendly.
SaveMini Braids with Beachy Waves
Add a few tiny braids throughout your loose, textured hair. Use sea salt spray and scrunch for those lake-goddess waves. These lake day hairstyles for long hair are effortlessly boho and super selfie-worthy.
Ideal with a flowy cover-up and shell anklet. Perfect for women who love casual chic and natural beauty. Wear with dewy skin tint and a gold shimmer highlighter.
This look flatters all face shapes and works best on wavy or curly hair. Channel Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella meets Lake Tahoe vibes! Add shell or pearl pins for a soft, stylish touch.
SaveChoosing a Lake Day Hairstyle by Hair Type
Choosing the right lake day hairstyle depends on your hair type, texture, volume, porosity, and frizz level l all of which play a part. If you’ve got curly hair, go for a pineapple bun or two-strand twists to keep your curls high and defined while reducing frizz.
For fine or thin hair, braided pigtails or a messy claw clip twist add volume and dry quickly without falling flat. A bit of salt spray also helps boost texture.
If your hair is thick or coarse, try a twisted low bun or double Dutch braids to manage volume and hold shape all day. Always seal your style with a leave-in conditioner or frizz cream for that soft, lake-ready finish.
What Hair Accessories Work Best by the Water?
When you’re spending the day by the water, the right hair accessories make all the difference. You don’t want your hair slipping out mid-swim or tangling in the wind.
Spiral hair ties are your best friend for a braided pony—they prevent creases and keep things secure without pulling. A waterproof headband is perfect for holding down baby hairs when you’re rocking a slick bun, plus it adds a sporty vibe.
If you’re into a soft, feminine look, wrap a scarf around a crown braid—it protects your scalp and adds a cute, breezy touch. These accessories resist water, enhance comfort, and keep your style lake-ready.
How Do You Refresh or Fix a Lake Day Hairstyle?
Lake days are full of surprises, like your hair getting soaked when you didn’t plan for it. Don’t worry, you can still keep things cute!
- If your hair gets wet unexpectedly, braid it while it’s damp to create effortless waves later.
- Lost volume after swimming? Flip your head, spritz some dry shampoo at the roots, and fluff it up with a travel brush.
- For a quick refresh, twist your hair up with a claw clip—it instantly pulls everything together and looks put-together.
- Keep a mini leave-in spray in your bag for quick hydration, and you’ll be ready to dive back into fun without missing a beat.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve explored these 13 lake day hairstyles, you’re all set to look effortlessly stylish and feel comfortable by the water.
Personally, the space buns and braided pigtails are my favorites—they keep your hair looking fresh and fabulous all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to wear your hair at the lake?
Wear your hair in easy, water-friendly styles like braids, messy buns, or ponytails. These keep your hair off your face, dry quickly, and look cute for a fun lake day.
What was Veronica Lake’s hairstyle called?
Veronica Lake’s iconic hairstyle was called the “peek-a-boo” wave—soft, glamorous waves that elegantly covered one eye, making it a timeless Hollywood classic.
What kind of hairstyle makes you look younger?
Soft layers, loose waves, or gentle curls can make you look younger by adding movement and volume, creating a fresh, lively, and youthful appearance.
What is the best hairstyle to wear when swimming?
Braids, low buns, or sleek ponytails are best for swimming—they keep hair secure, prevent tangles, and are easy to manage before and after getting wet.
