When summer hits full blast, the last thing you want is a heavy curtain of hair plastered to your neck. That flowing mane that once felt so glamorous in the salon chair? Not quite as cute when you’re sweating through your sunscreen. This is where short hair steps in — the true unsung hero of hot, sticky weather.
Short crops are breezy, bold and exactly what your summer routine has been begging for. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, running errands in 90-degree heat, or just trying to survive a rooftop brunch without melting, a cropped cut keeps things cool.. literally and figuratively.
But don’t let the word “short” fool you into thinking you’re stuck with one basic look. Short hair can be flirty, elegant, edgy or all of the above—and with the right shape and a little styling know-how, it actually lasts through all summer shenanigans. Bonus: these styles also tend to require less daily fuss, which means more time enjoying sunshine and less time wrestling with a blow dryer.
Whether you’re ready for a big chop or just a seasonal refresh, these short styles deliver style and staying power. Read on for the seven celebrity stylist-approved cuts to try now.
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7 Short Hairstyles That Stay Cool & Cute in Summer
1. Half Up, Half Down
When it’s too hot to deal but you still want to look put-together, the half-up, half-down style is a total lifesaver. It gets your hair off your face (and out of your iced coffee), while still showing off your cut’s shape and texture. Celebrity stylist Courtney Housner—who has worked with the likes of Gabrielle Ryan, Sheila Carrasco and more—lives for this look in the summer, especially when paired with a little volume and texture. “Throw your hair into a cute half-up with some pieces out in front, and use a pomade or a hair powder for some incredible volume,” she says. It’s the kind of style that feels flirty but unfussy, making it perfect for brunch, a beach day or even more formal events like a bridal shower.
2. Casual Beach Waves
Subtle beach waves are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward summer hairstyle—especially for short cuts that still want to bring the drama. They give off that I just got back from a weekend in Montauk energy without ever stepping foot in the sand. Housner is all about this look when temps rise, instructing to “lightly dampen hair, braid it and leave it in until dry. Then take the braids out and work a curl cream from mid-length to ends” to get the look. For extra lift at the root, blow-dry upward with tension and hit it with a flexible hold spray like Kevin Murphy’s Bedroom Hair. The result? Effortless, cool-girl texture that pairs just as well with linen pants as it does with a poolside spritz.
3. Scrunched Bob
A bob already makes a statement. But adding a scrunched, wet-look texture? Now that gives a fresh, modern twist that’s perfect for summer nights. It’s light, it’s low-effort and it thrives in heat and humidity. Housner loves this style for its simplicity and payoff. To get the look, she recommends you “wet the hair, part it where you want then add a ton of gel—more than you think—and scrunch it into position,” then let it air dry and you’re good to go. If it starts to feel too crunchy, just scrunch it again with your hands to soften things up. It’s an ideal way to add texture (especially for straight hair) without any heat styling.
Related: French Bob Inspiration for Women of Any Age
4. Sleek High Pony
A sleek high ponytail is the perfect summer style when you want to stay cool while still looking put-together. It pulls hair up and off your neck, giving you a fresh, clean silhouette that works for everything from casual days to dressier evenings. Jewell Hingorani, celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Jewell Clip, recommends starting by smoothing your hair into a high pony using a brush to secure it, locking in that sleek appearance with a strong-hold hairspray like Got2b Glued Freeze Spray. For extra drama, clip in a luxury ponytail wrap to add length and a touch of glamour in seconds. Short hair already stands out, but with clip-ins, you can play with volume, length and texture whenever the mood strikes — no commitment, just instant style upgrades perfect for summer’s heat and hustle.
Related: 7 Easy Summer Styles for Short, Curly Hair, According to Celeb Hairstylists
5. The Wet Look
Summer style shouldn’t mean suffering. This is where the celeb-loved “wet look” comes into play. Made famous by Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid and many other trendsetters, this ‘do is tailor-made for short hair that wants to make a statement. To get the style, apply Sexy Hair Hard Up Gel evenly through your hair, comb it straight back with precision, then lock it in place with a blast of hairspray to help it stand up to summer humidity, says Hingorani. The finished look is both polished and edgy—not to mention keeps hair off your face and neck when the temperature climbs.
6. Side-Part Bob or Pixie
Let’s be real, a well-placed part can change everything. And while middle parts might be trending, there’s something so fresh about a side-part bob for summer. It’s effortless but refined, giving short hair instant shape and movement while keeping things cool and light. So whether you prefer a clean, straight part or a subtle zigzag for a little whimsy, this look is endlessly wearable. Housner is a fan of tucking the lighter side behind the ear for a modern, face-framing finish. To keep the shape in place and add a bit of texture, she recommends Highland Glacial Pomade for light to medium hold that never feels heavy. It’s a simple switch that makes long beach days actually feel manageable.
7. Pulled-Back Bun
Some days call for maximum heat relief with minimal effort—and that’s when the pulled-back bun saves the day. It’s clean, classic and gets every strand off your sticky face in the most flattering way. “A high bun cools you off instantly,” says stylist Hingorani, who loves dressing it up with a simple bow for an added touch of elegance. To get the look, apply a firm pomade or gel for grip and control, smooth hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun and pin it in place. Top it off with a ribbon or bow and you’ve got a no-fuss style that you can wear to everything from backyard hangs to summer weddings.
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