21 Pool Hairstyles Ideas
You know that moment when you’re at the pool, ready to cannonball in, but your hair has other plans? Yup—suddenly it’s sticking to your face, clinging to your sunscreen, or turning into a frizz-ball straight out of a bad music video.
Been there. Pool days are supposed to be fun, not a constant battle with chlorine, humidity, and hair ties that snap at the worst time.
And IMO, half the fun is choosing a look that says, “Yes, I came to swim, but I also came to slay.” 😉
So, let’s get into 21 pool hairstyles ideas that will save your summer hair game.
1. Classic High Ponytail
The high ponytail is basically the Beyoncé of pool hairstyles—timeless, practical, and just a little bit sassy. It keeps your strands off your neck, looks sleek, and doesn’t take more than 30 seconds.
Pro tip: Use a spiral hair tie to avoid that dreaded ponytail dent. Nobody wants to look like they fought a wrestling match with their elastic after the pool.
2. Messy Bun
Messy buns are a poolside MVP. They’re quick, they’re cute, and no one knows if you spent 10 seconds or 10 minutes on them. Bonus: chlorine and humidity actually help give them that carefree, textured look.
Ever wonder why your bun looks cuter at the pool than at home? Yep, that’s poolside magic.
3. French Braid
A French braid keeps everything locked in place, even if you’re diving headfirst into the deep end. Plus, when you take it out later, hello perfect beachy waves. It’s like getting two hairstyles for the price of one.
4. Dutch Braid
Think of the Dutch braid as the French braid’s cooler cousin. It’s chunkier, stands out more, and looks great in pool photos. If you’re rocking highlights, this braid makes them pop.
5. Boxer Braids
Boxer braids scream, “Yes, I’m here for a swim, and yes, I’m ready for action.” They’re sporty, trendy, and practically indestructible in the water.
The best part? You don’t need to keep fixing them all day—they stay tight until you say otherwise.
6. Half-Up, Half-Down Bun
Sometimes you want your hair out of your face, but you don’t want to commit to a full bun. Enter the half-up bun. It’s playful, flirty, and perfect for lounging poolside with sunglasses.
7. Side Braid
The side braid is casual and romantic—great for when you’re just chilling by the pool with a book. It looks effortless but still gives your hair some structure.
8. Top Knot
The top knot is for those “I didn’t wash my hair, and I’m not planning to” pool days. It’s chic, practical, and makes your cheekbones look 10/10. Add oversized shades and boom—you’re a poolside celebrity.
9. Space Buns
Want to turn heads at the pool party? Try space buns. They’re fun, funky, and make any swimsuit look instantly cooler. Plus, they stay secure even when you’re swimming laps.
10. Low Ponytail
A low ponytail is sleek, understated, and works perfectly if you plan to dip your hair in and out of the water. Just smooth it back with some leave-in conditioner to fight frizz.
11. Scarf Ponytail
This one’s for when you want to add a little extra flair. Wrap a scarf around your ponytail, and suddenly you look like you’re on vacation in the French Riviera—even if you’re just at your friend’s backyard pool.
12. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail looks way harder than it is. Just tie sections of your ponytail with elastics every few inches, and boom—you’ve got a hairstyle that says “fashion blogger vibes.” It’s fun, sporty, and surprisingly pool-proof.
13. Braided Crown
Want to feel like a literal poolside queen? Try a braided crown. It keeps everything away from your face and looks stunning with statement sunglasses. Fair warning: you might be mistaken for someone famous. 😉
14. Side-Swept Waves
Not every pool hairstyle needs 10 bobby pins. Sometimes, you can just go with side-swept waves. Brush your hair to one side, let it dry naturally, and embrace that effortless mermaid look.
15. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is intricate enough to look impressive but surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. Plus, it holds up well in the water and looks even better when it gets a little messy.
16. Double French Braids into Buns
For extra security, braid your hair into two French braids, then twist them into buns. This keeps your hair locked down and looks like a Pinterest dream at the same time.
17. Wet Look Slick Back
Sometimes, fighting the water is pointless. Just lean into it with the slick-back look. Run some leave-in conditioner or hair gel through your damp hair and comb it straight back. It’s bold, simple, and screams confidence.
18. Claw Clip Twist
Claw clips are officially back from the ’90s, and they’re perfect for pool hair. Just twist your hair up and secure it with a chunky clip. It’s quick, stylish, and saves you from juggling 20 bobby pins.
19. Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail is the sweet spot between sporty and chic. Tie your hair into a pony, braid it down, and you’re ready to cannonball without fear of tangles.
20. Pineapple Updo (for Curls)
Curly hair and pools can be frenemies. The pineapple updo keeps your curls high, dry (mostly), and frizz-free. Just gather everything on top of your head with a scrunchie. Bonus: it protects your curl pattern while still looking fun.
21. Flower-Accented Bun
Want to go full poolside goddess? Add a flower or two to your bun. Whether it’s a tropical hibiscus or just a cute fake flower clip, it gives instant vacation vibes—even if you’re three steps from the kitchen.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Pool Hairstyle Fresh
Because let’s be real—chlorine, sun, and humidity love to mess things up.
- Wet your hair first: Your hair soaks up less chlorine if it’s already wet.
- Use leave-in conditioner: Keeps frizz at bay and helps protect from damage.
- Choose the right hair ties: Spiral or fabric ties won’t snap mid-swim.
- Pack some bobby pins: Trust me, they always come in handy.
- Don’t overthink it: Sometimes the messy, undone look is exactly what works best at the pool.
Conclusion
Pool days should be about fun, friends, and floating—not fighting your hair. Whether you go for sleek braids, playful buns, or just a quick ponytail, there’s a pool hairstyle here that will keep you looking cute and comfortable.
Personally, I’m a messy bun girl when I’m diving in, and a scarf ponytail girl when I’m just there to sip lemonade and work on my tan. What about you—are you a braid master or a top knot loyalist?
Either way, next time you hit the pool, you’ll know exactly how to keep your hair game strong. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always the classic poolside baseball cap.
