Iconic Hairstyles
Before You Try These Cute Pool Hairstyles, Here’s What You Should Know | Rainy Day Hairstyles
Pool hairstyles need to balance style with practicality and keep threads safe while still looking cute. Whether you are planning a hairstyle for the beach day or searching for the perfect pool hairstyles, the right style can make the whole difference between constant adjustments and carefree fun.
Swimming hairstyles have evolved beyond the basic ponytail to include creative braids, textured buns, and semi-up styles, protecting your locks from chlorine damage while turning heads at the pool party.
These water-friendly looks work for all hair types and lengths, from short bobs to long curls. The best hairstyles for the pool contain secure elements such as tight braids near the face or crown to prevent wet threads from sticking to your skin, while decorative elements such as colorful scrunchies, colorful scrunchies, or scarves provide personality. Many swimmers appreciate styles that go well from swimming to socializing and look even better when they dry out in beach texture.
Whether you prefer athletic styles that stay under powerful swimming or relaxed waves to relax by the pool, it's a perfect option for any occasion. With minimal products and fast techniques, you can create pool day hair that not only survives splashes and dives but also actually improves your general summer look.
Want to Keep It Healthy? Here’s How
Looking cute is one thing. Keeping your hair healthy while doing it? That’s where the magic happens.
Start with the basics: rinse your hair with clean water before swimming. It sounds weird, but it helps stop chlorine from soaking in. Afterward, wash it out as soon as you can. A gentle shampoo and conditioner go a long way.
And if your ends are looking a little frizzy after a few too many pool days? Throw in a deep conditioner once a week. Hair masks aren’t just for spa nights—they’re survival tools during summer.
Oh, and let’s not forget detangling. Wet hair is fragile. Be kind and use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Yanking at knots after swimming? Nope. Just... don’t.
Poolside Vibes: It’s the Little Things
Sometimes the best hairstyles aren’t about the actual hair. They’re about the vibe. A few cute barrettes and a bold bandana. That oversized sun hat you only break out once a year. These little extras can carry the look—and distract from any hair chaos going on underneath.
And while we’re here, let’s normalize imperfect hair at the pool. Flyaways happen. So does frizz. That wet look? Sometimes it’s unavoidable. Embrace it. You’re not trying to win a beauty pageant—you’re just out to feel good.
➤ Cute Pool Hairstyle Ideas
Double Dutch Braids with Curly Ends
Make two Dutch braids running from the forehead to the neck, leaving the ends loose and curly. This style definitely keeps your hair swimming ready but looks super cute when you jump out of the pool. The narrow braids prevent tangles, while curly ends give a playful, jumping finish.
Beachy Cornrow Braids with Sleek Edges
Cornrows braided close to the scalp with perfectly laid edges create a sleek, water-resistant style that works amazingly at the pool. The tight braids won't come undone underwater, while the smoothed edges maintain your polished look. This protective style lasts for days and transitions perfectly from pool days to night outings.
Bubble Pigtails with Twists
Divide the hair into two pigtails, then make a "bubble" by securing the elastic band below each tail. Add the entire small twist to the additional texture. This fun style keeps underwater and looks cuter even when there is a slight disturbance from swimming.
Side Part with Defined Natural Curls
Embrace your natural curls with a deep side part, and define them using curl cream before swimming. The side makes the volume even when the part is wet. Apply a leave-in conditioner in advance to protect your curls from pool chemicals.
Half-up Ponytail with Long Straight Hair
Pull the top section of your hair into a high ponytail, and leave half of the bottom straight and loose. This simple style keeps the hair out of your face while swimming but still looks easily chic. Half-up technology prevents the heaviness of a full wet ponytail while showing you its length.
Loose Curls with Side Braid
Create a single braid starting at your crown and working around your head, leaving the rest of your hair in loose curls. This romantic style protects a side, allowing your curls to flow freely. The side braid acts as a stylish headband and prevents wet hair from sticking to your face.
Half-up Bubble Braids on Wavy Hair
Take the top section of the wavy hair and make a bubble braid, secure it with either elastic. This eye-catching style combines the practicality of keeping hair out of your face with a trendy bubble effect. The waves add beautiful textures that look really good.
Half-Up Bow Style with Waves
Create a cute hair bun using the top half of your hair, leaving the loose waves down. This girly style surprisingly places well in water and looks adorable in the pool. The bun remains relatively intact even after swimming, while the bottom waves look that perfect tossed, moist look everyone loves.
Loose Half-Up Beach Hair
Just pull back the hair to keep your face clean while leaving most of your hair loose into the beach waves. This minimum styling approach is perfect for a casual pool day when you want that spontaneous look. The small half-up section prevents the hair from falling into your eyes while swimming.
Long Bubble Braid Ponytail
Collect all your hair in a high ponytail, then make "bubbles" down the length using clear elastics placed a few centimeters apart. This statement style keeps all your hair contained while swimming but watching the super trendy pool. The bubbles maintain the shape even when wet, creating a stylish look that turns heads.
Floral Messy Bun Updo
Create a loose, messy bun at the back of your head and secure it with bobby pins, leaving some pieces to fall naturally around your face. Add small artificial flowers or flower clips throughout the bun for a pretty, feminine touch.
High Bun with Natural Texture
This simple style holds the hair up and away from the face and neck while swimming. Just collect the hair at the crown, twist it around, and secure it with a hair tie. The natural texture adds a random beach vibe. It is perfect for both in and out of the water. When wet, it looks slim, and when it dries, it becomes the sweet, messy look that is completely on trend.
Cornrow Front Braids with Long Hair
These tight braids in front keep your hair from falling on your face while swimming. The back stays long and free. Cornrows add a cool pattern that stands out by the pool. This style works for all hair types but looks especially amazing on thick or curly hair.
Low Bubble Braid with Flower Clip
Tie your hair in a low ponytail and add elastic bands every 2 inches to make bubbles. Fluff each section for volume. Add a sweet flower clip for a tropical touch. This style keeps your hair tidy while swimming but looks fancy enough for pool fasteners. The bubbles catch the light when they are wet, making this style super eye-catching.
Beachy Waves with Hair Charms
Let your natural waves shine or create them with a curling iron. Add small hair charms or rings to random threads for sparkle in the sun. This relaxed style works for shorter hair that cannot go into braids or bowls. The charms catch light as you move, making this a prominent pool party.
Tight Braids with Blonde Ends
These braids keep their hair secure while swimming laps. Blonde ends create a cool two-tone effect that pops up when wet. This style lasts for several days, making it perfect for beach holidays.
Double Braided Crown with Loose Hair
Braid small sections on each side of the head and pin them like a crown. The rest of your hair stays down and free. This beautiful style keeps your hair outside your face but still lets you show off your length. It is perfect for those who want to hold some hair down but hate when wet threads stick to the face.
Braided Ponytail with Scarf Wrap
Pull your hair into a ponytail and braid it all the way down. Wrap a waterproof scarf around the base for extra style and safety. This sweet look holds every string in place while swimming. The scarf adds color and hides hair bonds, making this style both practical and super cute for pool days.
Heart-Shaped Rope Braids
Make two rope braids and attach them to a heart shape at the back of the head. This unique style turns heads and keeps your hair sure. It's perfect for Valentine's pool parties or just adding some love to your swimming look. Despite looking complex, it only takes about 10 minutes when you get it.
Twisted Half-Up Beach Waves
Twist sections from each side and attach them to the back, leaving the rest of the hair in loose waves. This half-up style keeps your hair outside your face without the tightness of a full updo. It's great for random pool hangings where you want to look effortlessly sweet while staying comfortable.
Braided Half-Up Style with Waves
Braid two sections from your temples and join them behind with a sweet clip. Leave the rest in waves. This nice look is perfect for pool parties where you take many pictures. The top stays neat while swimming, and the waves get the perfect beachy texture from the water.
Double French Braids into Ponytail
Make French braid both sides of your head and join them in a ponytail. This sporting style is super safe for active swimmers. The braids keep their hair from getting entangled, and the ponytail keeps everything contained. It works on most hair lengths and looks cute with colorful hair bands or scrunchies.
Half-Up Waves with Scrunchie
Pull the upper part of the hair into a high half-ponytail with a waterproof scrunchie. Leave the bottom in loose waves. This simple style only takes seconds but looks composed. The scrunchie adds a pop of color, and the waves get the perfect texture from the water for a real beach baby look.
Side Mini Braids with Loose Waves
Two or three small braids on one side of your head, leaving the rest of their hair in loose waves. This partial braiding technique keeps some hair out of your face while swimming but still gives a casual, beach vibe. Mini braids add interest even after several dips in the pool and hold their shape.
Loose Waves with Side Clip
Attach one side with a pretty clip and let your waves float on the other side. This simple style keeps your hair from your face while showing off your lovely waves.
Braided Crown into Ponytail
Make a French braid along your hairline as a headband, and then collect hairs in a ponytail. This style combines the safety of a ponytail with a braid's beauty. It stays put during swimming, but it looks like you are putting in more effort than you actually did.
Side Braid with Loose Hair
Braid a section along the side of the head and leave the rest loose. This asymmetrical style is both practical and super sweet. A braid keeps your hair from your face when you swim, while the loose side lets you show off your length and texture. It works on all hair types and most lengths.
French Side Braid Ponytail
Make a French braid along one side, then collect all hair in a ponytail. This style combines the safety of a ponytail with the uniqueness of a side braid. It is perfect for swimmers who want something else but still completely functional.
Natural Beach Waves
Embrace your natural texture or layer waves with overnight braids. It is the most low-maintenance option that still looks intentionally styled and perfect pool-fitting.