5 Simple Poolside Updos For Long Hair

One of the most popular and beloved socially-distant activities this summer has been hanging out by the pool. Whether done safely in a community setting or in your own backyard, chlorine is a staple when it comes to fun in the sun. But the pool can cause problems for people who rock longer strands.

As most people know, hair is challenging to maintain, and pool water doesn’t exactly make for a healthy hair companion. Not to mention, long hair can make summer heat borderline unbearable, making updo styles a much more attractive option in comparison to those famed beachy waves.

Luckily, there are several simple updos that you can create to match virtually any poolside outfit. These 5 looks are styled, comfortable, and simple. They’ll give you enough mobility to splash your worries away while still looking flawless.

Braided and Breezy

This posh hairstyle is as trendy as it is practical. Blake Lively wears a braided ponytail to about half of her red carpet appearances, so it must be chic. But this look is more than just gorgeous, it's also convenient. For one, it keeps all the hair in a tidy braid and entirely away from your face. When that sunset breeze whisps past you, you won't have flyaways bouncing around. And it's easy to execute. All you need are two ponytail holders and some finisher. First, you'll want to pull your locks into a sleek high pony. Use your finisher to smooth back any frizz or baby hairs on your crown. Next, braid the ponytail's length into a tight braid and secure the tip with your 2nd holder. Mist hairspray lightly onto the twist, so each hair stays in place.

Heated Half-Do

If your hair is medium-length, you can probably wear it down without getting it wet while chilling in the pool. But, you're going to want to get that hair out of your face. That's why a half-updo is an excellent option for people with medium-length hair. It's also pretty retro and works perfectly with a vintage swimmy. Achieving a half-do is a breeze. Throw the hair that frames your face into a ponytail while you let the rest of your hair stay loose. The half-do is especially great for someone who enjoys styling their locks with a curler as it allows room for curls. Waves also happen to pair swimmingly with this look.

Relaxed Bun

Comfortable, casual, and very sexy. To achieve a wide-set messy bun, start the same way you would if you were creating a high ponytail. Don’t worry if tendrils and baby hairs fall as you throw your hair up (it adds to the dreaminess of the style). When creating a high ponytail, people normally loop their elastic around their hair around 2-3 times, depending on thickness. When you hit your last loop, stop short. Rather than pulling the hair all the way through, let it sit as a very loose bun. If you’ve got straight silky hair that is likely to fall, go ahead and add another ponytail holder for added security. The beauty of this look is that no matter how many tendrils stray from the safety of the elastic, your look still appears to be intentional.

Poolside Polished

A bun is a simple way to stay chic on a particularly hot day. As we are in the thick of summer, it’s an ideal and elegant choice. To get the perfect sophisticated summer bun, you’ll want to make sure you have an elastic, bobby pins, and styling hair gel. The gel will make a world of difference, as it’ll be used on your crown to eliminate flyaways and frizz. As for the bun, begin by tossing your hair into a ponytail. Next, take the length of your ponytail and wrap it around your elastic. Secure in place with bobby pins, and you’re good to go! Just be sure to dab that sunscreen on the back of your neck and your shoulders as you take in the rays.

Trendy Hat-Tuck

Many people have sun hats, but don’t know how to wear them! Those poor hats spend more time collecting dust in the closet than they do outside. But, tucking your locks into a hat is both practical and sleek. It quite literally tops off any poolside outfit. The trick to tucking is to start with low pigtails. Then, twist each of the pigtails, and use a clip or bobby pin to secure them at the crown. If you’ve got thicker hair, you can start with three sections rather than two. Use multiple bobby pins if you need and enjoy the stylish shade.