17 Summer Hairstyles for Teens with Braids, Ponytails and Waves

Summer is finally here, and it is time to upgrade your look. Being 16 to 19 means balancing beach days with summer jobs and late-night hangouts.

You need styles that stay put while looking effortless. These 17 summer hairstyles for teens with braids, ponytails and waves are designed for your busy, sun-drenched lifestyle.

Whether you have tight coils or pin-straight hair, these looks celebrate every texture. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for your best hair season yet.

1. The High-Volume Bubble Braid Pony

This style is a total game-changer for older teens who want a Y2K-inspired look that actually stays secure. It combines the height of a high ponytail with the playful texture of “bubbles” created by small elastics. It is perfect for those 18-year-olds heading to music festivals or beach bonfires.

To achieve this, start by securing your hair into a sleek high ponytail at the crown. Use clear or colorful elastics every two inches down the length of the hair. Gently tug at the sides of each section to create a rounded, voluminous bubble effect.

This look works exceptionally well on thick hair or extensions, but those with finer hair can use a bit of texturizing spray for grip. It keeps hair off your neck during those humid July afternoons. Plus, it looks incredible in every Instagram photo.

2. Sun-Kissed Mermaid Waves

Mermaid waves are the quintessential 17 summer hairstyles for teens with braids, ponytails and waves choice for a reason. This look is all about that “just left the ocean” vibe that complements every skin tone. It is particularly flattering for 16 and 17-year-olds who want a soft, romantic aesthetic for summer dates.

You can achieve this look using a triple-barrel waver or by sleeping in several tight braids overnight for a heatless version. If using heat, always apply a protectant first to keep your ends healthy. Focus the wave from the mid-lengths down to keep the roots looking natural and flat.

Finish the look with a light mist of sea salt spray to add grit and definition. This hairstyle is effortless and transitions perfectly from a morning at the pool to a late-night movie with friends. It’s a low-maintenance staple for any teen girl’s summer rotation.

3. Dutch Braid Pigtails with Tucked Ends

Dutch braids are a summer essential for the active 16-19 demographic. Unlike French braids, Dutch braids sit on top of the hair, creating a 3D effect that looks bold and athletic. Tucking the ends under at the nape makes it feel more “grown-up” and keeps your hair completely out of the way.

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Divide your hair down the center and braid tightly from the hairline to the base of your neck. If you have long hair, you can leave the tails out or loop them into “bunny ears” for a trendy twist. This style is a favorite for those working summer lifeguard jobs or playing beach volleyball.

This look is also a great protective style for those with natural hair textures. It prevents tangling from the wind and salt water while looking polished. It is a reliable, chic option that lasts for two or three days with minimal touch-ups.

4. Sleek Low Pony with Face-Framing Tendrils

Sometimes, the simplest looks are the most sophisticated for an 18 or 19-year-old. A sleek low ponytail is the perfect “clean girl” aesthetic for summer internships or graduation parties. By adding two slim face-framing tendrils, you soften the look and highlight your facial features.

Start by parting your hair down the middle and using a lightweight gel or pomade to smooth back any flyaways. Secure the pony at the very base of your neck with a silk scrunchie to prevent breakage. Pull out two small sections at the front and give them a slight bend with a flat iron.

This hairstyle is incredibly versatile and works on all hair types, from 4C curls to 1A straight hair. It keeps you cool while looking put-together enough for a summer wedding or a nice dinner. It’s the ultimate “quiet luxury” hair move for older teens.

5. Half-Up Boho Braids with Soft Waves

If you can’t decide between braids and waves, this hybrid style is your best friend. It involves taking the top half of your hair and creating two small accent braids that meet at the back. The rest of the hair is left down in loose, beachy waves for a relaxed, bohemian feel.

This style is perfect for 17-year-olds who love the cottagecore aesthetic or are attending summer garden parties. Use small clear elastics to secure the braids and hide them under the top layer of hair. You can even weave in a few tiny dried flowers or gold rings for a festival-ready touch.

The waves provide volume, while the braids keep the hair out of your eyes during a windy day. It is a great way to show off your length while maintaining some structure. This look is effortlessly pretty and works for almost any casual summer occasion.

6. The “Pineapple” High Pony for Natural Curls

For my 16-19-year-olds with beautiful natural curls and coils, the “pineapple” is a summer lifesaver. This involves gathering your curls at the very front of your head, near the forehead. It allows your texture to spill forward like a crown, showing off your volume while protecting your curls.

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Use a “puff” cuff or a loose satin scrunchie to avoid crushing your curl pattern. This style is excellent for hot days because it keeps the hair completely off the back of your neck. It also helps preserve your curls overnight if you’re heading from a sleepover to a brunch.

Apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining cream before styling to ensure your “pineapple” looks juicy and hydrated. This is a bold, confident look that celebrates your natural beauty. It’s perfect for everything from the mall to the boardwalk.

7. Fishtail Side Braid with Messy Texture

The fishtail braid is more intricate than a standard three-strand braid, making it feel special for an 18-year-old’s summer look. Pulling it to one side gives it a relaxed, asymmetrical vibe that feels very “California cool.” The key to this look is not making it too perfect—messy is better.

Braid your hair loosely to the side, then “pancake” the braid by gently pulling on the outer loops. This makes the braid appear much thicker and more voluminous. It’s a great trick for teens who feel like their hair is too thin for traditional braids.

This style is perfect for a day of shopping or a casual coffee date. It keeps your hair controlled but still looks soft and feminine. If a few strands fall out around your face, just leave them—it adds to the effortless summer charm.

8. Wrapped Scarf Ponytail

Adding a silk or cotton scarf to a standard ponytail instantly elevates your style for summer. This is a favorite for 19-year-olds who want a Parisian-chic look while traveling or exploring a new city. You can use a bright floral print or a classic neutral to match your outfit.

Simply tie your hair into a mid-height ponytail and knot the scarf around the elastic. Let the ends of the scarf hang down and blend with your hair length. If you have waves, the scarf adds a beautiful pop of color and movement to the look.

This is a great way to hide an old hair tie or add volume to a simple pony. It also helps protect your hair from the sun’s UV rays if the scarf is wide enough to cover the top of your head. It’s functional, fashionable, and very “summer in the city.”

9. Double French Braid Space Buns

Space buns are a staple for the 16-19 age group, but adding French braids underneath makes them feel fresh. Start by braiding from the nape of your neck upwards toward the crown. Once you reach the top, secure the remaining hair into two messy buns.

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This style is incredibly secure, making it the top choice for theme park trips or high-energy concerts. It keeps every single hair tucked away so you don’t have to worry about frizz or sweat. It’s a playful, edgy look that shows off your braiding skills.

For extra flair, you can add glitter to your part or use colorful hair pins. This style works on medium to long hair and is a great way to handle “day three” hair when you aren’t ready to wash it yet. It’s fun, functional, and very summer-appropriate.

10. The Waterfall Braid with Loose Waves

The waterfall braid is a sophisticated choice for older teens attending summer formals or graduation dinners. It creates the illusion of hair “flowing” through the braid like water. When combined with soft, ironed waves, it creates a stunning, multi-dimensional look.

Start the braid at one temple and work your way around the back of your head. Every time you cross a strand, drop the bottom one and pick up a new piece of hair next to it. It takes a little practice, but the result is a beautiful, intricate crown effect.

This style works best on straight or wavy hair where the “drops” are clearly visible. It’s a great way to keep hair away from your face while still wearing it down. It’s elegant, timeless, and perfectly suited for the 17-19 demographic.

11. Sleek High Pony with Braided Base

Give your standard high pony a modern upgrade by braiding the base or the tail itself. For a 16-year-old, this adds a bit of “cool girl” edge to a gym or school outfit. It’s about taking a basic silhouette and adding a technical detail that stands out.

You can either wrap a small braid around the hair tie to hide it or turn the entire ponytail into a thick, sleek three-strand braid. Use a bit of hair oil to keep the braid shiny and free of flyaways. This look is very “off-duty model” and works well with sporty summer clothes.

This hairstyle is also great for windy boat days or riding in a convertible. The braid prevents your hair from tangling into a “bird’s nest” in the wind. It’s a smart, stylish solution for the active teen on the move.

12. Micro-Braid Accents with Air-Dried Waves

This look is for the 17-year-old who wants to embrace their natural texture with minimal effort. Simply air-dry your hair with a bit of leave-in conditioner to encourage natural waves. Then, take two or three tiny sections of hair and create “micro-braids” scattered throughout.

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These tiny braids add a bit of “90s grunge” or “boho” flair without requiring a full styling session. You don’t even need elastics for the ends; just backcomb the tips slightly to keep them in place. It’s a very relaxed, low-energy style for long days at the beach.

This style is inclusive of all hair types and is particularly great for those with highlighted or sun-kissed hair. The braids catch the light and show off the different tones in your hair. It’s the ultimate “I woke up like this” summer vibe.

13. Triple Low Bun with Twisted Braids

For an 18 or 19-year-old who wants something unique for a summer job or a family event, the triple low bun is a winner. Divide your hair into three equal vertical sections at the nape. Braid each section loosely and then roll it into a small bun.

This creates a “chignon” effect that looks far more complicated than it actually is. It’s a great way to manage very thick hair that might feel too heavy in a single bun. Secure each bun with bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless look.

This style is very sophisticated and keeps you cool in the summer heat. It also looks great with a pair of statement earrings. It’s a polished choice for a teen transitioning into a more adult, professional summer environment.

14. High Pony with a “Flip” and Soft Waves

This style draws inspiration from 60s and 90s trends, which are currently huge with the 16-19 crowd. It features a high, bouncy ponytail where the ends are flipped outward or curled into soft waves. It’s a high-energy, cheerful look that’s perfect for a summer party.

Use a large-barrel curling iron to flick the ends of the ponytail up and out. To get that iconic “lift” at the base, use two hair ties instead of one. This keeps the ponytail sitting high on the head rather than sagging throughout the day.

This look is very photogenic and adds a touch of “glam” to a casual outfit. It’s a great way for 17-year-olds to experiment with vintage-inspired styles. Pair it with a cute sundress and you’re ready for anything.

15. The “Halo” Braid for Curly Textures

The halo braid (or milkmaid braid) is a stunning protective style that looks like a crown. For 16-19-year-olds with natural curls, this keeps your ends tucked away and protected from summer dryness. It creates a regal, beautiful frame for your face.

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Start a Dutch braid at the nape of the neck and work it all the way around the circumference of your head. If your hair is shorter, you can do two braids and pin them together at the top. The result is a seamless circle of braids that feels very ethereal.

This is a perfect choice for outdoor summer festivals or humid days when you don’t want to deal with shrinkage or frizz. It’s a high-fashion look that feels both traditional and modern. It’s truly a “queen” moment for any teen girl.

16. Pull-Through Braid with Ribbon Accents

A pull-through braid isn’t actually a braid—it’s a series of interconnected ponytails. This makes it much easier for 16-year-olds who haven’t mastered complex braiding yet. Adding a thin ribbon into the mix makes it look custom and high-end for a summer event.

By looping one ponytail through the next, you create a massive, 3D braid that looks incredibly thick. It’s the ultimate “cheat code” for volume. Weaving a ribbon through the loops adds a pop of color that can match your swimwear or summer top.

This style is very sturdy and won’t budge, even if you’re active all day. It’s a modern, creative take on the 17 summer hairstyles for teens with braids, ponytails and waves trend. It’s sure to get you plenty of “How did you do that?” questions.

17. Relaxed Side Pony with Beach Waves

Sometimes you just want a look that feels casual and cozy. A relaxed side ponytail, secured loosely with a scrunchie, is the ultimate “lazy Sunday” summer look. When paired with day-old beach waves, it has a beautiful, messy texture that is very on-trend for 18-year-olds.

Sweep your hair over one shoulder and tie it just below the ear. Leave a few chunky pieces out on the opposite side to balance the look. This is a great style for when you’re hanging out at a friend’s house or heading to a drive-in movie.

It’s low-pressure and high-reward. The side-swept nature of the style is very flattering for most face shapes and looks great with a baseball cap or a sun hat. It’s the perfect way to end our list of summer hairstyles.

How do I keep my braids from frizzing in summer humidity?

Humidity is the biggest challenge for summer braids, especially for teens spending all day outdoors. To combat this, always start with a smoothing cream or a light-hold gel while braiding. Once finished, a quick spray of anti-humidity hairspray or a light application of hair oil can seal the cuticle. For those with natural hair, using a silk scarf at night is essential to keep the braids looking fresh and frizz-free for days.

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What is the best heatless way to get summer waves?

The healthiest way to get those 17 summer hairstyles for teens with braids, ponytails and waves is avoiding hot tools. You can achieve beautiful waves by dampening your hair and putting it into two large Dutch braids before bed. In the morning, unravel them and shake them out—do not brush—for a perfect beachy texture. Another popular “teen hack” is using the belt of a bathrobe to wrap hair around, creating large, heatless curls overnight.

Are these styles safe for short hair?

While some styles like the pull-through braid require length, many can be adapted for shorter teen hairstyles. “Baby braids” at the front of the face or a “half-up” tiny ponytail work beautifully on bobs and lobs. If you have short hair, focus on using texture sprays to create “waves” and using decorative pins to secure smaller sections. For a “ponytail” look, a low “nub” pony with a colorful scarf can be incredibly stylish and age-appropriate for 16-19-year-olds.

Can I swim with these braided styles?

Yes, braids are actually one of the best ways to protect your hair while swimming in pools or the ocean. Tight Dutch or French braids prevent your hair from tangling in the water and minimize exposure to chlorine and salt. Before jumping in, rinse your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner to “fill” the hair shaft. This prevents the hair from absorbing too much pool water, keeping your 17 summer hairstyles for teens with braids, ponytails and waves looking healthy.

Which accessories are trending for 16-19 year olds this summer?

The current trend for older teens is a mix of Y2K nostalgia and “clean girl” minimalism. Look for oversized silk scrunchies, “claw clips” in matte finishes, and colorful butterfly clips for accent braids. Thin ribbons woven into braids are also very popular for a “coquette” aesthetic. For beach days, a classic cotton bandana or a crochet headkerchief adds a vintage touch while keeping your hair protected from the sun.

How can I make my ponytail look thicker without extensions?

If you want that high-volume “Gen Z” pony look, try the “double ponytail” trick. Divide your hair into a top and bottom section; put the bottom half in a ponytail, then put the top half in a ponytail directly above it. This creates the illusion of one massive, long ponytail with double the volume. Teasing the base of the ponytail slightly and using a dry texture spray will also give it that full, “waves” look that is perfect for summer.