27 Pool Hairstyles That Survive Swimming and Sun

Summer at the pool asks a lot from your hair. Chlorine dries it out, salt water tangles it, and the sun fades color faster than you think. The trick is not fighting the elements but working with them: pick styles that hold up through laps, splashes, and hours of lounging. This list rounds up 27 pool hairstyles that stay put, protect your strands, and still look great in every poolside photo. You may also like our quick braided hairstyles.

The High Sleek Ponytail

A high sleek ponytail is the poolside classic for a reason. Smoothing the hair up and back keeps every strand off your neck and out of the water, and a strong elastic holds it through cannonballs and laps alike. It looks polished with minimal effort, and wet hair only makes it look sleeker. This works for straight, wavy, and relaxed textures, especially long hair. Tip: slick it back with a little leave-in conditioner before you swim so the chlorine sits on product instead of bare hair. For more inspiration, explore our low ponytail hairstyles.

The Loose Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid gives you that intricate, beachy look without much skill required. Two sections woven over each other create a rope-like braid that drapes over one shoulder and stays intact even after a dip. Keeping it loose means water flows through instead of puffing the braid out. It suits medium to long hair and looks lovely on blondes where the woven texture catches the light. Tip: braid it slightly damp and secure the end with a clear snag-free band so it survives both swimming and towel drying.

The Topknot Bun

A topknot gets your hair completely out of the splash zone. Twisting everything into a bun high on the crown keeps the ends dry, which matters if your hair is color treated or prone to chlorine damage. It is fast, unfussy, and looks deliberately chic with a few loose pieces framing the face. This is a great pick for thick or heavy hair that needs weight off the neck in the heat. Tip: skip metal pins near the pool; use a fabric scrunchie and spin pins so nothing rusts or snags.

Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids are basically swim-proof. Braiding close to the scalp locks everything down so hair cannot whip around in the water or tangle into a mat. They also look great wet and keep drying into a neat finish, which means you go from pool to lunch without a touch-up. This style shines on thick, coarse, or long hair and is a favorite for kids and adults alike. Tip: add a touch of styling cream along the part before braiding to keep flyaways flat once the sun dries everything. See also our half-up half-down hairstyles for more ideas.

The Low Messy Bun

The low messy bun is the low-maintenance hero of pool days. Gathering hair at the nape and twisting it into a soft knot keeps it off your back while still looking relaxed and pretty. A little messiness is the whole point, so humidity and water only improve it. It suits shoulder-length to long hair, and sun-kissed highlights look gorgeous against the water. Tip: leave it slightly loose so it does not pull when hair swells with moisture, and rinse it with fresh water before you swim to limit chlorine absorption.

The Braided Crown

A braided crown wraps your hair into a circle around your head, which means not a single strand is hanging into the pool or sticking to sunscreened shoulders. It reads elegant but is genuinely practical, keeping everything contained for hours. This is ideal for medium-length hair that is too short for a ponytail to survive swimming. Tip: braid it snug and pin with coated bobby pins; after your swim, the waves you unwrap make a beautiful second look for the evening.

The High Braided Ponytail

Take the classic high pony and braid it, and you get a style that laughs at water. The braid keeps the length contained so it does not slap against your back when you dive, and it dries into defined waves you can undo later. It is sporty, youthful, and photographs beautifully in motion. Long, thick hair works best here. Tip: secure the base with two elastics stacked together for extra hold, and mist the braid with a detangling spray once you are out so it unravels without knots.

The Sleek Low Bun

Parted in the middle and smoothed into a low bun, this style is minimalism at its best. Every strand is controlled, so wind, water, and humidity have nothing to grab onto. It looks sophisticated enough to carry you from a resort pool straight to dinner. Fine to medium hair does this best since it lies flat easily. Tip: run a light oil through the lengths before pinning; it seals the cuticle against chlorine and gives the bun that polished, glassy finish even after hours in the sun.

The Side French Braid

A French braid swept to one side keeps hair neatly contained while looking softer than twin braids. Starting at the hairline and working down over the shoulder, it protects the length from tangling in the water and looks romantic once it dries. Medium to long hair works well, and auburn or brunette tones show off the woven detail nicely. Tip: pancake the braid gently by pulling at the edges for a fuller look, and tie it off with a band that matches your swimsuit for a pulled-together finish.

The Wet-Look Slicked-Back Style

Why fight wet hair when you can style it? Comb everything straight back with a bit of gel or leave-in cream and you get an editorial, high-fashion look that only gets better as the day goes on. There is no elastic to slip and no braid to undo; it is just hair, water, and confidence. This suits all hair lengths past the chin and all textures. Tip: use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product evenly and re-wet and re-slick after each swim so the look stays intentional instead of frizzy.

Double Space Buns

Double space buns split your hair into two high knots, which keeps everything balanced and completely off your neck. They are playful and fun, hold through flips and dives, and give off major summer energy in photos. This works for medium to long hair and looks especially cute on thicker textures that give the buns volume. Tip: twist each section before wrapping so the buns stay compact, and anchor with a small elastic at the base so they do not loosen once the hair gets wet.

The Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid lets strands cascade through a horizontal braid, creating a gorgeous draped effect that suits a slow pool day more than a hard swim session. It keeps the top of your hair controlled while the flowing ends move beautifully in the breeze. Long, wavy hair shows this off best. Tip: this one is for lounging rather than laps, so pair it with a pre-swim rinse and a UV hair mist; pin the ends up if you decide to jump in so the braid does not unravel.

The Twisted Headband Updo

Twisting sections of hair back from the face and pinning them into a soft updo is perfect for shorter hair that will not stay in a ponytail. It keeps strands out of your eyes while you float, and the twist detail looks polished without any braiding skill. Short to medium lengths, especially bobs and lobs, wear this beautifully. Tip: work with slightly damp hair so the twists grip better, and finish with a flexible-hold spray so humidity does not undo your work by the afternoon.

The Chunky Rope Braid

A rope braid is made by twisting two sections around each other, which is easier than a three-strand braid but looks just as striking. The twisted structure holds up well in water because it tightens rather than loosens when it gets wet. Long, thick hair gives you the best chunky result. Tip: apply a little smoothing cream to each section before twisting to keep the surface sleek, and tie the end tightly since rope braids like to unwind as they dry.

The High Messy Ponytail

The high messy ponytail is all attitude: gathered high with texture and flyaways left free, it looks like summer itself. It keeps hair off your face and neck while the loose finish hides frizz instead of fighting it. Thick or layered hair gives it the best volume. Tip: tease the crown lightly before gathering for lift that lasts through the day, and wrap a small strand around the elastic to hide it; secure with a pin so it stays put when you dive.

The Bubble Braid Ponytail

Bubble braids turn a plain ponytail into a statement by adding small bands down the length and puffing each section. They are genuinely swim friendly because each banded section holds its shape in water, and the style looks the same wet or dry. Medium to long hair works best. Tip: space the bands evenly and tug each bubble gently for fullness; use fabric-covered elastics so they do not snag when you slide them out of chlorine-damp hair later.

The Low Side Ponytail

Swept over one shoulder, the low side ponytail is relaxed and pretty while keeping hair contained enough for poolside lounging. Soft waves give it movement, and it is easy to flip to the other side or braid quickly if you jump in. This suits medium to long wavy hair and looks effortlessly elegant in the sun. Tip: secure it loosely so the elastic does not dent damp hair, and scrunch in a curl cream after swimming to revive the waves without heat.

The Halo Braid Updo

The halo braid circles your whole head, tucking every bit of hair away in one continuous braid. It is one of the most secure updos you can wear to the pool: nothing hangs loose to tangle, and it survives diving, floating, and toweling. Medium to long hair works, and it looks stunning on blondes in bright light. Tip: braid it damp for maximum grip, pin the tail underneath, and mist with a UV protectant since the braid exposes hair to direct sun all day.

The Textured Pixie Cut

A textured pixie is the ultimate wash-and-go pool hairstyle. There is nothing to pin, braid, or tie; you just get out of the water, shake, and go. Piecey texture looks intentional even dripping wet, and short hair dries in minutes under the sun. This suits anyone confident with short hair and works on straight, wavy, or curly textures. Tip: rub a pea-sized amount of matte paste between your palms and piece the top after swimming so the style looks styled, not just wet.

The Dutch Braid Into a Bun

Braiding from the hairline and coiling the tail into a bun gives you the best of both worlds: a secure braid up top and a tidy bun that keeps the ends completely dry. It is a favorite for swimmers because nothing moves, and it looks athletic and elegant at once. Medium to long hair works well. Tip: braid with a little gel at the roots for a clean finish, wrap the bun tightly, and rinse with fresh water afterward so chlorine does not sit in the braided sections.

The Claw Clip Updo

Twist your hair up and clamp it with a claw clip for the fastest pool updo there is. It takes ten seconds, keeps everything off your back, and lets the ends dry free of the water. It is also easy to redo between swims without a mirror. Medium to long hair holds best in a clip. Tip: choose a large, sturdy clip and twist the hair before clipping so it grips; rinse the clip with fresh water at the end of the day so chlorine does not corrode the spring.

The Loose Mermaid Braid

The mermaid braid is a loose, chunky side braid with gently pulled edges for a soft, romantic finish. It drapes beautifully for poolside photos and keeps the bulk of your hair together if you are mostly lounging. Long hair with natural wave shows it off best. Tip: keep it very loose so water does not tighten it into knots, and consider this a dry-side style; if you swim, gather it into a quick bun first so the braid does not unravel in the deep end.

The Ballerina Bun

The ballerina bun is smooth, high, and perfectly round, which makes it ideal for actual swimming. Hair is wrapped tight and smooth so there is minimal drag in the water and nothing to tangle. It looks clean and graceful, and it keeps the ends fully protected. Long, straight to wavy hair wraps into the neatest bun. Tip: use a donut form for a perfect shape, smooth with a light gel, and secure with pins placed in an X pattern so the bun survives flip turns.

The Side Twist Ponytail

Twisting two sections of hair and gathering them into a low side ponytail gives you a style with built-in texture that holds through splashes. The twists add grip so the ponytail stays neat longer than a plain one, and it looks sweet and casual. Medium to long hair works, and it flatters most face shapes since it sits softly at the side. Tip: twist each section in the same direction, then wrap them around each other so they lock; secure with a band and fluff the twists for softness.

The Braided Low Ponytail

A small braid wrapped around the base of a low ponytail hides the elastic and adds a pretty handmade detail. The low placement keeps the style comfortable for leaning back on a lounger, and the braid keeps the base secure through light swimming. Medium to long hair works best. Tip: take a thin strand from underneath the ponytail, braid it, and wrap it around the band, pinning the end underneath; a dab of gel on the braid keeps it smooth in humidity.

The Messy Braided Bun

Braid your hair first, then twist the braid into a bun for extra texture and hold. The braid inside the bun adds grip that keeps the whole thing from sliding, which is perfect for a full day of swimming and sun. It looks effortlessly cool and sun-streaked hair shows the woven detail beautifully. Long hair gives the best result. Tip: braid loosely for a softer bun or tightly for maximum hold, and pull a few pieces free around the face for that relaxed vacation feel.

Wet Natural Curls

Curly hair was made for the pool: worn loose and natural, wet curls clump into defined ringlets that look stunning with zero styling. Embracing your texture means no fight against frizz and no heat needed afterward. This suits all curl patterns from loose waves to tight coils. Tip: saturate curls with fresh water and a curl cream before swimming to slow chlorine absorption, and once you are out, scrunch gently with a microfiber towel and let the sun do the drying.

FAQs

How do I protect my hair from chlorine before swimming?

Rinse your hair with fresh water first so it absorbs less chlorinated water, then apply a leave-in conditioner or a little coconut oil. Wearing your hair in one of these contained styles adds another layer of protection by keeping the ends tucked away.

Will these hairstyles work on color treated hair?

Yes, and they help. Styles that keep hair up and out of the water, like buns and braids, reduce how much chlorine reaches your color. Pair them with a pre-swim rinse and a UV protectant spray to keep your color from fading in the sun.

What is the best pool hairstyle for long thick hair?

Double Dutch braids, the ballerina bun, and the high braided ponytail are the most secure for long thick hair. They distribute the weight, stay put through diving, and keep the length from tangling into a knot.

Can I wear these styles if I have short hair?

Absolutely. The textured pixie, twisted headband updo, wet-look slicked-back style, and space buns all work on short to medium hair. The key is choosing styles that keep hair off your face rather than styles that need length.

How do I stop my hair from tangling after swimming?

Rinse with fresh water as soon as you get out, apply a detangling spray or conditioner, and gently work through with a wide-tooth comb starting from the ends. Braided and bun styles tangle far less than loose hair.

Should I wash my hair every time after the pool?

A thorough fresh-water rinse is enough after most swims, especially if you pre-protected your hair. Save a full shampoo for the end of the day or every other swim, and follow with conditioner since chlorine is drying.

Conclusion

The right pool hairstyle lets you enjoy every minute in the water without paying for it later. Whether you go for braids that lock everything down, buns that keep ends dry, or styles that simply look better wet, there is an option here for every hair type and every kind of pool day. Pick your favorite, protect your strands, and dive in.