Oh, the glorious feeling of pool season! I just love everything about it – the sunshine, the cool water, and those lazy afternoons spent by the edge. But let’s be real, as a beauty editor, I know the struggle is real when it comes to keeping your hair looking good while you’re splashing around. I remember one time, years ago, I thought a simple ponytail would cut it. After just one dip, I had a tangled mess that took forever to sort out!
That’s why I’m so excited to share this guide with you. Here at Glam Hair Nails, we’re all about making beauty fun and easy, drawing on years of playing with styles, just like our founder Isabella did in her mom’s salon. We want you to enjoy your pool time without worrying about your hair turning into a disaster zone.
So, I’ve put together a list of 15+ Splash-Proof Pool Day Hairstyles that are not only cute but also super secure and ready for that chlorine soak. Get ready to dive in!
Your Guide to Pool-Ready Hair
Okay, let’s get into the good stuff! I’ve pulled together a list of fantastic hairstyles perfect for your next pool adventure. These looks are all about keeping your hair secure and stylish whether you’re doing laps or just lounging. We’ve got options for lots of hair types and lengths, so you’re sure to find something you love. We’ll start with a classic I always go back to.
16. The Classic Low Bun
You can’t go wrong with a low bun. It’s simple, it’s elegant, and it’s a total lifesaver for a pool day. It keeps all your hair neatly off your neck, which is great when it’s hot. Plus, it helps cut down on tangles later. You can make it super sleek for a polished look or keep it a little messy for a casual vibe. I always use a strong hold hairspray around the edges just to make sure everything stays put, even after a quick dip.
15. The High Ponytail
For a sporty and practical option, the high ponytail is your friend. It gets your hair completely out of your face, which is a must for swimming. I always reach for a hair tie made for wet hair; they really help prevent breakage. To add a fun touch, sometimes I’ll add a bright scrunchie. It’s an easy way to add a pop of color to your look.
14. Braided Headband
This is such a pretty way to keep those front pieces of hair out of the way. You just take a section of hair near your face, braid it, and pin it back across your head like a headband. It adds a lovely detail and keeps things secure. You can even use this as a base for other updos. Bobby pins are key here to keep that braid firmly in place.
13. Space Buns
If you want something fun and totally on-trend, space buns are it! They keep your hair completely off your neck and out of the water. You can make them small and neat or big and fluffy. Play around with where you place them too! For extra sparkle, I sometimes add a little hair glitter or some cute hair rings around the base.
12. The French Braid
The French braid is a classic for a reason. It looks so elegant and keeps your hair beautifully contained. I like to braid mine pretty tightly for a pool day so it stays secure. Starting the braid right at your hairline helps gather more hair in, keeping everything neat.
11. Double French Braids
Taking the French braid concept times two gives you double the security! Double French braids are sporty and practical. They keep your hair evenly spread out and contained on both sides. I always braid mine all the way down and secure the ends well. Before I start braiding, I often put a little leave-in conditioner in my hair. It helps protect against chlorine damage.
10. The Dutch Braid
A Dutch braid is like a French braid, but it pops out instead of in. This gives it a cool, raised effect. It’s a great way to add some volume while still keeping your hair super secure. Braiding it tightly helps it last through all your pool activities. After swimming, I sometimes gently pull on the sides of the braid to make it look a little fuller.
9. Double Dutch Braids
Just like with French braids, doing double Dutch braids is a fantastic option for the pool. They are stylish and really keep your hair off your neck and out of your face. Braid them all the way down and secure them well. Adding colorful ribbons into the braids is a fun way to personalize this look.
8. The Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid looks so intricate and beautiful. While it might seem complicated, it can be quite secure for a pool day. Braiding it tightly is the key to keeping it from coming undone. If you’re new to fishtail braids, try practicing it a few times before your pool day!
7. Braided Pigtails
For a playful and easy look, braided pigtails are perfect. They are simple to do and really effective at keeping your hair contained. Just part your hair down the middle, braid each side, and secure with strong hair ties. Sometimes, I’ll add cute little bows at the ends for extra sweetness.
6. The Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a fun trend that’s actually great for the pool. You create sections down the length of your ponytail using small elastic bands. This keeps the ponytail really secure and contained. Gently pulling apart the sections makes them look fuller and more like “bubbles.”
5. Half-Up Bun
If you don’t want all your hair up, a half-up bun is a relaxed option. It keeps the hair off your face and neck while letting the rest of your hair hang down. Make sure to secure the bun tightly with bobby pins. Sometimes I add some waves to the loose hair for a beachy vibe.
4. Half-Up Braids
Similar to the half-up bun, half-up braids keep the front sections of your hair secure while the rest is down. Just take sections of hair from the top of your head and braid them back. Secure with small elastic bands. Adding little decorative clips where the braids end is a nice touch.
3. The Twisted Updo
A simple twisted updo is surprisingly secure. You just take sections of hair, twist them, and pin them in place. Using lots of bobby pins is key for extra hold. A texturizing spray can also help give your hair some grip so the pins stay put better.
2. The Sock Bun
For a perfectly smooth and secure bun, a sock bun tool is amazing. It helps you create a really neat and tight bun that won’t budge. To be extra sure, I sometimes put a hairnet over the bun. Choosing a sock bun tool that’s close to your hair color helps it blend in.
1. The Secured Pineapple
This is a fantastic method, especially for my curly-haired friends! The pineapple involves gathering all your curls right on top of your head. It minimizes frizz and keeps your beautiful curls contained and out of the water. Use a silk or satin scrunchie to avoid those annoying creases. After swimming, I love to mist my hair with water and a little leave-in conditioner to refresh my curls.
Protecting Your Hair by the Pool
Okay, so you’ve got your amazing pool day hairstyle ready. But keeping your hair healthy is just as important as making it look good! Chlorine and the sun can be really tough on your strands. I always make sure to rinse my hair with fresh water *before* I even get in the pool. Wet hair absorbs less chlorine. Then, right after swimming, I rinse it again really well to get all that chlorine out.
Using a good leave-in conditioner before and after is also a game-changer. It creates a barrier and adds moisture back in. And honestly, if you’re doing a lot of swimming, a swim cap is the ultimate protection. It might not be the most glamorous accessory, but it makes a huge difference in preventing damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about pool hair, so let’s tackle a few common ones!
How do I protect my hair from chlorine? Rinsing your hair with clean water before swimming is a great first step. Your hair will soak up that fresh water instead of the chlorinated kind. Using a leave-in conditioner helps create a barrier against chlorine damage too. And seriously, don’t underestimate a swim cap if you’re swimming a lot!
What’s the best way to detangle wet hair? Always use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Start from the ends and work your way up gently. Applying a detangling spray or a little conditioner can make this process much easier and prevent breakage.
Can I still style my hair after it’s been in the pool? Absolutely! Once you’ve rinsed and gently detangled, you can totally restyle. Sometimes I’ll just add some more leave-in conditioner and let my natural texture come through, or I might put it back into a simple bun or braid. Just be gentle with your hair when it’s wet.
Conclusion
See? You don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality when you’re hitting the pool! Having a secure and cute hairstyle makes your pool day so much more enjoyable. I really hope you try out some of these looks. Find your favorite and rock it with confidence! Now go enjoy that sunshine and splash away!
