25 Stunning Beach Hairstyles Updo

Ever stared at the mirror before heading to the beach, hair brush in hand, wondering how to look effortlessly chic while battling sand, salt, and sea breeze? Yep, me too. Beach hair can be a paradox—we want that carefree vibe but don’t wanna look like we’ve been dragged through a hurricane. That’s why beach updos are literally life-savers for those seaside adventures.

As someone who’s spent countless summers experimenting with every possible way to keep hair off my neck while maintaining some semblance of style, I’ve collected quite the arsenal of beach-friendly updos. And today, I’m spilling all my secrets.

Why Beach Updos Are Your Best Friend

Let’s be real for a sec. Beach days are magnificent, but they can be brutal on your hair. The combination of salt water, scorching sun, and constant wind creates the perfect storm for tangled, damaged locks. Plus, who wants hair sticking to sunscreen-slathered shoulders? Not me, that’s for sure.

Updos solve these problems in one fell swoop. They keep your hair protected, prevent those annoying tangles, and somehow manage to look incredibly stylish at the same time. It’s like having your cake and eatin it too—but for your hair.

The right beach updo can transition seamlessly from swimming and sunbathing to that impromptu beachside dinner. Versatility at its finest, wouldn’t ya agree?

Essential Tools for Beach Updos

Before diving into the styles, let’s talk tools. You don’t need a professional kit, just a few basics:

Bobby pins are your absolute ride-or-die for beach updos. Get the ones with little grippy ridges—they hold better in fine or slippery hair. And always pack more than you think you’ll need; those little guys have a magical ability to disappear into the sand.

Hair ties in various sizes are essential. I prefer the fabric-covered ones that don’t snag or create those annoying creases. A small travel-sized bottle of texturizing spray works wonders for adding grip to slippery strands. And don’t forget a wide-tooth comb for gently detangling wet hair without causing breakage.

One thing I’ve learned the hard way—never use metal clips at the beach. They heat up in the sun and can literally burn your scalp. Ouch!

1. The Classic Messy Bun with a Twist

The messy bun might seem basic, but with a few tweaks, it becomes beach perfection. Start with slightly damp hair—beach-damp is perfect. Flip your head upside down, gather your hair like your putting it in a ponytail, but don’t pull it all the way through on the last twist.

Here’s the twist part: take the ends that are sticking out and wrap them around the base of the bun, securing with bobby pins in an X formation for maximum hold. Pull out a few face-framing tendrils and voilà—instant beachy sophistication that’ll last through volleyball matches and ocean dips.

What makes this updo special is embracing the messiness. Those flyaways and imperfect sections? They’re not mistakes—they’re the signature of authentic beach style.

2. Braided Crown for Boho Beach Vibes

Channel your inner festival goddess with this bohemian-inspired crown braid. It’s surprisinly easier than it looks, I swear!

Begin by parting your hair down the middle. Create a Dutch braid (like a French braid but crossing strands under instead of over) starting at your temple and working around your hairline. Continue braiding until you reach the opposite side, then repeat on the other side until you have two braids meeting at the nape.

Secure the ends with clear elastics, then wrap them up and around, pinning them securely. This style looks especially gorgeous with some small flowers or seashells tucked into the braid—just saying. The best part? This style actually looks better as the day goes on and pieces fall out naturally.

3. The Topknot with Beach Waves

When the mercury rises, nothing beats the simplicity and efficiency of a high topknot. But let’s elevate it, shall we?

Start by spritzing hair with salt spray (or just use actual ocean water—nature’s own styling product). Gather hair into a high ponytail, then twist it around itself to form a knot. Here’s the key difference: instead of tucking all the ends in, let some of them stick out haphazardly for that perfectly imperfect beach look.

Secure with pins in a star pattern for maximum hold, then gently tug at the sides to loosen and create volume. This style works amazingly for transitioning from beach day to beach night—just add some statement earrings and you’re ready for sunset cocktails.

4. Double Bun Beach Style

Remember those space buns that were all the rage? They’ve evolved into a sophisticated beach option that’s both playful and practical.

Divide your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails. Twist each ponytail and wrap it around its base, securing with pins. The trick is positioning—place them slightly lower than traditional space buns for a more mature look.

This style is particuarly great for active beach days when you’re paddleboarding or playing beach volleyball. No hair in your face, no matter how much you move!

5. Low Tousled Chignon

For those seeking something a bit more elegant but still beach-appropriate, the low chignon is your answer.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it loosely upward. Tuck the ends under and secure with pins in a criss-cross pattern. The beauty of this style is in its deliberate looseness—don’t aim for perfection.

Pull out a few strands around your face and at the nape for that windswept effect. This updo works beautifully for beach weddings or fancy oceanfront dinners, striking the perfect balance between polished and relaxed.

6. Twisted Rope Bun

This nautical-inspired updo is as functional as it is beautiful—perfect for when you want something more intricate than a simple bun.

Divide your hair into two sections and twist each section away from your face until it forms a rope-like strand. Then twist these two “ropes” together and coil them into a bun shape, securing with pins.

The twist pattern creates a natural barrier against humidity, making this style surprisingly long-lasting even in muggy beach conditions. It’s also incredibly secure for swimming—no surprise hair disasters when you emerge from the waves!

7. Half-Up Twisted Crown

Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down? This half-up style gives you the best of both worlds.

Take two sections of hair from your temples and twist them back, away from your face. Secure them together at the back of your head with a small clear elastic or pins. The key is keeping the twists loose enough to have that effortless vibe but tight enough to stay put.

This style keeps hair off your face while letting you enjoy those beautiful beach waves. It’s also incredibly flattering for face-framing and photographs beautifully for those inevitable beach selfies.

8. Braided Ballerina Bun

This elegant updo combines the security of a braid with the classic look of a ballerina bun.

Create a high ponytail, then braid it all the way down and secure with an elastic. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to form a bun, tucking the end underneath and securing with pins.

What I love about this style is how it keeps its shape even after swimming. The braid provides structure that prevents the whole thing from collapsing, making it ideal for all-day beach excursions.

9. Side Fishtail Braid Updo

The fishtail braid has an intricate look that’s actually pretty simple to achieve once you get the hang of it.

Create a deep side part and gather all your hair to one side. Create a fishtail braid by repeatedly taking small sections from the outer edges and crossing them to the center. Once you’ve braided all the way down, loosely pull at the edges of the braid to create fullness.

Wrap the braid up and around, pinning it into a side bun. This asymmetrical style is incredibly eye-catching and has the added bonus of looking like it took way more effort than it actually did.

10. Twisted Headband Updo

This style uses your own hair as a headband—no accessories needed!

Take a small section of hair from behind one ear and twist it across the top of your head, like a headband. Secure temporarily with a clip. Repeat on the other side. Gather all remaining hair (including the ends of your “headband” sections) into a low bun or messy knot.

Remove the temporary clip and secure everything with pins. This look is deceptively simple but looks incredibly sophisticated, especially when adorned with a small tropical flower tucked behind one ear.

11. Pineapple Updo with Curls

Curly-haired beach-goers, this one’s specially for you! The pineapple updo protects your curls while showing them off beautifully.

Flip your head upside down and gather your curls very loosely at the highest point of your head. Use a scrunchie or wide band to secure without creating tension. The goal is a loose, high poof that resembles a pineapple top.

This style keeps curls from getting frizzy or tangled in the beach environment while maintaining their shape and bounce. It’s also incredibly comfortable for lounging on your beach towel!

12. Twisted Side Ponytail

Sometimes the simplest styles are the most effective. This twisted ponytail is quick to execute but looks thoughtfully styled.

Gather your hair to one side and secure with an elastic. Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to hide it. Then, twist small sections of the ponytail and pin them into the base, creating a textured, dimensional look.

This style works beautifully for both straight and wavy hair types and stays put even through active beach days. Plus, it’s positioned perfectly to avoid that uncomfortable “bump” when you’re lying on your beach towel.

13. Bubble Ponytail Updo

This playful style turns a basic ponytail into something special using just a handful of hair ties.

Create a high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Add another elastic about two inches down, then gently tug at the hair between the two elastics to create a “bubble” effect. Continue adding elastics and creating bubbles down the length of your ponytail.

For the updo element, wrap the bubbled ponytail around its base and secure with pins. This style is surprisingly wind-resistant and perfect for beach days when you want something more interesting than a basic bun.

14. Double Dutch Braided Updo

This style combines the security of Dutch braids with the elegance of an updo.

Part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids (remember, that’s when you cross sections under rather than over). Braid all the way down on both sides and secure with elastics. Then wrap each braid up and around, pinning them into a low updo at the nape of your neck.

The great thing about this style is how it controls even the frizziest hair in humid beach conditions. It’s also comfortable for swimming since there’s no high bun to get in the way when you’re floating on your back.

15. Twisted Rope Crown

This regal-looking updo is surprisingly simple and works wonderfully for medium to long hair.

Divide your hair into two sections down the middle of your head. Twist each section away from your face until it forms a rope. Cross these ropes at the back of your head and continue wrapping them around until they form a crown, securing with pins as you go.

This style sits close to the head, making it ideal for hat-wearing beach days when you want to protect your scalp from the sun but still look put-together when the hat comes off.

16. Knotted Updo

This architectural-looking style requires no braiding skills—just the ability to tie knots!

Divide your hair into four sections. Take two adjacent sections and tie them in a simple knot. Continue knotting until you reach the ends, then secure with an elastic. Repeat with the remaining two sections.

Wrap these knotted strands around each other and pin into an updo. The texture created by the knots gives this style an intricate appearance that belies its simplicity. It’s also incredibly secure for swimming and water activities.

17. Low Infinity Bun

This figure-eight shaped bun looks complex but comes together quickly.

Create a low ponytail and divide it into two sections. Cross these sections over each other in an infinity or figure-eight pattern, then wrap the ends around the loops you’ve created. Secure with pins throughout.

This style distributes the weight of your hair evenly, making it comfortable for all-day wear. It’s also humidity-resistant and maintains its shape even in the most challenging beach conditions.

18. Twisted Pompadour with Low Bun

This retro-inspired look combines vintage vibes with practical beach functionality.

Take a section of hair from your crown and twist it back, creating volume like a pompadour. Secure temporarily with a clip. Gather remaining hair into a low bun at the nape. Then incorporate the twisted section into the bun, securing everything with pins.

This style keeps all hair off your face and neck while creating an elegant silhouette. It’s particularly flattering for highlighting cheekbones and jawlines in those inevitable beach photos.

19. Triple Twist Updo

When you want something that looks complex but is actually simple, this triple twist delivers.

Divide your hair into three sections—left, right, and back. Twist the left section toward the back and secure with a pin. Repeat with the right section. Finally, twist the back section upward and tuck the ends under, securing with pins.

The overlapping twists create a woven effect that stays put remarkably well, even through beach volleyball matches and ocean swims. It’s also gentle on your hair, creating none of the tension that can lead to breakage.

20. Gibson Tuck

This vintage-inspired updo has been around for decades because it simply works, especially at the beach.

Create a low ponytail but don’t pull the hair all the way through on the final loop. Instead, create a loose bun. Take the ends that are sticking out and tuck them up and into the space above the bun, creating a roll effect.

Secure with pins and gently tug at the sides to create softness around your face. This style has incredible staying power and actually looks better as it loosens throughout the day.

21. Twisted Topsy Tail Updo

This updo uses the childhood favorite “topsy tail” technique to create a sophisticated look.

Create a half-up ponytail and secure with an elastic. Create a hole in the hair just above the elastic and flip the ponytail through it, creating that inside-out effect. Repeat this process, working your way down until all hair is incorporated.

Wrap the end around and pin into a bun. This technique creates interesting texture while keeping hair securely off your neck—perfect for hot beach days.

22. Conch Shell Bun

Named for its spiral shape resembling a seashell, this updo is beach-appropriate in both form and function.

Start with a low ponytail. Begin twisting the ponytail while simultaneously wrapping it around the base in a spiral pattern, mimicking the shape of a conch shell. Secure with pins as you go.

This bun sits close to the head, making it comfortable for both swimming and lounging. Its spiral structure also helps it maintain its shape even after diving through waves.

23. Twisted Sister Updo

This style uses multiple twisted sections to create a textured, secure updo.

Divide your hair into 4-6 sections. Twist each section from roots to ends, then wrap and pin them in different directions, creating a deliberately asymmetrical updo.

The multiple twists and pins make this style extremely secure for beach activities, while the intentional asymmetry gives it a modern, fashion-forward edge.

24. Braided Halo with Tucked Ends

This angelic style keeps every strand secure while looking ethereal.

Create a Dutch braid along your hairline, continuing all around your head to form a halo. When you reach the starting point, continue braiding the remaining length, then tuck and pin the ends underneath the halo braid.

This style completely contains your hair, making it ideal for windy beach conditions or when you want to avoid any hair contact with sunscreen-covered shoulders.

25. Twisted Faux Hawk Updo

For the beach-goer who wants to make a statement, this edgy yet elegant style delivers.

Create a center section of hair from forehead to nape. Twist small sections of this hair and pin them along the center, creating height and a faux-hawk effect. Gather remaining side sections and pin them flat against the head, underneath the center mohawk section.

Despite its edgy appearance, this style is remarkably practical for beach days, keeping hair completely contained while creating a striking silhouette that transitions perfectly from daytime swimming to evening bonfires.

Beach Updo Bonus Tips

After exploring 25 different beach updos across these two collections, I’ve learned a few universal truths worth sharing:

Slightly dirty hair actually holds beach styles better than freshly washed—so embrace that second (or third) day hair! If you’re starting with clean hair, a bit of dry shampoo or texturizing powder works wonders for grip.

Always carry extra pins in multiple colors to match your hair shade. I keep mine in a tiny mint tin to prevent them from getting sandy or rusty.

Don’t be afraid to combine elements from different styles—maybe you love the front of one updo but the back of another. Hair styling is an art, not a science, and hybridizing these techniques often creates the perfect custom style for your unique hair texture and face shape.

Most importantly, remember that beach hair is supposed to have that lived-in, windswept quality. If your updo loosens throughout the day, that’s not a failure—it’s evolving into an even more authentic beach look!

Now go rock these styles with confidence, knowing you’ve got a repertoire of 50 beach updos at your fingertips—enough variety to keep your hair game fresh all summer long!