Anyone who knows me knows that I am most definitely a “hair down” person–always have been, and probably always will be. I love having long hair, but during the summer, I admit, wearing my hair down sometimes makes me feel like I’m wearing a scarf. Early last week, when I checked the weather forecast to see a string of triple digit days, I decided to give myself a little challenge: wear a different updo for every day of the week. While I felt a bit unlike myself wearing my hair up at first, it certainly was more comfortable on those hot days, and I had fun getting a little creative! My requirements were that each style had to take under five minutes, not require any heat styling tools (who wants to wrangle a curling iron in the middle of summer, anyway?), and be somewhat unique. Here’s what I came up with!

Top knot with a braid: After making a high ponytail for a normal top knot, I braided a small section, secured it with a clear elastic, and pinned it around the base of the bun.
Ponytail with a headband: No explanation really needed, but I love how a beaded headband kicks a regular ponytail up a notch. Mine is from Anthropologie a few years ago–I also love this one and this one.
Banded chignon: This style was fun to wear because it looks much harder than it is! I followed this tutorial, but didn’t curl my hair beforehand.
Side French braid: Again, not much explanation needed! I did my hair like this one day when I was working from home and then heading to the gym. I started with a deep side part and then very loosely French braided my hair across the top of my head. This style would also be perfect for the pool or beach–no tangles!
Braided low side bun: I wore my hair like this to church on Sunday–it’s just a fishtail braid pinned into a low bun. My hair is so heavy that low buns often fall right down, but the braid (and crisscrossed bobby pins) helped it stay in place all day.

Do you have a go-to summer hairstyle? I’d love to hear more ideas! :)