Okay ladies, can we just take a second to talk about the STRUGGLE of lake hair? Like, I’ve literally spent hours trying to figure out the perfect style that can withstand jumping off the dock, cruising on the boat, and still look cute for those inevitable Instagram moments. Last summer, my friend Cassie and I were at Lake Powell, and I swear my carefully arranged beachy waves lasted approximately 3.7 minutes before turning into what can only be described as “wet dog meets bird’s nest.” Not. Cute.
But after countless failed attempts (and WAY too many bottles of dry shampoo), I’ve compiled the absolute BEST lake hairstyles that will change your summer 2025 vibe completely! These styles are not just gorgeous—they’re actually functional for those sweltering days when you’re alternating between swimming, lounging, and sipping something delicious on the deck. And the best part? They work for all hair types! My cousin Zoe has these amazing curls that usually revolt against any styling attempt, but even she’s converted to these summer lifesavers.
So grab your sunscreen, your cutest swimsuit, and let’s dive into these lake-proof hairstyles that will keep you looking fresh even after that fifth cannonball!
Are braids good for swimming in a lake?
Absolutely YES! Braids are basically the ultimate lake day MVP. They keep your hair contained and tangle-free when swimming, prevent those annoying wet strands from sticking to your face and neck, and even create gorgeous waves when you take them out later! My friend Taylor swears by wearing braids for her weekend lake trips—she jumps in and out of the water all day, and her hair still looks Instagram-ready for sunset pics. Just make sure to use silicone-free conditioner before braiding to prevent that crunchy post-lake texture!
How do I keep my hair from getting damaged at the lake?
Lake water can be BRUTAL on your hair (chlorine, salt, mystery lake substances—you know what I’m talking about). The secret is protection before, during, and after! Before heading out, apply a leave-in conditioner with UV protection—think of it as sunscreen for your strands. During your lake day, keep hair up in protective styles like the ones I’m about to share. And afterward? Deep conditioning mask, baby! I literally pack a travel-size Olaplex for lake weekends because my highlighted hair turns to straw otherwise. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
What’s the best way to avoid “lake hair” tangles?
Been there, suffered through that! The key is prevention—once those tangles form, it’s like trying to brush through actual concrete. Start with thoroughly wet hair (dry hair absorbs more lake gunk), apply a detangling spray before swimming, and ALWAYS keep your hair contained in a braid, bun, or ponytail. My game-changer was discovering those silicone hair ties that don’t snag or create weird dents. After swimming, rinse with fresh water as soon as possible, even if it’s just from your water bottle. My sister once skipped this step and spent literally two hours with a detangling brush and half a bottle of conditioner afterward!
How can I make my lake hairstyle last all day?
It’s all about the right products and techniques! First, start with day-old hair—freshly washed hair doesn’t hold styles as well (this is my excuse for not washing my hair before lake trips, and I’m sticking to it!). Second, use texture spray on your roots for grip and moisture-resistant styling products. Finally, secure everything with quality pins and ties—those cheapo drugstore elastics just won’t cut it when you’re diving off the boat all day. My bestie Emma uses these amazing silicone-lined clips that literally do not budge, even after multiple dunks in the water!
Now, let’s get into the actual hairstyles, inspired by the gorgeous lake-ready looks in these images!
1: Braided Headband with Loose Waves
This stunning blonde in image 1 is absolutely ROCKING that braided headband look! The style features a thick braid wrapped like a natural headband while leaving the rest of her gorgeous waves flowing freely. Creating this look is surprisingly simple—just section off a chunk of hair near your temple, braid it across your hairline, and secure with mini bobby pins hidden underneath your loose strands. What I LOVE about this style is how it keeps those annoying front pieces out of your face while swimming but still lets you feel like your hair is down and fabulous—literally the perfect compromise for those “I want to look cute but also be practical” moments by the lake!
2: High Sporty Ponytail with Visor
The sunshine-filled image 2 showcases the ultimate sporty-chic high ponytail that’s perfect for active lake days! Her blonde hair is pulled into a sleek, high pony that peeks through an athletic visor, creating both sun protection and style points. To recreate this look, brush your hair back while it’s slightly damp (goodbye flyaways!), secure with a strong elastic at your crown, and then add your favorite visor or hat to complete the sporty vibe. I’m obsessed with how this style combines fashion and function—keeping hair completely off your neck during those scorching lake days while still looking absolutely adorable for boat pics!
3: Half-Up Scrunchie Style
Can we talk about how ADORABLE the half-up style in image 3 is with that cute animal print scrunchie? This effortless look features longer hair gathered at the crown in a half-ponytail, leaving the rest flowing naturally down the back. Creating this lake-ready style takes literally 30 seconds—just gather the top section of your hair, twist it once to create volume, and secure with a statement scrunchie that can handle water exposure. The genius of this half-up style is that it gives you the best of both worlds—hair is secured away from your face when you’re swimming but still looks flowy and gorgeous for those lakeside lounging moments!
4: Braided Side Ponytail
Image 4 shows the perfect combination of sporty and feminine with this gorgeous thick side braid! The blonde hair is styled in a substantial side braid that keeps everything contained while adding a touch of boho charm. Recreating this lakeside look is super straightforward—just gather your hair to one side, create a classic three-strand braid (dampening hair first helps with grip), and secure with a water-resistant elastic that matches your hair color. What makes this style absolutely perfect for lake days is how it stays intact while swimming but still looks intentionally styled—not to mention it creates the most gorgeous waves when you take it out later for evening bonfires!
5: Half-Up Top Knot
Looking at image 5, I’m absolutely LIVING for this easy-breezy half-up top knot that’s giving both casual and put-together vibes! This woman’s dark hair is styled with just the top portion twisted into a casual knot while the rest cascades naturally. To achieve this lake-perfect style, gather just your crown section, twist it around itself until it forms a bun, and secure with a couple of bobby pins or a small elastic (I swear by those tiny clear elastics that become practically invisible). The brilliance of this casual-cool style is that it keeps your face completely clear while swimming but still allows your gorgeous length to shine—plus, it works on both wet and dry hair, making it the perfect transition style from swimming to lakeside cocktails!
6: Mother-Daughter Matching Braids
Stop EVERYTHING and look at the adorable twinning moment in image 6! This matching mother-daughter braid situation is giving me all the feels with their coordinated blonde braids and swimsuits. Creating these matching lakeside braids is straightforward—section hair down the middle, create a standard three-strand braid on each side, and secure with water-friendly elastics (pro tip: slightly tugging at the edges of the braid creates that perfect thickness). What makes this style absolutely heart-melting (beyond the matching moment) is how practical it is for all-day lake adventures—these braids will stay put through swimming, tubing, and sandcastle building while creating the sweetest photo opportunities!
7: Plus-Size Friendly Side Braid
Image 7 showcases a gorgeous lake-ready side braid that’s both flattering and functional on a curvier frame! This thick, single side braid keeps hair contained while adding a touch of feminine charm to her lakeside look. Creating this practical style is super easy—gather all your hair to one side, create a standard three-strand braid, and secure with a strong elastic (those tiny rubber ones with fabric covering are my ride-or-dies for holding thick hair). What I absolutely ADORE about this style is how universally flattering it is—it frames the face beautifully, works with any hair texture, and stays put during all lake activities without requiring constant adjustment!
8: Sleek White Swimsuit Styling
The gorgeous woman in image 8 is absolutely SLAYING with her perfectly styled long hair that complements her stunning white crossover swimsuit! Her hair appears to be styled in loose, beachy waves that flow freely while still looking intentional and polished. To recreate this lakeside glam look, apply a salt spray to damp hair, loosely braid in several sections overnight, and release in the morning for effortless waves that will hold their shape even in humidity. The beauty of this style is that it looks deliberately tousled and casual—meaning that even after swimming, it maintains that perfect “I woke up like this” vibe that looks amazing in photos while requiring minimal touchups!
9: Messy Bun with Oversized Tee
Image 9 gives us the ultimate relaxed lake vibe with that perfectly imperfect high messy bun paired with an oversized graphic tee! This casual-cool updo keeps hair completely off the neck while looking effortlessly stylish for lakeside lounging. Creating this chill style is ridiculously simple—gather hair at the crown, twist it while wrapping around itself, and secure with a strong elastic before pulling out a few face-framing pieces for that deliberately undone look. I’m absolutely LIVING for how this style transitions from practical swimming solution to adorable dock-sitting outfit without missing a beat—it’s literally the perfect “I’m not trying too hard but still look cute” lake day solution!
10: High Ponytail with Bikini Look
The final image shows a stunning high ponytail that’s the PERFECT match for her colorful bikini at what appears to be a desert lake! This sleek, high pony keeps all hair secured away from the face and neck while creating a lengthening, flattering silhouette. To achieve this classic lake style, brush hair thoroughly to remove any tangles, gather at the crown, and secure tightly with a snag-free elastic (those spiral plastic ones are game-changers for preventing breakage). What makes this timeless style a lake day essential is its versatility—it works for swimming, paddleboarding, or just lounging on the beach, plus it creates the most gorgeous natural waves when you take it down later!
Lake Hair? Don’t Care!
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a full summer at the lake, these hairstyles have got you covered through every cannonball, boat ride, and sunset selfie. Remember, the best lake hair embraces a bit of that natural texture and doesn’t fight against the elements too much. Pack your hair ties, some good leave-in conditioner, and get ready for your best lake hair summer yet! And if all else fails? There’s always cute hats and head scarves—the ultimate lake hair cheat code!
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