15 ways to style your Locs in Summer

Summer is a season of sunshine, travel, and outdoor fun. But if you wear locs, you already know it also comes with a unique set of challenges: heat, sweat, humidity, frizz, and dryness. While locs are naturally resilient, the way you style them during hot weather can make a huge difference in how healthy, comfortable, and beautiful they remain.

You should see this guide: How to care for your locs the right way

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to sacrifice style for protection. In this guide, you’ll discover 15 stylish and convenient protective ways to wear your locs in summer – from elegant updos to trendy everyday looks. Whether your locs are short, medium, or long, these styles will help you beat the heat while keeping your hair thriving.

You should also see this: 15 ways to protect your locs in Summer

Why Summer Styling Matters for Locs

Summer weather can be harsh on your hair in ways that aren’t always obvious at first. But as time goes on, the effects usually compound to create a bigger problem.

How Summer Affects Your Locs

•Heat and dehydration

Prolonged sun exposure can dry out your locs and scalp, leading to brittle strands and breakage if moisture isn’t replenished.

•Sweat and buildup

Increased sweating can cause product residue, odour, and an itchy scalp if your hair isn’t cleansed and styled properly.

•Humidity and frizz:

Moisture in the air can cause locs to swell, loosen, or appear fuzzy, especially at the roots.

•Friction and manipulation

Summer accessories like hats, sunglasses, scarves, and even seat headrests can rub against your locs, increasing the risk of thinning and breakage.

Why Choosing the Right Hairstyles Matters

Choosing the right hairstyles during summer isn’t about trends, it’s survival. Here are some of the benefits:

•Improves airflow to your scalp

•Reduces sweat and product buildup

•Minimises tension on roots and edges

•Protects the length of your locs from damage

•Keeps you comfortable and confident all season long

Check this out for more styles: 15 Easy Ways to Style Your Locs – No Accessories Needed

How to Choose the Right Summer Loc Styles

Before diving into specific hairstyles, it’s important to understand what makes a style summer-friendly.

Here are some things to pay attention to:

1. Breathability

Styles that keep your locs off your neck and face reduce heat and sweat, especially during outdoor activities.

2. Low manipulation

Over-styling and frequent retwisting in summer can weaken roots. Choose styles that last longer with minimal reworking.

3. Scalp access

You should be able to cleanse, moisturise, and treat your scalp easily.

4. Lifestyle compatibility

If you swim, exercise often, travel, or work long hours, opt for styles that stay neat and protective.

With these principles in mind, let’s explore the best ways to style your locs in summer.

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15 Ways to Style Your Locs in Summer

1. High Bun

A high bun is a classic hairstyle for a reason. It instantly lifts your locs off your neck, allowing maximum airflow while keeping your look clean and polished.

Why it works in summer:

•Reduces sweat around the nape

•Keeps hair away from your face

•Suitable for work, events, and casual days

Bonus Tip: For added protection, avoid pulling too tightly at the edges. Use a soft scrunchie or satin-covered band to secure the bun without causing tension.

Check this out: 23 things you should never do to your locs

2. Low Bun

If you prefer a more relaxed or professional look, the low bun is equally heat-friendly and elegant.

Benefits of wearing a low bun:

•Less tension on the scalp compared to a high bun

•Ideal for formal settings

•Easy to maintain and refresh

Bonus Tip: You can part your locs neatly for a sleek appearance or keep them loose for a softer, more natural finish.

3. Half-Up, Half-Down

This style offers the best of both worlds: airflow and length display.

Why it’s perfect for summer:

•Keeps locs off your face while still showcasing them

•Versatile for different occasions

•Works beautifully for medium to long locs

Bonus Tip: Add a small braid or twist at the crown for visual appeal without extra manipulation.

4. Pineapple Updo

This is one of the most popular hairstyles in the natural hair community. To achieve the pineapple updo, gather locs loosely at the top of the head.

Here are some of its advantages:

•Maintains volume

•Reduces friction on ends

•Allows airflow around the neck and shoulders

This style is especially great for maintaining your loc pattern while avoiding tight pulling at the roots.

5. Two-Strand Twist Locs

Twisting your locs into larger two-strand sections creates a lightweight protective style that is not just beautiful but also lasts.

Why it’s a summer favourite:

•Minimises daily handling

•Keeps locs compact and neat

•Great for holidays, travel, and low-maintenance routines

Bonus Tip: Be sure to moisturise before twisting and avoid making them too tight.

6. Barrel Twists

Barrel twists involve wrapping multiple locs together in a structured pattern.

Benefits include: 

•Long-lasting and neat

•Protects roots from over-manipulation

•Ideal for both short-term wear and extended styling

What more? This style works well if you want something polished without needing frequent touch-ups.

7. Braided Loc Styles

There’s just something beautiful about braided locs – either fully done or in sections. It perfectly creates a durable and protective summer look.

The beautiful thing about braids is that they are suitable for swimming, outdoor activities, and travel.

Aside from all the benefits mentioned above, braids also keep locs compact and prevent excessive friction, making them excellent for active lifestyles.

More on locs: How to get rid of lint in your locs

8. Loc Ponytail

Talk about a style that is simple yet effective; the loc ponytail is a go-to style for hot weather.

Here’s why it works:

•Keeps hair off the face and neck

•Quick to style

•Adjustable height: high, mid, or low

Bonus Tip: For added flair, wrap a single loc around the base of the ponytail to conceal the band and create a more finished look.

9. Space Buns

Space buns are playful, trendy, and surprisingly easy to do. Simply part your hair down the middle, make two high ponytails, twist each into a bun, and secure with pins. Pull out a few strands for a soft look and finish with hairspray or fun accessories for extra flair.

Why it’s cool for summer: 

•Keeps locs elevated and away from the neck

•Distributes weight evenly

•Adds a youthful, fun vibe

This style is ideal for casual outings, festivals, and warm-weather events.

10. Updo with Loc Accessories

One beautiful thing about wearing locs is that you don’t always have to do too much to style your hair.  Simply adding accessories to your locs is an easy way to refresh your look without manipulating your hair.

Here are some simple accessories you can try:

•Loc cuffs

•Beads

•Scarves

•Decorative pins

They allow you to express your style while keeping your locs in a protective updo. Plus, they’re heat-friendly since they don’t require additional styling tools.

11. Headwrap or Turban Style

Headwraps are both fashionable and functional during summer.

Benefits of using a turban:

•Protects locs from direct sun exposure

•Absorbs sweat

•Ideal for bad hair days or quick outings

Bonus Tip: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or lightweight Ankara. Remember to moisturise your hair before wrapping to prevent dryness.

12. Side-Swept Loc Style

To style your hair in a side-swept style, simply gather most of your locs to one side.

Why it’s summer-appropriate:

•Reduces heat on one side of the scalp

•Creates a soft, feminine silhouette

•Low-tension and easy to maintain

This style is perfect when you want something simple but flattering.

Save this for later: 17 spring hairstyles

13. Free-Flowing with Defined Parts

When they say “less is more”, this is what it means.

Why it works:

•Minimal manipulation

•Allows natural airflow

•Showcases the length and maturity of your locs

To keep it summer-friendly, define your parts neatly and use lightweight products to control frizz without weighing your hair down.

14. Loc Bob (Tucked Ends)

If your locs are long and heavy, tucking the ends inward to create a bob-like shape can spice up your look.

Here are some of its benefits:

•Makes long locs feel lighter

•Reduces heat retention

•Creates a fresh, short-hair illusion

This is ideal for those who love the look of shorter hair but aren’t ready to cut their locs.

15. Crown Braid or Halo Loc Style

This style wraps locs around the head in a crown or halo pattern.

Why it’s great for summer:

•Keeps hair completely off the neck

•Protects edges

•Perfect for weddings, church, and special events

It’s elegant, practical, and highly protective when done without excessive tension.

Summer Loc Styling Tips for Healthy Hair

When it comes to maintaining your locs in summer, styling alone isn’t enough. Healthy locs depend on proper care too.

Here are some tips to keep your hair thriving in summer:

•Moisturise before styling

•Hydrate your hair with a light water-based

spray or leave-in before putting it into any style.

•Avoid tight styles in extreme heat: Tension combined with heat can weaken roots and lead to thinning.

•Use lightweight oils and products:

Heavy butters and waxes trap sweat and cause buildup. Opt for aloe-based sprays, light oils, and residue-free products.

•Cleanse your scalp regularly: Summer may require more frequent washing to remove sweat and dirt.

•Protect your edges: Avoid constant pulling, especially with ponytails and buns. 

•Rotate styles to prevent stress in one area.

Common Summer Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, some habits can sabotage your loc health. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

•Over-styling or frequent retwisting: More manipulation does not equal better maintenance. Give your hair time to rest between styles.

•Using heavy products: Product buildup attracts dirt and can cause scalp irritation.

•Neglecting scalp care: Dry, itchy scalp can slow growth and lead to discomfort.

•Leaving locs constantly loose in extreme heat: While free-flowing styles look beautiful, too much sun exposure can dry out your hair.

Also see: 17 spring hairstyles for locs

Best Products for Styling Locs in Summer

To keep your locs healthy and manageable, consider these essentials:

•Lightweight moisturisers – water-based sprays or mists

•Aloe-based leave-ins – for hydration and frizz control

•Light oils – such as jojoba or grapeseed

•Satin scarves and wraps – to reduce friction and moisture loss

•Residue-free shampoos – to keep your scalp clean without stripping

Bookmark this: How to get rid of dandruff in your locs

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to be a difficult season for your locs. With the right styles, you can stay cool, protect your hair, and still look effortlessly stylish. From simple buns to elegant crown styles, each of these options allows you to enjoy the sunshine without compromising the health of your locs.

Whether you’re heading to work, church, the beach, or a family outing, there’s a summer-friendly loc style that fits your lifestyle and reflects your personality.

So tell me: Which of the styles will you try first?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I wash my locs during summer without causing dryness?

Summer heat and sweat may require more frequent cleansing, but over-washing can dry out locs. Aim for a balance: use a gentle, residue-free shampoo 1–2 times per week and refresh with a light water-based spray in between.

2. Can certain loc styles help prevent sun damage to my scalp and hair?

Yes. Styles that lift locs off the neck and face, like high buns, crown braids, or updos with accessories, allow airflow while shielding your scalp and ends from direct sun exposure.

3. How do I keep locs from frizzing in humid conditions?

Protective styles like two-strand twists, barrel twists, or braids, combined with light aloe-based leave-ins, help maintain shape and control frizz.

4. Are there loc-friendly ways to stay active in summer without causing breakage?

Yes. Low-tension styles such as ponytails, pineapple updos, or side-swept locs keep hair off your neck during exercise and reduce friction that can lead to thinning or breakage.

5. Can I swim with locs, and how should I style them beforehand?

Yes, but saltwater and chlorine can dry locs. Braids, twists, or a secured low bun under a swim cap help protect your hair while making after-swim cleansing easier.

6. How do I protect my edges when wearing tight summer hairstyles?

Avoid styles that pull excessively at the hairline. Use soft bands, scrunchies, or protective wraps, and rotate styles to prevent constant tension on the edges.

7. Are accessories like beads and cuffs safe for summer styling?

Yes, but avoid heavy or metal pieces that trap heat or cause friction. Lightweight accessories add style while keeping locs breathable and stress-free.

8. How can I moisturise my locs quickly on hot days?

Light water-based sprays or aloe-based leave-ins work best. You can also seal moisture with a small amount of light oil like jojoba or grapeseed to keep locs hydrated without feeling heavy.

9. What’s the difference between low-maintenance and low-manipulation styles?

Low-maintenance styles require minimal daily care (like barrel twists or braids), while low-manipulation styles reduce frequent retwisting or styling to protect roots. Both are crucial in summer to prevent damage.

10. Can short or medium-length locs be styled effectively for summer?

Yes. High buns, half-up styles, space buns, or loc bobs are perfect for shorter locs. The key is lifting hair off the neck and face while allowing airflow and protecting ends.

Read this next: 15 ways to maintain your locs in Winter