Whether you're the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest attending a destination wedding, one thing is certain: your hair needs to keep up with the elements. Heat, humidity, ocean breezes, and long celebrations call for styles that feel polished but unfussy—effortless yet built to last. From sleek buns to undone braids, these are the 6 go-to looks that hold their shape while exuding vacation-ready chicness.
Slicked-Back Bun
The slicked-back bun is a go-to updo for warm-weather weddings thanks to its clean, modern feel and zero-frizz potential. Start by applying a smoothing cream or anti-humidity spray, then brush your hair back into a low ponytail with sharp, defined lines. Twist the length into a tight bun at the base and secure with pins, finishing with styling gel or hairspray to lock in the shine. It’s sleek, chic, and stays perfectly in place—no matter the climate.
Alexandra Cooper, Matilda Djerf, Kevin Mazur
Baobab, Tanielle Jai, Baobab
Air-Dried Waves
For that effortless, salt-kissed vibe, nothing beats air-dried waves. Perfect for daytime ceremonies or casual welcome dinners, this look is all about texture without the heat. If you’re not air-drying naturally, curl random sections of your hair with a wand or flat iron in alternating directions to mimic natural wave patterns. Then break them up gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, and finish with a mist of texturizing spray or sea salt spray for volume and touchable grit. This look thrives in humidity and gets better as the night goes on.
Le Fleurs Studio, Sophia Grainge, Rachel Psarakis
Hailey Bieber, Dior, Getty Images
Loose Braid
Soft, romantic, and totally breeze-proof, a loose braid is ideal for beachside ceremonies or sunset receptions. Begin by loosely curling or waving your hair to create texture, then braid it gently to one side, letting a few strands fall free around the face. Tug at the braid to add volume and fullness, and finish it off with a ribbon, floral clip, or polished pin to make it feel intentional and photo-ready. The braid keeps everything in place—while still feeling perfectly undone.
Chey Images, Pinterest, Emilo Pucci
Alejandro Iñiguez, Byrdie Mack, Wedding by Sima
The Half-Up Clip
This style strikes the perfect balance between done and undone. Ideal for warm-weather weddings where you want some hair off your face but still want movement, the half-up clip works beautifully with waves or soft curls. Simply take the top section of your hair and loosely secure it at the back with a statement barrette—think tortoiseshell, pearl, or a gold seashell shape. Leave a few face-framing strands out front to keep the look soft and breezy. It’s romantic, effortless, and built to last through dancing and ocean air.
Matilda Djerf, Jennifer Behr, Getty Images
Valentino, Grace Elizabeth, Annie Mayer
Low Sleek Ponytail
The low sleek ponytail is simple, striking, and humidity-proof—perfect for a polished look with minimal fuss. Smooth hair back with styling gel or anti-frizz cream, secure it at the nape, and wrap a section of hair around the base to hide the elastic. Finish with a glossing serum or light-hold spray. It’s clean, elegant, and made to last through heat and long celebrations.
Baobab, Mike Coppola, Anastasyia Chernik
Pinterest, Mike Yasanin, IMAX
Wet-Look Waves
Equal parts chic and heat-proof, wet-look waves are the perfect blend of glamour and practicality. Best worn with a middle part and tucked behind the ears, this look works especially well for evening events or modern destination weddings. Start with dry hair, then use a wide-tooth comb to define your waves. Work a generous amount of high-shine gel or serum through the lengths for that freshly-dipped, mirror-gloss finish.It’s bold, low-maintenance, and completely unfazed by humidity.
Herb Ritts, Zahanet, Le Locale
Luke Pluckrose, Acne, Marcus Ohlsson
