Summer means pool days, sunshine, and lots of splashing around. But wet hair sticking to your neck is never fun. That’s where a pool day braid bun comes in handy. It keeps your hair neat, cool, and out of your face while you swim, tan, or relax by the water. Below, you’ll find twenty simple braid bun styles you can try this summer. Each one is easy to do and perfect for a fun day at the pool.
1.Double Dutch Braided Bun Duo
Two Dutch braids look fun and stay put in water. Start by parting your hair down the middle. Dutch braid each side going down toward the nape of your neck.
Once both braids reach the bottom, twist them together into one small bun. Secure it with a few bobby pins and a hair tie. This style keeps hair off your shoulders and looks great from every angle.
2.High Braided Top Knot Bun
A high bun on top of your head is one of the fastest pool styles. First, braid a small section from your hairline back. Then gather all your hair into a high ponytail.
Wrap the ponytail into a bun and tuck the braid around the base. This hides the hair tie and adds a nice detail. It also keeps hair fully away from the water.
3.Low Fishtail Braid Chignon
A fishtail braid adds texture without much effort once you get the hang of it. Braid your hair down using the fishtail method, then twist it into a low bun at the nape of your neck.
Pin the ends underneath so nothing sticks out. This style feels elegant but still holds up well when you’re swimming laps or floating around.
4.French Braid Crown Updo
This style wraps a French braid around your head like a crown. Braid from one side, moving across your hairline to the other side.
Pin the end near your ear and tuck any loose hair into a small bun at the back. It keeps your face clear of hair and works well for people who don’t love a braid down the middle.
5.Bubble Braid Low Bun Pair
Bubble braids are made by adding small hair ties every inch or two along a ponytail. Gently pull the sections apart to create a bubble effect.
Make two bubble braids, one on each side, then twist both into a low bun together. This style looks playful and holds tight, even after jumping into the pool.
Read: 20 Best Wedding Bun Hairstyles for Older Women
6.Pull-Through Braided Bun
A pull-through braid looks like a braid but uses a simple looping method instead. Split your hair into two sections, add a middle piece, then pull it through repeatedly down your head.
Once you reach the ends, twist everything into a bun. This style looks fancy but takes less skill than a real braid, which makes it great for beginners.
7.Upside-Down Braided Top Bun
Flip your head over and Dutch braid from the nape of your neck upward. This is sometimes called an inverted braid. Once you reach the crown, gather the hair into a bun.
Flip your head back up and secure any loose pieces. This style gives extra volume at the roots and keeps hair fully secure for water activities.
8.Side Braid Wrapped Chignon
A side braid gives an off-center, relaxed look that still stays neat. Braid your hair to one side using a simple three-strand braid.
Once you reach the ends, wrap the braid into a small bun near your shoulder. Pin it in place. This style works well if you want something a little different from a centered bun.
9.Rope-Twist High Bun
A rope twist is simply two sections of hair twisted around each other. It’s quicker than braiding and still looks polished. Twist your hair from the crown down to the ends.
Coil the twisted rope into a bun on top of your head. This style holds well in water and takes only a couple of minutes to create.
10.Four-Strand Braided Bun
A four-strand braid uses one extra section compared to a normal braid, which creates a thicker, more woven look. It takes a little practice, but the result is worth it.
Once braided, twist the whole braid into a bun and pin it down. This style stands out because of its detailed pattern, even from far away at the pool.
11.Triple Cornrow Bun Style
Cornrows are braided close to the scalp, which makes them extra secure for swimming. Create three straight cornrows running from your hairline to the back of your head.
Once you reach the ends, gather all three braids into one bun. This style holds up through hours of swimming without loosening.
12.Zigzag-Part Braided Bun
This style adds a playful twist by using a zigzag part instead of a straight line. Use the end of a comb to create a zigzag part down your head, then braid each section separately.
Twist both braids together into a bun at the back. The zigzag part adds a unique touch that makes this style stand out in photos.
13.Relaxed Boho Braid Bun
If you want a laid-back, beachy look, this style is for you. Loosely braid your hair without pulling it too tight. Leave a few small strands out around your face.
Twist the loose braid into a messy bun and secure it. This style feels effortless and pairs well with sunglasses and a floppy hat.
14.Scarf-Woven Braided Bun
Adding a scarf to your braid gives a fun pop of color. Weave a thin scarf into your braid as you go, treating it like an extra strand of hair.
Once braided, wrap everything into a bun and tuck the scarf ends underneath. This style adds personality and works well for pool parties or summer events.
Read: How to Style the Butterfly Haircut on Long Hair: 20 Polished Ideas
15.Dutch Braid Mohawk Updo
This style creates a raised strip down the middle of your head, similar to a mohawk. Dutch braid a small section starting at your forehead and moving back.
Once you reach the crown, blend the braid into a bun with the rest of your hair. This style looks bold and keeps hair fully secure during water play.
16.Triple Braid Low Chignon
Three separate braids give this style extra texture. Divide your hair into three sections and braid each one individually.
Bring all three braids together at the nape of your neck and twist them into one bun. Pin the ends in place. This style holds well and looks detailed without much daily upkeep.
17.Infinity Braid Wrapped Bun
An infinity braid uses a figure-eight motion instead of a normal over-under pattern. It creates a slightly raised, twisted look. Braid your hair using this method down to the ends.
Coil the finished braid into a bun and secure it with pins. This style has a unique texture that makes it stand out from a regular braided bun.
18.Snake Braid Updo Bun
A snake braid winds across your head in a curved path instead of a straight line. Start the braid near your temple and curve it toward the opposite side.
Once you reach the ends, twist the braid into a bun at the back. This style looks creative and works great for people who want something different from the usual braid patterns.
19.Twisted-Edge Braided Bun
This style focuses on smooth, twisted edges around your hairline. Twist small sections of hair along your part before pulling everything into a low ponytail.
Braid the ponytail and wrap it into a bun. The twisted edges frame your face nicely and keep flyaways under control, even after time in the water.
20.Micro-Braid Accent Updo
Adding a few thin micro-braids to a regular bun creates a detailed, eye-catching look. Braid three or four small sections near your hairline using tiny, tight braids.
Gather the rest of your hair into a bun and blend the micro-braids around the base. This style takes more time but gives a salon-quality finish for a special pool day.
Final Thoughts on Pool Day Hairstyles
A great pool day braid bun keeps your hair secure, dry, and stylish while you enjoy the water. Whether you prefer a simple twist or a detailed braid, there’s an option here for every hair type and skill level. Try a few different styles to see which one holds up best for your hair and your day. With the right braid bun, you can spend more time swimming and less time worrying about your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best braid bun style for swimming?
Cornrows or Dutch braids work best for swimming because they sit close to the scalp. This keeps them secure even after diving into water. A bun on top of these braids adds extra hold.
How do I keep my braided bun from falling apart in water?
Use small, tight braids and secure the bun with several bobby pins. A hair tie made for sports or swimming also helps keep everything in place during water activities.
Can I do a braid bun on short hair?
Yes, short hair can still work with smaller, tighter braids close to the head. A low bun or a few mini braids near the front usually works best for shorter lengths.
How long does a pool day braid bun last?
Most styles last through a full day of swimming if the braids are tight and the bun is well secured. Cornrows and Dutch braids tend to last the longest, sometimes for several days.
Do I need any special products for these hairstyles?
A light gel or edge control helps smooth flyaways before braiding. A strong hair tie and a few bobby pins are usually all you need to keep the bun secure.
