Whether you’re going on vacation or simply want to embrace your tropical side, Hawaiian hairstyles are one of the latest hairstyle trends that you have to try. Let’s be honest—we all could all use a little Hawaiian style in our lives, and if a plane ticket just isn’t in the cards at the moment, rocking an island-inspired ‘do is the next best option! From long hairstyles to braids to updos and buns, we’ve got the scoop on how to create 15 Hawaii hair looks.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #1: MAKE IT WAVY
For this Hawaiian hairstyle, it’s all about making waves. The tropics call for a carefree, laidback vibe, and so does this hairstyle.
STEP 1: WASH YOUR HAIR
The first step to get this hairstyle is to prep your hair using the right hair care products. Since the ultimate goal is to have loose, hassle-free waves, use a volume shampoo and conditioner to give your locks the extra body and bounce you need for this look. Used together, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Conditioner will give your hair lasting volume and luminous shine.
STEP 2: APPLY A HAIR TEXTURIZER
Use the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray to enhance your hair’s natural shape and texture. Apply the texturizing wave spray to towel-dried hair, scrunch, and let it dry for loose, soft waves.
Editor’s tip: If your hair is naturally straight, put your strands into a braid while waiting for them to dry to create more defined waves.
STEP 3: ACCESSORIZE
To finish this look, place a flower hair accessory in your hair to nail the Hawaiian vibe. Have fun with this step! Whether you choose to put a flower clip on the side of your head above your ear or rock a flower headband, you’ll be a radiant island beauty.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #2: LONG AND SHAGGY
Want to take a walk on the retro side with your Hawaiian hairstyles? The long and shaggy look will tickle your fancy. A great way to play with the feathered hair trend, this hairstyle is an excellent choice for those who live by low maintenance styling. All you need to do is grab a hair pomade or paste, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty, and work it throughout your mane to bring your feathered layers to life.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #3: NATURAL CURLS
Waiting for the perfect moment to show your natural curls some love? Now is as excellent a time as any! Whether you’re working with tight curls or a loose curl pattern, this Hawaii hair look will add the extra oomph that you need. Simply add an egg-sized amount of curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to your damp strands to amp up your texture. Scrunch your strands, let your hair air dry, and you’ll be left with curly strands.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #4: TWIST OUT
Can’t get enough of flowy locks? It may be time to put your mane on full display with a twist out. This technique works to define your natural texture, leaving you with soft and bouncy curls. Sound like a hairstyle you can get behind? Head on over to our article, How to Do A Twist Out on Natural Hair, for all the deets.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #5: CURLY PONYTAIL WITH PIECE-Y STRANDS
Nothing says tropical vibes quite like a curly ponytail with piece-y strands. Equal parts playful and flirty, this Hawaiian hair look adds a fun and flirty spin to your style that won’t go unnoticed. Here’s how to get the look.
STEP #1: APPLY CURL MOUSSE
Start by applying a curl mousse to damp strands. Scrunch from the ends to roots and let air dry.
STEP #2: DIVIDE YOUR HAIR
Once your strands are fully dry, separate two small-sized sections of hair from the front of your hairline.
STEP #3: BUILD YOUR PONYTAIL
Gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail, and secure it with a hair tie. Take a piece of hair from the length of your ponytail and wrap it around its base. Once you have a tiny strand of hair left, secure it with a bobby pin.
STEP #4: SEAL THE DEAL
Top off the look with a shine spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray, for the perfect finishing touch.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #6: LOOSE CURLS WITH FLORAL WREATH
Want to make heads turn? Loose curls with a floral wreath will surely do the trick. Florals naturally go hand in hand with Hawaiian hair looks, and loose curls are the cherry on top. To get the look, simply add a healthy amount of curl mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once your hair is fully dry, gently comb your hair to loosen the curls. Finish up with a floral wreath, and you’ll be as good as gold.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #7: TEXTURED BOB
Looking for the perfect way to add some pizazz to your bob hairstyle? Consider it done with a textured bob! This trendy look gives you free rein to show off movement and body. Best of all, you can pull this look together all on your own. Simply spritz your hair with a texturizing spray and use a rattail comb to tease your strands for a lifted mane.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #8: TOUSLED WAVES
If sultry styles are your idea of the perfect island hairstyles, then it’s time to add some tousled strands into the mix. Tousled waves provide the ideal opportunity to play with texture without the long styling process. Basically, it’s a minimal styling dream! To get the look, spritz dry hair with a wave spray. Follow up with a small amount of the hair putty and work it through your mane, making sure to shape your strands in different directions. Finish up with a touch of hairspray.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #9: PUT IT UP
What’s better than long, braided Hawaiian hairstyles? A long, braided Hawaiian updo!
STEP 1: ADD SOME VOLUME
Apply a texturizing spray to your roots for instant lift and volume.
STEP 2: CREATE YOUR UPDO
This step is open to your creativity, as well as your preferred updo. For some inspo, check out our article, 3 Messy Buns to Wear This Summer for three braided bun hairstyle ideas that are fit for the tropics.
STEP 3: ADD A FLOWER
Sticking with the flower trend, accent your hairstyle by adding a flower hair accessory.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #10: TOP KNOT
In the mood for a Hawaiian hair look that takes little to no time to style? Feast your eyes on the timeless top knot. This hairstyle helps you show off your features while keeping your strands stylishly tucked away for a winning look. It’s no surprise that this hairstyle is a top pick. Head on over to our article, How to Do the Perfect Top Knot, for a step-by-step tutorial.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #11: MESSY BUN
Speaking of quick and easy hairstyles, you may want to try your hand at the messy bun. It’s gorgeous, stylish, and seriously on-trend. Start by gathering your strands into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Twist the length of your ponytail from the base to the ends. Then, wrap it around itself to form a bun. Place a few bobby pins to hold your hair in place, muss it up a bit, and you’re ready to start your day.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #12: SLEEK PONYTAIL
Prefer a sleek, almost wet-looking ‘do? The sleek ponytail will not disappoint. Equal parts edgy and chic, a sleek ponytail will never steer you wrong. To get the look, first add a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to your roots. Brush your hair toward the center of your head and gather your strands into a ponytail.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #13: BRAID IT
If you’d rather try a more intricate style, this braided Hawaiian hairstyle is for you.
STEP 1: BRAID YOUR HAIR
For this look, start by French braiding your hair. If you’re a little rusty on your braid skills, read our article, Braiding Basics: How to French Braid Your Hair.
STEP 2: LOOSEN IT UP
Once your hair is braided, you want to add some character to your braid. Gently tug at the plait to loosen it. Then, gently pull strands loose at the front of your face, so you have a few pieces of hair framing your face.
STEP 3: SPRAY IT INTO PLACE
Apply a strong-hold spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold, to ensure your style stays in place.
STEP 4: GRAB YOUR ACCESSORIES
Just as with a few of our other Hawaiian hairstyles, a flower hair accessory truly pulls this look together. Use your hair accessory of choice and place it wherever you see fit. We love putting small flower clips throughout the braid to make it appear as though you have flowers laced into your locks.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #14: DUTCH SIDE BRAID WITH WAVES
Ready to add a little weaving action to your tropical hairstyle? A Dutch side braid will suit your fancy. Perfect for enjoying a bonfire at the beach, this style offers a classic and chic appeal that you’ll love. To get the look, brush your strands to either side of your head. Split your hair into three sections and weave your inverted braid. Once you reach the ends, secure the braid with a hair elastic. Mist a high-shine hairspray evenly over your mane, and you’ll be good to go.
HAWAIIAN HAIRSTYLE #15: FISHTAIL BRAID
Last but not least, the fishtail braid. This timeless style rounds out our Hawaii hair list for a good reason. A stylish way to flaunt a beautifully woven pattern, this look adds a boho vibe to your look that’s the true epitome of vacation-inspired hair. Sure, this style may take some time to create, but the results are totally worth it. To get the look, check out our tutorial, Our Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial.
There you have it—15 Hawaii hair options! Now that you’re ready to rock a Hawaiian style, read our article about The Hair Products You Should Pack for Vacation.