10 Quick and Easy Summer Hairstyles with Clip-In Extensions

Why Clip-In Extensions Are Perfect for Summer Styling

Extra Volume and Length Without the Commitment

One of the best things about clip-in extensions is how they enable you to switch up your look daily, without needing to commit to permanent changes.

This helps make clip-in hairstyles perfect for holidays, festivals, weddings, and beach days. You can pop in these summer hair extensions whenever you want length or volume. Then, once you're in the mood for something else, you'll be able to take them out just as quickly and easily.

Here at Cliphair, though, we recognise that it isn't always so straightforward to decide on the right clip-in hairstyles in the first place.

We've been helping customers find their perfect extensions for over 17 years, so we know which styles work best for particular situations.

Yes, you might consistently desire certain things from your chosen hair pieces, such as ethically sourced and voluntarily donated hair having been used. However, there may be a lot of other specifics you're less sure about.

So, let's take you through the essentials of using clip-in hair extensions to create great-looking and practical summer holiday hairstyles.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these items together:

• A good set of clip-in hair extensions (we recommend Double Wefted clip-in extensions for day-to-day fullness, or seamless clip-in hair extensions for an impressively discreet finish).
• Alligator sectioning clips.
• Hair ties and bobby pins.
• Heat protectant (essential if you're using tools).
• Optional: the Cliphair Wave Comb for pulling off textured looks.

All the styles listed below work brilliantly with clip-ins measuring 18 to 22 inches. If you're a newcomer to hair pieces, halo hair extensions are a super easy beginner-friendly alternative for certain hairstyles.

There's at least one more great reason to source your clip-in extensions from Cliphair: our use of 100% Remy human hair across our range. This will give you even greater confidence in your ability to achieve a natural finish, while still benefitting from ample styling flexibility.

10 Super Easy Summer Hairstyles with Clip-Ins

1. Braided Ponytail

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 10 mins

For those hot and humid days when you'll want to keep your hair off your neck, this one's a lifesaver. It's one of our favourite easy summer hairstyles.

How to create it:

1. Clip in your extensions.
2. Gather your hair into a high ponytail.
3. Use a hair tie to secure it.
4. Braid the ponytail to the ends.
5. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic and pin underneath.

Best with: a clip-in wrap-around ponytail extension or a full-head set. Give our 20" Wrap Around Ponytail a go for your braided holiday hairstyles, or try out the Biscuit Blondey.

2. Space Buns (Low and High)

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 8 mins

Festival hairstyles with extensions very much go hand in hand. Space buns are an excellent demonstration of this.

How to create it:

1. Part your hair down the centre.
2. Add extensions evenly on both sides.
3. Create two ponytails.
4. Twist each ponytail around itself.
5. Secure with pins or elastics.

Best with: Double Wefted clip-in extensions for extra fullness in each bun.

For more festival-ready inspiration, check out our guide to festival hair in 2026.

Half-Up Space Buns Variation

If you're after something a little softer, create buns using only the top half of your hair and leave loose waves underneath. This version works particularly well with shorter extensions of 16 inches to 18 inches.

3. Claw Clip Half-Up

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 3 mins

If you're on the lookout for practically effortless beach hairstyles, we suggest you don't look past this one.

How to create it:

1. Clip in your hair pieces.
2. Gather the top section of your hair.
3. Twist gently.
4. Use a claw clip to secure it.

For a summery twist when experimenting with these half-up clip-in hairstyles, swap your regular clip for a flower claw clip. Read more about why the flower claw clip is such an in-demand trend this summer.

Best with: seamless clip-in extensions, because their thinner wefts hide better under the clip.

4. Mermaid Waves

Difficulty: Medium | Time: 15 mins (or overnight heatless)

Summer hairstyles really don't get much more summery than mermaid waves. You can take your pick from two different methods for beach hairstyles giving off this look.

Best with: 20-inch to 22-inch extensions and a Cliphair Wave Comb. It's the ideal combination for pulling off that maximum mermaid effect.

With a Hair Waver Tool

1. Clip in your extensions.
2. Apply heat protectant.
3. Use a deep barrel waver section by section.
4. Don't allow temperatures to exceed 180°C.
5. Gently brush through for a softer finish.

For in-depth guidance, look at our article on how to use a hair waver with extensions.

Heatless Overnight Method

1. Lightly dampen your hair.
2. Braid together your natural hair and extensions.
3. Sleep with the braids in place.
4. Undo them in the morning.
5. Use your fingers to separate the waves gently.

In the mood for more beach-inspired texture? In that case, click through to our articles on heatless overnight curls and how to achieve beach waves in readiness for summer.

5. Double Bubble Braids

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 10 mins

Are you planning a holiday in exotic climes, comparing the best options for festival hairstyles with extensions, or simply looking to spend an active day outdoors?

Whatever; this braided look can be another temptingly straightforward option to try.

How to create it:

1. Divide your hair into two sections.
2. Create pigtails.
3. Add elastics at two-inch intervals.
4. Gently pull each section outward to create "bubbles".
5. Repeat down the length.

With this hairstyle, extensions add volume to each "bubble". This helps make the style look fuller and more dramatic.

Best with: Ultra Volume or Double Wefted clip-in extensions.

6. Wavy Ponytail with Tousled Fringe

Difficulty: Medium | Time: 12 mins

Your quest for the most relaxed holiday hairstyles might bring you to this classic look.

How to create it:

1. Attach a clip-in fringe.
2. Secure a ponytail using ponytail hair extensions.
3. Add loose waves with a curling wand.
4. Apply a light texture spray to finish.

Best with: a wrap-around ponytail extension and a clip-in fringe.

7. Sleek Low Ponytail with Centre Parting

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 8 mins

Ideal for weddings or evenings out, this sophisticated take on the low ponytail ranks high among easy hairstyles for the summer.

How to create it:

1. Straighten your natural hair and extensions.
2. Create a precise centre parting.
3. Pull into a low ponytail.
4. Wrap a strand around the elastic.

Best with: seamless clip-ins for a polished finish.

8. Heatless Overnight Waves

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 5 mins (plus overnight)

As far as both cute and easy summer hairstyles are concerned, there aren't many more deserving candidates for your seasonal look than this one.

How to create it:

1. Braid slightly damp hair before bed.
2. Remove your clip-in extensions and braid them separately.
3. Sleep with both braids in place.
4. In the morning, put your extensions back in.
5. Finger-comb the waves.

That's it; possibly the perfect answer to your search for easy summer hairstyles that you can rustle up late at night and on a busy morning.

For extra tips on getting the best from this look, check out our guide to heatless overnight curls.

Best with: any clip-in set.

9. Twisted Half-Up Half-Down

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 7 mins

Summer updos that work just as well for weddings, garden parties, and beachside dinners don't come around all that often.

The twisted half-up half-down is just one of those highly recommended seasonal holiday hairstyles.

How to create it:

1. Clip in your hair pieces.
2. Take two front sections.
3. Twist each section backwards.
4. Pin them where they meet.
5. Leave the remaining lengths loose.

Best with: seamless clip-ins for natural blending at the twist point.

Looking for more occasion styling ideas? Browse our guide to putting together effortless hairstyles for outdoor gatherings such as garden parties.

10. Scarf-Wrapped Ponytail

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 5 mins

The scarf-wrapped ponytail isn't merely deservedly popular among summer beach hairstyles; it ticks the "practicality" box surprisingly well, too.

How to create it:

1. Use your own hair, or a wrap-around ponytail extension, to create a ponytail.
2. Tie a silk scarf around the base.
3. Wrap the remaining fabric through the ponytail.
4. Leave the ends loose.

There are a number of reasons why this method makes so much sense for quick summer hairstyles. A relatively obvious benefit is that the scarf will help shield your extensions from direct exposure to the sun.

Best with: a wrap-around ponytail extension. For a timeless option, see our 20" Wrap Around Ponytail or the Lightest Blonde ponytail.

Summer Hair Care Tips for Extensions

Protecting Your Extensions from Sun and Chlorine

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and pool chemicals can dry out and fade even the best-quality hair extensions. So, make sure you always rinse your hair pieces after swimming in chlorine or saltwater, and use a leave-in conditioner or UV protectant spray.

Our moisturising silky spray can be a great investment for shielding your summer hair extensions from deterioration. For further useful advice to help protect your extensions in hot weather, look at our guide to heat-proofing your hair pieces.

How to Keep Your Clip-Ins Looking Fresh All Summer

A little extra care will go a long way during the summer months.

So, make sure you:

• Store your extensions away from direct sunlight.
• Wash your hair pieces only when necessary. This should be less frequent than at other times of year.
• Take your extensions out before you swim or sleep.
• Brush your hair pieces gently before and after wear.