12 Chic and Easy Bucket Hat Hairstyles to Try (2024)

The bucket hat is here to stay — and it’s both a stylish topper and when styled correctly, a hair accessory in its own right.

A beacon of ‘90s style that’s now something of a Gen Z staple, the hats are defined by a roomy and rounded cap and a circular rim designed to be folded up or left to frame your look. And unlike other hats, buckets are versatile enough in form and function to suit any look, regardless of aesthetic or season.

“Bucket hats are a great accessory no matter the weather,” says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. “They can prevent sunburn on the scalp and keep you warm in the colder seasons.” In addition to the style factor, hats can protect your scalp, resulting in healthier hair. “Prolonged sun exposure can weaken the protein structure in your hair, which makes it dry and more prone to breakage,” says Fitzsimons. “Many bucket hats are made of lightweight, breathable material which will keep your head cool and reduce frizz.”

Hairstylist Lauren Bailey-Chaidez, owner of Los Angeles’ Feverfew Salon. advises further protecting lengths by keeping bucket hats away from wet strands or too-tight styles, as friction can lead to unnecessary breakage. Otherwise, though? They’re a must-have multi-tasking accessory. “There’s nothing better than a hat on a bad hair day,” says Bailey-Chaidez. “Hiding regrowth? Yup! But they’re also so fashionable. Bucket hats are timeless.”

Here, 12 easy ways to style your hair beneath your favorite bucket hat.

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Flippy Bob

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The of-the-moment flippy bob is even better with a bucket hat. Simply blow out your bob with a round brush, sweeping up the ends for a dose of retro glamour, and funk up the classic style with your go-to accessory.

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Bubble Braids

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“If you're not a fan of wearing your hair down under hats, consider braids,” says Fitzsimons. “They can be French or regular, you can do one or many—it's up to your discretion.” While options abound, the stylist is particularly fond of the out-of-the-box bubble braid. “Bubble braids are a fun twist on a typical braid, and they will add some fun texture to your look.”

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Low Ponytail

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With a tie-back and a go-to hat, second-day hair is suddenly stylish. “A simple low pony or bun will look great with a bucket hat, whether you are trying to hide greasy roots or just not in the mood to do a complicated style,” says Fitzsimons.

Air-Dried Waves

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An easy air-dry is a strong choice all on its own, but a branded bucket hat ups the ante on the organic aesthetic. “No matter your texture or style, a bucket hat will complement your look,” says Fitzsimons.

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Side Braid

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For a French girl take on the bucket hat, a bob, and bangs will do. Wear your hat tilted slightly up rather than low over the eyes, the better to pull focus to the fringe. Those with long hair can mimic the moment with a low knot at the nape of the beck.

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Chic Chop

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Bailey-Chaidez is an advocate for a simple side braid, woven to peek from beneath your favorite bucket hat. “Simple, classic,” she says. A leather iteration ups the chic factor and balances the braid’s bohemian ease. This is an ideal style for a not-so-great hair day or one where you’ll have to weather some weather. A bucket hat protects your scalp, while the easy braid beats frizz and unwanted or unwieldy texture.

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Bucket Braids

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An assemblage of braids, twists, hair wraps, and more becomes even funkier when finished with a bucket hat. Opt for braids of varied sizes run through with ribbon or finish plaits in bows. In this instance, idiosyncrasy is the point.

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Wet-Look Hair

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Our love of wet-look lengths endures, and topping a seemingly damp style with a bucket hat only lends to the illusion that one has literally been caught in the rain. While topping hair that is actually wet with a bucket hat is unadvisable, wet-look hair (often achieved with a layering of hydrating products) is an option, so long as the hair directly beneath the hat remains “dry.”

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Brushed-Up Lengths

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Embrace your mane’s natural volume with an equally fluffy accessory. “I really love the faux-fur bucket hats that have been trending this season,” says Fitzsimons. “I’ve also seen leather, crocheted, and straw versions, so there's a style for everyone and every season.”

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Braid Cascade

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A mane of baby braids (whether undone at the ends or woven to the tip) serves as an ideal foundation for a printed bucket hat. For maximum impact (and texture), opt for curled ends. Those without braids can achieve a style with a tumble of ringlets.

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Bucket Blowout

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Bucket hats need not be reserved for questionable hair days. Topping your blowout with a bucket keeps a look casual and cool—and, if you so choose, a quick post-hat zhuzh allows for a fun day-to-night reveal.

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Bucket Bob

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A sleek bob styled with a bucket hat feels stylist and playful, particularly if the hat’s texture echoes the hair’s natural texture. In this case, matching an eye makeup shade to the hat’s hue proves that the accessory was factored into the ensemble, rather than grabbed as a last-minute addition.