Keep those curls popping all season long!
Hot weather and curly hair have a complicated relationship. The humidity rolls in, your routine goes out the window, and suddenly you’re in a tight bun by noon just to get through the day. But here’s the thing. Pulling your curls back every single time is not your only option.
We’ve found five summer hairstyles that keep your ringlets defined, stylish, and completely out of your face, no heat damage, no frizz spiral, no surrender. Try them all!
Looking for a summer style that snaps your curly hair into shape without any accessories showing? This one pulls it off beautifully. Section off your front pieces and tie them together at the back first. Next, grab a small section right near the face and twist it into a tiny baby braid.
Repeat on the other side for symmetry. Tie the rest of your hair up, then release those front pieces, brush them through, and coat them in a touch of styling gel for definition. Brush them smoothly behind your ears and pin them flat.
When you pull out your ponytail, what’s left is a polished, snatched look where the braided sections mimic a headband that no one can actually see. Clean, sleek, and completely secure for a full day in the heat.
Sometimes the simplest moves hit the hardest. A claw clip updo is about as low-effort as it gets, but the key to making it look polished on curly hair is all in the prep. Start by applying a smoothing product and brush your hair back nicely, taming any flyaways that would otherwise take over. Following the curly girl method principles here really pays off, especially if your curls tend to frizz the second any humidity enters the room.
Once your hair is smooth and gathered, twist it and clip it in one confident motion. That’s the whole thing. No pins, no second-guessing, just a sleek updo that holds up all day and comes down in seconds when you need it.
This one doubles as a great option for protecting your curls during the hottest part of the day. Saturate your locks with water first to reactivate your curl pattern, then section off your front pieces on both sides. Braid each one halfway and tie them together at the back, tucking them under the top layer of hair so they sit like a natural headband.
If you already have a solid hair care routine by hair type, you’ll know that moisture is everything in summer, and this style keeps your ends off your neck while still letting your natural texture do its thing in the lower half. Style the rest of your hair as usual, and you have a cute, summery look that takes almost no effort to put together.
For anyone with type 3C hair or tight coils that tend to shrink and clump in the heat, this four-step style is worth every second. Start with a half ponytail at the crown and topsy-tail it for built-in texture, leaving your front tendrils hanging loose around your face. Now throw in a couple of mini braids right at the hairline for extra detail, then bring those braids back and weave them directly into the ponytail.
Tie the top section into a half bun and secure it with a claw clip. The result is layered enough to look intentional and relaxed enough to survive a sweaty afternoon. The braids keep your edges in place, the bun keeps the bulk off your neck, and the loose sections give it that effortlessly put-together finish.
This is the style that keeps on giving, especially if you find yourself changing plans throughout the day. Start by tying your front sections back at the nape and slipping on your favorite headband. That right there is look one: clean, minimal, and totally wearable. Need something a little more polished? Create a half ponytail, and you have look two.
For an occasion that calls for a bit more, clip a claw clip into the ponytail for instant structure. And when the evening rolls around, twist everything into a messy bun and let the headband frame your face from below. If you know your curls tend to deflate by midday, check out some tips on summer curly hair protection to keep all four versions of this look holding strong. One setup, four completely different vibes.
Your curls are not a problem to manage, they’re a style waiting to happen. Try one of these looks and see which becomes your go-to. And for even more curly hair ideas, use the TheRightHairstyles virtual try-on tool to preview new styles on your actual face, or get the HairHunt app (iOS, Android) for daily curly hair styling and coloring inspiration.
