Summer brings sunshine, beach days, and humidity that can challenge curly hair.
But with the right hairstyle, you can stay cool, stylish, and frizz-free all season long.
Whether you’re heading to a festival, a wedding, or just lounging by the pool, these 15 curly hairstyles are designed for hot weather, keeping your curls off your neck and face while showcasing their natural beauty.
From chic updos to playful ponytails and breezy short cuts, this list has something for every curl type and occasion.
Let’s dive into the best curly hairstyles for summer!
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1. Sky-High Pony
The sky-high pony is a bold, voluminous ponytail that lifts curls off your neck, perfect for hot summer days.
This style adds height and drama, making it ideal for festivals or beach parties.
Tease the crown for extra volume, secure with a colorful scrunchie, and apply a curl-defining cream to keep curls bouncy.
It’s a low-maintenance look that screams summer confidence.
Related Post: 20 Best Braided Hairstyles for Summer 2025
2. Romantic Updo
Embrace a soft, carefree vibe with the romantic updo, a loose low bun that requires no heat styling.
Perfect for garden parties or casual outings, this style keeps curls tucked away while letting a few tendrils frame your face.
Air-dry your hair, apply a curl cream, and secure with bobby pins for a dreamy, bohemian look that thrives in humidity.
3. Sleek Updo
For a polished look, the sleek updo is a high bun that works for both formal events and everyday wear.
Smooth your curls with a brush, tease the crown, and twist into a chic bun secured with a satin scrunchie.
This style keeps hair off your face and neck, making it a go-to for rooftop dinners or city adventures in the summer heat.
4. Chic Half-Bun
The chic half-bun is a relaxed yet stylish option, pulling the top half of your curls into a small bun while letting the rest flow freely.
Ideal for festivals or casual outings, it keeps hair partially lifted for comfort.
Gather curls gently, twist into a bun, and secure with a clip for a youthful, effortless summer vibe.
5. Low Bun With Braids
Combine structure and flair with a low bun featuring cornrow braids.
This style keeps curls neatly tucked at the nape, perfect for poolside lounging or long summer days.
Braid your hair into cornrows, pull the ends into a bun, and secure with pins. It’s a protective style that’s both cool and low-maintenance.
6. French Twist
The French twist is a mid-height updo that’s elegant yet practical for summer weddings or evening events.
Twist your curls into a sleek, vertical roll and secure with decorative pins. Apply dry shampoo for grip and tousle slightly for a relaxed finish.
This timeless style keeps you cool while exuding sophistication.
7. Banded Bubble Ponytail
Add a playful twist with the banded bubble ponytail, where curls are divided into bubbled sections using elastic bands.
This high ponytail keeps hair off your neck and adds a fun, festival-ready flair.
Apply gel for smoothness, create three linked ponytails, and fluff the curls between bands for maximum volume.
8. Sleek Pouf
The sleek pouf is a high, voluminous updo that’s easy to recreate for any summer occasion.
Gather your curls at the crown, smooth with oil, and secure with a tie for a bold, structured look.
Perfect for brunches or casual meetups, this style showcases your curls’ texture while keeping you cool in the heat.
9. Slicked-Back Low Ponytail
Keep it simple and sleek with a slicked-back low ponytail, ideal for beach days or minimalist summer looks.
Smooth curls back with gel, secure at the nape, and let the ponytail’s curls flow naturally.
This style is effortlessly chic, keeping hair off your face while embracing your natural texture.
10. Messy Short Curly Hair
Short, tousled curls are a summer staple, perfect for beating the heat with minimal effort.
This messy, above-the-shoulder style is ideal for beach trips or everyday wear.
Apply a curl cream, air-dry, and scrunch for defined, carefree curls that look effortlessly chic in humid weather.
11. Curly Bob with Bangs
The curly bob with bangs is a sassy, heat-friendly style that frames your face with light, wispy bangs.
This chin-length cut is perfect for city strolls or summer dates.
Use a curl-defining product to enhance texture and keep bangs light for a fresh, vibrant look that’s easy to maintain.
12. Curly Messy Bun with Tendrils
For a carefree summer vibe, try the curly messy bun with tendrils.
This high bun is loose and textured, with soft curls falling around your face and neck.
Perfect for picnics or casual outings, pull curls into a bun, leave tendrils loose, and secure with pins for a romantic, laid-back style.
13. Mid-low Sleek Puff
The mid-low sleek puff is a bold style that gathers curls just below the crown, keeping hair off your neck while showcasing texture.
Ideal for music festivals or active summer days, brush hair back, form the puff, and secure with a tie.
This look is vibrant and practical for hot weather.
14. Long Curly Hair Ponytail
A long curly hair ponytail with loose tendrils is a simple yet stunning summer style.
Pull curls into a high ponytail, leaving a few tendrils at the front for a relaxed vibe.
Secure with an elastic and fluff for volume.
This look is perfect for lakeside adventures or casual summer days.
15. Curly Shag with Fringe
The curly shag with fringe is a trendy, layered cut with a textured fringe that adds volume and movement.
This shoulder-length style is light and heat-friendly, ideal for rooftop parties or urban outings.
Apply mousse post-shower for definition and control, embracing the shag’s edgy, carefree charm.
Conclusion
These 15 curly hairstyles are your summer saviors, offering a mix of updos, ponytails, and short cuts to keep you cool and stylish in hot weather.
Whether you’re rocking a sky-high pony at a festival or a sleek updo at a wedding, these looks embrace your natural curls while managing humidity and heat.
Try them out, experiment with curl creams and accessories, and let your curls shine all summer long. For more inspiration, check out Byrdie and HairShepherd. Which style will you try first?
