19 Ideas For Summer Curls Hairstyles You’ll Want To Screenshot Immediately
Humidity doesn’t have to be the villain of your curl story. With the right styles, summer turns your texture into a superpower. These ideas keep your curls defined, playful, and sweat-proof—without a two-hour bathroom routine. Ready to look like you planned it, even when you didn’t?
1. Beachy Diffused Waves Without the Crunch
Loose, lived-in waves scream summer and require minimal fuss. You’ll get movement, shine, and that “I just left the beach” vibe—no sticky residue.
Tips
- Apply a light curl cream or sea salt spray to damp hair.
- Diffuse on low heat and low airflow while scrunching upward.
- Finish with a pea-sized serum to break the cast and add slip.
Perfect for day dates, rooftop hangs, and anyone who wants effortless volume with zero helmet hair.
2. High Pineapple With Silk Scarf Flair
Take your curls up and off your neck while keeping them bouncy and cute. The scarf adds color and holds everything together when the sun wants chaos.
Key Points
- Flip your head, gather curls at the crown, and secure with a soft scrunchie.
- Wrap a silk or satin scarf around the base for style and frizz control.
- Fluff the ends for height and drama.
Great for beach days, workouts, and saving day-four hair. FYI, it protects your curls too.
3. Wet Look Curls That Actually Shine
The glossy wet look feels sleek and cool for balmy nights. You get definition and control without feeling crispy.
How-To
- On soaking-wet hair, rake in a strong-hold gel plus a touch of lightweight oil.
- Comb through for smooth definition and part sharply.
- Air-dry or diffuse just the roots to lock shape.
Ideal for pool parties, evening events, and when you want that editorial vibe with minimal effort.
4. Half-Up Curly Fountain
Show off your texture while keeping hair out of your face. It highlights volume on top and keeps the curls bouncing below.
Tips
- Gather the top third of hair and secure with a claw clip or barrette.
- Leave tendrils around the face for softness.
- Mist with a curl refresher spray for definition.
Perfect for brunch, festivals, and low-key date nights. It looks polished without trying too hard.
5. Bubble Braids on Curly Pigtails
Playful, photogenic, and surprisingly secure in humidity. The “bubble” sections keep curls contained while showing texture between elastics.
Materials
- Clear mini elastics
- Light curl cream
- Edge brush for tidying
Try it for festivals or poolside hangs. You’ll turn heads and still stay cool.
6. Curly Topknot With Face-Framing Spirals
A topknot keeps you sweat-free while face-framing curls soften the look. It goes from beach to dinner without a redo.
Key Points
- Twist hair into a high knot, secure loosely to avoid squishing curl pattern.
- Pull out two small tendrils and define with gel or cream.
- Finish with a mist of shine spray.
Ideal for hot days or nights out when you want elegance with an edge.
7. Heatless Rope Curls Overnight
Wake up to defined, bouncy curls without heat damage. It’s the ultimate set-and-forget strategy.
How-To
- Apply leave-in and mousse on damp hair.
- Split into sections, twist two strands into a rope and wrap around each other.
- Secure, sleep on a satin pillowcase, then separate softly in the morning.
Use this before busy days or trips when styling time = zero. The hold lasts, trust me.
8. Curly Curtain Bangs With Airy Layers
Curtain bangs in curls look flirty and light, not heavy. They frame your face and give movement even when you throw everything else up.
Tips
- Use a curl-friendly mousse for lift at the roots.
- Diffuse bangs first, then the rest.
- Pinch ends with a touch of cream to separate.
Best for anyone who wants shape without committing to full bangs. IMO, it’s the easiest upgrade.
9. Slicked Sides, Big Curly Pony
Balance sleek edges with a juicy, voluminous ponytail. It’s bold, low-maintenance, and sweat-resistant.
How-To
- Apply gel to sides and brush upward into a mid- or high-pony.
- Secure with a no-snag band.
- Fluff the pony with a pick and define any frizzy pieces.
Use it for workouts or nights out when you want drama without the drama.
10. Boho Braids Scattered Through Curls
Tiny braids add texture and interest without stealing the show. They tame front pieces and give you beach goddess energy.
Key Points
- Grab random small sections and braid loosely.
- Secure with clear elastics or leave ends free if your hair holds.
- Add hair rings or shells for extra summer flair.
Great for festivals, vacations, and photo-heavy days. It’s effortless but looks intentional.
11. Wash-and-Go With a Lightweight Gel Cocktail
Simplify your routine with a product combo that fights humidity and frizz. You’ll get definition that lasts without weight.
Formula
- Leave-in conditioner for slip
- Light gel for hold
- Few drops of serum for shine
This is the everyday hero style. Perfect for work-to-weekend flexibility.
12. Low Curly Chignon With a Twist
Chic and surprisingly quick, this bun keeps you cool and classy. Twisting sections first preserves curl texture in the bun.
How-To
- Part in the middle, gather hair low at the nape.
- Twist sections and pin into a loose chignon.
- Leave out soft curls near the ears for romance.
Use for weddings, dinners, or anytime you need instant elegance.
13. Claw Clip Cascade
The claw clip comeback was made for curly hair. It holds volume, adds height, and looks cute with zero effort.
Tips
- Gather hair at mid-height and twist upward.
- Clip securely, letting curls spill over the top.
- Spritz water + leave-in to refresh ends.
Perfect for errands, commuting, or last-minute Zooms. It’s the five-second glow-up.
14. Defined Coils With Finger Coiling
Finger coiling turns frizz into juicy, uniform spirals. It takes a little time, but the results? Chef’s kiss.
How-To
- Work on damp hair with a curl cream or custard.
- Wrap small sections around your finger, then release.
- Diffuse on low or air-dry without touching.
Best when you crave long-lasting definition for special days or travel.
15. Curly Space Buns
Playful and practical, space buns lift your hair off your neck and keep curls perky. They’re also extremely selfie-friendly.
Key Points
- Part down the middle, gather two high ponytails.
- Twist each into a loose bun, pin, and pull pieces for volume.
- Edge control for clean lines if you like.
Perfect for concerts, hiking trails, or when you need maximum cute with minimal sweat.
16. Side-Swept Deep Part With Volume
A deep side part changes your entire vibe instantly. It adds lift and drama while keeping curls defined.
Tips
- Create a deep part on your preferred side.
- Clip the heavier side at the roots while drying for lift.
- Pin a sparkly barrette for evening polish.
Use this when you want big hair energy without a full restyle. Seriously, it’s magic.
17. Curly Shag With Air-Dried Ends
The shag loves texture and movement, so curls thrive in it. Air-drying keeps the ends soft and natural.
How-To
- Apply mousse or foam for lightweight hold.
- Scrunch and air-dry 80%, then diffuse roots for lift.
- Piece out ends with a dab of cream.
Great for heat-free summers and anyone who loves an undone, rockstar finish.
18. Braided Headband With Free Curls
Create a faux headband using your own hair and let the rest flow. It keeps sweat off your forehead while looking sweet and put-together.
Steps
- Take a section behind one ear, braid across the front like a headband.
- Pin behind the opposite ear.
- Define front curls with a curl gel or foam.
Perfect for picnics, garden parties, or anytime bangs won’t behave.
19. Twist-Out With Glossy Finish
A twist-out gives stretched, defined curls that resist humidity. The result looks polished and soft, not crunchy.
How-To
- On damp hair, apply leave-in and twisting cream.
- Two-strand twist in medium sections, let fully dry.
- Unravel with a few drops of oil, then separate for volume.
Use for vacations or busy weeks when you need longevity and consistent curl pattern.
You’ve got options—nineteen of them, to be exact. Pick a couple to master now, then rotate all summer so boredom never wins. Your curls can handle the heat, and with these styles, you’ll look like you planned it that way all along.
