20 ideas Summer Natural Hair Styles: Stunning Curls & Braids for Black Women

Have you ever felt the urge to let your natural tresses taste the freedom of summer’s playful breeze? What better time than now to embrace the beauty of your natural hair and let it shine under the sun’s golden spotlight? But how do you ensure your curls capture the carefree essence of summer without compromising their health or vibrance? Join me as we unravel summer’s love affair with natural hair, from sunlit highlights to protective styles that spell both comfort and chic.

Cascading Waves: A Summer Symphony

Imagine your hair echoing the rhythmic waves of the ocean—this is the essence of summer hairstyles for natural hair black women. The cascading waves in this style are as freeing as they are enchanting. The gentle gradation from dark roots to lighter ends gives a sun-kissed impression, a nod to summer highlights for dark brown hair natural colors. This look is all about volume and movement, characteristics that resonate with summer’s dynamic spirit.

For those with naturally voluminous hair, this style accentuates your innate texture, allowing for a visual dance of shadows and light. It might pose a challenge for those with finer strands, but fear not, volume can be cultivated with the right techniques and products. Embrace a lightweight mousse or volumizer to lift from the roots—think Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse.

To maintain the integrity of this summer beauty, protect your waves with a silk scarf or bonnet when the sun sets. When out and about, a leave-in conditioner with UV protection is a must. Try the Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil for an invisible shield that guards against the summer sun.

This style invites the warmth of the season and beckons you to let loose. Why not pair it with a bohemian-inspired outfit to complete the free-spirited look? It’s a hairstyle that doesn’t just speak but sings the language of summer.

Braided Crowns: Royal Summer Elegance

In this royal ensemble, the braided crown reigns supreme as a quintessential summer protective style for natural hair. The intricate plaits not only protect your roots from the harshness of the sun but also crown you with a look fit for summer festivities. The mix of textures, from the sleekness of the braid to the playful curls, showcases a mastery of natural hair summer styles.

This style is a boon for those with thick, robust locks as it showcases the hair’s natural volume while keeping it neatly tucked away. If your hair is on the thinner side, a braided crown can still be achieved with the aid of extensions that match your natural hair texture.

Caring for this style is about preserving the scalp and the braid’s neatness. A spritz of Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hair Sheen gives your braids a healthy gloss while keeping them refreshed. At night, a satin pillowcase is your best friend, preventing frizz and maintaining the braid’s crispness.

In the final touch, consider the essence of your personal flair. A few carefully placed hair cuffs or beads can transform this from a daily look to a statement piece. It’s an ode to the ancestral roots and a celebration of contemporary natural beauty.

Short Curls: The Summer Breeze

The short and sweet summer hairstyles for natural hair don’t shy away from making a statement. This chic, cropped cut is as much a breeze to maintain as it is breezy in appearance. The tightly coiled curls are cut in a way that frames the face beautifully, a natural companion to the relaxed vibe of summer.

This look is a match for those who crave simplicity without sacrificing style. It’s less ideal for those who prefer the versatility of longer hair, yet it’s undeniable that this style’s charm lies in its low-maintenance appeal. To keep the curls defined, a curling cream like Cantu’s Shea Butter for Natural Hair Define & Shine Custard can work wonders.

To keep your curls buoyant and hydrated, a weekly deep conditioning treatment is key. Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery Treatment infuses moisture and bounce back into tired curls. And while this look is carefree, remember, a little bit of care goes a long way.

For the individualist at heart, this style is your canvas. Play with highlights or even a bold color; after all, summer is the season to bring out the hues of your personality. It’s not just a haircut; it’s your summer anthem.

Majestic Twists: The Protective Summer Fortress

Embrace the grandeur of twists as a cornerstone among summer protective styles natural hair enthusiasts turn to. These twists aren’t just a style; they’re a statement of elegance and strength. The artful parting at the crown adds a regal touch, reflecting the precision and care infused into each strand. This style serves as a fortress, shielding your hair from the drying effects of sun and sea.

This hairstyle is ideal for those with resilient hair that can hold the weight of the twists. However, for individuals with a more delicate scalp or finer hair, caution is advised as the tension can be too much. Opt for lighter, looser twists to ease the strain.

The key to maintaining this style lies in moisture retention and scalp care. A spritz of rosewater mixed with a few drops of jojoba oil can keep the scalp hydrated and the twists looking fresh. Try the Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil for a soothing, stimulating scalp treatment.

There’s room to play here: consider the length and size of your twists to match your summer vibe. Wrap them in a scarf for a daytime look or let them down for a breezy evening ensemble.

Puff of Perfection: The Summer Cloud

The high puff stands out in the summer hairstyles for black women natural hair collection as a blend of simplicity and sophistication. It’s like a soft cloud on a clear summer day—light, airy, and utterly delightful. The sleek edges and textured puff create a harmonious contrast, one that speaks to the very nature of natural hair summer styles.

Best suited for hair with enough length to be gathered up, this style can be challenging for those with shorter cuts. But fret not, extensions can come to the rescue, offering volume and height to anyone desiring this celestial look.

Keep your puff as buoyant as a summer day with regular hydration. A leave-in conditioner, like Kinky-Curly Knot Today, will maintain the moisture levels without weighing down your hair. At night, a satin or silk scrunchie can preserve the puff’s shape while you dream of summer stars.

And what about accessories? A colorful band or a few hairpins can turn your puff into a beacon of your playful side. It’s your summer, and your puff is the crown.

Curly Tresses: Summer’s Golden Glow

These curls are a toast to summer curly hair color natural curls highlights. Infused with hues of gold and amber, they echo the golden hour of a perfect summer evening. It’s a style that brings out the depth and dimension of natural hair, giving it a shimmering life of its own.

This color works wonders on voluminous curls, adding depth and a sense of movement that captivates. However, those with very fine hair might find it requires careful maintenance to keep the colors vibrant and the curls intact.

Maintaining this style means embracing products that protect and enhance color-treated hair. The SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque offers the nourishment your curls need while preserving those luminous highlights.

Why not let these curls be the star of your summer nights? Accessorize with a touch of sparkle in your ears or around your neck to draw attention to the cascade of color in your hair. It’s not just a hairstyle; it’s the summer’s golden brush stroke on your personal canvas.

Windswept Curls: The Essence of Summer Freedom

There’s a playful mischief in the air with these windswept curls, a true emblem of summer hairstyles for natural hair. Each curl seems to have its own story, a spontaneous twist or turn that speaks to summer’s whimsical nature. This style is a celebration of texture, volume, and the sheer joy of natural hair’s versatility.

Those with a thick forest of curls will find this style a natural fit, where each strand adds to the dynamic silhouette. However, it may be more of a styling challenge for the fine-haired among us. But don’t fret, with the right techniques, such as twist-outs or the use of curl definers, everyone can enjoy this playful look.

To keep your curls as lively as a summer’s day, hydration is key. A dollop of Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream will keep them soft and bouncy. Remember, the sun is just as thirsty for moisture as your hair, so a good heat protectant is also essential.

Why not be bold and add a pop of color? A temporary dye can weave in some summer blues or pinks, allowing your curls to be as vibrant as a summer sunset.

Golden Coils: The Summer Glow Up

Golden coils, aren’t they just like a refreshing summer morning? This hairstyle is where natural blonde highlights on brown hair summer brunettes find their perfect stage. The warmth of the color plays with the light, creating a soft, glowing frame for the face that’s as flattering as the first touch of dawn.

This style works wonders for those blessed with natural volume and coarser hair that can hold the curl. For the straight-haired or fine-haired, a curling wand and some quality texturizing spray, like the Ouai Wave Spray, can conjure up these bouncy locks.

The secret to keeping these coils golden and glowing lies in color care. Use a sulfate-free shampoo like Redken Color Extend Magnetics to keep the highlights bright and the curls intact. A good UV hair protection spray will also ensure your color doesn’t fade under the summer sun.

And don’t forget, the beauty of this style lies in its effortlessness. So, keep it easy, keep it breezy, and let those golden coils catch the summer rays.

Silken Waves: The Summer’s Sleek Serenade

Behold the silken waves, a testament to the timeless allure of summer hairstyles for black women natural hair. The sleek flow of the hair mirrors the serene movement of a calm sea, with each wave reflecting a perfect balance of light and shadow. It’s a style that exudes sophistication while still whispering of summer’s gentle ease.

This polished look is a dream for those with naturally straight or relaxed hair, but with the magic of a flat iron or a blow-out, it’s not out of reach for the curly-headed. Just remember to use a heat protectant like the Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to keep your locks safe.

Maintaining the silken smoothness requires a commitment to frizz-fighting. A silk press serum can work wonders, keeping the waves defined and the frizz at bay. Nightly wrapping in a silk scarf will preserve the style’s sleekness.

This hairstyle is not just a look; it’s a feeling. It’s about stepping out into the summer evening feeling as smooth and polished as the waves in your hair.

Hollywood Waves: The Luxe Summer Statement

This style is a love letter to the classic Hollywood wave, reimagined for the summer goddess. The rich blonde waves cascade down like molten gold, perfect for summer hairstyles for curly hair natural curls. It’s luxury and glamour wrapped into one, a style that speaks of red carpets and sun-drenched soirees.

With natural volume and density, these waves will hold their shape like a dream. For those with finer textures, a good volumizing product, like Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Spray, will be your red-carpet secret.

Keep these waves as glamorous as day one with a high-quality argan oil for shine and elasticity. The key is to maintain that lush, touchable feel without letting the summer humidity turn your style into a frizz fest.

Incorporate a statement hairpiece or some vintage pins for that extra star power. It’s not just a hairstyle; it’s your summer blockbuster.

Braided Harmony: The Artistic Expression of Summer

Braids speak a summer language all their own, and this artistic creation is no exception. The rich, warm tones of the braids weave through the hair, creating a beautiful tapestry of color and texture, ideal for summer protective styles natural hair. It’s a meticulous work of art that protects as much as it impresses.

This style is a fantastic option for anyone looking to give their hair a break from the daily styling routine, locking in moisture and keeping the ends safe. For those with a sensitive scalp, remember to communicate with your stylist about tension and care for your edges with a nourishing oil like Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

To keep these braids looking fresh, a braid spray, such as the African Royale BRX Braid and Extensions Sheen Spray, will add shine and prevent itchiness.

This is a style that carries its own flair, but don’t hesitate to add some wooden beads or metallic rings for a personal touch. It’s a celebration of summer, braids, and you.

Sleek Chic: The Modern Summer Muse

Here’s to the sleek chic, the modern muse of summer hairstyles for black women natural hair. This bob cuts a sharp silhouette that’s both fashion-forward and refreshing. The light blonde hue adds a playful yet edgy contrast, perfect for those sunny summer days when you want to keep things cool yet striking.

This cut is ideal for those with straight hair or those willing to take the time to smooth out their natural curls with a flat iron. Protect your locks with a heat protectant serum, such as the Ghd Heat Protect Spray, to keep your hair healthy and glossy.

For maintenance, a smooth finishing pomade can help tame any flyaways and add an extra layer of chic. It’s a low-fuss style with a high-impact result.

Consider this cut as your summer canvas for bold makeup or statement earrings. It’s minimalism with a twist, a sleek page in your summer style diary.

Tousled Top with a Touch of Gold

This image showcases a beautifully tousled top that radiates with summer vibes, crowned with golden blonde curls that glint in the sunlight—a wonderful example of curly hair summer styles natural curls. The shaved sides add an edgy contrast, keeping you cool and stylish as the temperatures rise.

This style is particularly flattering for those with a bold sense of style and a good volume of natural curls. If your hair is on the finer side, a bit of texturizing spray can help achieve that much-needed lift.

To maintain the golden tips, a color-safe shampoo and occasional touch-ups may be necessary to keep the blonde bright. A curl enhancer like DevaCurl SuperCream can help keep those curls bouncy and defined.

For a playful twist, why not add some temporary color to the sides? A dash of wash-out color could make for a fun addition to this sassy summer look.

Braids with a Golden Splash

The second photo presents a stunning arrangement of braids laced with strands of gold, creating a striking visual contrast. This style epitomizes summer hairstyles for natural hair with its blend of protective styling and eye-catching color.

This style works best for those who aren’t afraid to make a bold statement and have the hair strength to support the added weight of the braids. For those with a more sensitive scalp, consider using lighter extensions.

To keep your braids looking as good as new, apply a soothing braid spray to alleviate tension and add sheen. A product like African Pride Braid Sheen Spray will keep your braids moisturized and shiny.

Accessorize these braids with some beads or rings for an even more personalized look. It’s a versatile style that can transition from day to night with effortless grace.

Natural Fro with a Radiant Smile

The final photo captures the essence of summer with a full, natural afro that exudes confidence and charm. The soft texture and rich brown color complement the radiant smile, reminding us of the simple joy of natural hair summer styles.

Ideal for those with a thick, tight curl pattern, this look can be a bit more challenging to achieve for those with looser curls or finer hair. But with the right styling products, such as a curl-defining cream or a twist-out method, any hair type can embrace this voluminous style.

Keeping your fro in top condition might mean nightly pineapple-ing to preserve the shape and regular moisturizing with products like As I Am DoubleButter Cream.

This cheerful style pairs beautifully with bold earrings or a colorful headband, adding a festive touch to your summer ensemble.

The Twisted Updo: An Artistic Summer Haven

This hairstyle is a masterpiece of twists and turns, showcasing an artistic flair perfect for the summer season. The beautifully twisted strands culminate in an updo that is both protective and stylish, encapsulating the essence of summer hairstyles for black women natural hair.

Ideal for those who want to keep their natural hair protected from the summer sun, this style also allows for a great deal of versatility. For those with less dense hair, the addition of extensions can create a fuller, more luxurious updo.

To maintain this intricate style, a nightly routine of sleeping on a satin pillowcase and applying a light, nourishing oil to the scalp and twists will keep it looking fresh. A favorite is the Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey.

Accessorizing with decorative pins or a vibrant scarf can add a pop of summer color, making the style uniquely yours.

Sun-Kissed Fro: Vibrancy on the Move

Here we see a sun-kissed fro that beams with the vibrancy of summer. The natural curls are enhanced with a warm, auburn hue that catches the sunlight beautifully, perfect for those wanting to add a splash of color to their summer natural hair summer styles.

This look is especially fitting for those with a tight curl pattern, providing volume and a striking silhouette. Those with looser curls or straighter textures can achieve a similar effect with a good curl cream and perhaps some temporary color spray.

The key to maintaining this fro’s health is deep conditioning and using a curl-refreshing spray to revive the curls each morning. An example is the Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray.

A bold statement necklace or some chunky earrings can complement the hair’s volume and add an extra touch of flair to your summer style.

The Sleek Cornrow Updo: A Modern Twist on Tradition

This sleek cornrow updo is a modern twist on traditional braiding styles, making it a perfect choice for summer protective styles natural hair. The cornrows are meticulously crafted, leading to an elegant, gathered updo at the back that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Great for those with medium to thick hair, this style provides a stunning way to manage hair during the hotter months. If you have a finer hair texture, talk to your stylist about tension and how to achieve a similar look without stress on your scalp.

Maintaining this style involves regular moisturizing of the scalp with light oils like jojoba or sweet almond. Using a silk or satin head wrap at night will preserve the cornrows’ neatness.

For those summer evenings out, dress up this updo with jeweled hairpins or fresh flowers for an added touch of elegance.

The Breezy Half-Up, Half-Down Style

This image perfectly captures a relaxed yet chic half-up, half-down hairstyle, ideal for those long, languid summer days. The front section is neatly braided, showcasing the scalp’s natural beauty, while the back is left free, allowing natural curls to cascade down effortlessly—an exemplary blend of style and comfort for summer hairstyles for natural hair.

Suitable for those with the length to let their curls flow and the desire for a protective style in the front, this look can be adapted for shorter lengths with the inclusion of extensions or creative styling techniques to add volume.

To keep this look fresh and vibrant, use a lightweight leave-in conditioner on the loose curls and a bit of edge control for the front braids. A top pick is the Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk.

This versatile hairstyle pairs beautifully with casual summer wear or a more formal outfit, ready to take you from a beach day to an elegant evening out.

The Sculptural Braided Updo

The last photo in our summer series showcases a sculptural braided updo that’s nothing short of a work of art. The braids curve and intertwine to create a visual feast, making this style a standout for summer hairstyles for black women natural hair. It’s a protective style that doesn’t skimp on elegance or impact.

This is an ideal choice for those with thick hair who want a style that will keep their hair neatly tucked away while making a statement. For those with thinner hair, a skilled stylist can work to create a similar effect that supports the hair’s natural texture.

To maintain the artistry of this style, regular moisturizing of the scalp and braids is essential. A soothing braid oil, like the African Royale Hot Six Oil, can be used to keep the braids shiny and the scalp conditioned.

Consider adorning your braids with subtle hair jewelry for a hint of glamour. This updo is not only a style but a celebration of creativity and natural hair’s boundless potential.

Conclusion

Each photograph we’ve explored paints a picture of the many facets of natural hair for summer. Whether you’re basking in the golden hour with your curls or making a statement with a sleek wave, the summer season offers a palette as diverse as our natural beauty. So, tell me, which style has captured your summer heart? Share your thoughts and let’s keep the conversation as vibrant as our hair!