27 Cute Summer Curly Hairstyles 2025 for Black Women with Natural Curls, Braids, Claw Clip Styles

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a season where natural curls take center stage. Whether you’re running errands in the city or lounging at a backyard BBQ, curls offer versatility, volume, and a statement of effortless confidence. From structured updos to whimsical half-braids and romantic aesthetic touches, this guide features 27 curated curly hairstyles that reflect this season’s trends and speak directly to women.

Whether you’re embracing your 3c texture, experimenting with braids, rocking a weave, or playing around with accessories like the ever-practical claw clip, this list has something for everyone. Let’s explore this summer’s hot hairstyles—each one is a celebration of personality, practicality, and style.

Defined Curls with Soft Volume and Sultry Makeup

This hairstyle proves that natural curls can look both polished and sultry. The curls are softly defined and styled to frame the face with effortless volume, giving a nod to vintage glamour with a modern twist. The layered gold necklaces paired with a lavender tie-dye halter top add a touch of Y2K revival. For women who love to elevate their curls without overdoing it, this look is a dream. It’s also perfect for pairing with dewy makeup and a soft matte lip. Use a curl-defining cream and diffuse on low heat for soft, controlled volume.

Boho Bandana Curls with Carefree Texture

This look captures the essence of summer spontaneity—natural curls updo meets boho-chic. Loose strands cascade around the face, while a colorful bandana crowns the head for a nostalgic nod to 70s fashion. The floral top and earth-toned pants complete this aesthetic vibe, making it ideal for farmers’ markets, music festivals, or a slow weekend brunch. Ideal for black women with similar curl types who want to embrace texture and accessorize with ease.

Romantic Curls with Half-Up Chignon

There’s something almost fairytale-like about this flowing hairstyle. Cascading waves fall over the shoulders while the upper portion is pulled back into a loosely braided chignon. The vintage green slip dress and antique-style choker play up the romance, giving this look an elevated evening vibe. For summer weddings or date nights, this one is a head-turner. Add shine spray and light-hold hairspray to maintain softness without stiffness.

Space Buns with Spiral Definition and Hair Jewelry

This double bun look combines cute and edgy with serious flair. Two structured space buns sit high on the head, enhanced with spiral detailing and metallic hair cuffs for added sparkle. A natural curls updo like this one keeps things cool for warmer days while still offering major personality. Bonus points for the red satin top—classic meets playful.

Elegant Curly Updo with Sculpted Shape

This elegant updo showcases the beauty of tightly coiled curls gathered with a sculptural finish. Leaving a few tendrils loose around the nape adds softness and movement. Paired with gold hoops and a backless dress, this look is ideal for elevated events or intimate cocktail hours. It speaks to women who want to own their natural texture while keeping things sleek and simple. Try a curl mousse for hold and a wide-tooth comb to create volume at the crown.

Blonde Curls with Twin Accent Braids

Sun-kissed and festival-ready, this hairstyle features beachy natural curls styled with two clean accent braids from the crown. It’s casual yet undeniably stylish, blending Bohemian vibes with soft femininity. This style’s flexibility makes it a go-to for casual days, coffee dates, or even a summer bonfire. Play with beads or metallic string in the braids for an added twist.

Voluminous Braided Ponytail with Pearl Headband

Here’s a gorgeous protective style that blends fashion with function. This low, voluminous ponytail is built with chunky, looped braids tied off with statement elastics. Topped with a pearl headband, it delivers both elegance and utility. This is a winning look for black women or anyone embracing a weave or wigs to protect their natural strands.

Puffed Bubble Braids with Curly Fringe

This playful style reimagines classic braids into puffed, structured segments running down the back. The curly fringe left at the front adds softness and balances out the symmetry. It’s creative, cute, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—perfect for women who want to show off their individuality. Great for showcasing color-treated or balayage hair.

Crimped Waves with Sun-Lit Dimension

If you’re a fan of throwback trends, this hot hairstyle brings crimped texture into 2025 with a refreshing, summery twist. The bold dimension in the blonde coloring enhances the pattern, making the whole look radiant under sunlight. Ideal for natural curls short or long, it also works beautifully on layered weave extensions. A tropical sundress or an off-the-shoulder top.

Half-Up Twisted Braid Buns with Loose Curls

This look takes the best of both worlds—tight, intricate scalp braids on top and carefree curls underneath. The half-up style includes two small buns for a whimsical finish that’s equal parts structured and fun. This easy look is perfect for active days, from beach volleyball to weekend picnics. Works especially well on 3c hair textures for hold and form.

Colorful Bubble Braids with Defined Natural Texture

Bold and playful, this look showcases natural curls styled into segmented bubble braids using bright, colorful elastics. Paired with a silky abstract top and oversized sunglasses, the vibe is confident and modern. The mini face-framing twists bring the focus to the cheekbones, and the use of texture is both editorial and cute. It’s perfect for festivals or poolside hangs. Great for 3c curl patterns that hold shape without needing heat.

Half-Up Beach Bun with Soft Blonde Curls

This beach-blonde style is summer simplicity at its finest. The half-up bun adds elevation while keeping hair off the face, and the natural waves flow with lightweight softness. Perfect for lazy beach days, errands in denim shorts, or even casual Fridays at the office, this look works for all hair lengths and types—especially those embracing natural curls. Use sea salt spray for an extra tousled finish and a matte texture.

Short Waves with Minimal Gold Accent

Here’s one for the natural curls short crew: a shoulder-length wavy cut that’s sweet and structured. Tucked back on one side with a dainty gold hair clip, the look is understated yet chic. Perfect for brunches and breezy walks, this style feels like an effortless compliment to lightweight knits and boho fashion. Ideal for anyone who loves a simple, low-maintenance hairstyle that still feels styled.

Formal Curly Updo with Statement Clips

High glamour meets curl definition in this sophisticated updo. The curls are gathered with volume at the crown, adorned with silver barrette stacks that sparkle. Perfect for black-tie events, weddings, or photo shoots, this look leans into the drama without sacrificing the authenticity of natural curls. Anyone looking for a stunning hairstyle that blends classic elegance with modern flair.

Half-Up Bun with Golden Flower Detail

A sunflower-inspired dream, this natural curls updo features a messy half-bun decorated with a bright yellow bloom. The ombré blonde curls below offer bounce and summer energy, and the textured strands bring attention to volume and movement. It’s romantic and cute with the perfect splash of sunshine.

Curly Half-Up Style with Pink Ribbon Bow

There’s something timeless about ribbon-tied curls. This half-up style brings the charm of youth and nostalgia, making it ideal for scenic drives, family outings, or engagement photos. The ribbon rests gently atop soft curls, elevating the whole look into something uniquely feminine and simple. Ideal for spring and summer trips to the countryside—or anywhere a little romance belongs.

Voluminous Curly Pompadour with Cascading Ends

This look is all about height, shape, and bold energy. With the top teased into a curly pompadour and the sides flowing down in defined ringlets, it’s a standout summer hairstyle. It gives power-suit energy, even if you’re wearing a sundress. The style is unapologetic and hot, perfect for concerts or rooftop parties. This shape flatters longer face shapes beautifully and highlights cheekbones like magic.

Wild Curly Shag with Bangs and Texture

The curly shag is back, and it’s wilder than ever. This cut features face-framing bangs, dense layering, and a full body of natural curls. It’s low-maintenance yet editorial, serving that effortless “I woke up like this” look. This is the ultimate choice for women looking to embrace both softness and strength in their summer style. Creative professionals, artists, or anyone who wants a little edge in their curl game.

Middle-Part Braids with Beaded Accents

This sleek yet textured style incorporates micro braids along the part line, adorned with gold beads that shimmer against long curls. A protective option that works great for summer humidity, this look is both trendy and practical. It blends natural, boho beauty with a fashion-forward finish. Anyone transitioning between wigs, protective styles, or letting their natural curls flourish.

Soft Shag Cut with Tousled Waves and Curtain Bangs

The modern shag gets a softer twist here with loose waves, piecey ends, and curtain bangs that highlight the eyes. The muted brunette shade adds a calming neutrality, and the texture is all about undone elegance. This is an everyday winner—perfect for layering tanks, jeans, or flowing dresses. An easy-going, trendy natural curls short style you can refresh with just a spritz of water or leave-in conditioner.

Carefree Curls with Bangs

This carefree style highlights natural curls in their full glory, paired with soft bangs that frame the face beautifully. The textured fringe adds a youthful, romantic touch and makes this look ideal for those with 3C curl types. It’s a perfect example of a natural curls with bangs combo that doesn’t require much maintenance but still looks put together. For women seeking a balance between free-spirited and fashionable, this is a go-to hairstyle. Use a lightweight curl cream and diffuser to enhance volume without frizz. This look pairs wonderfully with sundresses or ribbed tanks, adding a casual edge that’s still aesthetic and polished.

Intricate Braided Crown with Loose Curls

This style is the epitome of summer elegance, blending intricate braids into a romantic cascade of defined curls. The V-shaped braid crown, adorned with tiny pearls, offers a regal twist that’s perfect for special occasions or even bridal events. It celebrates natural volume and works wonderfully with weave or wigs, too, for added thickness and length. To replicate this look, part the hair down the center and begin braiding along each side toward the back. Use pins or pearls for added flair. Best worn with flowy, feminine dresses to match the ethereal vibe.

Red Short Curly Bob with Glasses

This trendy bob is perfect for those looking to beat the heat while staying effortlessly cool. The natural curls short cut falls just above the shoulders and works beautifully with bold accessories like oversized glasses or statement earrings. It’s modern, slightly retro, and incredibly flattering for women seeking a simple, everyday hairstyle with a touch of personality. Use a curl-enhancing mousse and a scrunching method to keep definition intact. This style is especially ideal for women over 30 looking for something fresh but not fussy.

Floral Fantasy Braids with Volume

Add some flower power to your curls with this whimsical braided style. Featuring multiple loose braids and scattered flower clips, this look celebrates volume, texture, and playful femininity. It’s perfect for summer festivals or weekend garden parties. The style blends effortlessness with creativity, making it a cute, aesthetic pick for the season. Curl your hair using a wand to create large barrel waves, then gently braid a few front sections and pin them back. Use floral pins for that dreamy final touch. Pairs well with soft blue or green tones in your outfit to match the natural theme.

Easy Claw Clip Half-Updo

A must-have for summer 2025: the timeless claw clip. This easy updo pulls the top half of the hair away from your face while leaving your natural curls flowing free. Perfect for work-from-home days or running errands, this style is both functional and effortlessly stylish. It also gives off that ‘90s nostalgic vibe with a modern twist. To elevate this look, twist two small sections from the front and secure them with a claw clip at the back. Works best with soft, cotton tees and denim—minimal effort, maximum impact.

Braided Mohawk with Bun and Defined Curls

This bold look is a celebration of black women’s creativity in hairstyling. A fusion of tight cornrow braids, a voluminous bun, and cascading natural curls at the ends, this is for the confident woman who isn’t afraid to stand out. It’s protective, breathable, and undeniably hot—perfect for humid summer nights. This style requires a bit more prep but pays off in durability and style. Use edge control to keep the braids neat and a curl pudding for the loose sections. It’s especially fitting for events or nightlife when paired with edgy outfits and bold lipstick.