The Cutest Curly Hairstyles for Summer 2018

Goddess Knotless Braids

Braided hairstyles are by far one of the go-to styles for summer. They help keep hair protected from the heat and other elements that may cause dryness or frizz while creating a cute style that lasts anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

While knotless braids have become a lot more popular, more people are opting to wear 'Goddess' knotless braids which includes an unfinished look or an addition of wavy or curly human hair extensions in between the braids. It's the perfect style for a summer vacation that includes a ton of beach or water park days.

Short and Sweet Bob

Admit it — you've lowkey always envied Edna's luscious bob in The Incredibles. It makes sense because she is a succinct fashion designer that knows how to create looks. Even if your inspiration isn't Edna, chin-length bobs scream sophistication and can make any casual outfit look like a 90s off-duty model look.

Classic Updo

Women can't get enough of classic updos, and I don't blame them. I have very fond memories of seeing older Black women wear them to special events so I have a soft spot for them.

If you're trying to figure out what what kind of updo you want to wear, take a cue from Keke Palmer! Her sleek updo manages to look soft as well as voluminous and it also frames her face.

Cute Pixie Haircut

Short haircuts are here to stay, especially when we know it's going to be hot during summer! Since I've cut my hair on three separate occasions, I know a few tricks that make sure my hair was razor sharp and shiny every time I stepped out. One of them is making sure I used a moisturizing shampoo and conditionerduring each wash day. This help me set the tone for styling.

Next, I recommend using a heat protectant spray that won't dry your hair out if you plan to use a blow dryer and curling iron. If you plan to let your hair air dry, you could also mold and set your hair using a good foaming mousse!

No matter how you choose to wear your pixie haircut, it's sure to look glorious when you properly prep your hair.

Middle Part Sew-In

It wouldn't be right if I didn't refer to this look the way the TikTok and Instagram girlies do. Known as one of the most popular Black women's hairstyles, this is actually referred to as a 'bussdown' middle part — and it looks fabulous on Ciara. Truthfully, anyone can wear this style because it's universal (love it) and isn't specific to one group of women. I mean, even Law Roach has been know to wear a good bussdown middle part, and we love him even more for it!

Curls Out

Not everyone will reach for braids, short hairstyles, or extensions though. Some women will be rocking their natural curls, allowing them to be on full display this summer. If you plan to be one of them, make sure you try Beyonce's Cécredline to give your curls the volume and shine they deserve!

Half-Up Braided Crown

This is a super simple style that we'd love to see you rock! And we have all the details on how you can achieve it! Our hair expert, Mulqueen, says, "Take two small sections of hair from each side of your head, braid them, and secure them at the back of your head to create a braided crown effect while leaving the rest of your hair down. You can dress this style up or down, it’s perfect for summer!" And voila, it's as easy as that! We can not wait to try this one. It's perfect for weddings or any events where you want to dress up your hair a little bit!

Bubble Braids

One of our favorite looks for summer are forever and always bubble braids! To achieve this, you simply need colorful hair bands and lots of braided sections to add texture.

Ellsworth says, "Braids are amazing for the summer and can be worn in so many different ways. Styling, even the most basic of braids can be fun. Using glitter, earrings, or even pops color with string or extensions is always a fun way to dress up a basic “B” braid. Using multiple braid techniques on one style is going to be seen a lot this year in festivals and in the wild." She adds, "Taking it back to Brittany style with crimps/waves and micro braids will be making it back into 2024 summertime. So get your accessories and your braid guides ready to the room with your style and accessorized braids."

Bubble braids are definitely the perfect way to standout and add some statement pieces to your hairstyle! Throw in some butterfly clips, and you're a Y2K goddess for sure!

Fishtail braid

One bonus about this braid? It keeps your hair out of your face and from getting knotted. Mulqueen says, "Adding braids into your hairstyles for summer is a great way to keep your hair healthy and tangle free!" And this fishtail braid is sure to protect your hair in such a cute way! Simply take a piece from either side and tuck it in-between; just repeat this until you get the braid you want!

Ponytail Braid

We simply adore this look on Zendaya, and we definitely think this style will will pop up more and more with the rise of tenniscore and impending beach days! It's so simple that all you need to do is put your hair in a slicked-back ponytail, braid the ponytail like you would normally, then put in a bow for added effect! And there you have a chic, fun hairstyle for the summer!

Floral Fun

I absolutely love this braid hairstyle for summer! You can find some flowers (fresh or fake) and pin them to your hair with either clips or bobby-pins and there you have it; a fresh bouquet braid! However, if you're less interested in (or don't have time for) the DIY of it all, you can also just buy clips that have these details on them already at Target or Amazon. I love how elegant this style looks, especially for the upcoming wedding season! This looks straight from our Pinterest board and I need to try it so don't mind me running to Trader Joe's for some fresh flowers immediately...

Braided Bun

For this style, it may seem complicated, but it's actually quite simple! You braid a tiny section of hair (like the small, center braid above) and then do a very loose fishtail braid underneath it. For a fishtail, all you do is divided the hair into two sections and take pieces from the outer edges of either side and drag them to the middle one at a time. Then put your hair into a messy, chic bun like so! We love this fun style for wedding season, too!

Sunday Best Mars Skirt

This tiered maxi skirt with an elastic waistband is a staple you need to have in your closet for summer. It's super easy to pair with essentially anything you've already got, plus it just looks effortlessly chic for any occasion. Dressed up or down, the lightweight twill material will feel like an absolute dream against your legs.

The Sunday Best Mars Skirt is available in 4 other colors and sizes XXS-XL for $98.

Free-est Caught In The Moment Maxi Skirt

The raw vertical seaming on this mid-rise style lends it an especially casual air, which is just want you want for those scorching-hot summer days. Though it masters the art of breathability, this skirt will also last you well into fall and winter, depending how you layer up and style it.

The Caught In The Moment Maxi Skirt from Free-est comes in 4 other colors and sizes XS-XL for $70.

Flat White Drop-Waist Maxi Skirt

Okay, drop waist effect! This maxi skirt that comes in an eye-catching blue hue adds a touch of whimsy to your look. It's easy to slip into and secures with a side zipper. The tight ruching along the hips makes this piece anything but ordinary.

The Flat White Drop-Waist Maxi Skirt comes in sizes XXS-XL for $138.

Abercrombie & Fitch Crochet-Style Maxi Skirt

You gotta love a flirty sheer skirt for summertime! This one flaunts a loose crochet construction, so it's still impressively breathable. The mix of crochet patterns add visual interest alongside the contrasting black lines. This 100% cotton skirt is part of a matching set and even has a mini-length liner underneath for additional coverage!

The Crochet-Style Maxi Skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch is also available in white-on-black and sizes XXS-XL for $90.

Urban Renewal Remnants Slub Linen Maxi Skirt

The dainty waistline with a tiny bow in the center on this skirt is to die for! The length fully falls to the floor if you wear it low-waisted, which can be a super fun silhouette to play with if you normally don't rock it. This piece is created from deadstock or discarded fabrics that would have gone unused otherwise.

The Urban Renewal Remnants Slub Linen Maxi Skirt comes in 5 other colors and sizes XS-XL for $65.

Free-est The Convertible Skirt

You can wear this maxi skirt any way you want. That's right – it can also be worn as a dress! It boasts a tiered, layered silhouette with a unique asymmetrical hem, so it's sure to be the staple of your 'fits. There's also a super wide waistband with lotsa elastic for easy, effortless, everyday wear.

There are 4 additional color options for the Free-est The Convertible Skirt. It's shoppable in sizes XS-XL for $88.

Whimsy + Row Marni Maxi Skirt

It's giving cool French girl to the max. This maxi skirt – part of a matching set – is pretty simple in design. Though it doesn't have many extra bells or whistles, the chic polka dot pattern calls attention to your look instantly. The waistband on this number is fully elastic, so everyday wear is as comfy as can be!

The Whimsy + Row Marni Maxi Skirt is also available in solid white or pink and sizes XS-XL for $162.

Gap Crinkle Gauze Denim Maxi Skirt

Denim maxi skirts may be trending right now, but they're not always entirely practical for warm weather. Luckily, this one's a bit more breathable since it's made from a gauzy material. The three-tiered design gives it shape while the smocked wide waistband hugs your figure in the most flattering way.

The Crinkle Gauze Denim Maxi Skirt from Gap is shoppable in sizes XXS-XXL for $70.

Abercrombie & Fitch Drama Tiered Maxi Skirt

The dramatic tiering on this maxi skirt lands a bit more on the formal side. It's part of a matching set, so you could complete your look for a wedding or dinner party pretty easily! The gorgeous yellow shade of this number is dotted with tiny blue blooms and the waistline is part stretchy, part not-stretchy with a side zipper for security!

The Abercrombie & Fitch Drama Tiered Maxi Skirt is also available in a pink colorway and sizes XXS-XL for $90.

Babaton Slip Satin Maxi Skirt

We're obsessed with this sultry smoky blue color. Made from a "drapey satin fabric with a lustrous, glossy sheen that’s extremely soft to the touch," this maxi skirt comes complete with a broken-in, cozy fit. It's made from recycled waste material and wood-based fibers, so it's *sustainably* stylish. It pulls on easily with an elastic waistband.

The Babaton Slip Satin Maxi Skirt comes in 5 other colors and sizes 00-12 for $98.

Free-est Like A Mermaid Skirt

This mermaid-cut maxi feels super whimsical, and it's perfect for giving a little twirl! It pulls on and secures to your liking with a drawstring tie. The frayed, detailed tiering supplies extra oomph with this 100% cotton piece.

The Free-est Like A Mermaid Skirt is available in 6 other colors and sizes XS-XL for $78.

J.Crew Collection Maxi Skirt in Lightweight Chiffon

This maxi skirt carries total profesh vibes with its fine pleats, but it comes out to play with a sheer chiffon material. It's just perfect for that hot, sticky summer weather you know is on its way. This piece is lined with a mini skirt on the inside, so you'll have some nice breathing room!

The J.Crew Collection Maxi Skirt also comes in black and sizes 00-24. It's currently on sale for a limited time for $135 (was $198).

Neon Rose Ricrac Gingham Maxi Skirt

With a playful mismatched squiggly trim at the bottom and youthful gingham pattern, this piece is sure to be the #1 statement of any of your outfits. It boasts a cute little bow at the elastic waistband, which is meant to fit low-waisted. Pair with sandals or your fave sneaks for an adorable summer look!

The Neon Rose Ricrac Gingham Maxi Skirt comes in sizes XS-XL for $64.

Abercrombie & Fitch Crinkle Flowy Maxi Skirt

This red turns heads. Made in an ultra-high rise silhouette, this maxi skirt with a fully elasticated waistband flaunts a light lining on the inside for added coverage, so you can feel cozy all day long. You can even snag the matching top for an easy summer outfit to wear to dinners and dates alike.

The Crinkle Flowy Maxi Skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch comes in 3 other colors and patterns and sizes XXS-XL for $70.

Wild Fable Mid-Rise Lace Trumpet Maxi Skirt

This is summer festival fashion at its finest! This skirt is super lacy for utmost breeziness and even has some built-in shorts so you can wear 'em with ease.

The Wild Fable Mid-Rise Lace Trumpet Maxi Skirt is also shoppable in black and is available in sizes XXS-4X for $25.