Summer haircuts and short curly hairstyles

For those of us lucky enough to rock coils, curls and waves, summer is the time to shine. Gone are the days of hiding texture, and sultry weather makes wash-and-go styles way easier to air dry. If there’s any season to try out the curly, wavy, or coily styles you’ve been coveting, now’s your chance. 

Whether you’re looking for new ways to style your day-to-day locks or you have a summer party in the diary, there are endless hair styles for short curly hair. From bouncy curls to long bobs, we’ve rounded up some super-versatile short curly hair styles and hair cuts that are perfect for summer and beyond. 

Let your fringe go wild

The fringe has definitely been a hot trend with curly hair – and now is the time to rock one, because who wants to constantly break out the straighteners? Not us. Whether you like it short, long, in your eyes, side-swept or a little peekaboo, the options are endless and can change your entire look without changing your length or colour. 

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Wear it wet

Wet-looking waves are even better paired with curly hair and natural texture. Apply a generous amount of Super Hold Styler on wet hair – don’t scrunch out the crunch! If you want to, then gently blow dry with a diffuser until each curly wave has set. Part in the middle for a chic and modern vibe, like Rihanna.  

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Go structured

Channel Amandla Stenberg vibes and shape your entire afro, rather than layering sections. This bold change is sure to revamp tired curls for a fresh summer look.

Wear a halo of ringlets

Go full on Shirley Temple with a gorgeous curly bob (like this one, styled by Sal Salcedo). This  is one of the most versatile of short hair styles for women and can be worn both messy or in tight coils.

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Get a crown

When the painted sandstone bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti was rediscovered in 1913, her regal beauty – accentuated by a towering hairstyle – was undeniable and she quickly became a global icon of feminine power. Recreate it for a contemporary short curly hair style. 

Curly pixie crop

There’s something oh-so-satisfying about shearing away long, heavy hair, for something that feels more lightweight. Free yourself with a soft and short choppy pixie crop. Those with curly hair can wear a pixie cut like none other, thanks to their envy-inducing texture.

Just add a headband

Perfect for those days when your hair refuses to do what it’s told, a statement headband can take a hairstyle from boring to beautiful in seconds. Let your hair air dry after prepping it with Curl Cream. Now all you have to do is add a headband of your choice! 

Go full frizz

Let’s stop trying to ‘tame’ frizz. This summer, we want to see your full texture on display. End that never-ending battle against your natural texture – and the warmer months’ humidity – and let it fly. Add extra grit with Seal + Shield Curl Cream. 

Taper fade curly haircuts

If you lack the patience for long curls, then a taper fade curly haircut could be the summer haircut for you. Keep the length and natural texture of your curls, while maintaining frizz control.

Rock a headscarf

Effortlessly uplift your summer ’do with the Bouclème x Preen scarf. Designed using the British brand’s iconic prints in signature Bouclème pastels, the scarf is as sustainable as it is chic. It’s made from 100%-recycled polyester, which started life as plastic bottles.

Twist the scarf to create texture, then use it to pull back your hair and tie at the nape of your neck. Or fold the scarf into a smooth band and tie the ends into a bow at the front of your head.

Maybe you need to protect your hair from the elements. Wear it as a headscarf – just tease some curls through at the front to frame your face.

It can also be worn as a neck scarf, wrapped around your wrist or tied to your handbag’s handle when you want to change up your look.

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Embrace the frizz

Use your curly texture to your advantage. A messy updo with cascading curls and face-framing tendrils looks romantic, youthful and polished – perfect for day or night.

Pump up the volume

This is one for those who are blessed with super-tight, bouncy curls. Simply slick your hair back into a ponytail and apply Super Volumising Foam to wet curls to big up the volume at the back, like Issa Rae’s. 

Brush out your curly bob

Change up the pace on your longer, curly bob by brushing out your curls into a soft, airy texture. Part it in the middle à la Solange and add Revive 5 Hair Oil for shine and added UV protection from the summer sun’s rays.