15 Summer Hairstyles for Black Women – Trendy & Chic Looks

Summer is the season of sunshine, weekend escapes, and the perfect excuse to switch up your look. With rising temperatures and outdoor adventures calling, it’s the ideal time to explore hairstyles that are both stylish and practical. For Black women, summer hair is all about expressing your individuality while staying cool and protecting your strands from heat, humidity, and sun exposure. Whether you’re heading to a music festival or lounging poolside, your hairstyle should match the energy of the season.

From bold braids to breezy curls, summer hairstyles for Black women offer versatility, comfort, and fierce beauty. These styles work for all hair types—whether natural, relaxed, loc’d, or in transition. Protective styles take center stage, but there’s room for edgy cuts and playful textures too. Ready to upgrade your summer look? These 15 hairstyles will inspire you to slay every sun-soaked moment.

1. Boho Knotless Braids

Knotless braids are a lightweight and scalp-friendly choice, making them ideal for hot summer days. These braids are easy to maintain, providing a stylish and protective hairstyle that’s perfect for the season.

They’re especially great for beach days, vacations, or any outdoor activities where you want to keep your hair neat and protected from the sun. The natural flow of the braids adds a carefree, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for summer fun.

For an extra boho touch, you can accessorize with beads, gold cuffs, or colorful threads. These additions bring personality and flair, making your knotless braids the perfect summer statement.

2. Fulani Braids with a Twist

Fulani braids with a twist blend the timeless beauty of cornrows with the added length of box braids. This style is both chic and functional, offering the perfect mix of protection and glamour for the summer.

This hairstyle highlights cultural heritage while embracing a modern, trendy flair. The intricate cornrows and box braids provide a bold look that’s as elegant as it is practical.

For an extra pop, consider adding feed-in color, such as golden or copper strands. These vibrant touches enhance the overall look, giving it a fresh, sun-kissed vibe perfect for summer.

3. Short Afro with Carved Sides

A short afro with carved sides is a bold and breezy hairstyle that’s perfect for the summer. It’s a head-turning look that showcases your natural texture while keeping things cool and comfortable.

For an edgy twist, add geometric or tribal designs shaved into the sides. These unique carvings give the style a modern, artistic flair, making it stand out even more.

This hairstyle is not only stylish but also low maintenance and sweat-friendly. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want to stay cool while still looking chic.

4. Curly High Puff

The curly high puff is a heat-free, effortless style that embraces your natural curls. It’s perfect for showcasing the beauty and volume of your hair without using heat tools.

This hairstyle keeps your hair off your neck, making it a great choice for hot summer days. The high puff highlights your curls while keeping you comfortable and chic.

For an added touch, accessorize with a headband or scarf in a bold color or pattern. This simple addition can elevate your look and add a fun pop of style to your summer ensemble.

5. Cornrow Ponytail

The cornrow ponytail is sleek, stylish, and perfect for those who want a long-lasting summer hairstyle. This look can be maintained for weeks, making it both practical and elegant.

It’s versatile enough to wear for both casual outings and formal events, giving you the flexibility to switch from day to night with ease. The neat cornrows add a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

For a more polished finish, add some baby hair styling around your edges. This simple detail enhances the overall look, giving it a clean, refined finish.

6. Jumbo Twists (Havana or Marley)

Jumbo twists, whether Havana or Marley, are a fantastic protective hairstyle that’s easy to install and low-maintenance. These twists are perfect for those looking for a stylish yet practical summer look.

They use lightweight hair extensions that don’t put undue stress on the scalp, making them comfortable for long wear. The twists provide a natural and voluminous appearance while being gentle on the hair.

This style is ideal for hot, humid days, as it keeps your hair secure and off your neck while still looking chic. Plus, the twists are versatile enough to be worn casually or dressed up.

7. Colored Faux Locs

Colored faux locs are the ultimate trendy summer hairstyle, allowing you to experiment with bold color choices like burgundy, blonde, or even teal. These vibrant hues add personality and flair to your look, making it perfect for the season.

Easy to maintain and lasting up to 8 weeks, faux locs are both a low-maintenance and stunning choice for the summer. They provide a protective style while offering a stylish, attention-grabbing appearance.

Faux locs pair beautifully with beachwear and sun hats, giving off a relaxed, vacation-ready vibe. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying an outdoor event, this style will keep you looking fabulous.

8. Braided Space Buns

Braided space buns are a fun, youthful, and super trendy hairstyle that adds a playful twist to your summer look. This style is perfect for anyone wanting to stand out and show off their unique vibe.

To achieve this look, cornrow the hair back into two high buns, or add extensions for extra volume and drama. The space buns offer a great way to keep hair off your face while looking stylish and cool.

Perfect for festivals, beach days, or even casual brunch outings, braided space buns are versatile and eye-catching. You can further elevate the style with glitter or colorful braid cuffs to add that extra pop of fun.

9. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a culturally rich and bold hairstyle that beautifully showcases your face structure. This unique style stands out while providing an effortlessly chic look for any summer occasion.

Once undone, Bantu knots reveal defined curls, giving you a second gorgeous look without any extra effort. This versatility makes it a great option for those who want variety in their summer styles.

Perfect for poolside parties or music festivals, Bantu knots keep your hair off your face while allowing you to stay cool and stylish. It’s a fun, creative option that always turns heads.

10. Butterfly Locs

Butterfly locs are a trendy, textured variation of faux locs that offer a relaxed, boho-chic aesthetic. The messy, free-flowing texture gives them a carefree vibe that’s perfect for the summer.

Lightweight and easy to maintain, butterfly locs provide a stylish protective style without putting too much stress on the scalp. The unique, voluminous texture makes them stand out in a crowd.

For an earthy summer look, pair butterfly locs with natural makeup and soft, neutral tones. This simple combination enhances the effortless, bohemian feel of the hairstyle.

11. Wash-and-Go Curls

The wash-and-go curls are all about embracing your natural texture with minimal effort. Using curl creams and gels, you can enhance your curls and define their shape, letting your natural beauty shine through.

This hairstyle is quick, easy, and low-maintenance, making it ideal for busy summer days when you need to get ready in a snap. The curls maintain their bounce and volume, even in humid weather.

Perfect for spontaneous summer plans, wash-and-go curls allow you to look effortlessly chic, whether you’re heading to a brunch, beach day, or casual outing with friends.

12. Chunky Passion Twists in a Half-Up Bun

Chunky passion twists in a half-up bun combine laid-back elegance, making them perfect for day-to-night transitions. This style provides both volume and texture, creating a look that’s effortlessly chic and stylish.

The twists add depth and fullness, while the top half of your hair is styled into a high bun. The rest of the twists are left to flow freely, giving you a balanced, playful look.

With its beach-ready, boho-chic vibe, this style is low-maintenance and perfect for summer. It’s an ideal choice when you want a carefree yet polished look that transitions easily from daytime fun to evening outings.

13. Goddess Braids

Goddess braids are thick, cornrowed styles that offer a regal, sophisticated look. These braids exude elegance and are perfect for those looking to make a statement while keeping their hair neat and protected.

Ideal for humid weather, goddess braids stay tight and in place, offering a practical solution for summer days when you need a long-lasting style. The braids provide both structure and protection for your natural hair.

For added softness and a romantic touch, you can incorporate curled tendrils around the face. This contrast between the sleek braids and loose curls creates a beautiful, balanced look.

14. Micro Braids with Beads

Micro braids are tiny, intricate braids that offer incredible versatility and a timeless look. You can wear them loose, tie them into a sleek ponytail, or wrap them into a bun depending on your mood or event.

These braids provide a lightweight, flexible option for summer styling. Adding wooden or colorful beads brings a nostalgic, Afrocentric twist that feels playful and meaningful at the same time.

Micro braids are also perfect for long vacations or busy schedules—they can last for weeks with proper care. It’s a stylish and practical choice that keeps you looking fresh all summer.

15. Slicked Back Wet Look with Defined Curls

The slicked back wet look with defined curls is a trendy, high-fashion style that’s surprisingly summer-friendly. It offers a polished, runway-ready vibe while embracing your natural texture.

Start by applying a curl-defining cream or mousse to damp hair, then slick it back for that glossy, “just-out-the-water” finish. The curls stay juicy and defined while the hairline remains clean and sleek.

This style highlights your facial features and works especially well with medium to long natural hair. It’s a bold, modern option for pool parties, date nights, or anytime you want to turn heads.

Don’t Forget Hair Care in Summer!

• Moisturize regularly – Use hydrating leave-in conditioners to keep hair soft and prevent dryness from sun exposure.
• Use lightweight oils – Jojoba, argan, or grapeseed oil are great for sealing in moisture without weighing hair down.
• Protect from UV rays – Look for hair products that offer UV protection to guard against sun damage.
• Limit saltwater and chlorine exposure – Rinse hair before and after swimming, and use protective styles when possible.
• Sleep smart – Use silk or satin scarves, bonnets, or pillowcases to reduce friction and breakage overnight.
• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water daily to keep your scalp and hair nourished from within.
• Avoid heavy products – Stick with lightweight, breathable formulas to prevent buildup during hot, humid days.

Own Your Summer Look

This season is all about fearless beauty, fresh styles, and letting your hair do the talking. From boho braids to glossy curls, there’s a look for every mood, moment, and melanin-rich glow.

Which one are you vibing with? Comment below or tag us on Pinterest to show off your summer slay!