The Best Curly Haircut Ideas For Summer

With summer 2022 right around the corner, the change in weather might be encouraging you to change up your look. And the best place to start is with a haircut.

"After going through the dreaded winter months of hiding your hair, summer is a great time to start wearing it out again," says Candance Witherspoon, natural hair expert and owner of the Candace Witherspoon Salon, in New York City. "Usually my clients are ready to do something more drastic."

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To help get you inspired as you think about curly cuts, we chatted with Witherspoon and Nai'vasha, celebrity curl expert and founder of Curl Queen, and asked them to share their insights on the hottest curly haircuts for summer 2022.

Check out their top picks below.

Lobs

"Lobs are such a minimalist chic look," Witherspoon says. "It's the perfect cut for summer

. It could be worn many different ways depending on how it's cut. For someone who likes a fuller look, I would do a lot of layers. Plus, it's an easy style for a person who is on the go. This is a great look for wavy and curly textures."

In terms of styling at home, after washing, Witherspoon suggests using a styling cream and volumizing mousse for those with wavy textures. If you have thicker curls, opt for a light gel. Then dry the hair with a diffuser. "I recommend Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls, Design Essentials' Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse, Ouidad's VitalCurl+ Define & Shine Gel-Cream, and DevaCurl's DevaFuser, which can be attached to most blowdryers," she says.

Curly Bangs

Witherspoon says bangs are "such a great accessory for the hair," and when you see how celebrities like Erykah Badu have put their spin on the look, it's easy to understand why. "It can easily change any shape and style you have," the hair expert adds. "Depending on client's preference, they could be choppy, blunt, asymmetrical, anything you want. And it looks great on all hair types, from wavy to super curly."

For at-home styling, use Eco Styler's Professional Olive Oil Styling Gel. Then either air dry, or use a diffuser.

Layered Cut

A layered cut on curly helps to give the curls movement, define the shape, and give the appearance of length and volume without adding bulk. "A layered look is great if your hair is full," says Nai'vasha. "It's a timeless shape."

VIDEO: Expert-Approved Tips for Taking Care of Curly Hair

Curly Fade

Curly hair with a high fade creates an edgy, effortlessly look. You'll want to accentuate the curls on top to give this style volume, so make sure you start off by using a good hydrating shampoo and conditioner, like Curl Queen Moisture Therapy Conditioner and Curl Queen Moisture Therapy Shampoo.

"I love this style because it's a fresh yet refined approach, especially if you're in a transition stage," says Nai'vasha. "As a summer look, it lasts for a nice amount of time even in the humidity."

One Length With Long Layers

"Summer comes after spring, which means trips to the beach, heat, and humidity. Everyone wants to be able to put their hair up without a hassle," Witherspoon says. "This look works great on all hair types — whether it be a super curly client who prefers an elongated twist out, or a finer hair client who needs the density to make the hair appear fuller and thicker."

When styling on your own, Witherspoon recommends opting for a styling cream, and only using gel on the ends of the hair while wet. Use a diffuser while blow drying to create more bounce.

The Pixie

A pixie cut is ideal if you're looking for a style that is low maintenance — it's pretty much a wake-up-and-go style. And it doesn't take much to make it look good. It's also a great choice if you're trying to cover up thinning ends as it creates the illusion of fuller voluminous curls.

"The pixie on all textures will forever be my fav," says Nai'vasha. "It's such a limitless style; it can be chic or edgy."

This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.