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15 Curly Hair Ideas Trending for Summer 2025, From Modern Bobs to Plump Ponies

 

Ready to switch up your curly hairstyle this summer? From trending bobs and mermaid waves to easy ponytails and slicked-back buns, there's something for every curl type this season. This season's top-trending looks are all about embracing moisture and hydration—which is important year-round, but of particular importance in the warmer months. "Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate," says celebrity hairstylist Sophie Rose Gutterman. "This is pretty much the solution to all curly hair problems. With curly hair, we experience more breakage and damage due to the lack of hydrogen bonds in our hair's makeup. Make sure your hair never feels dry."

Besides incorporating moisturizing hair products like leave-in conditioners, hair masks, and hair oils into your wash day routine, how else can you maintain healthy curls this summer? With consistent haircuts. "Regular trims help prevent split ends, maintain shape, and support curl integrity," says hairstylist Chantell Carrtherol. Cut your hair "every two months if you have chemically treated hair, need to maintain a specific shape, or want your curls to always look freshly styled." She recommends trims "every three to four months if your focus is on healthy growth, length retention, and overall hair health."

Meet the Experts

• Chantell Carrtherol is a hairstylist and owner of Curly Cuts for Her in Beverly Hills, CA.
• Jenna Spino is a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
• Sophie Rose Gutterman is a celebrity hairstylist, salon owner, and texture specialist based in Beverly Hills, CA.

Scroll on for our 15 best curly hair ideas for the season, alongside expert tips from Gutterman, Carrtherol, and hairstylist Jenna Spino.

Curly Bob

Is there any style more of the moment than the bob? The jaw-length cut works well on all hair types, including curly. It can make your strands look "curlier" and give "tons of volume," says Spino. Plus, if you want to switch things up, "this is great for people who like to do a good spring chop," she adds.

Mermaid Waves

Super long mermaid waves have us dreaming of afternoons in the ocean. This longer style helps curls "loosen up a bit, giving beachy hair vibes," says Spino. Spritz a texturizing spray on damp or dry hair to get a little more of a lived-in look.

Messy Bun

On the run? Try a messy bun. The classic, easy look is perfect on hot days, wash days, or days when your hair simply isn't "hair-ing." Your bun "can be high or low and as piece-y as you like," says Spino. "You can pull some layers out in the front or not. You can also play with the bun pulling pieces out or tucking pieces in."

Half-Up, Half-Down

A quick and easy way to style your curls is to do a half-up, half-down look. Simply "clip half your hair back with a mini claw clip," says Spino, though a regular-size claw clip also works (especially if you have a lot of hair). "It's a super cute daytime look to just get your hair out of your face," she adds. Spino and Gutterman also recommend trying a top-knot bun for a more modern look, especially on day-two hair. "Top knot the top of your hair and let the rest hang out," Spino says, adding that it's "super cute on mid-length hair."

Air-Dried and Natural

Embrace your natural curls and wear your hair down for a freeing feel. Simply air dry or diffuse using low heat. "Air dry, wash, and go is going to be my number one styling recommendation for the curly girlies," says Gutterman. "This promotes hair health by not using heat and allows your curls to fully flourish." She recommends applying a leave-in conditioner to give the hair some hydration. If you're diffusing curls, "always finish with cool air at the end," says Carrtherol. "This helps seal the cuticle, reduce frizz, and set the style for longer wear."

Curly Shag

Shags are edgy, boundary-pushing, and so much fun. The hairstyle features choppy, textured layers and is super popular with celebs lately. It's especially "great for curls because it requires little to no styling," says Spino. "This is meant to be messy, voluminous, and beachy."

High Ponytail

A super high pony never goes out of style. Bonus: It "gets all your hair out of your face," says Spino, which is ideal for outdoor activities. "The height of the pony gives lots of volume," adds Spino.

Long Bangs

If you want to lean into a little change without committing to a big haircut, Spino recommends embracing some longer bangs. Try a face-framing trim like curtain bangs, wispy bangs, or long, layered bangs. These will "add movement and frame the face, which is ideal for spring transitions," says Carrtherol.

Curly Highlights

With sunnier weather ahead, nothing says warm weather quite like some fresh, sun-kissed highlights. "Even just a few [highlights] will make your curls pop and get you ready for the change of seasons," says Spino.

Slicked-Back Bun

Keep your hair healthy by applying a deep conditioner or mask before pulling it back into a slick bun. Focus on "mids to ends to treat the hair," says Gutterman. If you're spending more time in the sun and water, "It will not only add a layer of protection from chlorine and salt water to prevent damage, but it will also help repair the split ends as well," she explains.

Fulani Braids

Keep your hair out of your face and stay cool with some braids. "Braids of any kind can help protect your curls from the weather changes and make getting ready so much easier in the morning," says Gutterman. Carrtherol likes "low maintenance and edgy" Fulani braids, noting that the "go-to, no-fuss vacation hairstyle" is "great for adding dimension and keeping curls protected while showcasing texture."

Regardless of the type of braids you want to try, Gutterman says to remember to hydrate the scalp. "Because these protective styles [tend] to last you a long time, the scalp can often get ignored," she says. To prevent a dry or flaky scalp, use a scalp serum or oil.

Short Pixie Cut

Looking for a big hair change this season? "Doing a big chop will allow you to cut off all dead ends and make your curls bounce again," says Gutterman. "Short hair will cut down styling time and the amount of product you need to wash and go."

Golden Tones

Try adding some warmth to your hair color via highlights or root touch-ups. "Golds reflect so much more nicely in the sun compared to cool tones," says Gutterman. It'll give your hair some dimension, too, bringing "a natural glow and [mimicking] how the sun would naturally lighten your curls over time," adds Carrtherol. Ask your stylist for tones like honey or caramel, she recommends, or try your hand at using at-home hair color.

Twists

More coily, textured hair can try mini twists or twist-outs this season. Carrtherol likes them for "definition and elongation." Choose one or the other depending on what you're looking for: "Mini twists offer longevity, while twist-outs give springy, soft volume," she says.

Short, Round Cut

Another great option for those with coily hair, Carrtherol recommends a short, round Afro cut for its "powerful, structured shape that shows off texture." Plus, she loves that it's "minimal maintenance, maximum statement."