21 Natural Hairstyles Perfect for Black Women in the Summer

When The Curly Girl Collective, comprised of longtime friends Charisse Higgins, Melody Henderson, Simone Mair, Tracey Coleman, and Gia Low, held CurlFest in 2019—the brand expanded with festivals in New York, NY and Atlanta, Ga. However, the 5 women had no idea that a global pandemic was looming around the corner and would halt their curly girl plans. Nevertheless, in 2020, amid the pandemic and extreme uncertainty, they hosted a virtual event to bring curly girls together. “One of the things that keeps us going is that so much of what we do is a reflection of our community. Everything we do for our brand is for our community,” emphasizes Henderson. Higgins revealed to ELLE at the founding of CurlFest in 2014 they had hoped 500 people would show up. “Almost 2000 people showed up,” shares Higgins, adding, “We’ve been doubling and quadrupling ever since.”

This year, CurlFest returned with a roar to Randall’s Island, a location that also houses festivals like Electric Zoo—a testament not only to the power of CurlFest but also to the need for a gathering space to celebrate natural hair. And with the United States Senate quietly blocking The Crown Act in December 2022 and constant reports of Black people being discriminated against or facing disciplinary action due to wearing their natural hair, it’s evident that spaces like this are needed. The Bounce Back was the 2023 CurlFest Theme—and in addition to celebrating the springiness of curls, it’s a direct response to a three-year hiatus and a celebration of the resilience of persons with natural hair. “The reason I wanted to come to CurlFest was for unity, community, and to spread some fairy goddess bubble energy out there,” states Monique, 36, from Brooklyn, NY.

CurlFest is truly unlike any festival you will attend. It’s an opportunity for curly girls to meet one on one with brands (and yes, get samples—just like a Beauty Editor!) and just bask in curly hair glory. However, CurlFest is not about boxes. You don’t have to wear your hair natural or in a protective style to show up to CurlFest. It’s a celebration of Black hair. While walking around Randall’s Island, I noticed families at CurlFest, setting up small picnics on the grounds and enjoying the music and the atmosphere. Friend groups shrieked with excitement—admiring each other’s hairstyles and swaying their hips to the Afrobeats and SOCA the DJ played. There were brand activations abound from companies, including Mielle Organics, who had a “Mi Kitchen” offering photo ops to attendees, and Palmer’s Hair Care, who gave guests much-needed handheld fans.

Nevertheless, the booth that surprised me was Magic Fingers Studio—founded by Stasha Harris, who is also known for her Shine N Jam braiding products. Harris blessed attendees with Bantu knots, box braids, stitch braids, and more. What other festival do you know that’s giving out intricate protective styles?!

I’ve attended CurlFest since 2017, and in addition to a bevy of beauty products, you will also leave with some natural hair inspiration. CurlFest is a playground of trendy natural hairstyles that you will surely see not only on the streets of Brooklyn or Harlem but also on the runway and the red carpet. Keep reading if you’re looking at your curls and want to try something different for 2023. Here are the top 21 natural hairstyles from CurlFest that will make you book a hair appointment, stat.