Our Favorite Natural Hair Gurus Share Tips on How to Keep Curls Thriving This Summer

We went to some of our favorite online hair gurus and asked them to share some of their best tips for summer styling.

June 21, 2017

DIASPORA—As the seasons change, so do our hair needs!

The winter is all about keeping our strands hydrated, and while that's also a priority in the hotter months, there are additional changes that we can make to help our tresses flourish all summer long.

If you're looking for ways to improve your hair regimen in hot weather—we've got you covered. We went to some of our favorite online hair gurus—with various hair lengths, styles and textures—and asked them to share some of their best tips for summer styling.

Below you'll find some of their best hair advice for naturalistas rocking bouncy fros, popping cropped cuts, or luscious locs this summer.

Tolani A.V

Tolani is a popular Nigerian blogger based in Houston. Keep up with her on Instagram, and check out her extensive collection of haircare tutorials via her Youtube channel.

Summer Styling Tip: "This summer I have been exfoliating my scalp every time I shampoo my hair. Just like we all know about exfoliating our face, exfoliating your scalp can do wonders for your hair! My scalp is less flaky and itchy and takes in moisture easily, which helps my hair strands grow longer and healthier."

When in doubt...puff it out😎 #healthy_hair_journey
A post shared by T O L A N i A V 🇳🇬 (@tolaniav) on Jun 11, 2017 at 2:09pm PDT

#twentysexy 😄😄😄 Having a happy birthday! Today is my actual birthday but i will be celebrating all week😜 . . . . . . #healthy_hair_journey #protectivestyles #hudabeauty #makeupformelaningirls #4chairchick #afropunk
A post shared by T O L A N i A V 🇳🇬 (@tolaniav) on May 22, 2017 at 1:44pm PDT

Natasha Lee-Duhaney

For some style inspiration, follow the Jamaican hair and fashion guru's fashion blog StylishLee.

Summer Styling Tip: "I’ve lived in a country surrounded by the Caribbean Sea all my life, so swimming at the beach has always been a part of my life. Summer days means frequent visits to the beach and pool. Whether swimming in a pool filled with chlorinated water or the salty sea, your hair is susceptible to becoming damaged. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair before going swimming—you'll minimize the amount of chlorine or salt water that can penetrate the hair. The conditioner will seal the hairs cuticle which in turn creates a barrier between your strands and the chlorine or salt water."

"I personally opt for moisturizing conditioners that give lots of slip, because I find that after swimming my hair doesn’t feel as parched which allows for easier detangling."

Mawnin Luvs 💕 Don't ya just love when ya find something awesome in the drugstore? 😩 Wearing @imancosmetics 2 in 1 concealing foundation 🙌🏽 #StylishLee #CelebrateYourSkinTone #MelaninArmy
A post shared by Natasha Lee-Duhaney (@natashaleeds) on Apr 17, 2017 at 7:39am PDT

When you can no longer hold a poker face because the one tooth man outside the bar keeps winking at you 😉😂 Happy Friday Yall 😙 Top: @hm @manrepeller #bloglovinhmawards16 Tap for outfit details & for more details on my day hanging with my new pal outside the bar head on over to www.stylishlee.com (🔗in bio) #StylishLee #AlikayNaturals #AlikayNation #alikaynaturalsbrandambassador
A post shared by Natasha Lee-Duhaney (@natashaleeds) on Jun 10, 2016 at 3:29pm PDT

Nia Hope

Nia runs a fun and fabulous lifestyle channel where she provides valuable hair advice for 'TWA' wearers.

Summer Styling Tip:"If you have short natural hair like me, the best thing you can do is keep your styling routine simple and enjoy the luxury of having a low maintenance hairstyle! My daily styling routine only takes five minutes or less. When I have a fresh cut, I use some sweet almond oil to moisturize my hair, brush my hair down, and I'm done!"

"Now that I've grown my hair out a little, my go to style is a 'wash n go.' My perfect 'wash n go' consists of a lot of water, leave-in conditioner, and a curl enhancing product. The end result is always super defined curls!"

always stay humble + kind. cut by ✂️ @scotch_bespoke . . . . . . #NaturalHair #hair2mesmerize #naturalhairdaily #NhDaily #naturallyshesdope #myhaircrush #NaturalHairLoves #TheCutLife #amazingnaturalhair #TheNaturalHairSpot #Howtonaturalhair #CurlsAuNaturel #NaturalChix #curlbox #blacknslay #bigchop
A post shared by N i a H o p e (@niahope) on Apr 14, 2017 at 12:52pm PDT

🦄✨ NO GEL Wash N Go!! Got defined curls + super soft, silky results using products from @carolsdaughter's Hair Milk line 😍 Link to video is in my bio! [www.YouTube.com/TheNiaHope] . . . . . . . #carolsdaughter #NaturalHair #hair2mesmerize #naturalhairdaily #NhDaily #naturallyshesdope #myhaircrush #NaturalHairLoves #TheCutLife #amazingnaturalhair #TheNaturalHairSpot #Howtonaturalhair #CurlsAuNaturel #NaturalChix #curlbox #blacknslay #bigchop #baldgirlmagic #baldchicksslaying
A post shared by N i a H o p e (@niahope) on Jun 18, 2017 at 10:09am PDT

Chizi Duru

Chizi Duru is a New York-based, Nigerian blogger. For more from her, check out her colorful Youtube channel.

Summer Styling Tip: "Don't ever skip out on moisturizing. Include treatments in your hair regimen. And make sure you're staying hydrated. Your hair will thank you all summer '17"

Can 👏🏾 we 👏🏾 get 👏🏾 into 👏🏾 this 👏🏾 texture 👏🏾 though?! 👏🏾 Listen, God made NO mistake when creating 4C hair and this puff is proof 🗣(swipe left) • • NEW tutorial on #Youtube showing how I achieve this puff! Link in bio, and check out some of my other videos while you're there 🤗
A post shared by Chizi Duru (@chiziduru) on Jun 13, 2017 at 2:22pm PDT

Despite everything you're going through, I urge you to continue to smile 🌷 Tutorial on this perm rod set will be on YouTube tomorrow evening - make sure you're subscribed to 'Chizi Duru' so you don't miss another video! Happy Easter 💛
A post shared by Chizi Duru (@chiziduru) on Apr 16, 2017 at 10:57am PDT

Temitope Adesina

You can follow the Nigerian "natural hair enthusiast" via her very lovable Instagram page.

Summer Styling Tip: "For the summer I like to lay off the gels and use jellies or cremes, it doesn't have maximum hold but it definitely keeps your hair effortless, soft to the touch, and flowing in the summer months."

One of the things I tell people on this natural hair journey is never to compare. It's okay to have a hair crush but don't be upset if your hair doesn't come out like that persons. Whenever someone asks me if I have a hair crush I always say I am my own hair crush. In me being my own hair crush, I never have to compare my hair to someone else's . It gives me the responsibility of actually learning and loving my hair for the way it is. If my hair doesn't come out like someone else's, who cares. I'll embrace how my hair decided to come out because that's what it will do. My hair in unique and like no one else's. Once you stop comparing your hair to other "gurus" you'll actually start to form a relationship with your hair and one you start forming that relationship you and your hair will become best friends and you'll know it like the back of your hand. So stop comparing and start loving on the hair God gave you because it's not going anywhere.
A post shared by Temitope Adesina (@naturallytemi) on May 31, 2017 at 1:01pm PDT

When you haven't fluffed the ponytail enough and it has a rectangle shape 😥 . . . . . #curlbox #naturalhairdoescare #4chairchicks #myhaircrush #teamnatural_ #teamnatural #blackgirlmagic #naturallyshesdope #berrycurly #nhdaily #kinkychicks #protectivestyles #melanin #blkgirls #teammelanin #melaninbeautiesunite #africangirlskillingit #black_beautyworld #voiceofhair #naturalhairloves #ankarastyles #thenaturalhairspot #respectmyhair #unconditionedroots #curlsaunaturel #afroliciouswomen
A post shared by Temitope Adesina (@naturallytemi) on Jun 9, 2017 at 1:02pm PDT

Alicia B. Gettys

Alicia consistently shares great tips with her followers on her blog, Cocoa Curls and through her Youtube Channel.

Summer Styling Tip: "Deep condition weekly for 5-6 hours, your hair with thank you for it."

Find your center || link to hair details in bio🌻
A post shared by Alicia B Gettys (@livin_fearless) on Jun 2, 2017 at 10:02am PDT

|| Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing || 💁🏾lazy hair bun (my hair 75% of the time) ... I use a little water to mist my hair and apply a little hair butter to moisturize ...
A post shared by Alicia B Gettys (@livin_fearless) on Jun 9, 2017 at 10:06am PDT

Rashida Banks

Rashida shares her natural hair journey with us via her wonderfully curated Instagram page.

Summer Styling Tip: "To keep my colored tresses shining during the summer months, I do deep conditioning hair masks once every two weeks, giving the colored portions of my hair a little more attention. Also if I know I'll be out in the sun all day I may toss on a cute wide hat to protect myself and my hair from the sun!"

Me trying to figure out if I should let my hair grow out or cut again 🙈 #decisionsdecisions What do you think? Grow or Cut write your vote down below 👇🏾👇🏾
A post shared by R A S H I D A. (@rashida.banks) on May 31, 2017 at 8:36am PDT

New Specs for the New Year! 👓 from SEE EYEWEAR in Georgetown D.C. ( @seeeyewear ) style #3634 #seeeyewear
A post shared by R A S H I D A. (@rashida.banks) on Jan 1, 2017 at 3:50pm PST

Keisha Charmaine

Keisha Charmaine is the founder of Infinity Headwraps, follow the New York-based writer and blogger on Instagram and via her website.

Best Summer Styling Tip: "My number one hair tip is to stay cool by keeping your hair off of your neck and back with Infinity Headwraps. These wraps will also protect your hair from direct and intense sunlight which will prevent your hair from getting dry and brittle. You can switch your style up in so many ways wearing headwraps and stay summer fashion forward."

Happy self-love Saturday! Have you been feeling uninspired? Check out my latest YouTube video and join me on the #30daysofbrave challenge!!! ❤️link in my bio
A post shared by Keisha Charmaine (@killadoesthat) on Apr 22, 2017 at 4:44pm PDT

💅🏾
A post shared by Keisha Charmaine (@killadoesthat) on Mar 21, 2017 at 3:38pm PDT

Paule Mellado

The Cameroonian fashionista shares her standout looks on Instagram and on her beauty and lifestyle vlog.

Best Summer Styling Tip: "For girls, with short hair like mine, I would say that thanks to gel, wel no longer need to straighten our edges in order to smooth them. Using gel also helps revive short, curly hair."

We got it #5Stars 🇨🇲
A post shared by PAULE (@paulemellado) on May 10, 2017 at 5:08am PDT

Glow Doll ✨ T-shirt from my shop @paulecloset Hair @shorthairdolls
A post shared by PAULE (@paulemellado) on Mar 14, 2017 at 8:34am PDT

Denny Daily

The beauty connoisseur gives us major hair inspiration. You can follow her on Instagram to keep up with her hair journey.

Best Summer Styling Tip: "One of my favourite tips for summer haircare is to always keep it clean and fresh. I will do a wash and go almost every two days. My second tip is to use a nourishing conditioner, one that will provide you with shine and slip; I often reach for Tresemmé conditioner, I love it. My last tip is to drink lots of water, you hear it all the time but people don't do it often. I drink so much water. It hydrates your hair, your curls and adds to the overall health of your hair."

3 types of people to surround yourself with: 1. The inspired 2. The excited 3. The Grateful 💎
A post shared by Denny (@dennydaily) on Nov 1, 2016 at 12:07pm PDT

Smile more 💋
A post shared by Denny (@dennydaily) on Dec 11, 2016 at 8:03am PST

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