Ciara’s Naturally Curly Coif Is Summer Hair Goals to the Max

Black women's hairstyles are some of the most diverse I've seen — we're known for wearing our natural hair one week only to show up to work with braids the next. As one of my former hairstylists told me as a pre-teen, "You have to keep them guessing!" And while it's always fun to switch it up, it also a great way to experiment and find a summer look that feels effortless. With that in mind, here are six Black hairstyles that I think we'll see a lot of this year, regardless of hair texture. Here's to finding your own next look, ladies!

Image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Goddess Knotless Braids

Braided hairstyles are by far one of the go-to styles for summer. They help keep hair protected from the heat and other elements that may cause dryness or frizz while creating a cute style that lasts anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

While knotless braids have become a lot more popular, more people are opting to wear 'Goddess' knotless braids which includes an unfinished look or an addition of wavy or curly human hair extensions in between the braids. It's the perfect style for a summer vacation that includes a ton of beach or water park days.

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Short and Sweet Bob

Admit it — you've lowkey always envied Edna's luscious bob in The Incredibles. It makes sense because she is a succinct fashion designer that knows how to create looks. Even if your inspiration isn't Edna, chin-length bobs scream sophistication and can make any casual outfit look like a 90s off-duty model look.

Image via Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Classic Updo

Women can't get enough of classic updos, and I don't blame them. I have very fond memories of seeing older Black women wear them to special events so I have a soft spot for them.

If you're trying to figure out what what kind of updo you want to wear, take a cue from Keke Palmer! Her sleek updo manages to look soft as well as voluminous and it also frames her face.

Image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Cute Pixie Haircut

Short haircuts are here to stay, especially when we know it's going to be hot during summer! Since I've cut my hair on three separate occasions, I know a few tricks that make sure my hair was razor sharp and shiny every time I stepped out. One of them is making sure I used a moisturizing shampoo and conditionerduring each wash day. This help me set the tone for styling.

Next, I recommend using a heat protectant spray that won't dry your hair out if you plan to use a blow dryer and curling iron. If you plan to let your hair air dry, you could also mold and set your hair using a good foaming mousse!

No matter how you choose to wear your pixie haircut, it's sure to look glorious when you properly prep your hair.

Image via Rob Kim/Getty Images

Middle Part Sew-In

It wouldn't be right if I didn't refer to this look the way the TikTok and Instagram girlies do. Known as one of the most popular Black women's hairstyles, this is actually referred to as a 'bussdown' middle part — and it looks fabulous on Ciara. Truthfully, anyone can wear this style because it's universal (love it) and isn't specific to one group of women. I mean, even Law Roach has been know to wear a good bussdown middle part, and we love him even more for it!

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Curls Out

Not everyone will reach for braids, short hairstyles, or extensions though. Some women will be rocking their natural curls, allowing them to be on full display this summer. If you plan to be one of them, make sure you try Beyonce's Cécredline to give your curls the volume and shine they deserve!

Black women's hairstyles should be fun and look carefree during summer even if the process of achieving certain looks takes a while!

Follow us on Pinterest and sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more beauty inspo!

Lead image via Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The holiday season offers plenty of opportunities to get dolled up to celebrate. We apply the most dramatic makeup looks and change up our coifs (with sparkling accessories to boot) for all the special occasions on our social agendas. While some might consider this time of year to be blowout season, centering around straighter, smoother styles, there are also plenty of ways to highlight textured tresses. To get into the spirit of the season, a few of our favorite celebrity stylists shared their go-to holiday hair ideas, with a variety of curl patterns in mind.

1. Serious Sparkle: This crystal-encrusted look that Vernon Francois crafted for Amandla Stenberg is sure to steal the spotlight without much effort. “This is an amazing way to upgrade your ponytail by using accessories on the front part of your head,” he says. To nail the look for yourself, slick your strands back into a high pony with a little bit of gel and tease out the texture of your tail. “Remember to give lots of volume to the ponytail, this makes for a better statement,” he says. Finish the look with lots of crystal-covered bobby pins, like the Kitsch X Justine Marjan Classic Rhinestone Bobby Pins ($49) or the Sincerely Jules by Scünci Crystal And Pearl Bobby Pins ($8). (Photo via Amanda Edwards/WireImage/Getty)

2. All Tied Up: Scarves are synonymous with the season, but they can also serve as an exceptional accessory for your hair, according to New York-based stylist and Ouidad Curl expert Jessica O’Brien. To achieve a style like this one that Crystal Starr wore, start with damp hair and slather on a layer of Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream ($26) and add the Moisturizing Styling Gel ($26) on top. Diffuse hair until it’s dry and add sheen with Ouidad’s Shine Glaze Serum ($20). Next, slick the sides with the curl cream, section out the bang, and brush the rest of the hair into a loose ponytail using a WetBrush Shine Enhancer brush ($12). “A quick way to get smooth hair after it’s [been] styled is to run hot water over a boar bristle brush,” she notes. “The wet brush helps to smooth the hair back nicely.” Loosely wrap a hair tie or elastic around the hair once and finish by adding a headband or silk scarf — like the AEO Blush Velvet Headband ($13) — that matches your ensemble. (Photo via Allen Berezovsky/WireImage/Getty Images)

3. Haute Half Up, Half Down: This versatile ‘90s look has proven its range from casual cool to formal and fabulous, depending on the outfit you pair it with. For Janet Mock’s turn on the red carpet, stylist Andrew Fitzsimmons prepped her curls by applying TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier ($19) before drying them with a diffuser. After sectioning the hair from ear to ear, he smoothed the top half into a small ponytail, adding a little ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Gel ($5) to tame any flyaways. With a spritz of hairspray, he finger-combed the rest of her curls to boost body. But the pièce de résistance came courtesy of a Chloe + Isabel Bun Cuff ($48) used to cover the ponytail’s hair tie. “[It] gives this look a little extra festive touch,” he says. (Photo via Andrew Fitzsimmons)

4. Basket-Weaved Bobby Pins: According to Creme of Nature stylist Kara Williams, the lead-up to the holidays is the best time to go red. In fact, that’s how she started this look with a bit of the brand’s Moisture Rich Hair Color with Shea Butter ($6) in Vivid Red. While you can work with your own natural texture, you can also change up your curl pattern by applying the Heat Protector Smooth & Shine Blow Out Creme ($7) before blow-drying it straight. After drying, curl your tresses with a wand and break them up a bit with the Coconut Milk Essential 7 Treatment Oil ($6). Next, use the Coconut Milk Edge Tamer ($7) to smooth the right side of the hair, securing it in place with gold accent pins. Finally, apply the edge tamer over what’s already been slicked down, creating an eye-catching basket weave effect secured with more gold pins. (Photo via Creme of Nature)

5. Split Decision: If you prefer something a tad more low key, this look that Jessica Williams recently wore can “add a little holiday spirit or ‘living the best life’ flair” throughout the year, according to celeb stylist Tym Wallace, whose work has been seen on the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Tiffany Haddish, and Mary J. Blige. After washing and conditioning, he suggests starting by making a deep side part and then applying Creme of Nature’s Pure Honey Moisturizing Whip Twisting Cream ($8) to damp hair and using the Texturizing Curl Setting Lotion ($8) as you two-strand twist the hair. Once dry, release the twists with your fingers and use a pick to define the parted hair, combing along each side of the part to create stacked coils or fluff them out further for added volume. Finish the look with a touch of the Pure Honey Moisture Infusion Edge Control ($5) for added hold. (Photo via Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

6. Simple Yet Sophisticated: Stylist Eloise Cheung, who counts Awkwafina, Victoria Justice, and Chavi St. Hill as her clients, offers an elegant updo idea that looks similar to Zazie Beetz’s that you can achieve when you’re in a time crunch. Begin by prepping damp curls with a dollop of John Masters Organics Volumizing Foam ($28) and diffusing with the T3 Micro Cura Luxe Dryer ($285) and Soft Curl Diffuser ($30). Once fully dry, pull the hair into a loose ponytail just below the crown and begin to twist into a bun, leaving the ends out. Next, secure the bun with French hairpins and arrange the curls to your liking, pulling a few shorter pieces out to frame the face. To lock everything in place, finish with a blast of R+Co’s Outer Space Hair Spray ($17). “It will make your look last until the end of the holiday party,” Cheung says. (Photo via Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images)

7. Gold Standard: Ifyou have braids, twists, or another protective style to keep your ends intact, a bit of gold can add extra glamour to your holiday party look. Need proof? Check out how Francois added some light-reflecting accents to pair with Lupita Nyong’o’s gown. “I knew we wanted to use gold string [but] in what capacity that was not clear until we started binding it around a handful of the Senegalese twists,” he shares. “This is also a great look if you’re at the end of wearing this hairstyle [because it’s] such a [gorgeous] way to take it to the next level before you take them out.” Gather a few braids or twists into one-inch sections throughout the hair before wrapping Magic Collection’s Gold Braid String ($1) around each section, crisscrossing down the length (closely or more spaced out, you choose), and triple knotting at the ends to tie it off securely. (Photo via Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

Follow us on Pinterest for more hair tips and product picks.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Spring is here and it's brought the promise of more riveting new books with it! Bookish readers will love getting lost in our most-anticipated recommendations by authors Sarah Damoff, Allison Raskin, and more! We know how much you love rom-coms, but we've also included mystery, romantasy, and self-improvement titles to give you a range of TBR picks to choose from.

Scroll to find the best swoon-worthy rom-coms, nail-biting mysteries, and helpful self-improvement books debuting in April!

The Best Fiction Books Debuting In April 

Amazon

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner (April 8, 2025)

Sisters Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were once the the greatest pop stars ever. Known to the public as The Griffin Sisters, their hits coupled with public appearances made them ultra popular. However, their personalities have always been different and it's part of what eventually drove them apart.

Between Zoe being a mom and Cassie living an obscured life, the only person who seems to have an idea of what happened to their careers is Zoe's daughter Cherry. But the only way the past can be healed is if everyone's willing to confront it and reconcile the lives they currently live.

Amazon

Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 8, 2025)

Nikki's been caught in the middle of a strange feud between her mom and grandmother, so she's shocked when the latter wants her to visit. Before long, Nikki arrives in North Carolina and hopes to discover what happened to the women she loves. Instead, her grandmother begins to tell her about a forgotten kingdom that her great-great-great grandmother Luella was queen of. Adding to Nikki's astonishment is the revelation that her grandmother is telling the truth based on the artifacts the young woman finds hidden in the hills.

Sadly, there are people who are threatening to completely erase the Kingdom of Happy Land's history which leaves Nikki in charge of saving it.

Amazon

To Have and Have More by Sanibel (April 15, 2025)

Emery Hooper and Lilah Chang may be Asian students who attend Derrymore Academy, but that's where their similarities end. While the adopted Emery has perfectly assimilated into the culture around her, she finds Lilah to be a cringey representation of Asians. She's also unsure why Lilah is working so hard to be her friend.

But over time, Emery begins to see how much she's subject to covert racism despite being wealthy. It's what eventually unites her and Lilah because they begin to see how much some things can't save you from harmful rhetoric that's ingrained in society.

Amazon

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (April 22, 2025)

Ryan and Lillian Bright may have built their marriage on love, but their secrets eventually tear them apart. It's something their daughter Georgette witnesses, causing her to back away from their once close-knit family. But even her plans are changed when Lillian's secret son appears. This forces Georgette to learn more about her family so she's able to see if love can save everyone.

Amazon

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (April 22, 2025)

Margaret Ryan starts off living a life that every woman dreams of in the 1960s. She has it all — the cushy husband, kids, and comfortable life — and it seems like she's content. However, a perceptive person would be able to pinpoint how unfulfilled she is. It's something she wasn't willing to admit until her new neighbor Charlotte Gustafson moved to Concordia.

Charlotte's mysterious and intriguing, prompting Margaret to start her own book clubwith two other women. Soon, she, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv begin meeting to dissect The Feminine Mystique. It's a classic book that begins making them question their suburban lives which opens them up to even more books that help them challenge the status quo.

Though they didn't anticipate this, these four women's friendship becomes a sturdy foundation during the most pivotal year of their lives.

The Best Romance Books Debuting In April 

Amazon

Save the Date by Allison Raskin (April 8, 2025)

Couples therapist Emma Moskowitz's life is left in shambles when the abrupt end of her engagement upends her wedding, career, and book plans. As far as her audience knows, she's skilled at matters of the heart so she feels like she's letting everyone down when she comes up short in the romance department.

Unwilling to give up her wedding date, Emma concocts an intriguing plan to find someone who's willing to marry her in the next 6 months. Call it desperate, but sharing her plans online garners a ton of attention that leaves her torn between a podcast produced named Will and the divorced Matt. But, you can't possibly find love that'll stand the test of time in such a short amount of time...right

Amazon

Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (April 29, 2025)

Ofosua Addo thinks she's found the love of her life when she and Cole Drake kiss for the first time, but there's two problems. One, she's an heiress to a vast empire and two, she's supposed to marry someone else her mother approves of. Being a good daughter means forging ahead with her wedding, but it comes crashing down in flames.

On her path to self-love and discovery, Ofosua and Cole cross paths again. This time, they'll have to remember why they fell for each other and if their love can cancel out tradition's strict protocol.

The Best Mystery & Thriller Books Debuting In April 

Amazon

Bitterfrost by Bryan Gruley (April 1, 2025)

Jimmy Baker used to be a famed hockey player, but his career ended when he made a drastic decision. Since then, he's been a Zamboni driver who doesn't make waves in Bitterfrost, Michigan. It's not the life he wanted, but he has no other choice but to atone for his mistake. His days are mostly eventful until he's suddenly accused of a double murder he doesn't remember committing.

With the odds stacked against him, Jimmy will have to figure out what happened and if he's as violent as everyone says he is.

Amazon

Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh (April 8, 2025)

Claire and Aaron Litvak's worlds come to a halt when they learn their daughter Lindsey's been hurt in China. Not only is she in critical condition, but the unlucky parents begin realizing her life in Shangai might not have been as linear as they thought. The only person who may have an idea of what happened is Lindsey's adopted sister Grace, but can Claire and Aaron piece together the truth before it's too late?

Amazon

The California Dreamers by Amy Mason Doan (April 8, 2025)

The Merrick siblings are used to beautiful California summers because they know they're guaranteed to have fun with their parents. However, a secret picture taken of them begins circulating and it puts them in danger. Years later, the patriarch of the Merrick family is being honored when a nosy journalist finds them and begins poking around their past.

The siblings will have to decide if they're ready to deal with the truth or if they're going to continue burying things like they've always done.

Amazon

Ruth Run by Elizabeth Kaufman (April 15, 2025)

Instead of using her intelligence to better the world, Ruth makes her money as a robber who targets banks. In a just a few years, she's managed to steal over $250 million thanks to her cyber smarts. But her clever plan is halted when she triggers an alarm that puts her in danger.

Now considered a high-level threat who could possibly help a government agency, Ruth tries to evade the agents on her trail who don't care how they capture her. It's clear their obsession with her borders other feelings, but Ruth isn't waiting to find out what they are.

Amazon

Coram House by Bailey Seybolt (April 15, 2025)

Young orphan Tommy's disappearance from Coram House in the late 1960s became an unsolved mystery that's haunted Lake Champlain ever since. It's the very case that's could restore true crime journalist Alex Kelley's career, so she jumps at the chance to lend her skills to a book about the orphanage Tommy once lived at. However, the stories surrounding him are complicated. Plus, Alex gets more than she bargained for when she stumbles across a dead woman's body floating in the lake.

She's convinced there's a connection between this and Tommy's case, but officer Russell Parker doesn't take her seriously. But he'll have to because more people are dying and Alex could be next.

Amazon

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (April 29, 2025)

Nautical archaeologist Haven Ambrose is supposed to be figuring out why ships keep wrecking in Positano, but she's also curious about what her father saw the last time he dived into the beautiful water. As soon as she arrives in town, strange things begin occurring that she has no explanation for.

The more she digs into her investigation, the more she unearths the chance of something magical at work. Despite one woman's desire to save the people she loves, she could've possibly cursed the Amalfi Curse and it's up to Haven to stop it before everything's ruined.

Amazon

A Campus on Fire by Patrick O'Dowd (April 29, 2025)

Student journalist Tess Azar wants to know why someone was killed in the writing program she's been lucky to be admitted to. As she investigates, she learns that something amiss is going on and it may involve a cult. There's also a growing right-wing group of students that are threatening to create more hysteria.

The Best Fantasy & Romantasy Books Debuting In April

Amazon

The Never List by Jade Presley (April 8, 2025)

The kingdom of Lumathyst may be destroyed soon unless the four immortal god-princes can secure their mate. Unfortunately, none of the women who have come before them have been suitable and they're running out of time. The issue is that the woman they choose will need to become immortal like them, but the process is brutal and doesn't guarantee survival. But Rylee Gray may be their saving grace if they don't uncover what she's hiding.

Amazon

The Raven Scholarby Antonia Hodgson (April 15, 2025)

Orrun has been peaceful ever since Bersun the Brusque ruled over it, but it's time for someone else to ascend the throne. So, everyone who considers themselves worthy begins to compete for the #1 spot because they think they have what it takes. But an untimely murder leaves High Scholar Neema Kraa scrambling to discover the murderer. What she doesn't know is that there are forces who are more than willing to help her and keep her out of harm's way at all costs.

Amazon

Awakenedby A.E. Osworth (April 29, 2025)

Wilder awakes to the realization they're able to decipher all languages. Dealing with confusion, they find safe haven with other witches who have also "awakened" to their hidden abilities. There's:

• Quibble, a portal traveler
• Artemis, a caretaker and seer
• Mary Margaret, a powerful telekinetic individual

As soon as Wilder gets comfortable, something evil in the form of AI threatens everything they and their coven's come to know. Before long, their group has to contend with how much is too much when it comes to magic and artificial intelligence.

The Best Parenting Books Debuting In April

Amazon

Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthoodby Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood (April 1, 2025)

Autors Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood have on thing in common: they're parents of children who have autism. This has united them in more ways than one, leading them to write Autism Out Loud with the goal of sharing their firsthand insights. Readers will learn about everything from the diagnosis process to what it looks like to raise a child who has autism.

Amazon

Three Minutes for Mom: 365 Days of Empowerment, Encouragement, and Growth for a More Connected Motherhood by Erin Morrison (April 8, 2025)

Sometimes moms need a reminder they can have a few minutes to themselves which is why Erin Morrison's compiled Three Minutes for Mom. Each day will feature an opportunity to look at strengths and areas of growth, but readers will also discover boundless encouragement for one of the toughest jobs in the world.

The Best Self-Improvement Books Debuting In April 

Amazon

Rewrite Your Rules: The Journey to Success in Less Time with More Freedomby Morgan DeBaun (April 1, 2025)

Blavity's founder Morgan DeBaun is here to share her success secrets with you. She built a powerful platform that aims to empower the Black community and knows that it helps to abide by certain principles that'll help propel you towards the career you want to have. Whether it's challenging certain rules or encouraging you to think outside of the box, readers will learn how to live the lives they want.

Be sure to visit Rewrite Your Rules for a robust look at how you can be living your best life!

Amazon

A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex by Dr. Morgan Cutlip (April 8, 2025)

This one's for all the couples who are still dealing with burnout. Dr. Morgan Cutlip knows there's no such thing as 50/50 in relationships, but that doesn't mean your relationship is doomed. In A Better Share, Dr. Cutlip explores things that affect partners like the mental and emotional load of everyday life. There's also great insight about how libidos are impact when people feel things aren't balanced or "fair." So, buckle up and get ready to transform your relationship.

Amazon

How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously by Hannah Berner and Paige Desorbo (April 15, 2025)

Featured in our best podcasts article, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo are back with their first book How to Giggle. Instead of listening to them, readers will have a written account of how these two friends navigate life. From awkward moments to realizing men don't have to be the center of everything, you'll get a kick out of the joyous way they tackle real moments.

The Best Cookbooks Debuting In April

Amazon

A Feast of Thorns and Rosesby Chelsea Cole (April 1, 2025)

Can't get enough of ACOTAR? Now you'll get a chance to cook meals inspired by the famous BookTok series! You'll find over 50 recipes that the creatures of Prythian eat (aside from carnivorous moments), that'll make you feel like you have a seat at one of the High Lord's table. Better yet, you'll become a pro at cooking meals that would make them pay you a visit!

Amazon

Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impressby Alix Traeger (April 22, 2025)

Alix Traeger doesn't expect you to be 5-star chef because life's too short for that. However, she does know you're interested in cooking meals that impress your family and friends. Inside of Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impress are recipes that even the most hazard-prone cook will find easy to follow. From girl dinner-esque appetizers to evening meals, anyone can have fun with Alix's cookbook!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more of the spring picks we can't stop obsessing over!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.