80+ Stunning Pool Hairstyles for Curly Hair to Beat the Heat

Summer is made for lounging by the pool, but if you have curly hair, the effects of chlorine (or saltwater) and humidity can easily turn well-defined curls into a big, frizzy mass. The secret to being able to enjoy the water without ruining the state of your hair? Selecting the right type of protective hairstyles. In this ultimate guide, we have curated 80+ Stunning Pool Hairstyles for Curly Hair that will keep you looking fabulous while reducing damage. Whether you have tight coils, loose waves, or voluminous ringlets, there’s a pool hairdo for you. 🌊👱🏽‍♀️✨

Let’s dive in! 🏊🏽‍♀️

Curly Hair and Swimming: Why You Need to Protect It at the Pool

The structure of curly hair makes it naturally more susceptible to dryness—the twists and turns make it more difficult for natural oils to get down the hair shaft. Sprinkle in chlorine, salt water, and UV exposure, and you’ve got a recipe for breakage, frizz, and dullness. 🌀☀️

Why Curly Hair Is Harmed by Swimming Pool Water

1. Chlorine & Saltwater — Strip moisture and leave hair brittle. 🚿

2. Sun Exposure — Detrimental to keratin, weakens it, leading to split ends. 🌞

3. Humidity — Swells the hair cuticle causing more frizz. 💧

4. Tangles — Wet hair is more likely to get knotted and matted. 🔗

How the Right Hairstyle Helps

The right hairstyle can do wonders in protecting your curls while you swim and enjoy the pool. Here’s how:

1. Inhibits Water Absorption — Less swelling = less damage. 🌊

2. Reduces Tangling — Braids, buns, and twists keep strands separate. 🤲🏽

3. Protects Hair from UV Rays — Wraps and hats provide physical protection. 🧢

4. Retains Moisture — Head wraps take in oils and conditioner when wearing protective styles. 💆🏽‍♀️

Popular 80+ Pool Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Explore over 80+ Stunning Pool Hairstyles for Curly Hair to protect your curls at the pool. From braids to buns and twists, these looks keep your hair safe from chlorine and humidity while looking fabulous! 🌊✨

Protective Styles (20+ Ideas)

These styles preserve the tresses, keeping them away from harmful particles. 🛡️

1. Pineapple Updo — Pom curls in a high, loose ponytail (use satin scrunchie to minimize damage). 🍍

2. Bantu Knots — Small, twisted buns that keep curl definition. 🔥

3. Faux Locs — Long-lasting, nice-looking, swimmer-friendly. 🌿

4. Flat Twists — Twists that hug the scalp, for a chic finish. 🌀

5. Mini Twists — Small twists used to retain length. 🌱

6. Crochet Braids — Lightweight, customizable, and easy on the upkeep. 🧶

7. Wig Over Braids — Fast way to change up your appearance while guarding hair. 💇🏽‍♀️

8. Sleek High Bun — Stretch curls into a neat bun (use edge control to tame flyaways). 👑

9. Two-Strand Twists — Straightforward, effortless, and suitable for all curl patterns. 🌀

10. Havana Twists — Thicker, bounce-ier twists for a more dramatic look. 💃🏽

11. Ghana Braids — Straight-back cornrows for a clean finish. 💁🏽‍♀️

12. Knotless Braids — Tensionless braids that lessen stress on the scalp. 🧖🏽‍♀️

13. Senegalese Twists — Thick, rope-like twists for a defined look. 🔗

14. Jumbo Braids — For a dramatic appearance, use large, chunky braids. 💪🏽

15. Passion Twists — Soft, boho-inspired twists. 🌸

16. Marley Twists — Matches natural hair texture for easy blending. 🌿

17. Individual Knots — Small knotted buns for an alternative look. 🔘

18. Box Braid Bouf — Bouf created from braids pinned together in a more formal updo. 🎩

19. Twist-Out Ponytail — Long, stretched twists up into a ponytail. 🐒

20. Braid-Out Bun — A braid-out put into a bun. 💁🏽‍♀️

Braided Hairstyles (25+ Ideas)

Braids are a must-have for a day at the pool, as they help to keep tangles at bay and last for weeks. 💫

1. Box Braids — Timeless, versatile, and great for swimming. 🌊

2. Cornrows — Very sleek, low-maintenance, and perfect for active swimmers. 💪🏽

3. Goddess Braids — Larger, more voluminous braids for a dramatic style. 🌸

4. Fulani Braids — Adorned with beads and intricate patterns. ✨

5. Lemonade Braids — Side-swept cornrows (a Beyoncé-inspired ‘do). 🍋

6. Micro Braids — Very thin, lightweight braids give a soft look. 🌬️

7. Dutch Braids — 3D braids that stay put in water. 💧

8. French Braids — Elegant and suitable for medium-length hair. 💕

9. Fishtail Braids — A beachy, textured style. 🏖️

10. Crown Braid — A majestic updo that leaves the hair off the neck. 👑

11. Halo Braid — A circular braid to add romance. 🌙

12. Waterfall Braid — Cascade braid for a delicate look. 🌊

13. Rope Braid — Twisted braid with a sleek finish. 🔗

14. Lace Braid — A soft, side-swept braid. 🌺

15. Snake Braid — Braids with a zig-zag pattern for an edgier look. 🐍

16. Butterfly Braids — Fluffy, voluminous braids. 🦋

17. Feed-In Braids — Tapers in thickness for a natural finish. 🌱

18. Triangle Braids — A cool, geometric parting. 🔺

19. Boho Braids — For a carefree attitude, think unruly, free-flowing braids. 🌾

20. Mermaid Braids — Beachy long, wavy braids. 🧜🏽‍♀️

21. Halo Twists — Twists wrapped like a crown. 👑

22. Double Dutch Braids — Two Dutch braids for a casual yet cool look. 🏖️

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23. Bubble Braids — Inflated sections held by elastics. 💨

24. Infinity Braids — Loop braids for personality. ♾️

25. Bow Braids — Braids styled into adorable bows. 🎀

Updos & Buns (20+ Ideas)

Allow hair away from your neck while still being chic. 💅🏽

1. High Puff — Full-bodied, pulled at the top. 🎈

2. Space Buns — Two pigtails on top for a fun look. 🚀

3. Low Bun — Polished and poised. 🧑🏽‍🦳

4. French Twist — Classy and sophisticated. 🕴🏽

5. Gibson Tuck — A retro-inspired updo. 💃🏽

6. Top Knot — Fast, athletic, and secure. 🏃🏽‍♀️

7. Braided Bun — A bun that is wrapped in a braid. 🌀

8. Messy Bun — Easy and carefree chic. 🌿

9. Chignon — A timeless, elegant updo. 👑

10. Twisted Updo — Multiple twists that are pinned together. 🔄

11. Bubble Ponytail — A sectioned ponytail for added flair. 🎀

12. Scarf Bun — A snazzy wrap-and-tuck style. 🧣

13. Pinned Curls Updo — Loose curls artfully pinned. 💁🏽‍♀️

14. Halo Twists — Twists wound like a crown. 🌟

15. Tuck Already — A straight, rolled-up fashion. 🧥

16. Braided Crown — A braided circle on top of the head. 👑

17. Low Twisted Bun — A twisted low bun for a polished appearance. 🌟

18. High Braided Pony — A ponytail with a braid to wrap around the base. 🎀

19. Bantu Knot Bun — Bantu knots worn as a bun. 💫

20. Puff with Scarf — A high puff with a wrap scarf. 🧣

Half-Up, Half-Down Styles (10+ Inspirations)

Best for showcasing curls while keeping hair easy to manage. ✨

1. Half-Up Puff — Upper part is a puff, the remainder is left free. 🍃

2. Half-Up Twists — Twisted sections pinned back. 🌀

3. Half-Up Clips — Embellished clips fastening the top section. 🎀

4. Half-Up Braid — A braid that pulls back the front. 🌸

5. Half-Up Ponytail — A bit more casual and sporty. 🏃🏽‍♀️

6. Half-Up Bow — A cute bow accent. 🎀

7. Half-Up Space Buns — Buns on top, seems mini. 🚀

8. Half-Up Scarf Tie — Your top half held back by a bandana. 🧣

9. Half-Up Beaded Braids — Tiny braids with beads. ✨

10. Half-Up Crisscross — Twice twisted crisscross design. 🔀

Traditional Headwraps & Scarves (10+ Ideas)

A chic and fashionable way to protect curls while also standing out. 💅🏽

1. Turban Wrap — All covered with a striking appearance. 🌟

2. Bandana Headband — Old school and uncomplicated. 🎸

3. Silk Scarf Ponytail — Tie around a high puff. 🧣

4. Bow Headwrap — A cute girly accent. 🎀

5. Neck-Tied Scarf — Draped loosely for boho vibes. 🌸

6. Wide Headband — A wide fabric headband that wraps around your curls for a chic, retro look. 👒

7. Silk Bandana — A silky fabric bandana for a polished, vintage vibe. 🌿

8. Twisted Headwrap — A headwrap with a twisted design for added flair. 🔄

9. Floral Scarf — A floral-patterned scarf to add a playful touch to your hairstyle. 🌺

10. Oversized Bow Headwrap — A large bow that can be tied on top of your head for a dramatic, fun look. 🎀

11. Colorful Knot Scarf — A scarf tied in a knot at the front to make a bold statement. 🌈

12. Faux Loc Headwrap — A wrap made with faux locs for an edgy and unique style. 💇🏽‍♀️

The Art of Achieving Pool-Proof Curls

Before Swimming:

1. Use a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil to form a barrier that locks in moisture.

2. Soak hair in fresh water (less chlorine uptake).

3. Wearing a swim cap can also help — however, only if you’re comfortable doing so.

After Swimming:

1. Immediately rinse well with freshwater.

2. Use a clarifying shampoo (1-2 times a week to remove chlorine buildup).

3. Weekly deep conditioning will help restore moisture.

So when it comes to pool hairstyles for curly hair, feel free to dive in! Your curls will be safe and sound while getting the vibe. From braids to buns, twists to wraps, there’s an ideal option for each texture and length. 🏖️✨

What style do you feel you will try first? Let us know in the comments! 📝.

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