Beat the elements and show off your ‘mane’ attraction this summer with these 10 tips.
1. Go natural
This season, stop fighting the natural tendencies of your hair, as the heat will cause it to rebel against contrived efforts. If you have waves, let the sexy, disheveled look rule - it’s the style of the season. Find a stylist you trust, take along pictures to illustrate what you have in mind, and have a consultation to discuss both the look and your lifestyle.
2. Hang loose
Summer hair is sexiest when it is tousled and free. Don’t worry about perfecting your hairstyle; play with it to discover how it looks when it is loose. A lightweight mousse will do wonders; hold those stray pieces of hair in place with a decorative pin.
3. Get highlighted
Nothing says summer more than some nice highlights! Highlights should look naturally sun-kissed, multi-toned and about two shades lighter than your own colour. Get them placed randomly all over your head with a few more around the face. If you choose to do an at-home kit, be careful choosing colours, read and re-read the instructions, and do the recommended strand test. Warning: don’t be tempted by large chunky highlights because they are the easiest to do. They don’t look very natural and are more obvious when they grow out.
4. Multi-task
Don’t waste time with too many steps: maximize the effectiveness of a pared down routine. Invest in a deep conditioner that can also be used as poolside protection. Try colour highlighting shampoos and conditioners, which help keep your colour looking great. Ask a professional for one or two products that maximize your hair’s texture and style.
5. Ponytails rule
If you hair is long enough to pull back into a ponytail, embrace this easy option. Whether you pull your hair back tight into a high ponytail, or wear a softer look with bangs and layers framing your face, ponytails suit casual as well as glam days. For another option with all lengths of hair, try a side-part before tying hair back; this flatters all face shapes.
6. Beat humidity
It’s the season of frizzies and flyaway hair. Discover a light textured pomade, gel or anti-frizz lotion and use it lightly to keep hair smooth without adding weight.
7. Condition!
Summer living can really dry your out hair. Leave-in conditioner is a perfect every-day tool, so it makes a great addition to your beach tote. Look for safflower or coconut oils in wash-out conditioners: they replenish the hair and give it great shine. Also, make a practice of deep conditioning your hair once every week to infuse extra moisture and shine into each strand.
8. Poolside RX
Protect your tresses with sunscreen for hair, a wide-brimmed hat, or scarf for the time by the pool. When getting into the ocean or pool, make sure that you first wet your hair thoroughly with tap water. This will slow your hair’s absorption of chlorine and salt. When you come out, rinse your hair well before the chlorine dries in it to avoid greenish tints. If you are in chlorinated water often, invest in shampoo especially for swimmers: it will ward off at least some of the damage by removing the chemicals that cling to hair.
9. Accessories
Every girl has the occasional bad hair day when she needs a bit of help from a few great accessories: tie up ponytails with coated elastics to protect your hair, use a headband to hold back your mane, and invest in a few chic clips to secure your hair in place.
10. Regular trims
Yes, summer goes by too fast…but don’t use that as an excuse to forgo your visits to your stylist. Even with the best care, hair grows out unevenly and the ends get dry and damaged. Book that appointment and keep it. Ask your stylist for tips on how to maintain the look.
With just a little help, your hair will be this summer’s best accessory!