Keep Your Cool: Summer Hair

In the heat of the summer, sometimes all we want is comfort and ease when it comes to getting ready. Ever had a morning where you wanted to pull your hair out because it was sticking to your neck or your bun wasn’t giving stylish it-girl? We’ve all been there, and now it’s time to combine style with functionality. Not only will these hairstyles withstand summer’s high temps and intense humidity, but they’ll also have you looking and feeling as cool as a crisp cucumber.

Bubble Braids

Live out your thirty, flirty, and thriving dreams this summer by rocking bubble braids! Perfect for a day by the pool or a night out with your girls, this fun hairstyle is easy to achieve, great for when you’re pushed for time. GET

1. Part hair and pull back into a ponytail - this will be the base of your braid

2. Take another elastic and tie it a few inches down your ponytail, then tease the hair between the elastics to create a bubble shape

3. Repeat each step until you reach the bottom of your ponytail

4. Tease each bubble until you get the shape you want and voila! You have an upgraded everyday pony!

Chic Chignon

One of my favorite summer looks, an effortlessly chic chignon can make it seem you just stepped off the streets of Paris. For a more formal look, try a slicked-back chignon, or a natural, undone chignon for a touch of glam in your everyday style. GET

1. Part your hair and gather it at the nape of your neck into a low ponytail

2. Create your low bun by looping the ponytail under itself, then use plenty of bobby pins to keep the bun in place

3. If you want to go a bit more formal, when parting your hair, leave the hair from your ear to your face out so you can later wrap it around the base of your chignon

4. Secure with more bobby pins and lock in your look with some hairspray - au revoir, you’re off to France!

Beachy Waves

Beachy waves are a go-to summer hairstyle, and you can master these perfect curls without leaving the comfort of your home - no salt water or sand required. The perfect day to night look, beach waves add volume and movement to your hair; plus they look great on everyone! Using a curling iron is the best way to achieve this natural look, but you can also use a straightener or even go without heat.

1. Spritz your hair with heat protectant (gotta protect those ends ladies!)

2. Hold the curling iron upright and place a one to two inch section of hair into the clamp, leaving your ends out

3. Twist the iron away from your head, hold for about 4 seconds, and release your curl

4. Once your curls are cooled down, spray a bit of flexible hold hairspray onto a brush and brush out your waves

5. Tame any flyaways with a finishing cream and enjoy your perfectly natural beach waves

Top Knot

The chignon’s distant cousin, a top knot is as versatile a hairstyle as they come. Not only is a top knot effortlessly stylish, it’s also functional; Kentucky’s August heat can be brutal, and the higher the hair on a hot summer day, the cooler you stay!

1. Split your hair into two sections at the top of your ears, tying the front section at the crown of your head, then secure with an elastic

2. Brush the rest of your hair up to the top ponytail, combining all of the hair together. This technique will give you more control over how tight or loose the knot is

3. Spray your ponytail with texture spray to create a soft, airy texture and split your ponytail into two sections

4. Twist the two sections together, then twist the ponytail down into a knot. Secure the bun with pins, letting a few strands stick out for a carefree look

Summer Breeze, Meet Frizz Ease

While summer has endless perks, there’s no denying the irritation when your perfectly styled hair turns into a massive ball of frizz. There may not be a one-size-fits-all product or solution to frizzy hair, but we have a few tricks hidden up our sleeves that we use to avoid that humidity-induced frizz ball, even on the steamiest summer days.

TURN DOWN THE TEMP

I know every girl needs her scalding hot shower, but the high temps can be draining your hair of moisture. This doesn’t mean you have to freeze though, just enough where your water is warm instead of steaming.

HYDRATION GALORE

Some hair products have alcohol, which can further dry out your hair. When shopping for shampoos and conditioners, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin and jojoba oil. We love the Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo!

SHIELD YOUR STRANDS

If you’re using heat on your hair, you need to be using heat protectant! Not only will this reduce the heat damage to your hair, but many heat protectants have anti-humectants built in. The Color Wow Coat Supernatural Spray is a great option for all hair types and textures!

FINISH IT OFF

The final key to glossy summer hair? A lightweight finishing spray or oil mist that will act as an extra barrier to the heat and humidity. The Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield is the perfect protection against pesky flyaways and frizz!