Summer Hair Solutions

Does your hair hate the summer? Show the heat who's boss! We've picked the best hot-weather haircuts for curly, fine, and wavy hair, along with products and tips from the country's top stylists.

By: Melissa Goldberg

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Best Summer Cut,
Curly Hair
Either go for a short cut, or keep hair past the shoulders. "A medium cut doesn't work well because curly hair becomes too uncontrollable and bushy. Always use a pomade or hydrating gel so curls have a cascading pattern – in humidity, kinkiness will creep up on curls, so make sure you use product," says Peter Lamas, Expert Stylist and Founder of Lamas Beauty.

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Spring Prep
To make sure your hair is in optimal condition for summer, get a good hair cut. "Split ends and porous strands can worsen when you add the sun's rays, chlorine and salt water to the mix. To prep for the heat, get a good cut or trim and a deep conditioning treatment before summer starts," advises NYC Salon Owner Riccardo Maggiore.

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Best Summer Cut,
Fine Hair
Fine strands benefit most from a bob style between chin and shoulder length, with or without bangs. "Cut above the shoulders with a strong line, and hair will always appear thicker. I also recommend a bit of graduated layers in the back nape area to accentuate the roundness of the head and to make the shape swing and bounce with movement," says Amy Abramite, Creative Director of Chicago's Maxine Salon.

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Best Summer Cut,
Wavy Hair
Make sure your stylist sees your hair in its natural wavy state, and request a cut that will work with it. If your cut works with your waves, it'll look great if you decide to wear it sleek and straightened too, says Lisa Rowell, Creative Director for Sassoon Salon Seattle.

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Best Summer Cut,
Thick Hair
Thick hair looks best in a medium or long length with layers – it has a tendency to expand and become poufy in humidity and a short cut will exacerbate the problem, says Peter Lamas. "Be sure to keep the layers long so that they easily tie back into a sleek ponytail or chignon if you don't have the time or desire to blow dry," adds Amy Abramite.

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Summer Highlights
Want sexy strands that look surfer-girl sunkissed, but fear ending up with skunky stripes? Ask your salon about balayage, a technique of painting on highlights without foils for a more natural effect, says Celeb Colorist and NYC Salon Owner Eva Scrivo. If coloring yourself, try applying a couple different highlight shades close to your natural base for a more blended and less structured look.

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Fight Frizz
Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to create a barrier against frizz and keep a shine spray in your beach bag for conditioning spritzes. If you have the money for a Brazilian Keratin Treatment, it will smooth your hair into sleek, manageable strands for three to four months says William George, owner of Boston's James Joseph Studio.
Tip: Stay safe by opting for a keratin treatment that does not contain formaldehyde.

Clairol Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo plus Conditioner, $4

Sunsilk ThermaShine Detangling Shine Spray, $3

Citre Shine Shine Miracle Anti Frizz, $8

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Treat Dryness
Hours spent outside under the sun's rays can zap moisture. Apply your favorite deep conditioner once a week after shampooing to towel-dried hair. Dampen a towel and warm in the microwave, then wrap the towel turban-style on your head and let sit for 10 minutes for an intensive treatment. Rinse with cool water to lock in shine and moisture, suggests Amy Abramite.

Aussie Deeeeep 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Treatment, $4

Bumble and Bumble Super Rich Conditioner, $20

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Prevent Color Fading
Save your color by using products with a UV filter, says Eva Scrivo. If you're going to be out in the sun for a long time and don't want to wear a hat, pull hair into a chic half-knot: Twirl your hair in a spiral-type shape, tuck ends under, and secure with a banana clip or chop sticks. This prevents most of your strands from coming in contact with the sun, says Riccardo Maggiore.

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