Between melting makeup, chlorine-abused highlights, and “dewy” complexions, staying on top of our beauty routines in the height of summer isn’t always simple. And taking care of our hair just might be the hardest part. From rising humidity to saltwater to wind-whipped beaches, summer often translates to frizzy and tangled locks. Instead of fighting the season’s side effects, lean in and embrace it. For styling tricks and products that’ll make the mess look intentional, we spoke with two top-notch hair experts from coast to coast: Stephanie Hobgood, owner of Stephanie Hobgood Hair in Venice, California; and Gareth Brommell, senior stylist at New York’s Marie Robinson Salon. They shared their tips on how to work with your extra texture this season and nail that perfectly-tousled look in even the most challenging summer situations.
Summer Hair Goal #1: Surviving festival season
Rocking out in the great outdoors from sun-up to sun-down is all fine and dandy until you’re halfway through the second set and what was once glorious waves has turned into a flat, sticky mess faster than you can say, “flower crown.” Sure, you could just throw in the towel and do it up in a pony, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, Hobgood recommends spritzing your tresses with salt spray to amp up the beachy texture for fine hair, or a leave-in conditioner to calm the frizz for thicker hair. Then put it in a half-up topknot, a runway fave and “a style that’s contained and out of your way,” says Hobgood. It also helps divert the attention from any frizz you may be fighting.
If you’re dead-set on wearing your hair down to fully rock those boho vibes, Brommell recommends two techniques: giving hair a little pre-show definition with a curling iron and a spritz of frizz-fighting hairspray to ensure it doesn’t go completely limp, then tucking a dry shampoo in your tote for root touch-ups between sets. “That will soak up extra moisture and oil in the hair, and make your waves last a little bit longer,” he says. You’ll be good all the way from opening act to encore.
Summer Hair Goal #2: Maintaining glossy hair on the high seas
You may be hitting the waves for a sail to beat the heat this summer, and when that ocean breeze is whipping your hair a million ways to tangled, the only thing nautical-chic about your look is the number of knots you will be sporting. While no amount of product can calm the winds, there are a few steps you can take to prevent your mane from turning unmanageable. First and foremost, be sure to have both a wide-toothed comb and an anti-frizz serum handy for emergency tangles.
As for styling, both Hobgood and Brommell agree that the best way to embrace the wind-whipped look is by partially tying hair back with a handkerchief or headscarf. Your hair will be semi-contained without being stuck in ponytail jail, and you’ll look like a total natural — even if you don't know starboard from port.
Summer Hair Goal #3: Achieving “beachy waves” at the beach
Sometimes we feel like “beachy waves” is kind of a lie. Between the salt water and the sand, it's hard to understand where this trend got its name. The key? Brommell says that coating your strands with a high-quality hair oil before you hit the waves will help prevent tangled, limp locks after. Plus, it works double-duty as a nourishing conditioner while you play. Just apply, comb, scrunch, and carry on. (Bonus points, of course, if you snag one with SPF.) Hobgood, a California girl and avid beach-goer herself, looks to coconut oil for her locks. “After a swim, towel-dry your hair and put in a generous amount of coconut oil or a leave-in conditioner, focusing on the mid-shaft and ends,” she says. Pull hair back in a low bun to keep it contained, or let it air-dry to a wavy finish.
