16 stylist-approved tips for beautiful, easy summer hair

We know: It’s summer and everyone is outside and in the sun having fun, but this can cause damage to your hair. “Apply a generous amount of conditioner (regular or deep) to your hair as religiously as you put sunblock on your skin,” says Daniel Koye, a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Vanessa Williams, Carly Rae Jepson and Jessica Chastain. “Once you’re done in the sun, your hair will not only be protected but you’ll have soft, sexy locks.”

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If you are not ready for the commitment that hair extensions bring, summer is a great time to experiment with clip-ins. With clip-ins, you can have long beachy waves, cute high ponytails, or an array of braids, says Lisa Richards, co-founder of RPZL, a hair extension and blowout bar.

“During the summer I have clients coming in with sunburned scalps, which often can be mistaken for dandruff,” says Diana Gallegos, a hair stylist. “For bad cases, I recommend using an organic tea tree oil to help soothe the burn.” At bedtime, add a tiny amount to your fingertips and massage into the scalp gently, then rinse off in your morning shower.

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While it might seem logical to lighten your hair for summer, you should, in fact, do the exact opposite for gorgeous colour that lasts all summer long, says hair stylish Beth Minardi. “Ask your colourist to thread slightly deeper strands of colour throughout your hair. Then, as summer sun and light make strands lighter, these deeper shots of colour will provide that slight contrasting dimension that keeps hair from appearing faded.”

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“This summer is all about natural ‘I-woke-up-this-way’ texture, so show off what you were blessed with,” says Shannon King, co-owner of HAIR & CO BKLYN. He recommends Keune Blend Paste and Keune Blend Salt Mousse for “mashing up and bringing out your hair’s alter-ego.”

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You know that sign at the pool that says you’re required to shower before taking a dip? Do it. (Same goes for the ocean.) “Before hopping in the water, wet your hair thoroughly with water to dilute the chlorine or salt water,” says Jessica Sclamberg, co-founder of SF Color Collective. “Salt and chlorine cause the outer layer of your hair to become brittle, dry, dull or even lift the colour out.”

If you’re trying to strip chlorine from hair, sprinkle on baking soda to your locks and massage into hair before you wash with shampoo as normal. Air-dry or blow-dry on low heat to protect strands, says Gina Layland, Spa Manager.

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Bored with your basic brunette colour? Ask your colourist for a golden-beige, caramel hue instead. This gives a sun-kissed look that steers clear of red and orange, says celebrity hair colourist Marco Pelusi of Marco Pelusi Hair Studio.

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“Unlike balayage highlights where the ends of the hair are painted, this technique involves hand-painting the hair from root to tip,” says West Hollywood hair stylist Matthew Guilin. “It’s great for blondes and brunettes looking to lighten up for summer because the roots grow out in a natural way, as opposed to foiled highlights that have an obvious root line after a few weeks.”

Women with all hair textures can get beachy texture, even Asian or Latina women, who may have thick, straight hair. The trick is to ask your stylist for a soft undercut, says Guillin. “This creates movement in the hair and makes it look less bulky, without thinning scissors or razors,” he says.

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