“If you’re out in the heat for a few hours, comb in a conditioning mask,” says Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips, a trichologist (that’s a hair scientist). The result: Instead of causing damage, the heat helps the moisturizers better penetrate your strands. Try Biolage Colorcarethérapie Color Bloom Masque ($19; matrix.com).

“You can’t leave salt, chlorine or even perspiration in your hair for an extended time. They strip hair of moisture and ruin color,” says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. “To prevent this, wet your hair with fresh water before you go swimming.” And if you’re running or playing tennis or golf? Mist your hair with water once an hour or so.

“We automatically do a powerful conditioning treatment with my color clients in the summer,” says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. “Ask for something similar when you go in for your color appointment. Or, once a week at home, slather on a deep conditioner yourself.” Try Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Hair Solutions Intensive Restoration Treatment ($6; drugstores). 

If your hair has natural texture and you wear it midlength and blunt, it’s more apt to puff out in humidity, says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. Why? You don’t have the weight (read: length) to pull down the fuzz—or enough layering to reduce your hair’s density and minimize the puff. But you do have options. Go a bit longer to add that necessary weight. Or stay at midlength but ask your stylist to add tapered layers-, which will help shrink the pouf on humid days.

Hair that’s very dry is more apt to frizz. Why? It eagerly absorbs moisture in the air, causing the dreaded swell. However, if your locks are adequately conditioned, they’ll be unable to absorb a lot of water.

So when it’s particularly humid out, ramp up your routine by using one conditioner while you shower and a second, light leave-in conditioner when you’re drying off. For a leave-in, try Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Weightless Conditioning Shake ($6; drugstores). 

“While your hair is damp, create a foundation for fullness by applying a root-lifting product at the scalp,” says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. “Then dry your roots in the direction opposite from the way you normally wear it.”

In other words, if you usually part your hair on the right side of your head, make a part on the left side instead, then rough-dry the roots by tousling the hair with your hand. Once the roots are dry, flip your hair back the way you normally wear it and finish the blowout. Try Samy Fat Hair “0” Calories Root Lifter spray ($8; drugstores).

If you haven’t discovered this miracle product yet, it’s time. Dry shampoos were created to help absorb extra oil at the scalp, and most are essentially liquefied powder. But they have the added benefit of fattening up hair (albeit only until the next time you wash it).

How the fattening-up works: As the powder dries on your hair, it slightly thickens each strand. Apply dry shampoo primarily at the root, and you have instant lift that will last the whole day. Our all-time favorite is Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($18; klorane.com).

The wet look that was all over spring runways (Chanel, YSL) has a real-life application: “Wetness creates a physical barrier between your hair and the sun,” says trichologist Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips. “For added protection, mix some sunscreen into your favorite gel and comb it through.” Then pull your wet hair into a knot, braid or ponytail—or just leave it combed back and tucked behind your ears for a look that’s sophisticated and sun smart. Just be sure to secure your hair with a holder that’s metal free to minimize the potential for tearing.

We like: Goody Ouchless Elastics ($3/pack; drugstores). Some sunscreens that won’t leave your strands gooey: Philosophy Here Comes the Sun Age-Defense Water-Resistant Sunscreen SPF 40 for Face, below ($30; philosophy.com); Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock SPF 70 ($12; drugstores); L’Oréal Sublime Sun Hydra Lotion Spray SPF 30+ ($10; drugstores).
 

We know you want to look pulled together—and a blow-dryer is often the means to that end. But air-drying (a cooler option) works just as well if done properly.

Channel Veronica Lake with this strategy from Flynn-Hui: Wash, condition and scrunch in a styler (gel, mousse, salt/beach spray). Then, while the hair is damp, take three ringlets and wrap them around your finger to create a larger curl. The result: a wider wave pattern. Repeat around your whole head.

Create a sculpted look with just a hairpin. “Part your hair to one side, slick it down with gel and keep it in place by sliding in a flat bobby pin,” says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. (Ideally, use one with no ridges, which can leave dents in your hair.)

Once everything is dry, take out the pin; your hair will lie flat and smooth across the top of your head.

“Slick gel into your hair and comb into a low braid—below the nape of your neck,” says stylist Kevin Lee. “When it’s dry, just take it out and fluff with your fingertips. You get smoothness in the crown and soft, wavy texture from midpoint down.”

 Ideally, you’d retire the blow-dryer this summer. The reality? You’ll need to drag it out occasionally (e.g., you must look polished in 20 minutes, and a damp bun won’t cut it). What helps is a dryer that gets you from damp to dry in next to no time. We like:

Solano 3300 XtraLite Dryer ($159; ultra.com) which boasts a powerful 1,800 watts for a speedy blowout. It also has tourmaline technology, which minimizes damage. The bonus? This is Solano’s lightest model yet (about the weight of a water bottle), so you won’t get overheated hoisting it over your head.
 

When it gets above 80 degrees, most of us want our hair off our necks. An elastic will suffice, but steer clear of the scrunchie—unless you like looking as if you stepped out of 1995. Here, accessories for occasions when you care to make a little more effort.

Wear a head wrap the conventional way (as a headband). Or get inventive and wrap it around a bun, Greek-goddess style. 

Jennifer Behr crystal head wraps ($168; jenniferbehr.com)

Dress up an everyday pony-tail with this metallic colored band. 

L. Erickson PVC headband ($18; franceluxe.com).

Skip the florid bloom and slide in this edgier mesh blossom instead.

Colette Malouf wire-mesh, Swarovski-crystal and metal clip ($88; Henri Bendel, 800-423-6335).

Click here for 40 Flattering Haircuts for Every Age

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