5 Essential Summer Hair Tips and Tricks from NYC Stylists

Thinking about getting an uber-trendy bob? Depending on your texture, maybe hold off until September. Celebrity stylist Jacob Rozenberg warns against short cuts in the summer: “Short hair has to be styled, but long hair can be worn down,” he says. Instead of high-maintenance bangs, he says to try a few face-framing pieces you can keep out when you put your hair up. Laura Dyer of Antonio Prieto Salon is all about the braid. “After a cut, I offer my clients a braid in the summer months instead of a blow-dry,” she says. “It’s nice to get the hair off their neck and back.” Manhattan-based stylist Giselle Luza loves classic beachy waves because theirimperfect nature means a little humidity won’t ruin the look. She suggests using a 1.25-inch iron to curl sections away from your face before finishing with texturizing spray. And Eliut Rivera of Eliut Salon advises keeping your layers on the longer side, since shorter strands are more likely to frizz.

To achieve a sun-kissed look, go a shade lighter on the tips by opting for what Colleen Flaherty, a color expert at Spoke & Weal, describes as “shadow root blonde with platinum ends.” The key to pulling off this multi-tonal color is not shying away from the contrast between the roots and the bright tips. “It’s great for a bright yet low-maintenance beachy vibe,” she says. Best of all, when you keep the platinum at the tips, it grows out better and causes less overall damage.

Few things clash worse than hair and humidity, which is why Rozenberg suggests splurging on a professional keratin treatment for the summer months. However, he admits there’s one caveat: “Keratin treatments are an amazing option for people who want to wear their hair smooth—except for those with fine hair; it’ll make it too flat.” To avoid limp, lifeless (albeit frizz-free) hair, he suggests having the stylist tailor the treatment. “Go to someone who can do the treatment in sections,” he says, “and have them do the treatment only on the roots, the nape of the neck and the bangs to retain some of the volume.”

To ensure your style lasts all day, Dyer suggests this Kérastase oil mist. “I love that it allows for beachy waves without any crunch,” she says. “Plus it has a UV filter, which is important year round, but especially in the sunny summer months.” For smooth locks, Rozenberg loves this smoother from Aveda. “Put it in and let your natural waves air-dry,” he says. Luza, meanwhile, swears by Olaplex No. 3 and IGK texture spray to protect your hair and give it movement, respectively. “Once you have a routine that works, you can work smarter—not harder—and focus on enjoying time outdoors,” she says. Rivera’s go-to is Milbon Humidity-Blocking Oil. “I like how this product defines curls while still being lightweight,” he says.

To minimize heat styling, Luza suggests prolonging a blowout by opting for a dressed-up bun.“For second- and third-day looks, my go-to is a chic bun and fun earrings,” she says. Another great option? Flaherty loves chunky barrettes as a fun way to keep hair off your face while adding some color and style to your look. For naturally textured hair, Dyer suggests pressing down the top and securing it at the back with golden combs.