by Rachel Spalding
Let your hair down ... literally! Taking a cue from the season's feminine fashions, this summer's hairstyles are all about natural curls, sweeping bangs and loosely pulled back locks. Au natural is the look du jour, and your tresses will thank you for it.
 Embrace Natural Wave
Stick straight, heated styled locks have gone the way of the micro-mini (and that's into hibernation, in case you didn't know!). Soft, natural curls are all the rage. Out of the shower, work a dab of styling lotion for curly locks into damp hair - we like the Curls Rock Amplifier by Tigi Catwalk. Then let your hair air dry, or diffuse it on low heat, to boing up your curls without turning them into crispy calamari rings (a look that is definitely out). Extra bonus: The much-needed break from intensive heat styling will improve your hair's sheen, elasticity and overall strength.
 Big-Bang Theory
Super short, blunt-cut bags are like overalls: Every few years they make a comeback, but then, mercifully, they rush right back into hiding. Color us lucky that both looks are passé this year. So what is in? Wispy, extra-long bangs swept lightly across the forehead. Even better if they're wavy and tussled.
The Wind Factor
In days of yore we treated the wind as an enemy, shellacking our hair with heavy-duty, hard-holding sprays to prevent any natural movement. Oh how silly we were! Wind blown hair is super sexy. To get the mussed-up look inside, use a blow-dryer on low heat and a super-fine hairspray, like Shaper by Sebastian. Or to look and feel like you just walked off the beach, try Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. The light-holding spray gives that salty, wind-styled look that used to require hours of romping in the sand.
 Piggies: Hang 'Em Loose and Low
A severely pulled back pony tail may look neat, but the super-serious look can cause hair breakage and also make you look a little mean (or perhaps you were wincing in pain and not at us?). Instead, we recommend youthful pig tails. Part your hair down the back of your head without peeking in a mirror (this will prevent the part from being too straight). Then, using metal-free elastic hair bands - those little metal fasteners cause breakage, too - secure the little piggies on either side of your neck. The hair bands should be low enough that you can see them when facing the mirror head on. Next, gently pull out wisps of hair to frame your face, and slacken up the hair heading into the hair bands. Loosely braid your piggies for an extra fun and flirty look.
Not into pig tails? Try a low-slung, side pony tail fastened just to the side of the neck, with the tail pulled over the front of your shoulder. |
