How to Have A Frizz-Free Summer

We’re in the thick of it.  No I’m not talking about summer.  I’m talking about Frizz season.  By the time July rolls around, we’re all pretty much swimming in frizz.  While we have visions of the laid back beachy waves and long luxurious tendrils, the reality is much more frustrating.  Within five minutes of walking out the door, most of us end up succumbing to tying all our hair back in defeat and calling it a day.  But why let frizz win?  We are grown women.  Isn’t it time we learned a few hair tricks to deal with the unruly hair demon?

The Top Knot – The top knot is the perfect summer style.  Not only is it stylish and so on trend right now, but it ensures that not a single hair is left on your neck.  Get friendly with a can of hairspray and go crazy with some of the new looks in top knot wear.  From the classic ballerina look, to actually tying your hair before wrapping it around the base, to braiding the pony into a bun, the knot is your oyster.  Get creative and look fabulous, no frizz guaranteed.

The Katniss Braid – Another side effect of the spring blockbuster movie event is Katniss’s hairstyle.  While this revelation is in no way groundbreaking (everyone’s been gabbing about, and copying, her look since the trailer came out), it is perfect for summer.  Start at the ear of one side, and begin French braiding your hair over to the other before finishing off with a side braid down to the ends.  While a braid is always a good idea when the frizz starts up spring up and the heat forces you to remove all hair from your neck, this braid is especially perfect.  French braids keeps more hair back and account for the frizz on the base of your head, not just the pony tail.  Use hair products as needed (whatever works best for you) and shine serum to really keep those frizzies in check.

The Hat – This summer has been one of the best in years for hiding frizz.  Hat styles abound, and the head bucket is more in fashion than ever before.  Go wide-brimmed or short-brimmed, straw or fabric, colorful or beige, round or square, embellished or simple.  Whatever style you favor, throw it on your noggin.  It takes 5 seconds, involves no fuss, and lasts all day.  Easiest.  Look.  Ever.

The Headband and Turban – Ready to give up altogether and shave your head?  That’s what summer scarves are for.  Whenever I see summer scarves in stores, I get a little sad.  They are all so gorgeous, yet my sweat glands make it impossible to EVER wear a scarf around my neck, loosely tied or not, once the mercury hits 60 degrees.  But rather than leave these babies behind in tears, why not get a little inventive and wrap them around your head?  No matter how bad your hair may look, nobody will ever see.  Genius, right?  Not ready for the ultimate turban commitment?  Twist the scarf into a ribbon and wrap around your head as a headband, tying at the nape.  You can add this look to spice up a braid, a pony, a bun both high and low, or untamed tresses you’ve left down.  Your hairstyle will get a little punch of color and creativity AND your hair will stay out of your face.  I call that a win win.

There are of course more drastic measures a girl can take, like Keratin and Brazilian treatments.  These treatments cost a pretty penny and people debate their health effects, but they do garner stellar and long-lasting results.  For a cheaper and less radical option, head to your nearest Walgreens or Ulta, as drugstore brands are beginning to come out with 30-day treatment kits. Consult your salon stylist before trying a store bought item!

So tell me, what are your tried and true frizz-fighting techniques?  I wanna hear ‘em.  Seriously.

After graduating from college in ’09, Allyson Barkan flew off to Greece to teach English Literature at a private high school and explore Greek and European culture for a year.  Since returning stateside, she now works in Entertainment Public Relations in New York City.  For travel advice, stray observations as a 20-something in the big city, and the occasional hilarious misadventure, follow Allyson atwww.allysonbarkan.com and on twitter at @aebarkan.