Do the 'Do: Summer Hair Guide

Photograph by L. Vadimovna/123rf

Summer is in full swing, Bostonistas. And while we always love our beach waves, not even the extreme humidity will force us into a hair rut. We tapped a few of the city’s expert stylists to find out their picks for the chicest hot-weather hairstyles.

Shannon Walsh, Jeffrey Lyle Salon
The Look: Braids

“The biggest summer trend in hair is braiding,” says Walsh. “The beauty of summertime hair is the more texture the better, and with all the variations of braids, the finished looks are endless. My personal favorites are the boho braid, French braid, and the fishtail braid.” Walsh also points out that since humidity is unavoidable, working with your hair’s natural texture will make styling easier. “Apply a product that encourages curl like L’Oreal Texture Expert Elasticite, either diffuse or let air dry, then take a few sections on the top and curl them with a large barrel curling iron. Your natural wave will provide the fullness, and the curling iron will polish the look.”

Nick Penna, SalonCapri
The Look: Sleek Side Bun

When summer heat has your locks looking a bit unruly, Penna suggests getting your hair under control (and off your neck!) with this chic style that’s perfect for hot, humid days and nights — as well as for second-day hair. Penna suggests spritzing on a heat-activated hairspray, then using a flatiron to smooth unwashed hair. Use a comb to sweep strands into a low side ponytail and fasten with a clear elastic. Then, apply a dime-size amount of smoothing serum to nix frizz and flyaways before twisting the ponytail into a bun and securing with bobby pins. Set everything with a mist of finishing spray (Penna recommends the Sheer Lacquer version from Shu Uemura), and voilà: style, simplified.

Rossana Casale, Salon Mario Russo
The Look: A Polished Ponytail

“If you’re not afraid to show some face, a high sleek ponytail is always a fashion-forward statement,” says Casale. “If you’re going for something softer, try a low loose ponytail with hair draped over your ears. If you’re a long-haired lady, a soft side braid that flows over one shoulder is a contemporary and hide-all-humidity hairdo.” She also recommends investing in a smoothing product to tame flyaways, like Oribe Crème for Style.