Sky High Pony
"When the sun comes up usually one's hair follows—and for those with especially long and/or thick hair, the best way to stay cool this summer is to wear your hair high and tight," says celebrity stylist Blake Burkholder. Not only does it keep frizz at bay and create an undone style, "in extreme heat you'll be thankful to have a fully exposed neck," he says. But that doesn't mean you don't have to put in just a few minutes of effort to make your ponytail more polished: "If your hair is on the softer side you may need a light matte-finished pomade along your hairline when brushing back," explains Burkholder. "Those with dryer texture could use one with a bit of shine."
Celebrity Inspiration: Beyoncé and Kristen Stewart
Criss-Crossed Braids
"If your hair is medium, shoulder length or on the shaggier side, you may need to get a little creative," says Burkholder. "A simple way to keep your hair off your face is a braided updo." Here's his how-to: First, begin by separating your hair into two pigtail sections that will be braided and secured at the end with a small elastic. Once both sections are in braids, simply place them crossing each other on the top of your head so that it appears you may only have one braid, then secure with bobby pins. Then once you master this version, try for braid variations, such as the rope or fishtail. (And always prep hair with dry shampoo pre-braid so hair doesn't slip out of place, he says.) Try: Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo with Cedar Bark, $25, shopsergenormant.com.
Celebrity Inspiration: Alexa Chung
Parted Bangs
"Bangs can sometimes be a burden in the summer sun," says Burkholder. Between sweat and humidity, it's difficult to keep them looking sleek. The pro tip: grow out your bangs but still keep them. "This may not make sense, but it's a lot easier then it sounds," he says. "A month before summer gets to its hottest point, cancel your bang trim and let them grow longer than usual, then only have your hair stylist thin and cut the center of the bangs—giving you an almost '70s sexy model look." The result: you get to semi-keep the style of bangs" without having to wear your hair fully on your forehead." Add some hair spray to hold them in place, and you're done.
Celebrity Inspiration: Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot
Above-Average Top Knot
"One style that never seems to be off trend in summer, is the messy top knot," says Burkholder. "Probably because it is also the easiest style for most to achieve since the look is meant to be undone." Tired of the same old placement? "Switch it up a tiny bit to give it a whole new life of its own," he says. For medium length hair, "gather your hair in a high ponytail and then instead of wrapping it in a bun before securing, simply tie it in a knot and then pin, leaving some strands out and the very ends to give it a bit of edge." For those with longer styles, just try "adding one twist to the ponytail before wrapping hair into a bun and then braid it," he says. Add texture before any of the above (such as Wella Professional Ocean Spritz Beach Texture Hairspray, $16, ulta.com; or Serge Normant Meta Sheer Dry Oil Finishing Spray with Oils of Camilla and Olive Fruit, $24, shopsergenormant.com to tame frizz).
Celebrity Inspiration: Rooney Mara, Emma Stone and Sarah Jessica Parker
The Long Bob
"If there ever was a time to cut your hair short(er), the time is now," says Burkholder, who suggests to start slow. As in, go from medium length to the lob (longer bob), not for the classic shorter crop. If you already have the classic style, then take it up an inch or two. "For those with bobs and all its variations, the style possibilities are endless," says Burkholder. "But one thing to always keep in mind is that unless you're going full pixie, avoid layers—bobs are best when simple and chic." His favorite: an A-line bob, "where the front is obviously longer than the back."
Celebrity Inspiration: Kate Mara and Kate Moss
