Summer is for fun in the sun, frolics in the water, cocktails in the garden … and a litany of hair problems.

Generally, everyone likes to believe that summer is great for hair – it brings out our natural highlights, it creates beach swept waves. The reality is that the summer sun, spiraling hot temperatures and related humidity may damage your hair’s cuticle resulting in dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair and ragged ends.

However, according to Riccardo Maggiore from the Riccardo Maggiore Salon, we can absolutely have the hair we covet, we just need to know how to take care of it.

Fine Hair:
For fine hair, long layers are ideal. The layers will create movement and volume. This is perfect for the hot, summer months.

Wavy Hair:
Wavy hair is great for summer; it’s like beach hair without even stepping foot on a beach! Work with that texture and use plenty of moisturizer to emphasize the waviness.

Curly Hair:
Heavy layers are good for curly hair too. However, you don’t want to over-layer the hair. It should be cut long enough to achieve the desired style.

Thick Hair:
For thick, straight hair, increase layers to achieve more movement and further thin hair in order to accomplish a look that heavy hair sometimes will not allow.

What’s the best way to deal with summer dryness?
Summer sun and heat can cause major dryness to hair. The key is to moisturize! Put tons of moisture in your hair. Use moisturizing shampoos, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners – anything that will maximize moisture. If you plan to hit the beach or pool, apply oil or a product with SPF to the hair. This will create a “seal” that will protect and prevent salt water, chlorine or sun to penetrate and cause damage.