Dan's Papers - June 12, 2009

The heat is on at the beach, the pool and on the streets of the Hamptons. Predicting what hairstyles will be hot for the summer is not as easy as it seems. Runway models have been giving hints all winter and spring, so here is the long and short of it.

Hair is totally unstructured. It shouldn't look tame unless it's slicked back into a pony or bun. That casual-disheveled look against a natural made up face is what was being seen. Natural texture is brought out by using such products as Redkens' Thickening Lotion 06 Body Builder, just using your fingertips to coax it into natural waves as you let it dry naturally or with the help of a diffused blower. You will be seeing a lot of knots, ponytails and half up/half down styles putting this action into play.

Rihanna seemed to be to set the pace for a smooth look, with her asymmetrical cut that sort of fits the gal who wants a more stylized sleek, modern slant to her style. Leaving one side longer or cutting the back short and front longer can be cooling for this summer. Add volume with different length layers or mix lengths gradually. If you like the strong graphic lines of Rihanna's hair, then this cut is for you!

Slightly tousled layers is another great, relaxed look. Hair is left fairly straight above the ears and then begins to drop and cascade into mermaid waves. This works well on thick hair, but if your hair isn't that thick, you may opt to leave it one length and get the same effect. A few waves may frame the face but on the whole, the crown is left fairly straight. You can get this do by putting your hair in a ponytail and using a wide-barreled curling iron or large hot rollers, curling and letting it cool on 'clipped in place' hair. When a cooled temp is reached, carefully removed the curlers and ponytail band, Let the hair fall, separating ever so lightly with your fingertips. Spray to set and you are good to go.

If you are spending a lazy day around the pool or beach, use this time to condition your hair. Leave your conditioner on your hair all day, while it's in a knot or ponytail, rinse off in the evening. Your hair will be silky, smooth and well conditioned the next day. Sometimes your hair may be on the oily side and in that case a dry shampoo like Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo will be perfect to absorb the extra oils and sweat in your scalp. It refreshes and revives in a matter of minutes, minus water and the blow dryer. And, as a bonus, it lends volume to your style. No one wants to wrestle with a blow dryer in the summer, so this may be your ticket to freedom as far as your hair is concerned.

For color, the peroxide blonde seems to be setting a warming trend, as well as copper-penny reds and rich red burgundy, which seems to explode with drama when combined with blue or green eyes. Hair extensions are the new highlights and low lights. Clipped or glued in, there are an array of shades that complement your summer color. This is the perfect way to see if you want a more permanent color or color variation on your hair. They are available all over the Internet and in Sally Beauty Supply stores for all different prices. Depending on the hair, whether you choose synthetic or human, these prices vary. Shop around for your best bargain and color.

Your hair need not be fried, frizzed or frazzled this summer. Take special precautions by giving it the right cut and conditioner for your hair type and color and you have gone a long way into protecting your locks. Once again, your professional hairdresser and colorist are the ones that usually get the job of correcting over-processed and damaged hair so consult with them at the beginning of the summer for the perfect regime and style for your hair!