Hairstyling Hacks (& Inspo) You Need For Easy But Killa' Summer Looks!

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Don’t get it twisted: it’s officially summer, and we’re ready to turn up the heat and serve some certified looks. The only thing is with the increase of temperature and added humidity, when it comes to our tresses, they tend to act out and get greasy hella-quick – let’s not even go there with the frizz. But don’t stress, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of hair hacks and easy-to-follow tutorials to keep your tresses in check. From throwing your hair into a sleek, chic bun when you’re caught off-guard to airdrying your hair to mermaid-level perfection, these hairstyling hacks have you covered. You’re welcome.

How to Perfect A Chic Bun

If we’re ever having a bad hair day, our go-to is always a sleek updo. No matter how greasy or wild your hair has become overnight, this 5-minute hairstyle will leave you looking chic and put together.

Hack 1: When you’re going for that sleek and sexy vibe, it always helps to have a little bit of water for easy styling. Whether you have a spray water bottle or a leave-in conditioner, the added moisture will ensure there are no bumps or lumps. So before you grab a hair tie, apply it to your roots and comb through with a brush.

Hack 2: Picking the perfect brush is a total gamechanger when it comes to a silky updo. Use a boar bristle brush as this will help avoid any unwanted ridges while adding shine to your look – it’s a win-win.

Hack 3: For the perfect bun, tie your hair into a low ponytail first, then wrap your hair in a circular motion and secure with another hair tie or for a little summin’ summin’: a silk scrunchie. We’re obsessed with the Satin Sleep Scrunchies, $8, from Kitsch.

Hack 4: If you want a bun with a middle parting, try Chris’s hack of separating the front section. Start by clipping it out of the way, then brush the rest of your hair into a pony. Then, unclip the front section, comb it back, and secure with into a bun. This will help create a pronounced middle parting.

How To Sweat-Proof Your Edges

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When it comes to laying your edges, ensuring they last all day is imperative. However, it’s easier said than done. Here are our pro tips for sweat-proof baby hairs.

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Hack 1: Finding the right gel is the most important step. Celeb hairstylist Sabrina Porsche warns to “Stay away from hard gels that can break your hair off.” She explains, “When you’re brushing out your hair, you may brush out your edges along with it.” Instead, she uses the Style Factor Edge Booster Strong Hold Styling Gel, $20, which she insists is like a conditioning gel that will help you style with ease and is super long-lasting. It will also leave your hair looking ultra-glossy.

Hack 2: When it comes to styling your edges, never work more gel into yesterday’s look. Celeb hairstylist Evalyn Dennis recommends, “Cleansing before adding more products to them.” She also advises, “Wrapping your hair at night with a silk wrap/bonnet for protection.”

How to Fake Mermaid Waves In 5 Minutes

Nothing says summer like mermaid waves, and they’re easier to create than you think. To wake up with mermaid waves, wash your hair before bed and section your damp hair into a middle parting. Next, braid two low braids on either side, keeping your roots flat. By the time you wake up, they’ll be wavy and beachy. If you have naturally straight or flat hair, spritz a texturizing hair spray onto your hair before braiding to add to that beachy texture. We’re obsessed with the OAUI Texturizing Hair Spray, $26, as it instantly creates volume, absorbs any grease, and holds strong. Plus, it smells delicious.

Hack 1: If you forget to braid your hair overnight, simply braid two tight braids and go over dry hair with a flat iron to create the perfect undone waves.

Hack 2: To add a glossy finish to your waves, celeb hairstylist Dom Seeley recommends using Color Wow Extra MIST-ical Shine Spray, $20, as it’s quick and easy to use yet still delivers a high level of shine. He explains, “I love this product as it’s super lightweight, it’s instant, non-greasy, and has an incredibly realistic shine. It also contains a heat protectant and melts into hair when used with flat or curling irons.”

How To Add Definition To Your Curls

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If your curls tend to act up in the summer, don’t worry – we’ve all been there. The easiest way to add definition to your curls, especially on second or third-day hair, is to finger coil. It’s such an easy technique, but it’ll make so much difference.

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Hack 1: When it comes to curls, it’s no secret that finding the right products is key. First, add moisture to your curls with a leave-in conditioner, then work your favorite curl cream through your hair. We’re currently using the Ceremonia Pequi Curl Activator, $20. The weightless milky serum is packed with natural ingredients like Brazilian superfruit Pequi, castor oil, and murumuru butter that’ll nourish and hydrate your locks.

Hack 2: Whenever you’re working your curls, always spritz an oil onto your fingers and ensure they’re fully coated before you coil. This will help give you the perfect amount of slip to twist your curls. We’re obsessed with the Bread Hair Oil, $24, as the silicone-free formula is infused with Australian Kakadu plum oil, which delivers a surge of antioxidants that help maintain collagen and elastin levels in your scalp and hair, keeping it soft and supple.

How to Air Dry Like A Pro

Learning how to air dry your locks is a skill that can take years to perfect, but don’t worry, we did the work so you don’t have to.

Here are our fave hacks:

Hack 1: To minimize damage, split ends, and frizz, detangle your locks before you shower as your hair is most fragile when it’s wet. Then, simply comb through your locks with a wide-tooth comb post-shower. You should also avoid twisting your hair in a towel and instead wrap it in a microfiber towel or old cotton T-shirt. Get into this routine, and you’ll instantly notice a difference!

Hack 2: When it comes to air drying, applying a little product to your hair can make a BIG difference. Ivan Rodriguez, celebrity hairstylist and the hairstyling ambassador for BioSilk, says, “Mixing products together can create the perfect foundation. I like to mix a liquid gel and leave-in treatment for control and a light hold straight out of the shower.” Try BioSilk Silk Therapy Glazing Gel, $16, and Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crème, $10. About a dime’s worth of each is all you need.

If you’ve been blessed with waves or curls, a curl-enhancing product is non-negotiable. For waves, the Alaffia Curl Enhancing Leave-in Conditioner, $13, is the bomb as it adds definition without leaving a greasy residue on your hair. For coils or kinky locks, follow with the Alaffia Curl Control Custard, $17, then finger coil or scrunch your curls for added definition.

For more hair advice, check out 7 hairstyling mistakes you need to avoid.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products; however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.