Summer. Backyard BBQ’s. 4th of July fireworks. Outdoor movies. There are so many sublime moments that summer provides, so many memories that can only be set against the backdrop of a blazing hot summer day or a balmy night. There truly is something magical in the summer air. That much we know to be true! But, sometimes everything we love about summer is also everything we hate about summer. The hot weather we wait so patiently for all year brings us not only the wonderful sun, but also the dreaded humidity. The beach, the Hamptons, the Shore. They all bring us such fun, but also wreak havoc on our locks. So, much as we try to ignore it, our poor, beautiful hairstyles often fall prey to the elements. But summer is here and we want to make sure that you enjoy every last sun-drenched moment, that you are living in the now, which we know is only possible when you feel confident! So, ladies, fear not…beautiful summer hair is just a few steps away. Sarah knows the importance of a fabulous summer hairstyle and wants to make sure you are stepping out in style this holiday weekend. Liberate yourselves from the stress of a high maintenance ‘do and try out some of Sarah’s quick and easy looks!
Natural blow-out: As a prep for all the following looks, apply Aussie’s Mousse + Leave-In conditioner to the roots and through the ends of damp hair. Loosely blow dry until about 80% dry. Then polish the last 20% with a large 2″ round brush to get the perfect soft blow-out! Watch Sarah style her hair in the video “Perfect Blowout!”
Medium to Long Hair: If You Have 2 Minutes
Give a ponytail polish with a simple twist.
Create a center part that’s about 3 inches long.
For volume at the crown, lift that section up, spritz it with hair spray, then blast with a dryer (or, in a pinch, just tease it).
Sweep hair into a ponytail by spraying hairspray on a Mason Pearson brush and secure it with an elastic. (Tip: Look down when you make the ponytail so the back of your hair is smooth, not bumpy.) Take a piece of hair from the underside of the tail, wrap it around the base, and pin the end.
Medium to Long Hair: If You Have 5 Minutes
This bun appears a lot more complicated than it is, and it’s a great solution when your hair is looking flat.
Pull hair back into a low side ponytailjust behind your ear and secure with an elastic.
Separate a 2-inch-wide section from the ponytail and braid it.
Pull the braid aside and wind the rest of the ponytail around its base. Anchor with hairpins.
Wrap the braid around the bun and pin the ends into the underside.
Medium to Long Hair: If You Have 20 Minutes
Changing your hair’s texture dramatically transforms your look.
Apply mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry, tousling with your fingers. Make a loose center part.
Using a curling wand, wind a section of hair away from your face. The wand doesn’t have a clamp, so it creates smoother curls (no weird crimps) on long hair. Pause for 20 to 30 seconds, then gently slide hair off. Repeat all over.
Run your fingers through the ringlets to separate them into bigger waves. Spritz with hair spray to help them hold their shape.
Watch Sarah style here hair in the video “Loose Waves”
All photos by Mary Rozzi. All hair styled by Sarah Potempa. Originally published in REAL SIMPLE magazine.
