12 Ways to Fight Frizzy Hair All Summer

Ironic, isn't it? The very same activities that make these warm days so much fun—swimming, cruising in a convertible, lounging in the sun (slathered in sunscreen... right?)—can be murder on your strands. Follow our strategies and you'll get through the season unscathed.

What's your hair challenge? Choose one to get started.

Dried and Fried
Faded or Brassy Color
Frizzy and Puffy
Stringy and Limp

Sun-damaged hair is extra fragile, so shampooing every day can cause breakage. "Skip a day or two between sudsing to give your strands a rest," says New York City hairstylist Nunzio Saviano. When you do pop open the bubbly, be gentle: Shampoo can strip away hair's natural oils. Before washing, apply conditioner from midshaft to ends (the hair that's been hanging around the longest and is the driest). Then lather up at the roots only, letting the suds trickle down, to lock in moisture while still cleaning strands.

Related:16 Hair Myths You Shouldn't Believe

Parched hair loves moisture like a Kardashian loves an Instagram filter. Use a leave-in conditioner after each shampoo: Look for one that's loaded with hydrating ingredients (shea butter, vitamin E, etc.). Every two weeks, comb in a deep-conditioning mask; it works like spackle, filling the holes along the cuticle to strengthen hair. Try L'Oréal Professionel Absolut Repair Lipidium Masque ($31; amazon.com). "After applying, tie yourhair back in a bun, then let the mask sink in for at least 20 minutes," says Johnny Gaita, a hairstylist in New York City.

Watch the video: DIY Hair and Face Masks

Splitsville? Seal frayed ends and prevent breakage with a few drops of nourishing argan oil. We like Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil ($52; nordstrom.com). "The ends of your hair will benefit most from an oil treatment because they're super porous," says Los Angeles hairstylist Jenny Cho. Apply the oil an inch or two from the bottom of your hair, then run your fingers down the shaft to "close" the cuticles. Don't forget regular trims—get one every eight weeks. The healthier your ends are, the more easily they'll drink in all the moisture.

Yep, hair SPF is legit: It works by preventing the sun's rays from penetrating the shaft and breaking down pigment molecules. Before venturing out, add protection with a lightweight product that has UV filters. Try Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil ($30; sephora.com). Or make your own: Dilute 2 teaspoons of sunblock with a cup of water in a spray bottle.

Bolster faded strands by lathering up once a week with a color-depositing shampoo in a shade that's close to your own. "It delivers neutralizing pigment to give your shade an instant boost," Saviano says. To counteract the orange in oxidized blond or light brown hair, try a violet-tinted formula, such as Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color ($44; bergdorfgoodman.com).

Watch the video: How to Refresh Your Hair Color

Another way to liven up a faded shade between colorings: applying an at-home gloss every four weeks. A clear formula will revive shine, while a tinted one will dispense translucent color to revitalize your hue. Bonus: Glosses close tightly around the cuticle, so strands stay smooth and protected. Think of it as a topcoat for your hair! We like Rita Hazan Ultimate Shine Gloss ($26; sephora.com).

Know what happens when frizz-prone hair is all one length? It looks bottom-heavy. "Layers help distribute the weight and work with your texture so strands flow better," Cho says. Avoid razor cuts: If they're not done right, they can shred the ends of your hair, causing them to look frayed.

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Frizzy hair needs moisture—lots of it—to stay smooth. The trick: Apply a silicone-infused cream after you shampoo. It creates a barrier to keep your hair's natural moisture locked in and bad moisture (from humid air) out. A good one: Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Smoothing Lightweight Weather Proof Cream ($5; target.com). Or, says Los Angeles hairstylist Sunnie Brook Jones, try a "hair smoothie" (one part styling cream mixed with one part smoothing serum). The first creates hold; the second helps fight moisture in the air that can cause frizz.

If you've got to wield a blow-dyer, make sure that your strands are completely dry before you hit the off button. "If there's even a hint of moisture, the cuticle won't lie flat," Gaita warns. Keep hair untangled during the day by flipping your head over and lightly combing the underlayers of hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb—you'll get lift without disturbing your style.

"Hair that lands above the shoulders has more body and bounce," Jones says. If you're not quite ready for a cut, tackle steamy days by pulling your hair into a low, tight bun. "You can pack a lot of texture into a bun, unlike a ponytail, which can look limp," Jones notes. To keep the style from seeming severe, let flyaways live naturally around your face, or coax out a few pieces by using your palms to lightly rough up the hair around your hairline. "It gives off a pretty, lived-in vibe," Jones says.

Since lanky strands get dirty easily from humidity and sweat, the goal is to cleanse your hair without weighing it down, Cho says. Start with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner (they're designed to be lightweight). Dilute the conditioner with a bit of water, or simply use less of it—no more than a nickel-size amount. And never apply on the roots, Jones says: "Think of your hair as a canvas and consider what part you want to 'paint.'" Rinse thoroughly, lifting sections of hair all around your head.

Related:Cutting Back on Shampoo? 15 Things You Should Know

When it comes to styling products, less is definitely more. Loading up can make hair wilt. "Stick with one product that's a bit on the dry side, like a texturizing spray or gel," Saviano says. Apply it near the roots to absorb excess oil. Our fave: (7) Not Your Mother's Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray ($7; at ulta.com). If your hair has a natural wave, spritz on a salt spray and tousle.