It doesn’t get any worse than getting up just a little earlier in the morning to style your hair perfectly then stepping outside only to have it double in size because of the humidity. There is nothing like a hot, humid summer day to ruin a good hair day. But, being the chic college girls we are, there is no excuse for letting the humidity control our style. E. John McGarvey, owner and head stylist of Les Cheveux Salon in West Hartford, Connecticut is here to help us. McGarvey is one of the most well-known hair stylists in Connecticut, having done work for local television personalities, models, and politicians. McGarvey gives Her Campus four summer up-dos that will conquer even the worst summer weather.
Before picking a hairstyle, most importantly, always start with a base. “Summer hair is supposed to look not so much unkempt… as effortless. It also needs to be layered, with no blunt ends,” said McGarvey. As for summer hair texture, McGarvey suggests matte versus shiny. “Work it with a combination of thickening spray, surf spray and hair powder to rough up the texture, let it air dry for personality. I like styles that look like there is no product and look like they just happened.” McGarvey suggests Bumble and bumble hair powders and sprays to create this “effortless” look. Now for the styles!
1. Braided Bun
How-To: McGarvey suggests finger-combing hair gently into a ponytail and tie with an elastic. Then loosely braid the ponytail so that it is wide, and again tie the end of the braid with elastic. Then turn the end of the braid under head and secure at the nape with hairpins (make sure the braid covers the elastic). Finish off by pinning the sides of the braid into the head for extra support. McGarvey also suggests wrapping a scarf around the elastic for some extra flair.
2. Chignon at crown
How-To: Again, finger comb your hair into a ponytail at the crown of the head and tie with an elastic. McGarvey suggests using a rat (a hair piece found at most beauty supply stores that is an elastic covered in fake hair) if you have short or thin hair. Then tease the ponytail for volume, and wrap hair around the elastic or rat to form a large chignon (sheen-yon), or bun. Secure with hairpins.
3. Low side chignon
How-To: Begin with back combing (brush, or tease your hair towards your head, the opposite way of normally brushing your hair) your full head of hair to your desired amount of volume. Then finger comb your hair into a ponytail at the back side of the head behind the ear and tie with an elastic (make sure the ponytail is tied on the side of the head, not the center). Tease ponytail for more volume and loosely twist into the head around the elastic and secure with hair pins. McGarvey suggests wearing a headband for more “vibe.”
4. The Fierce Ponytail
How-To: Run your fingers through your hair with gel, starting from the top of the head all the way to the ends. Then pull your hair back tightly and tie with elastic underneath the crown. Tease hair to preferred amount of volume to contrast the tightness of the ponytail. This style looks great paired with big earrings. McGarvey uses Bumble and bumbles’s Grooming Crème and Surf Spray to create the natural summer looks for most of these styles.
Sources:
E. John McGarvey, owner and head stylist at Les Cheveux Salon