The Ultimate Beauty Guide

Frizzy, flat, dry—no problem! don’t let your hair drive you crazy. Instead, embrace what you’ve got and start taking care of it the right way. With a little help from the pros and customized-for-you styling products, we predict great hair days all summer long!

If Your Hair is Fine & Frizzy


Long-term commitment: “One of the biggest concerns with fine hair is keeping frizz and flyaways under control, particularly when it’s humid,” says Rodney Cutler, owner of Cutler/Redken salon in New York City. Fine hair can also tend to look dull and dried out, especially if you overprocess it. “If you color your hair, your best bet is to stay within one or two shades of your natural color to keep hair looking healthy and shiny,” says Cutler.

Here’s how to keep fine hair in check:

1. Use a moisturizing shampoo to help hydrate hair and calm frizz.
2. Apply conditioner from the mid-shaft to the ends to seal the cuticle and promote shine.
3. Towel-dry, then apply a lightweight mousse from roots to ends to increase volume.
4. Split hair into three sections (back: hair near the nape of neck; center: ear to ear; top: temple to temple).
5. Blow-dry the back section first with a large round brush (use one with both boar and nylon bristles to help smooth hair while adding volume). Guide the brush and the nozzle of your blow dryer from roots to ends to get the cuticle to lie flat. Repeat these steps for the other two sections.

No, No, No! Stay away from sticky hairsprays—they’re too drying for fine hair. Also, wash your hair every other day so you don’t deplete natural oils that fight frizz.

If Your Hair is Thin & Flat


Long-term commitment: Looking to boost the volume of your hair? “Go shorter! Sporting a more textured, layered cut can help camouflage thin hair,” says Hallie Bowman, celebrity stylist for Pantene. You can also incorporate a daily regimen to naturally amp up limp, lifeless hair.

1. Begin in the shower by washing with a volume-enhancing shampoo.
2. Apply a small amount of conditioner to just the ends so hair won’t get weighed down—especially at the roots, where you need lift.
3. On towel-dried hair, apply a volumizing spray along the roots at the crown of your head.
4. Flip your hair over and apply a texturizing spray to just the ends.
5. Blow-dry while your head is upside down and work your fingers from back to front, gently massaging the roots. when your hair is completely dry, flip it back over and use your hands to help shake up hair and create a piecey style.

No, No, No! Too much pomade or conditioner can make fine hair look greasy fast.