Celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko is helping to set some of the hottest summer hair trends of the moment with clients like Gigi Hadid and Shay Mitchell. Her roster also includes stars like Lea Michele , and Chrissy Teigen —two stars that regularly inspire major hair envy. We caught up with the stylist to get her tips on summer hair care. Plus, she breaks down how to get the effortless waves she’s perfected for so many of her clients.
Polko suggests using a deep conditioner prior to jumping in the water to prep hair against some of the damaging effects of chlorine or sea salt. A thick conditioner coats the hair and seals the cuticle, making it harder for chemicals in the water to penetrate the shaft. It’s also helpful if you want to keep your blonde hair from going green . Also make sure to shampoo your hair ASAP after swimming.
Instead of using a hairspray or a salt spray to get the perfect beach waves, Polko explains that a flatiron and dry shampoo are all you need. Polko is a huge fan of Aussie’s 7n1 Dry Shampoo ($4, aussie.com ) because it’s formulated with tapioca that helps to give hair more volume and hold.
For a Shay Mitchell -approved look, start by sectioning hair into two-three sections around the head, vertically. One section at a time, clamp hair in a flatiron at the roots and loosely wrap the hair around the iron while holding the ends. Slowly move the flatiron down towards the ends to achieve a soft bend in the hair. Make sure to curl hair away from the face. Once hair is all curled, shake hair out with hands. Finish with a few sprays of dry shampoo. For a twist, add a small braid on either side of the face and tie off with a clear elastic.
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Summer beauty is all about keeping things simple. Many of Polko’s clients opt for easy, low-maintanence hair color that they can let grow out while vacationing for months. Ombré lightens the hair from mid-shaft to ends, so the roots are always dark. Balayage is a special painting technique that also leaves a good portion of the roots dark. The placement of color looks like the sun could have lightened the hair naturally.
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Purple shampoos help balance color and neutralize any yellow or gold tones that may occur when lightening hair. This type of shampoo can also help blonde hues appear brighter over time.
5. A good shower filter can make all the difference for hair.
Many water sources are full of minerals and impurities that can wreak havoc on your hair. Washing hair in a shower with a filter can make a difference in the way your hair looks and feels overall, especially with color-treated hair. Try T3 Souce Showerhead ($130, t3micro.com ).
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Polko recommends deep conditioning hair once a week to keep it moisturized and strong. And if you like to use hot tools, make sure to use a heat protectant to protect your natural texture from any damage .
In some parts of the country, the weather remains constant (think Miami or San Diego), which means you don’t have to completely overhaul your hair routine throughout the year. But if you live in an area that has significant weather changes, Polko recommends alternating your shampoo and conditioner with the seasons. That means using moisture-rich products during winter months and lighter formulas in the summer.
You may also like: How to Get Beach Waves With a Flatiron
