The trend in hair styles for summer 2008 is “the less style the better.” This is great news for those who have some natural wave or curl or naturally sleek, smooth locks, but the rest of us will have to work at it. This style-less summer not only applies to the way we fix our hair, it means no drastic color changes mid-head, no bold, chunky highlights and definitely no more pink and purple streaks from the spring.

“Highlights shouldn’t smack you in the face,” says colorist Kyle White. “We are definitely moving away from a lot of contrast right now.” Women with light blonde hair look best this season with pale highlights; those with medium brown hair can go as far as dark blonde, but no light or white blonde. True brunettes will do best with medium brown highlights. You’re really looking for highlights that could appear naturally in your hair color, and they should be woven in so subtly that you have to wonder if you paid for them or got them free with the sun.

Red heads and ladies with short or multi-layered styles are going to want to go with a single process color and avoid highlights altogether, this year. Get your hair drama from your style, not your color.

Speaking of style, this summer you can define hair styles as messy or untamed, but frizz is way out and flyaways are simply not to be tolerated. Look for products that add texture and a little volume boost for styling, and frizz-fighters for a smooth finish. To best achieve the “I’ve just been to the beach” look, start with your shampoo and conditioner. For wavy or curly hair use the richest, silicone-based conditioner you can find and don’t towel dry. Scrunch hair with a paper towel because friction from bath towels can cause untamable summer frizz. If you’re not a fan of naturally dried hair, try braiding your hair in four sections and then take it down when it’s dry. After that, don’t touch it!

Wavy hair should be washed in a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and air-dried or blown dry with a diffuser. Pull the waves with your finger and style. Apply a silicone serum to your hair to finish your look. If you still get the frizzies, spritz your hair with an ultra-fine silicone mist.

Straight or fine hair should be washed and conditioned with products that contain no silicones – they’ll make your hair greasy or flat. You’re looking for a style that leaves your hair light, but sleek and very straight. A light mist of water or finishing hair spray should tame your frizz.

For all hair types, the ponytail or the knot is also a summer favorite. Both should be somewhat messy and look more like you were just walking along the beach than at a garden party.

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