We have officially entered the dog days of summer in New York. The hazy, hot, and humid weather is going to wreak havoc on everyone’s hair but I have some tips and tricks to give your do a fighting chance.

The first place to start is with a good hair cut. I’m currently looking for a new stylist soI don’t have anyone to recommend but I see Marie Robinson at Marie Robinson Salon for highlights every 6-8 weeks.

I often joke that I have “Monica in Hawaii” hair on humid days and someone always suggests a Keratin treatment. My hair is thick and wavy but it blows out easily so I don’t want to damage it with another treatment just for a few humid days. If you have very curly or unruly hair, you may want to consider Keratin.

I’ve tried a lot of shampoos and conditioners over the years but I always keep coming back to Frederic Fekkai. I switch between the pink Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner and the blue Fekkai PrX Reparatives Shampoo & Conditioner. I also use all the deep conditioners including the Fekkai Shea Butter Damage Protecting Hair Mask that I use at least once a week. I just started using the Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo when I feel a build up of product on my hair.

You’re not supposed to rush your hair when it’s wet but I will admit to using a vent brush. I’m going to invest in a new Aerin Gold Comb to further protect my hair from damage.

I have been using Phytodefrisant Botanical Straightening Balm for as long as I can remember. You apply it to wet hair before styling and I swear it helps control frizzy hair. Even one of my straight guy friends uses it on his thick wavy hair.

A good iconic hair dryer is also key to preventing frizzy hair. I’ve been using the Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer for about a year but I also like the Sedu Hair Dryer for its speed.

A round brush is key to smooth hair with a little wave. I like the Y.S. Park Round Brush when blowing out my own hair.

After blow drying, I apply a small amount of the classic Moroccanoil. A little goes a long way so start with a small amount first. If you apply too much, you’re hair will look greasy.

I try not to use my T3 Single Pass X Straightening and Styling Iron that much but it’s a necessity on humid days.  It smooths my hair and prevents frizz from occurring too quickly.

I’ll be honest, I’m terrible at waving my own hair.  I usually leave it to the professionals but I’d like to try to get better at it this year. I love this T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Tourmaline Styling Wand Set so you could create different size waves without buying three different wands or curling irons.

I just started using Oribe Impermeable Anti-Hunidity Spray and I can’t believe I didn’t know about it sooner. It really is a magical product for protecting your hair against humidity. The scent is a little strong so make sure you use it in a well ventilated room.

I’ve also been using Aveda Brilliant Anti-Humectant Pomade for at least 10 years. I use a very tiny amount around my hair line to smooth down flyaways and prevent frizz.  If you use to much, you’re hair will look greasy so don’t go overboard with the pomade.

I read that Catherine Deneuve uses Christophe Robin Intense Regenerating Balm with Rare Prickly Pear Oil so of course I had to try it. It’s great for smoothing down flyaways but use a very little amount to start or it will also leave your hair greasy looking.

I dream of having my hair done by Serge Normant but the next best thing is using his wonderful line of haircare products. I especially love the Meta Sheer Dry Oil Finishing Spray. I spray it on my brush and then brush my hair. It leaves your hair shiny and smooth without any greasiness.

I just started using Rodin by Recine Olio Lusso Hair Oil. Again, it’s another product that you can’t use too much of or else your hair will look greasy but it helps with flyaways. I also like using it before bed as a type of deep conditioner. It can be used on wet or dry hair too.

I wash my hair almost every day. I just feel like myself unless my hair is clean but I know many of you love to extend a blow dry by not washing your hair. The key to keeping your blow out looking good longer is a shower cap lined in terrycloth like the Drybar Morning After Shower Cap.

I have a small Mason Pearson Pocket Sized Hair Brush for my handbag but I just invested in a large Mason Pearson All Boar Bristle Hair Brush. It’s especially great for smoothing down your hair when pulling it back in a ponytail.

Of course, the best way to beat the heat and humidity is to just pull your hair back.  A simple elastic band will suffice but why not take it up a notch with a gold hair accessory. The round barrette is from Celine but a similar style is available here, the long barrette is from Sylvain Le Hen, the smaller barrette is J.Crew Medium Metallic Barrette, and the last is Mrs. President & Co. Eight Shaped Cut Out Barrette.

Wishing you good luck and good hair this week!

XOXO,

HC