Looking to spice up your look just in time for a Fourth of July barbecue? Internationally acclaimed hairstylist Mark Hill stopped by TODAY Friday to share some advice for rocking gorgeous summer hair.
Some of these DIY looks are so chic and easy, we're sure they'll become summer staples for you long past the holiday weekend.
The flave
Yo may not have heard the term before (we hadn't until Hill, at least), but essentially, "the flave" is a flat wave. It's super simple to achieve this look if you have a curling iron.
- Section hair into large pieces and cover each with hairspray.
- Wrap each section of hair around the barrel of the curling iron or wand and hold for a few seconds to secure the look. Repeat this with all of the sections.
- Once all your hair is waved, it's time to loosen up the look. Start by rubbing a dollop of hair oil in your hands and work it through the waves. This will smooth and break up the waves, giving the hair a more flowy look.
- Next, you'll want to give the hair a little texture. Add some hairspray and then gently rub the hair in between your palms. And voila, you'll have what Hill calls a "lived-in" look.
Sleek and chic ponytail
A classic ponytail is always a safe bet whether you're going to the office or out on the town. It's also perfect for keeping your hair out of your face on hot summer days — the key is to keep it polished. And you can create this look on either wet or dry hair, making it a great on-the-go style for summer. With damp hair, no product is even needed except maybe hairspray later in the day for flyaways or frizz. Simply comb the hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic at the nape of the neck.
Sexy Beachy Waves
Let's be honest: Who doesn't want to look like they've just stepped out of the ocean and have effortlessly gorgeous hair. Hill has steps for achieving this look without even leaving the city.
- Like with the flave, section hair into large pieces and spray with heat protector. Depending on the thickness of your hair, you should have about six to eight sections total.
- Then wrap each section around a curling iron or wand and hold for a few seconds before releasing to make sure the curl is locked in.
- Once you're done, gently shake out the waves so they separate and loosen. Hill advises that it's important to make sure you do this gently in order to keep the waves soft.
- Finish the look with shine spray to help give the waves long-lasting hold and take this look from day to night.
Accessorize!
One of the fastest ways to add flare to your summer look is to add accessories. They're an easy way to make a statement and can be used on any hair type or length. Hill advises styling your hair and then throwing in an accessory on one side to hold the part in place.
Don't have any hair accessories? No worries, you can get creative! Hill likes using vintage jewelry for a fun summer party look. You can also try adding a ribbon into a braid for a fun update to a more traditional style. If you're going to a formal affair, try adding a bejeweled headband to an updo for a sparkly and polished look.