Tress to Perfection

For a few lucky ones, salty seaside air or a dip in the Pacific Ocean is the perfect elixir for sexy summer hair. For others — most — it’s a recipe for frightful frizz and brittle strands. A little know-how with a touch of TLC can smooth everything back into form. Stylist Jeremy Taylor of Newport Beach’s Ty Alexander Salon, voted “best haircut in Newport Beach” and recently named a L’Oreal Professionnel educator, schools us on top trends and treatments for stylish summer hair.

What’s the hottest hairstyle for summer, and how can we get it? 

Women are going to start chopping long hair off into blunt bobs —between shoulder-length to right below the collarbone. Bangs are an option for the daring ones (note: if you have naturally wavy or curly hair, this will require more maintenance).

What hair product is essential for the summer season?

Summer products should have a UV protector (Jeremy’s pick: L’Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil). They protect hair from harmful rays so hair color is kept luminous and vibrant, and distressed hair is left nourished and soft.

How can I prevent / repair damage from the ocean, chlorine, sun, and sand?

Remember, your hair is porous like a sponge. To protect hair from the pool and ocean water, first wet your hair with regular water to fill up the cortex of the hair. This keeps the damaging waters from fully penetrating hair. A leave-in conditioner (Jeremy’s pick: L’Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Color Leave In) is a great product that leaves hair intensely nourished. It also helps maintain color longer.

What’s a big tress faux pas you often see?

A hairstyle that’s unsuitable for a particular shape face — your stylist can help you achieve the perfect cut and style. (Quick tips: Long hair drags down a long face; texture softens an angular face; short hair can make a round face appear wider.)

What ’dos are a “do” for men this summer?

Lucky for men, the trend right now is tight, tapered hair. Keep it clean, and remember to trade in your thick pomade for a lighter summer product (Jeremy’s pick: L’Oreal Professionnel Architexture).

How often should I cut my hair, and how can I tell when it’s time for a trim?

It depends on the haircut — some styles require more upkeep — but I typically tell my clients every six to eight weeks.

What are the current color trends?

Unnatural colors — pastels, lavender, and salmon will be seen a lot this summer. Those who want to play with their look without the commitment can achieve this with temporary color (Jeremy’s pick: L’Oreal Professionnel Hair Chalk).

How can I score beachy waves if my hair is straight? Curly?

For straight hair: Apply a texturing product (Jeremy’s pick: L’Oreal Professionnel Perfect Texture) to wet hair, then braid into large braids before bed. Unbraid in the morning. For curly hair: Do the same as above, but you use a curling iron afterward  — leave the ends out when curling.

Humid nights in coastal Newport Beach make it near impossible to get a good blow-dry. What are some chic alternative summer-night styles? 

Braids, buns — and headscarves!