BY BINA PUNJANI
Summers are here, and the heat and humidity over the next few months are likely to prove to be a bit of a challenge for your hair. The number one problem: frizzy hair!

Worry not, whether your hair is curly or wavy, frizziness can be controlled and minimised with the right nourishment, maintenance and styling. And it's easier than you think.
Here are some tips that'll go a long way in ensuring great looking hair this summer:
(Shampoo and) Conditional Love
Picking the right shampoo and conditioner is a must-do first step for anyone who wants good looking hair this summer. We tend to wash our hair more often during the hot summer months, but the heavy detergents in most off-the-shelf shampoos can dry out strands, which in turn can get worse from the frying effects of a hot sun.
Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner (separately! Stay away from shampoo-conditioner combos in one bottle). And ask your stylist to show you the right way to use them, if you are unsure.
It is important to use both shampoo and conditioner - they serve different functions. Doing just one means your care process stays incomplete.
It is also important to use the right type of shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. What works for thick hair does not work for thin, and what works for an oily scalp can be counterproductive on a dry scalp.
Cleanse your hair or scalp at least 2-3 times a week. For men using styling products like wax or gel, these need to be rinsed from the hair the next morning.
Be a Little Over Protective!
For extra protection, I would suggest using a leave in conditioner or serum to protect hair from the harsh sun rays and humidity. If you have colour in your hair, protect it with a quality leave-in like the Ciment Thermique from Kerastase
Dazzle with Colour
The right hair colour can make you hair look fantastic this summer. Choose deeper tones that go a bit lighter with the natural lighting of the sun to make your hair look beautiful and healthy!
Bang Carefully
Don't cut bangs on curly hair. During the most humid summer months, hair shrinks a bit, so bangs might not be that great an idea. If you are fond of bangs, keep longer ones during this time of year, both to look sleeker and retain your sanity! When the heat hits, you can sweep longer bangs out of your way, and fasten them with a pretty pin for a neat and polished look.
Blow It All
Often, when you blow dry your hair in the morning, and step out of the door, you'll feel the frizz creeping back in, and even feel your hair growing larger with every passing minute! Here's a secret - the pouf monster is basically lingering moisture hiding out in the hair! A strong blast with a hair dryer will push frizz out and bring smoothness back.
Style in Style
Do use hair leave-in conditioner as a styling product. Manes of thick waves and curls can retain definition without getting crunchy by using this recipe. Often, a mix of gel and leave-in conditioner works wonders. Blend the two, swirl it in your palm, and then apply to wet hair and allow it to dry naturally. The gel gives curls hold, while the mask retains flexibility. You can finger curl strands around the face and top of your head for more definition as you apply the product.
Also, ask your stylist for curl and frizz specific products that will make a huge difference to the way your hair looks
Cover Story
Don't think head scarves are dowdy. If you have a wedding or other special occasion coming up that requires hair perfection, go Jackie O with a touch of sensible French chic to protect strands from the damaging effects of the sun. You could pull your hair into a chignon and wrapped it with a colourful scarf. The elegant combination ensures that UV rays don't mess with the shade and finish of your hair and you'll look stylish while keeping cool to boot.
Be Pony Wise
Do learn how to style a polished pony. Often, ponytails that are thrown up hastily with no care. Take the time to brush hair back smooth with a natural bristle brush to eliminate bumps. Secure at the point of the head where you want your pony to flow from using an elastic or bungee. Control flyaways with a touch of pomade, mousse, serum or gel smoothed over with your palms. You can also add a headband to keep strands in place if frizz is an issue.
Sleep Over It
If you don't want to fight your strands all summer long and instead want to work with the beautiful texture nature gave you, the secret is to wash at night. Shampoo and condition before bed, and allow locks to air-dry overnight, so that you don't have to get sweaty while brandishing a blow dryer in the morning. Upon waking, use a sea mineral spray and scrunch hair to accentuate waves and bring out texture. Spritz a shine spray for a polished look, and you're good to go. If you want a gently styled look, you can run a flat iron or curling barrel on just the ends for smoothness.
Block Frizz
When the summer heat is hottest contain potential frizz by wearing hair up in a knot, bun or braids. Or combine a cute side braid with a chic cap or hat to keep tresses covered. Depending on your hair type, texture and condition you may also be able to use shine products as a quick fix to control frizzies. Remember that a little bit goes a long way.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Remember to keep your roots and hair hydrated from the inside out. Drink plenty of liquids to keep roots and strands flush with fluids. Water will also keep your skin soft and plump. While it's tempting to drink ice cold alcoholic drinks keep in mind that they can dehydrate skin and strands. Water is always the best choice for your tresses.
Deep Conditional Love
Hair regularly exposed to the sun needs regular deep conditioning treatments and moisture replenishment.
Utilise hair repair products and treatments - ask your stylist for advice. For extra conditioning treatment apply deep conditioner to tresses (damp or dry) then wrap in a plastic wrap or a shower cap. 
Allow conditioner to soak into damaged hair sections for an extended period or overnight for extra repair and re-moisturising benefits.
Regular Hair Trims
Hair should be trimmed regularly to keep them looking healthy from root to the tip.
Book in for Regular Hair Rituals/Treatments like that of Kerastase to maintain the moisture levels and elasticity in the hair.
SUMMARY
Prevention is always the best action for your tresses. Take care of your hair during the summer and you won't have to spend the monsoons and winter trying to repair the damage!
HAIR TRENDS
Whether you wear your hair up or down, this summer, it needs to be worn clean and glossy. The feel needs to be fresh, with high-gloss colour. If you wear your hair up, choose sculpted chignions, glossy modern braids or tight ponytails. Look on the net for interesting variations of these!
Courtesey: Bina Punjani Hair Studio. For Hair related queries please email: binapunjani@gmail.com or call on 7350444131/ (0832)-2464442