You might be ready to say hello to summer, but is your hair? 

You might be ready to say hello to summer, but is your hair? Along with sun and outdoor fun comes frizz and color-fade. But there’s more to think about than the obvious. For instance, what cut will work best for you in hot weather, and do you need haircolor stands the test of time when you stretch-out retouches? Here’s your 6-step plan:

1. Make a Clean Start

Start the season off right by getting rid of any build-up on your hair and scalp from those hold-that-hairstyle winter products. At the same time, you can prep your hair for your new summer color. How? Ask your stylist for a clarifying treatment or a chelator. Clarifiers are your best bet for deep cleansing and getting rid of sprays, waxes and more. They are also excellent for prepping hair for color, so it looks its most intense and shiny. Chelators usually remove minerals that are left behind by hard water. Good thing that today, many natural amino-acid based clarifying treatments do a great job at both. Starting with a clean “palette” makes color look better all around, and can help it last longer under the summer sun. Also consider switching to a lighter daily conditioner. Keep heavier ones with UV protection for slicking your hair at the beach.

2. Think Seasonal Cuts and Styles

Less hair keeps your head cooler, that’s just the way it is. But if you aren’t ready for a pixie or a crop, no problem. Just plan for how you know your hair behaves in summer. If it is uncomfortable on your neckline, you can get a short cut, a bob or a longer one with an undercut nape. Love your longer locks? Lighten up with layers or be ready with new ideas for ponys and braids. A high-top pony is haute, and the latest updo-inspired braids are created by pulling your hair back off your face, combing the back up and braiding all your hair from one side across the top, then down the opposite side. Or, braid the back from one side to the other on an angle, keeping the braid high enough to be off your neck before it falls to the side. Mid-length looks that are summer-smart come down to your hair type and texture, and what it does in summer. Time for a serious talk with your stylist!

3. Plan for Color with Staying Power

When it comes to planning your summer color, there are two considerations: how will you keep it from fading in the sun and what maintenance schedule will you really keep? If you don’t want to be held to a strict salon schedule, or plan for a long vacation, you want haircolor that will grow-out with ease. After all, if you have a short cut and were dark brunette but went platinum, you’ll have to put up with roots or see your colorist every 4 weeks, when you’d rather be on an extended island vacation. To solve these summer bummers, first, ask your colorist about hair color that is known to last longer, or has a “double-dye load,” which also boosts staying power. Your color will stand up against fade from UV rays—even in hot climates.

Alternately, you can stay closer to natural so roots won’t show as much, or opt for a demi-color that gently and naturally fades way. Also consider highlights or painted-on brights via balayage, placed for easy grow-out. Remember, the sun brings out the red undertones in brunette and adds highlights to blonde, so all you may need is a glosser or a tinted shampoo to blend natural highlights with a few you got at the salon. For carefree summers, there are lots of ways your colorist can give you a great shade that doesn’t show obvious roots. Add products with sun protectors, and you’re all set!

4. Get on Frizz Patrol

If you know that frizz is ahead, you can get a gentle, temporary smoothing treatment that lasts for about 6 weeks or a cut that better controls frizz. Then stock-up on frizz-fighting products. A smoothing shampoo and smoothing conditioner are a must. In the shower, rinse out the conditioner with tepid water and detangle with a wide-toothed comb. Then towel dry lightly, run an anti-frizz styler through your hair (cocktail it with a small amount of a hair oil), and use your fingers to distribute it evenly. Avoid manipulating your hair too much. Just air dry or diffuse dry. Finally, keep a pomade or anti-humectant styling product on hand for use throughout the day. These keep natural moisture in—so the sun won’t dry out your hair as much—but lock out humidity in the air.

5. Try These Fine Ideas

If you have fine, limp locks, you’ll have the opposite problem of someone whose hair frizzes up in summer. But in both cases, the cause is the same: humidity reverts your hair to its natural shape, which can be curly or totally straight. For the fix, start by blow drying, using a firm-hold gel or mousse. Finish with a blast of cool air to seal the cuticle, then add a pea-sized amount of an anti-humectant pomade, smoothing it over your hair’s closed cuticles. You can also braid your hair at night, and in the morning, release waves that will last all day. Or, tuck hair up under stylish summer hat. Naturally, use a shampoo and conditioner that add volume, and styling products that do the same.

6. Try These Fine Ideas

Summer presents the best time to plan for a whole new look. You can get a cut that’s cool and breezy in the heat, or think further ahead. If you are almost ready for a big change, let your shorter hair grow-out in summer. You’ll have more options come September. If you think you’ll want to cut your long locks, summer is a great time to go midlength and get used to the idea of shorter hair. There’s no better time for hats, hair clips, ponys, braids and slicked-back styles, so you don’t have to worry that you’ll look like a hot mess. By the time you get your dramatic new ‘do, no one will remember what you did last summer. They’ll be fully focused on your fabulous new look for fall.