Looking for a carefree summer hairstyle? With the temperature rising and summer vacation approaching, it’s time for hair that’s fresh and fun.

Say goodbye to thick zebra-like stripes, with a dark under-layer of hair and a highlighted top layer. Sharp contrasts are out, and softer, warmer tones like honey blonde or brunette are in. Try a shade slightly darker or lighter from your natural color, along with bashful bangs and giant curls.

Want to know more? Read on for summer styling tips.

1. Good hair starts with good care.
Summertime activities like pool parties, barbecues, sand volleyball games, softball tournaments or jogging will mean extended hours in the sunshine. With this in mind, use a gentle, daily cleansing shampoo.

After a thorough rinse and quick towel dry, spritz your damp hair with a leave-in conditioner that prevents sun damage. Similar to your body, your hair also needs a defense plan against ultraviolet rays. Try products with an SPF 25 or higher, such as Bumble and bumble’s Sun Spray or Hydrating Milk by Wella. These products can be found at most salons nationwide.

2. Great styles start with a great cut.
The right haircut is the foundation for creating the style you want. Your cut should accentuate and frame your face shape, complement your head shape and be an expression of who you are.

It’ll help the stylist if you know the date of your last hair cut, are aware of the changes you want to make and provide a photo to communicate the style of your choice.

3. Just add bangs.
This summer the trend is bangs. Here are a few options to consider.

Straight Across: This is a classic look that complements the traditional bob (a chin-length haircut). Whether you decide on long bangs or short bangs, this style has flair.

Arched: With this look, bangs are rounded evenly on both sides, with the center being the shortest spot.

Angled: To achieve these bangs, hair is parted to one side and then angled, beginning closest to the part. The severity of the angle will depend on how much funk you want. With this style, you’ll need to have a consistent side part.

Micro: This type of bangs looks great with an ultra-close cut, which is about 1 inch all around. Blow- dry while combing hair upward to give a more feminine twist to the spiked look. A touch of gel will hold your strands in place.

4. Keep your styling options open.
There are several ways to wear some types of bangs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Side-swept: If you’re growing your bangs or have chosen the long look, consider brushing bangs across your forehead in a side-swept style. Barely graze the tips right above your brows.

Tousled Tresses: Achieve this look by using your fingers to shake through your freshly styled hair.

Purely Pomade: To create separation with any style, apply a bit of pomade (perfumed oil used to make hair shiny) to your bangs and then run a wide-toothed comb or your fingers through them.

Precious Pieces: The “pieced-together” look is hot. Get it by applying pomade and lifting small portions of your hair.

5. Achieve curly locks.
Try any of these methods to be a curl girl.

Large Hot Rollers: After your hair is dry, put three hot rollers on top, and roll the rest vertically around your head. Remove the rollers after five to eight minutes, finger comb, and add hairspray.

Velcro Rollers: Roll slightly damp hair with Velcro rollers, continue to blow-dry, then remove them. These rollers can also be used on dry hair for a looser curl.

Pin Curls: Grab a handful of bobby pins (use large ones for thick hair) and have them nearby. Then twist a 2-inch section of hair around your index finger and secure with a bobby pin. Repeat this around your head. Typically, the longer you leave the twists in, the better the curls will be.

Special thanks to professional stylist Paulina Nagatani from Essentials Spa eu Beaute for her input.

Some More Tips

Swear by leave-in conditioner. Slather it on every morning before going outside, to combat dryness.

Protect hair from the sun. This is especially important if you color your hair! Use a spray-on UV protectant over your leave-in conditioner to prevent the sun's rays from turning your hair a brassy shade.

Use salt as a styling aid. Saltwater gives hair texture and allows it to better hold a style, especially key for lank locks. Take advantage by skipping the shampoo after the beach.

Trim before summer. Summer tends to make hair dry, so this process will speed up on hair with already-dead ends in need of a cut. Trimming before the summer minimizes damage by removing unhealthy ends before you hit the sun.

Use the sun to your advantage. Before a day at the beach or pool, dampen hair with tap water. Comb a thick hair mask throughout strands, then sweep back into a loose bun. The heat of the sun will help the mask penetrate your hair, making it silky and soft by the end of the day.