Sexy Summer Hair

Beat the heat with an easy yet chic style

-Paige Herman Axel, Betty's Beauty Queen

Between the heat and humidity, having a good hair day can be a challenge during the summer. Combine the elements with relaxed weekends and days spent on the beach or by the pool, and you may be left wondering what to do with your hair. Fret not; here are a few simple beauty tips for your hair that require little effort.

Go slick
It may seem like the easy way out, but slicking back your hair can be a sexy look for day or night. Simply brush your wet hair, apply a gel or UV protectant spray, make a short part (if you choose) and secure hair with an elastic. You can go for a ponytail (wrap a piece of the "tail" around the elastic and secure with a bobby pin for a more finished look) or a bun if you have the length.

Think headband

If you want to add a dash of instant chic, look no further than a headband. Perfect for keeping your hair from blowing in the breeze (and getting stuck in your lip gloss) and keeping your going-out prep time to a minimum, it only takes a few easy steps to get a runway-worthy look. Spray on some dry shampoo to get a great tousled texture and volume, slip on a thin headband and inch or two behind your hairline, and pull back the rest of your hair in a messy chignon. I'm still digging the bra-strap type headbands first popularized by Bumble and bumble many years ago. My pick these days is the Shiny Headband from American Apparel. Available in 23 colors, $4.50 each, americanapparel.com

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
Get creative and get noticed! Whether you slip a flower behind your ear or make a bold statement with a hippie-esque forehead band, make a statement by embellishing your ‘do. Enhance your otherwise un-noteworthy headband by pinning on a great small brooch, and if all else fails, don a fabulous hat. Regardless of which you choose, the best part about using your hair (or head) as the backdrop for a great accessory is that you don't need a blow dryer, straightening iron or a brush to do it!

What are your beauty secrets for combating the frizzies and getting gorgeous summer hair?

Read more about summer beauty: A Better Bikini and What to Wear Now: Summer Makeup Colors