Summer Hair Ideas: Laissez-Faire Waves

Sophia Panych,Allure magazine

For me, the MTV Movie Awards was all about Kristen Stewart and Ciara's loose and natural-looking waves-they're rough and sexy, and not as disheveled as typical beachy waves. Stewart went for a bit more tousling and her signature messy part; Ciara kept volume to a minimum and left things a bit more polished. The best part about this texture is that it works in a variety of styles-wear it down with either a middle or center, pin it to the side like KStew, or throw it into a ponytail for a cool twist on a classic.

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As for how to get it, here's what I learned backstage at the Isabel Marant Fall 2012 show in Paris courtesy of hairstylist Stephan Lancien. I like his technique because it's super quick, and requires very little product-meaning less gunk in your hair in the summer heat, and less time primping (which means more time enjoying summer brunches and barbecues).

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Start by rough-drying your hair with your fingers, flipping your head upside to add volume. Next, mist some dry shampoo in your roots (try one of our favorites-Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo), and let your hair fall naturally into a part . Or, if you want, use a comb for a more structured look.

Then, the fun part-take a one-to-two-inch section of hair and twist it away from your face with your fingers. Mist some hairspray over the twisted strand (Lancien used L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray), and run your blow-dryer over the section for a few seconds. Repeat until you've done this to all your hair.

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Finally, massage your hair at the crown to add a bit more movement. If you still have a few lank strands around the face, go over them with a two-inch curling iron.


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