Slick Backs & Soft Waves: My Summer Hair Survival Kit
There’s something about summer that makes beauty feel effortless — glowing skin, sun-kissed highlights, and undone waves that look like you just stepped off the beach. But behind those effortless looks? A little planning — and a few products that actually work.
Summer has a way of challenging even the best hair routines. Between heat, humidity, long hours, and back-to-back events, the season doesn’t just call for cute hairstyles — it demands practical, lasting ones. Whether you're running from a client meeting to a sunset dinner or simply trying to stay put together through a day of errands and heatwaves, your hair needs to keep up.
But here’s the thing — not all hair types react the same way to summer. For those with curls or coils, frizz control and definition can be a constant battle. Wavy hair might start off voluminous but end up flattened by humidity. And for those of us with naturally straight hair, like me, the struggle is usually the opposite — styles tend to fall flat, lose shape, or just don’t hold past noon. Add a full workday into the mix, and suddenly you're left with limp strands that just won't cooperate.
I’ve learned this the hard way. A few summers ago, I was on location for an all-day bridal shoot — a long, hot day outdoors. I started off with soft waves and a bit of volume at the crown. By lunchtime, my waves were gone, my hair was clinging to my face, and the only thing still holding up was the bobby pin behind my ear. It was a wake-up call that I needed a better strategy — one that wouldn’t require constant touch-ups or last-minute restyling.
That’s exactly why I created my summer hair survival kit — not just for looks, but for longevity.I need styles that hold up through early mornings, scorching afternoons, and everything in between. From sleek pulled-back buns that stay in place no matter the forecast, to soft waves that actually hold their shape without heat damage, this kit is now my seasonal staple.
No matter your hair type, the goal is the same: to feel confident, polished, and like your hair works with you, not against you — all summer long. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror halfway through the day and thought, “This is not what I left the house with,” you’re in the right place.
Let’s get into it.
Products That Actually Work
Over the years, I’ve tested more hair products than I can count — some lived up to the hype, some were okay, and others didn’t make it past day one. What I’ve learned is that during summer, the right products can make or break your style. I’m not talking about a 10-step routine or trendy formulas that only work on camera — I’m talking about reliable, humidity-resistant staples that hold, hydrate, and help you not think about your hair all day.
Here are the core items I keep in my summer hair survival kit:
Lightweight Anti-Frizz Serum or Cream
If you have straight or fine hair like mine, heavy products can easily weigh it down. I look for a lightweight smoothing serum that controls flyaways without flattening my style. Applied to damp hair, it helps create a polished base — whether I’m air drying or styling with heat.
My pick: The RedKen One United Treatment Spray or IGK Good Behavior Anti Frizz Soothing Spray
Texture or Sea Salt Spray
Since straight hair doesn’t naturally hold a wave, I rely on texturizing sprays to give it grip and movement. These are perfect for soft, undone waves or adding body to a low pony or braid. Just a few spritzes give that "lived-in" look without feeling stiff or sticky.
My pick: Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray and IGK Beach Club Touchable Texture Spray
Strong (but Brushable) Hold Hairspray
This one’s essential. Whether I’m setting a slick back or locking in waves, I need hold without the crunch. I love a spray that offers control, keeps my style intact, and still allows for movement — especially when I need a quick restyle between looks.
My pick: Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish and Color Wow Texas Hold 'Em Big Hold Hairspray
Dry Shampoo (Non-Chalky)
Summer sweat = oily roots, especially if you’re on the go all day. A clean, lightweight dry shampoo is my secret to reviving hair between washes, adding volume at the crown, and keeping everything looking fresh.
My pick: Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo or Verb Refresh Dry Shampoo
Edge Control or Styling Balm
For slick backs or center-part buns, I use a balm or edge control that smooths and holds without making the hair stiff or greasy. It keeps the flyaways in check and gives that clean, refined finish — even if you’re just trying to get through a humid afternoon.
My pick: Dae 3-in-1 Styling Cream with Taming Wand and Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Hair Styling Balm
I keep most of these in travel sizes in my on-the-go kit — ready for a quick touch-up in the car or between appointments. The goal isn’t to overdo it, but to be prepared with the right few products that actually work for your hair type and your schedule.
My Go-To Summer Styles
If you’ve read my blog The Only Hair Styling Guide You’ll Ever Need for Effortless Looks, you already know I’m all about keeping things simple, polished, and wearable. But summer brings its own set of challenges — sweat, humidity, frizz, flatness — and those same “effortless” styles suddenly require a different strategy. That’s where this list comes in.
These are my go-to summer styles. They’re not just cute — they’re built to survive long, hot days, high humidity, and a packed schedule. Think of this as the warm-weather version of your everyday glam: still chic, still minimal effort, but specifically designed to hold up when the weather (and life) doesn’t cooperate.
When it comes to summer hair, I’m all about styles that look clean, intentional, and low-effort — even if they require a little prep behind the scenes. These are the looks I rotate through during the season, depending on whether I’m working, running errands, or heading out for an evening event. Each one is built to last through long days, summer heat, and whatever else the calendar throws my way.
Soft, Long-Lasting Curls
This will always be my go to because of how luxe it looks — but this one’s all about prep and products. Because my hair is naturally straight, it doesn't hold a curl easily — especially in warm weather. So I layer in a lightweight mousse or texture spray before styling and lock everything in with a humidity-resistant hairspray. I go into more detail in one of my previous blogs, which walks through how I get natural-looking waves that actually last. It’s my go-to for summer dinners, events, or anytime I want a more styled look without going overboard.
The Half-Up Clip or Pony
When I’m on the move but still want a little something extra, the half-up style is my answer. It keeps the hair out of my face but still gives me volume and length. I’ll use a claw clip or a silk scrunchie depending on the vibe. Pro tip: brushing out a bit of dry shampoo at the crown gives just enough lift to keep this look fresh and not flat.
The Model-Off-Duty Slick Back
This is my fave for when I need something sharp, polished, and totally fuss-free. It holds up through humidity, keeps hair off my face during busy days, and pairs perfectly with statement earrings and clean makeup. Perfect for second-day hair or when I don’t have time to wash and restyle. I part it down the middle, comb it back with a styling balm or light gel, and secure into a low pony or braid. It instantly looks elevated, works for any setting, and photographs so well. It won’t budge in the heat, and gives a really polished look without any heat styling.
Summer Waves
The ultimate summer hairstyle — breezy, effortless, and always flattering. I love that it can be done two ways. You can opt for Overnight Braids: Braid damp hair before bed and unravel in the morning for heatless, beachy texture or Crimper/Waver Tool: Perfect when you want something more defined and glam. Adds structure while still feeling soft and summery. Finish with texture spray and hairspray to lock in waves that last, even through heat and humidity.
Source: Byrdie, Pinterest, Indigo Day
These are the styles I rely on because they don’t just look good — they stay good.What ties all these styles together is that they’re practical — they work with your hair type and the summer elements, not against them. And when paired with the right products, they take me from work mode to evening plans without needing a full refresh.
Tools & Prep Tips That Make the Difference
The products and styles are only part of the equation — how you prep your hair and the tools you use can be the difference between a look that lasts and one that falls apart by noon. Especially in the summer, it’s all about being intentional. Here’s what I keep in rotation to make sure my hair holds up without overdoing it:
Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt Drying
Step one starts right after the shower. I swapped my regular towel for a microfiber one (or an old cotton tee) to reduce frizz and breakage. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference when it comes to creating a smooth base for styling — especially on humid days.
Blow Dryer with a Diffuser or Nozzle
Even though I don’t love relying on heat, when I blow-dry, I use a directional nozzle for sleek styles or a diffuser when I want to bring out some natural bend. The right airflow makes a difference — it sets the shape better and reduces frizz from the jump.
For soft waves, I’m a big fan of overnight heatless methods — whether it’s a silk curling ribbon, soft rollers, or braids. It gives my hair that undone, beachy wave with zero damage and holds longer since it’s set while dry. It’s perfect when I want to skip hot tools altogether but still want body and bounce.
Fine-Tooth Comb + Boar Bristle Brush
These two are my go-tos for slicked styles. I use the fine-tooth comb to create clean parts and shape, and the boar bristle brush to smooth everything down. Together, they help me get that sleek finish without the buildup or flyaways — crucial for buns and ponytails in the heat.
I always keep a mini kit in my bag: a travel-size dry shampoo, a few bobby pins, and a small edge control or balm. It’s all I need for a quick fix between appointments or before dinner. Summer hair isn’t about perfection — it’s about having a plan that works with your day.
Summer hair doesn’t have to mean giving up on style — it just means being a little more strategic. With the right prep, tools, and product pairings, you can create looks that look effortless but are built to last through anything the season throws your way.So whether you’re rocking a sleek bun at work, soft waves on a weekend trip, or pulling your hair back after a long day in the heat — your style can still feel intentional, polished, and you.
Let me know if you try any of these looks, or if there’s a summer hair struggle you want me to cover next. You can reach me on my Instagram and TikTok. And if you haven’t already, check out my full blog on The Only Hair Styling Guide You’ll Ever Need for Effortless Looks — it pairs perfectly with this one.
