Build a carefree and sexy style

Tap into the benefits

Catch waves Like watermelon and flip-flops, a tousled, low- maintenance look is a summer staple, and a little H2O is the styling secret. Dampen hair, then comb a small amount of mousse or texture spray through it, says Luke O'Connor, celebrity stylist in Los Angeles for Suave. Loosely wrap 1-inch sections into tiny buns and secure with bobby pins. Let hair air-dry, then remove pins and shake ringlets out with your fingertips. "Water plus styling products molds strands into a shape," O'Connor says.

Revive strands Got bed-head? Water reactivates yesterday's styling product by temporarily breaking down its hold on hair. Simply mist from root to tip, so strands are slightly wet, then restyle as usual. Once dry, your goop's grip is restored.

Help hydrate "It's a myth that conditioner's sole purpose is to moisturize," says Gary Howse, co-owner of the Gary Manuel Salon in Seattle. "It traps water, plus smooths the cuticle, allowing strands to reflect more light." But like a sponge, hair can get too full. Wring out water before applying conditioner.

Avoid the washouts

Stop mop top. If roots are even a smidge damp, your style will fall flat minutes after blow-drying, O'Connor says. Aim the nozzle at your scalp, count to three, then move it down strands. An ionic dryer can speed up styling sessions. (Negative ions are said to shrivel positively charged H2O, turning water into vapor in a flash.)

Fight fading. Just as throwing a T-shirt in the hot cycle washes away its vibrancy, steamy suds strip brunette, black and red hair, too. Flip the faucet to lukewarm when rinsing out shampoo and conditioner; step away from the spray to turn up the heat.

Brighten blonde. Golden hues don't lose luster from the same culprits as dark shades, but they also have water woes. "Tap water contains chlorine, salts and minerals that turn lightened hair brassy," O'Connor says. Attach a filter to your showerhead—a virtual Brita for your hair—to get H2O squeaky-clean. (Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Purification System, powers your shower for three to six months.)