Here are the beauty tips I received from Leigh. I edited the text and wove in a few of my ideas too.

1. Summer is the time you don't want to stress about your hair. If you have hair with waves or curls, accept them. Use a light weight foaming gel or mousse to keep your hair in shape. TIP - Don't overuse product. Too much mousse will make it feel sticky and give your hair a plastic look.
   
   
2. Is your hair unruly and hard to control? Have you always dreamed of being one of those women who could take a dip in the pool and let their hair air dry and it would look beautiful? If your hair truly has a mind of it's own, there is finally a solution to your problems. We have a new Keratin Protein Relaxer treatment at my salons that gives any hair the ability to be wash and wear.
   
   
3. Braids are sizzling hot this summer. There are many easy ways to wear braided hair this summer. Here are two of Leigh's favorites that I often see her sporting after a night out that would be perfect for summer weekends. The first is two small braids on both sides of the head that are tied together with a small accessory. The second is a classic low braid that drapes down your neck.
   
   
4. Hair color should be minimal in the summer. Remember that hair will always lighten from being on the beach or just being outdoors this time of year. Hair that has been color treated will lighten even more quickly from summer heat and sun. If you color your hair blond, be more conservative in the summer. Your natural looking highlights will not look very artificial after a couple weeks in the sun. WARNING - Too much summer sun can damage hair as easily as hair that has been chemically abused. Brunettes and redheads should use semi-permanent colors to keep their hair shiny and vibrant all summer long. True semi-permanent colors blend away in six to eight shampoos. There should only be one bottle in your color kit. WARNING - If there are two bottles that have to be mixed together, it is not a true semi-permanent color. Blondes and brunettes that want to have sun kissed hair this summer should put a few streaks of amber or dark golden blond around their hairline. Let the sun take care of the rest.
   

 The most important trend this summer is healthy and shiny hair that is in great condition. Hair that looks over processed is a definite no-no. Condition your hair with each shampoo. Shampoo your hair with conditioner if you shampoo more than once a day. Deep condition your hair once a week. I know you are thinking, "good idea, but..." Condition all the time anyway. You will be happy you did in September.

Summer is the perfect time to transition to your next haircut or style. TIP - Buy a few simple hair accessories (i.e. a head band or covered elastic bands) to clip your hair back. It's wet and up most of the time anyway. What better time to grow out an old haircut! I must say thanks to Leigh for her help, and to you I wish a wonderful summer.

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