THE CUT. The right cut lets your hair work with the weather, keeps you looking good while you're out having fun. The word is curl and the look is youthful, yet it provides a flattering softness for any age, any face shape. And it's ideal for every summer schedule - an easy-care, no-fuss, wash and shake-dry style for hair that's naturally curly. Remember, though, before any chemical processing (such as perms, coloring), make sure that your hair is in the best possible shape. Give it a deep-conditioning treatment; several, if hair is summer-damaged or dry. Slightly wavy hair, too, benefits from a “natural” cut. You can easily style it with your fingers, pushing it into casually disarrayed lines - fun and very feminine. Try a longer “blunt cut” on straight hair and wear it tied back, twisted up, or pulled to the side with a barrette.

SHAMPOOS. Frequent shampooing is a must in summer - in the city to rid hair of pollution and grime, and anywhere else where salt and chlorinated water whisk off natural oils. Keep tresses bouncy and gleaming by sudsing with a shampoo mild enough not to strip hair oils (or, dilute your regular shampoo with an equal amount of water). One lathering is usually enough unless hair is very oily. Rinse throughout with cool water. Since wet hair is extremely delicate and elastic, pat dry and comb gently with a wide-tooth comb, working to unsnarl from ends up to crown. Never brush wet hair.

CONDITIONERS. Conditioners are the single greatest warm-weather boon. They help to counteract dryness, restore vitality and sheen, and strengthen the hair shaft so that it retains its shape regardless of the temperature or humidity. Deep condition hair frequently in warm weather, every week or two, particularly if you're outdoors often. Use an intensive conditioning crème rinse. Protect hair before blow drying with a specially formulated heat protection product, and keep heat setting low.

SOME LOOKS YOU CAN TRY ARE :

(1) Plait wet hair in slim braids all over the head, tie with ribbons. When dry, unbraid and comb through with fingers.

(2) Or, braid wet hair at the nape; when dry, unbraid and fluff ends with fingers.

(3) Pull wet hair back at sides into thick knots (formed by twisting a strand of hair tightly, wrapping it around itself into a knot and securing it with a hairpin). When dry, hair forms in lively side waves.

COMBS. Pretty combs, beauty's biggest new accessory, can dress up even the simplest style - whether the hair is long or short. Combs can accent a short wave. Pull longer hair into a chignon at the nape, tuck ends under.

Sunita Motwani-Makhija is an Internationally qualified Beautician and Hair Consultant and is the Director of the Schnell Hans Chain of Beauty Schools & Salons in Mumbai, that conducts Basic and Advanced courses and also the City & Guilds International Hairdressing Qualification. Sunita is the first Indian to have been conferred the prestigious Licentiateship in Hairdressing by City & Guilds, U.K. Her chain of salons offer excellent beauty treatments too. For any hair & beauty queries E-mail: schnellhans@rbcsgroup.com