She Said/He Said: Summer Hair Tips From Two Local Style Pros

When temps rise, so do the questions: Should I go short? What’s the deal with beach waves? Is dry shampoo really a summer savior or just wishful thinking? We called in backup from two of our favorite local pros—Maria Elizabeth of Salon deZEN and Luis Bujia of Stylists at North—to break down all things summer hair.

What’s the ultimate summer haircut—chop it all off or keep the length with layers?

Maria Elizabeth: It’s all about personalization. A soft, shaggy bob can feel so fresh and freeing in the summer, but long layers with face-framing movement keep your hair beach-ready and versatile. Go with what makes you feel most like you.

Luis: Real talk—let’s be realistic about the humidity in our area. Sometimes a big chop can be a challenge. A more layered, textured look would allow more freedom in air drying and that casual lived-in feeling.

Air-dry or blowout—what’s the better bet in July heat?

Maria Elizabeth: Air-dry, hands down—especially if you have a good curl cream or texture spray. Let the summer heat work in your favor and give your strands a break from the tools.

Luis: There’s so many ways to combine product and different ways to set your hair to allow it to air dry. Humid and hot just sets you up for a lot of frustration so instead —set yourself up for feeling like a fierce warrior queen. Air dry with intention: braids or buns, they dry with a beautiful wave.

Color trend you’re loving this summer: bold brights or sunkissed subtle?

Maria Elizabeth: I’m loving soft ribbons of light—think sun-drenched dimension that looks effortless. Less high-maintenance, more glow.

Luis: I’m loving lived-in luxury color, how hair natural or colored, brightens and lightens on its own.

Your holy grail product for protecting hair from sun and saltwater?

Maria Elizabeth: Kevin Murphy’s Shimmer.Me Blonde. It’s lightweight, UV-protective, and adds a gorgeous reflective finish—perfect for poolside or beach days.

Luis: Loving Oway color protection veil. Not only does it provide incredible UV protection, it’s also hydrating and reparative.

What’s one summer trend you wish clients would stop asking for?

Maria Elizabeth: Super white platinum hair without sticking to the proper maintenance routine. It’s stunning, but it’s also a lifestyle choice and you have to stick to it. Let’s talk about realistic goals and healthy hair first.

Luis: Honestly I’m not tired of the trends going on because they’re so fun!

Dry shampoo all summer or daily wash with a light cleanser?

Maria Elizabeth: Both! Light cleansers every few days and dry shampoo in between. You want to cleanse the scalp without stripping, especially with heat and humidity.

Luis: Dry shampoo tends to get overused. There’s really beautiful color wash like Kevin Murphy Re.store. Just cleanse queens.

Biggest mistake people make with their hair in summer?

Maria Elizabeth: Skipping hydration. Sun, salt, and chlorine are incredibly drying, and hair needs moisture just like your skin does.

Luis: Taking your hair color lighter. With summer conditions, it’s not a wise choice. Your hair is naturally going to brighten and lighten because of the pool, beach, and higher UV exposure during these months.

If summer hair had a motto, what would yours be?

Maria Elizabeth: “Less stress, more texture.” Embrace the natural movement, toss in a braid or a messy bun, and go enjoy your summer.

Luis:  “Be airy and free.” Let yourself celebrate the freedom of the season.

SEE ALSO:  She Said/She Said: Summer Skincare