Cool styles for summer hair: what are some easy ways to change my hairstyle? … and more of your questions answered here - Beauty Q+A

Shape, July, 2002 by Beth Janes

Q I'm bored with my current look but don't want to do anything too drastic. What are some other styling options for summer?

A "Work with your hair's natural texture," suggests Mark Garrison, owner of Mark Garrison Salon in New York City. For curly hair, do this by working leave-in conditioner like Wella Liquid Hair Restructurizer Leave-In Treatment ($16; www.wellausa.com) or a shine serum like Salon Selectives Anti-Frizz Lotion ($4; salonselectives.com) through towel-dried hair. If your hair is naturally straight, get the look with texturizing sprays and pomades. Try Paul Mitchell Spray Wax ($12.50; 800-321-JPMS) or Aveda Control Paste ($21; aveda.com).

This season's accessories also add newness to your look -- no matter what's on your schedule.

* A day at the beach Long hair: Loosely pull back a few front pieces, securing them with a tie or clip for a bohemian look, Garrison says. Use ponytail holders from Alex & Ani ($22-$38; alexandani.com) or the Jane Tran at Fragments NYC turquoise barrette ($45; 888-6-FRAGMENTS). Short hair: Bright scarves like those from Anthropologie ($4-$22; anthropologie.com), pictured at left, or Frederic Fekkai Headwraps ($45; 212-583-3350) keep hair out of your way.

* At the office Long hair: Ponytail holders update the classic pony. Opt for hair bands from Gerard Yosca ($26-$40; 212-302-4349) or Chanel ($90; 800-550-0005). Short hair: Part hair to the side and secure with Eve Reid's turquoise and coral bobby pins (two for $45; at Saks Fifth Avenue) or Tarina Tarantino mini clips ($10-18; tarinatarantino.com).

* Nights out Long hair: Twist hair at the base of your neck and clip it up with a stick clip like Colette Malouf's ($20-$165; 800-558-1855). Short hair: Put on a skinny headband, then tease the back of the hair with pomade or hair spray. Try headbands by Cover Girl ($3; at drugstores).

Q Do the new shave-minimizing lotions really get rid of hair?

A The key thing to remember about these body lotions is that they're shave-minimizing. They don't get rid of hair forever; you'd need to get electrolysis or laser hair removal for that. What they do (and do well) is make hair finer and thinner so it's less visible and so you don't have to shave as regularly. The specially formulated lotions target growing hair before the hair structure fully develops -- why you need to diligently apply them daily after shaving or waxing, explains Richard Maksimowski, director of skincare product development for The Andrew Jergens Co., which developed these creams. (It takes about four weeks of daily application to see results, with full effects evident after eight weeks.) The active ingredient? An herbal extract called burnet root that's been shown in manufacturer research to make hair grow back slower and finer. Soy and glycerin are other active ingredients. In a recent study published in Experimental Dermatology, soy was shown to lighten hair pigmentation, slow growth and r educe the dimensions of the hair follicle and shaft (making hair softer and finer). Glycerin helps skin retain moisture and stay soft after shaving, explains Rosemarie Ingleton, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. To try these lotions, shave first with a razor like Gillette for Women Crystal Clear Venus ($8; at drugstores). Then smooth on Jergens Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer ($5) or Curel Smooth Legs Shave Minimizing Moisturizer ($7), both at drugstores.

Q How do I know which type of antiperspirant is right for me?

A All antiperspirants stop sweat with the ingredients zirconium and/or aluminum. What makes one better for certain skin types is the added ingredients.

* If you have sensitive skin, look for products with added moisturizers or botanicals that will help calm your skin. Dove Sensitive Skin Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant ($4; at drugstores) contains moisturizing lotion, and Clarins Gentle Care Deodorant ($12.50; gloss.com), also an antiperspirant, is infused with the skin soothers rosemary and chamomile-based bisabolol.

* If shaving leaves your normal skin irritated and dry, use products with the moisturizers vitamin E and/or aloe. Good bets: Ban Beautifully Smooth Antiperspirant/Deodorant ($3) and Suave Silky Smooth Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant ($2), both at drugstores.

* If you perspire heavily, opt for body-heat-activated products that work double time when your temperature rises (as when you're under stress or exercising). Two favorites: Degree Spectrum Ultra Protection ($4) and Soft & Dri Power Stripe Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant ($2), both at drugstores.

* If you want something more natural, nonchemical deodorants can't stop wetness, but their botanical ingredients (like lemon and lavender) do help eliminate the bacteria that cause odor. Try Neal's Yard Remedies Lemon & Coriander Deodorant ($16; nyr-usa.com) or Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant with lemon ($9; weleda.com).

And if you hate the white residue that most antiperspirants leave on your clothes, look for the "micronized" formula of Secret Sheer Dry Antiperspirant and Deodorant Invisible Solid ($2); the smaller molecules help it go on clear. Or swipe on Lady Speed Stick Clean Glide ($3), which uses translucent versions of active ingredients that typically glide on white. (Both products are available at drugstores.)