I’ve been letting my hair grow out recently. In summers past, I’d keep my hair relatively short in order to beat the heat. But even with salons reopening, I’ve made the conscious decision to put haircuts on hold and have unwittingly discovered that summer humidity has helped turn what I previously considered fine hair into thick and kind of wavy hair as it’s been growing longer. This development has led me to revise my haircare this summer and, in doing so, I’ve been reminded of general good hair care practices. Plus, I picked up a few tips and tricks for making it and, in some cases faking thicker hair.

If you do decide to schedule an appointment with a hairstylist, then ask for rows of subtle layers. Long hair is heavier, which can weigh down thin hair. So, if you still want length with some bounce, get a cut with a few shorter pieces to frame the face while still maintaining your length in back. No, I am not advocating for a mullet (short in front, long in the back). However, if you’re a fan of mullets, may I suggest checking out Mulletfest held in Kurri Kurri Australia.

For those of us not planning on getting the chop, you can still maintain your hair in quarantine through proper hair maintenance. Conditioner is an important component of any hair care routine, but you may be doing it wrong, I know I was. Applying conditioner directly to your roots weighs down your hair, making it look limp and greasy. Instead, apply a nourishing conditioner first on your ends and work your way up, so the majority of it goes on your tips instead of getting absorbed mostly on your scalp.

For your roots, instead of a conditioner, try massaging a volumizing powder directly into your roots for fuller-looking hair instantly. A powder will lift the crown of your hair and can be used to extend the life of your hairstyle. You can use a volumizing powder as a standalone product, like GOT2B Powder’ful styling powder from Walmart. Or, go for the BOGO with a dry shampoo that is also a volumizer like Bumble and Bumble’s Pret-a-Powder dry shampoo from Sephora.

Other styling products that can help provide volume while protecting your hair are mousses and foams. Walgreens has a Condition 3-in-1 Mousse with alcohol-free sunscreen to protect hair while providing moisture and volume. While Ulta Beauty has OUAI Air Dry Foam that works to enhance hair’s natural texture and is enriched with strengthening ingredients like carrot, lemon, and kale protein extracts. Whether you’re blow-drying or letting your hair air dry, apply a dollop of product at the roots, and work it through to your ends. As your hair dries, your locks will look and feel thicker.

For curly hair, try spray-on/leave-in conditioners to detangle and restore natural curl. For my curly-headed 2-year-old, I’ve been using SoCozy Kids Curl Spray, and I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve used this on myself as well to condition and add some bounce to my wavy hair. Regardless of the products you use, to maintain your hair this summer, it’s best to skip the flat iron. Pin straight hair is better suited for fall and winter to fight against frizz. Instead, use a curling iron from roots to tips and then work through with a round brush for a healthy full volume.

During this season of sun, humidity, and swimming, your hair may be in need of a bit of repair, no matter the style. So, in addition to regular washing and conditioning, you should try a weekly mask to help bring it back to life. Look for a product that contains a higher concentration of moisturizing and hair-strengthening ingredients like Garnier Frutics’s smoothing 1-minute hair mask. Or check out Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey & Yogurt treatment for extremely dry and brittle hair.

Lastly, consider a daily vitamin and look at your diet. Your hair, like the rest of your body, is dependent on what you put into it as much as what you put on it. So, if you’re not already, start taking a daily vitamin or hair-specific vitamin like biotin. Also, getting enough iron, fiber, and protein into your system, whether through food or supplements, will help your hair, as well as your overall health.