The All-Star Stylist Tells WOMAN.ca How to Handle Humidity and Forget About Frizz

The horror, the horror! Summer in Toronto means only one thing: Humidity. And although the intoxicating wet-warmth means pool parties and picnics, it also means terror and panic for many women, and their desperate coiffeurs.

Be your locks curly, strait, short or long, a heightened humidex can mean hell-on-earth if you don't know how to work with it.

Hairstylist Benjamin Raine, from the acclaimed John Steinberg and Associates salon at 585 King Street West, says the trick to taming those tresses during the sticky summer months is all about making love, not war.

"So many people try to fight the humidity," says Raine. "The trick is to embrace it and see what it can do for your hair."

According to the well-styled stylist, who is no stranger to humidity woes himself (his hair makes Shirley Temple look like G.I. Jane), the key to avoiding frizz is a good product and an open mind.

"You're better off trying to play up the texture and natural curl that the humidity brings out, rather than trying to battle it. For example, instead of straightening it with a hot blow-dry, why not go for the beachy look? Light, windy waves are very hot this season, and so easy to do," insists Raine.

Of course, every mop needs at least a little bit of help. You can't expect those gorgeous sea-side strands to bloom out of nowhere. Raine suggests a product that is cream based and specially formulated to work with humidity. He recommends Oleo Curl by Kerastase for those who just want to shower, scrunch and be on their way.

He also recommends getting your hair snipped into a style that requires as little tooled maintenance as possible. This meaning a cut that lets you look your best without plugging anything in. No flat irons, no hot rollers, no blow dryers. He suggests long, light layers a la Gisele Bundchen for ladies with lengthier locks, or something more like Scarlett Johansson for a woman with medium to shoulder length hair.

Finally, if you're not into cutting or spending money on pricey products, Benjamin says that a little shake can go along way. "If you're en route to a meeting, don't have much time to primp before leaving the house, and are coming off the street and out of the humidity, a simple flip-and-scrunch can do wonders," he says. "All you have to do is flip your head over, shake it out, and squeeze your hair from the ends to the scalp. This adds volume and texture and the natural oils from your palms will keep frizz to a minimum - at least for a little while."

To make an appointment with Benjamin Raine, or for more information on the salon, Keratesse products, or anti-frizz techniques, call 416 506 0268.