When it comes to our hair in the summertime, the pampering and love is at an all-time high. Whether you’re rocking a fro’, a protective style or a buzzed cut, it’s important to take care of your crown. We had a little chat with Dove’s multicultural hairstylist, Cynthia Alvarez, and she shared the lowdown on how to take care of your hair in between protective styles. She also shared some awesome hair hacks that will take you no more than 5 minutes.

@ahfro_baang

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To eliminate buildup from protective styles like faux locs, box braids, cornrows, weaves or ponytails, using a clarifying shampoo can relieve your scalp and give it some breathing room. A great way to make a DIY clarifying rinse can be done in the comfort of your own home by mixing tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar and water. This will also give your hair the ability to soak up the next products that you’ll use, such as conditioner, masks, leave-ins, etc.

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Once the gunk is gone, Cynthia Alvarez, Dove’s multicultural hairstylist and stylist to stars like Dascha Polanco and Shakira, recommends deep conditioning under the dryer.

"Sit under the dryer with Dove Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Mask for at least 20 mins. The mask quenches dry, damaged hair leaving it visibly stronger and hydrated. If you have the time, I would even suggest leaving it in overnight," she told 21Ninety.

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For restyling, Alvarez doesn’t recommend going from protective style to protective style. While your hair is recovering from the stress of the extra weight and synthetic hair extensions, she recommends taking a break and enjoying a wash-n-go, a twist out or an updo. This way, your hair gets some time to breathe and you can enjoy the all the growth!

A great product to use before restyling is the Absolute Curls Leave-In Detangler and take the time to brush through your hair once more with a wide-tooth comb to ensure your curls aren’t tangled before manipulating them again.

Alvarez is also very aware of how much of a hassle it can be to do your hair, especially in this August heat, so she shared some quick hairstyles that shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to have you slaying throughout the day without taking up your entire morning.

Super chic updo of triple knots

While trio of buns looks elaborate and very fancy, Alvarez assures us that they’re extremely easy to create. The stylist to the stars recommends starting "by combing hair back and dividing it into three low ponytails at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytails tightly, and then wrap the hair around the base of the ponytail to create a bun. Secure the buns with a bobby pin and pull on a few random pieces to create texture."

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Sweep your curls

Sweeping your curls can give you an elegant look no matter how much of a pinch you’re in. A great way to achieve this hairstyle is by "sweeping your hair up by pulling the back section of your hair into a ponytail at the crown, leaving the pieces around your hairline loose. Once you secure your ponytail with an elastic, twist it upward and anchor it with bobby pins. Sweep the front section of your hair up and back toward the twist, and secure with bobby pins. You may want to let a few tendrils fall around your face for a softer look. Give the look a fancy finish by adorning it with gorgeous pearl-tipped bobby pins," shared Alvarez.

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Upgrade your pony

In case your usual ponytail is screaming for an upgrade, Cynthia gave us the lowdown and turning that boring pony into something with a little more length and volume. "Create two ponytails — one on the bottom and one at the top allows for a longer, fuller ponytail. First, smooth your hair and tease the top section for volume and pull it into a ponytail, and secure it with an elastic. Style the lower section into a ponytail. Back comb the ends of the top ponytail to cover. Using Dove Compressed Micro Mist Flexible Hold Hairspray can also help you achieve a great hold that isn’t too hard or sticky."

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