Heatwave Secrets of Women Who Always Look Cool

Hot enough for you? The temperature’s sizzling, the humidity is soaring and the A/C is cranked up. So how come you’re a hot mess while your best friend, work colleague and that woman behind you in the Starbucks line are all cool as cucumbers? The truth is, preparing for steamy weather is a lot like getting ready for hurricane season. It requires think-ahead strategy, a few new purchases and a willingness to alter your usual routine. Here are six ways to chill now:

1. Plan on a humidity- and heat-resistant hairstyle.

(Left to right) Uma Thurman, Tracee Ellis Ross and Kristen Wiig

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Photo by Rocco Spaziani/Archivio Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images; Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic; Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

It never fails. The combo of heat and moisture in the air are guaranteed to produce a sweaty scalp and hair that’ll go limp, frizzy or out of control the minute you step outdoors. You might be tempted to wear a baseball cap till September or opt for a sledgehammer approach to taming texture with a salon keratin straightening (with a no-formaldehyde formula, of course). But the first lacks style chops and the second (though it does work) is pricey at $200 to $400 and doesn’t always play well with mature hair that’s thinning, dry, damaged or chemically processed. Instead try one of two weatherproof hairstyles and the new category of lightweight frizz-fighters that seal in moisture, seal out humidity better than your old serums. Those with medium-to-long hair can’t lose with a polished ponytail (even a short stubby one!) and a pair of statement earrings or glam sunglasses. Ready for a change? Chopping to a classic (and trending) bob keeps your nape cool and maintenance low (aside from trims). Both styles look great air-dried, wavy, textured or blown sleek. For a smooth, glossy finish, depend on a heat-activated blow-dry spray like Nexxus Epic Shine Anti Humidity Spray ($18, walgreens.com), IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Styling Spray ($34, ulta.com) and Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray ($32, sephora.com) that repels moisture and seals the look till your next shampoo. If you prefer to enhance natural waves on an air-dried bob or ponytail, try a styling cream like Sun Bum Revitalizing Air Dry Cream ($14, cvs.com) with botanical oils — in this case, sunflower seed and banana.

(Left to right) IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Styling Spray; Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray; Sun Bum Revitalizing Air Dry Cream

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target; Ulta; CVS)

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2. Wear looser, lighter clothes.

(Left to right) Hannah Waddingham, Elizabeth Banks, Tamron Hall and Alfre Woodard

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Photo by Thomas Cooper/Getty Images; Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Center for Reproductive Rights; DISNEY ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION/Jeff Neira; Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Be realistic. Anything that fits like a glove, has a high neckline, is made of a dense fabric like denim or is overly structured will leave you wilting and wishing for a shower. That’s why women in the know always opt for roomier clothes that flow or at least hang away from the body to allow perspiration to evaporate and keep you cool. Edit fabrics first by choosing lightweight cotton, linen, rayon (also called viscose but made from wood pulp) and modal (a type of rayon) or their blends. Stick to styles that breathe too. On the OK list: breezy sundresses, pumped up midi dresses, and skirts and shirtdresses that billow. Look for sleeves that are wide, fluttery or cut low at the armholes in a dolman style, tunic tops, oversized button-downs, wide-leg pants cropped at the ankles or flared, open necklines like Vs, squares and cleavage-avoiding scoops — and of course off-the-shoulder anything!