When heat and humidity levels go up, so should your hair.

Come summertime, a curly-haired gal's biggest concern is the F-word: frizz. "Humidity is a big challenge," says Kattia Solano from a Kerastase event in New York City. "Even though curls need moisture, too much will create frizz." Don't fight your natural texture, she suggests; instead work with it—or, better yet, let it work for you. "Curly hair has an advantage over any other hair type for updos; it already has shape which makes it easier to stay where you want it to."

Follow these easy steps to get the curly, pinned hairdo, shown above.

Step 1: Apply a dime- to -quarter size amount of curl cream to damp hair, from roots to ends. Air-dry your hair, then pull it into a ponytail and secure with an elastic.

Step 2: Use your fingers to expand the curls. This is where you decide how full or sleek you'd like the style to look. "Big hair is super fun, but don't pile it on top of your head." says Solano. "Make an exaggerated shape in the middle and back, too."

Step 3: Once you're happy with how it looks, use bobby pins to secure it. "But don't use too many," advises Solano, "or it can start to look messy."

Step 4: Set the style with a flexible hairspray. Since curly hair bounces a lot, you need some hold.

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Kerastase Paris Curl Ideal Oleo-Curl, $56, and Ideal Mousse, $46, kerastase.ca. Pantane High Volume Lifting Aerosol Hairspray, $6, pantene.ca.

Get a picture perfect crown braid with these easy steps.