We asked hair experts from some of the leading hair care companies to give us their hair care and style tips.

Lance Blanchette, international stylist and product adviser for Joico and owner of Lounge Salon in Canada, feels that spring/summer is a good time to let your hair down. Style is all about the individual, which means that whatever style you have -wear it well. Curls abound this season but they should look more bohemian than structured. Try K-Pak $26.95, then blow dry before finishing off with heated curlers or curling tongs.

And if you're one of the rebels who will still be holding on to straight and smooth styles this spring, Joico Design Collection Humidity Blocker Finishing Shield, $29.95, or Joico K-Pak Smoothing Balm, $26.95, will be your new best friend.

John Pulitano, international style adviser to Wella and GHD and chief stylist at Headcase Hair in Paddington, Sydney, says that hair is all about movement this summer. Working with your hair's own natural movement by cutting in lots of layers will create soft, sensual unstructured curls or waves.

No matter if your hair's short or long (both are on the radar this season), raw natural texture all glammed up is the look to achieve. It should also look super shiny and healthy. Favourite hair styling products for this summer are GHD Seaspray, $35, Wella Hair High Gloss Serum, $23, and Wella Systems Professional Volumagic, $30.50.

Craig Smith of Fruition Hair in Brisbane, Schwartzkopf Essential Looks educator and owner of one of its top salons, says you should always use heat protectants when styling with blow dryers and irons or using heated curlers. This protects the hair and also allows the hair to shine while avoiding that processed look. Always make sure that the equipment you use is very good quality as some equipment is more drying than others. Try Remington hair styling equipment including Proline Ceramic, $53.95, or Remington Professional Jumbo Curls, $58.95.

Hair trends for summer are more honest right now, says Smith. Bounce and natural volume is where it's at. Make your hair wavy and full and add maximum shine to be ahead of the game. For blondes try Schwarzkopf Professional Blonde Me Keratin Restore Milk-Leave In, $27.95.

Oscar Callinan, award winning Aveda salon owner of Oscar Oscar in Paddington, Sydney, says sleek straight styles will also be in this summer. He is mad about Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener, $44.95, to deliver the perfect straight look. To get the right ponytail, slick back hair and create a tight, sleek ponytail. Instead of hair spray, work a few drops of the Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener into the palms and slide it over the top of the hair for a glossy finish and to tame flyaways.

For straight hair try the flat wrap technique. Brush hair tightly against the scalp and blow dry at the roots in small sections (about the width of your brush). Dry in one direction then go back and dry in the other direction. Next dry hair from mid length to ends with brush and dryer. Drying the roots first, says Callinan, gives a sleeker look and holds the hair straighter at the scalp. Don't forget that hair colour fades faster in summer so use Aveda Color Conserve Sun Protector, $34.95, daily.

Some other great products to try:

Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS Grip Mousse, $24.95
Fudge Gloss Anti Frizz, $17.95
Indola Restructuring Spritz Curl, $17.95
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Anti-Breakage Conditioning Repair Spray Leave-in, $7.25
La Biosthetique Gloss Cream, $31
Garnier Fructus Smoothing Cream Nutri-Repair Leave In, $10.35

Bella Beauty Magazine #16