At a family campout with the boyfriend last year, I realized that I am becoming my mother.  While in my teen years I would have kissed the ground in thanks for electricity in all of the bathrooms, as an adult I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the row of girls at the sink with hair straighteners in tow.  As my Mom would have said - You're camping, not at a fashion show. 

When activities include crabbing, bike riding and climbing on sand dunes, I just cannot comprehend the need to spend an hour on hair and a full face of makeup (One girl justified her full bag of makeup with saying, "Well it's not like I brought my MAC products here").  Luckily, there is an in between - sexy yet low-maintenance hair styles that can be pulled off without the use of a curling or straightening iron. 

The following tips are good for all things summer - camping, roadtrips, barbeques, or just spending time by the local pool.

Don't wash your hair daily when on trips.  I don't even wash my hair daily at home, but especially when spending time in the outdoors, washing everyday does nothing but stress and dry out hair.  Straighten your hair the day you leave on your trip and use dry shampoo or even baby powder to make that blow-out last 3-4 days.  In a pinch, douse strands in hair spray, let dry, and gently brush out.  If you have bangs, consider doing what I've heard referred to as a "Portland shower" (Portland is where I'm from, FYI) and wash only your bangs.

Not washing is especially good when your hair will be exposed to chlorine, as the oils in your unwashed locks can actually protect your mane from the chemicals.

Do rock vacay-only styles.  No way am I running around my town in pigtails, but at the beach or camping, pulling my hair into two messy braids looks playfully put-together.  Even the dreaded gel-scrunch-and-spray curls are almost acceptable when on vacation.

Don't strive for perfection.  I'll tell you a secret:  Being the only immaculately-coifed gal somewhere that doesn't call for it will get you laughed at.

Do embrace ponytails & buns.  Pull hair into a chignon at the base of your neck or into a messy side ponytail.  Unkempt hair actually looks better than squeaky clean hair when pulled up (Most stylists recommend not washing the day of an updo) and it's a great way to show off your tanned cheekbones.

Don't forget about bobby pins! Especially if you have bangs that need pulling out of your face, but pins can also hold back tendrils on the side of your head for a more chic version of the semi-ponytail we all loved as middle schoolers.

Do rat and scrunch with your hands.  Use a fine-toothed comb or bristle brush to back-comb hair, or simply spritz with hair spray and scrunch with your hands.  Instant texture and body, and hair can then be pulled up into a voluminous updo or worn as-is.

Fashion and beauty are important, but spending your summer day in a cold bathroom with a flat iron and a makeup brush so isn't.  Remember to look hot this summer, but not at the expense of getting out there and making hot memories. :)

What are your go-to summer hair styles?