You would probably never guess from looking at Bok-Hee that this little blonde, freckled nymph has been styling hair over 20 years. After realizing at the wee age of eight (when playing with her mother’s mane) that she could change a person’s emotions just by changing the style of her hair, her career officially began. Since those days, she has evolved into a must-have stylist for editorial and commercial fashion shoots, from Vogue to i-D to the New York Times Style Guide, as well as having an elite clientele. With a reputation for being dead-on when it comes to knowing the right cut for someone, she also has a rep for being one of the sweetest, bubbliest personalities in the industry. So, for someone who bleaches and trims her own hair with thinning shears, and swears that she only shampoos her hair once a month, psychoPEDIA thought it best to that Bok-Hee offer us the low-down on this summer’s hair essentials:

What do you see in people’s hair that constitutes the importance of what you do?
Hair is like another outfit. It says a lot about what kind of person you are. I actually see life in someone’s hair. For me, when I see someone who does her hair everyday, obviously in her life she is probably more regimented, likes things that are controlled– things that have order. When you see people who have hair that’s very free and loose, it means that in their personalities and lives in general, they are probably more uninhibited. I can really see a person by their hair.

How do you look at people and know what kind of hair is right for them?
When you look at people, you should look at their whole being– their gestures, their body, the way they dress, walk, talk, and mannerisms. Also, when I speak to them, I know where they’re going and where they’re coming from. Some people can say things that gives you a big clue to the kind of hair that’s best for them.

What’s the biggest hair problem for most people during the summertime and what’s the best way to resolve it?
They try to control the hair, and they don’t just let the weather dictate it. If you have curly hair, just let it go curly. Be one with the weather, don’t try to fight it! If it’s flat, put it up, do something that accommodates the weather. People in Hawaii and people in different countries tend to adapt to the weather. In the summer, there’s humidity in the air and moisture, so hair can get can get fuller or flatter. But just go with it– it’s a more organic way of living. People are more beautiful when they’re one with nature.

In the summertime, hair tends to get sweaty and greasy. We’ve recently learned the wonders of dry shampoo, but what are your thoughts on the best ways to degrease without having to do a full wash?
I love dry shampoo, especially for people who have thin, oily hair. It’s fantastic for the summer because we all sweat so much. So, it’s perfect if you want to go out for the evening, and you don’t want to keep washing or rewetting it. Bumble and Bumble has a great one [Hair Powder]. Or you can use baby powder. In Europe, they have all kinds of dry shampoos. Dry shampoo will give you fullness and take up all the oil. But it will make your hair a little dull looking. If you don’t mind your hair feeling that way, it’s fantastic. But for me, I’d rather rinse my hair everyday than put dry shampoo in it.

So do you suggest washing it more often during the summer months?
Washing it everyday is not a good thing! Rinsing is better than putting chemicals into the hair. When you put shampoo in the hair, it actually is a detergent on the head. It changes the structure of the natural oils. For me, I just put it under the water, rinse it, and I come out of the shower and that’s it!

What’s the best way to combat the massive amounts of sun exposure one’s hair undergoes during the summer?
The sun will definitely lighten your hair. So, if you have dark hair, you’ll want to cover it up. The sun can make your dry out your hair and make it frizzier, it can also make it lighter. People who have brown hair can go orangey sometimes, so you should really try to cover it.

How do you suggest the best way to cover up your mane?
The cool way to do it is give yourself a big hat or a beautiful scarf. But if that doesn’t work for you, there are actually products you can put in your hair with sun protector. Bumble and Bumble has a Sun Spray.

Are there certain things we should be putting in our bodies during the summer to make our hair look better despite the heat?
Internally, if you want your hair to grow and be healthy, you need to eat well, exercise, and drink lots of water. But don’t be obsessed with your hair growing! Enjoy life, don’t be too worried about your hair. But it’s true that what you put in your mouth is what comes out in your hair. People who are anorexic or bulimic, you can really see it in their hair.

So, to round off the summer essentials, what are your top three pieces of advice for hair care during the summer?
Get a good coloring, don’t try to go the opposite of how your hair naturally wants to go, and get a really great haircut. The haircut will really determine if you can let it just be natural. I have certain clients that swear by my haircut, because it means they don’t ever have to do anything to it. Then, when they have it cut by somebody else, it can feel too heavy or wrong for their face. So, a good haircut is the most important thing.

~Leann Peterson

First and Fourth Photo: Hair by Bok-Hee