For all that's great about summer -- the travel, the sun, the pool parties, the excuse to knock back drinks with umbrellas -- there is one major downside for most of us. When the heat and humidity pick up, our hair either turns into a giant, frizzy orb or a limp, greasy mess. Either way, not pretty.

But summer 2013 is going to be different. This year we've got a few genius tips to keep our hairstyles intact no matter what the weather is like where you live or where you're vacationing. So before you hop on a plane (or leave your air-conditioned bathroom), check out our expert advice for curls that stay curly, and blowouts that don't fall flat.

And because we know the weather can be so bad (think: summer storms or temps above 100) that no curling iron technique or finishing spray holds up, we're arming you with a few foolproof braids and updos as backup hairstyles for frizzy hair. Instead of the requisite feet-in-sand or extreme-closeup-margarita vacation shots, may we suggest a collage of your perfect beach waves and fetching fishtail instead? With our collection of hair tips, we guarantee your summer 2013 hairstyle will make your 'do Instagram-worthy.

Survival Tip No. 1: Prep before you step (outside)

Here's the thing about humidity: if your hair isn't prepped before you head out into it, you don't stand a chance against frizz. So before you hop on a plane to Florida (or whatever sticky, damp climate you're living in), get your hair ready.

First, go for a deep conditioning mask, says Sara Tomich, Redken Education Development Manager. Dry hair is prone to frizz because it slurps up the moisture in the humid air. Hydrating your hair before you head outside is key.

Next, Tomich suggests curling your hair ahead of time with a curling iron (if you don't come by curls or waves naturally) for a look like Sandra Bullock's here. "Your hair will get a little wavier in that [humid] climate, so you can manipulate those waves when you get there with a little smoothing serum," Tomich says.

And no matter what style you're working with, finish with a hairspray that'll help lock out humidity. One to try: Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, $24.

If you're more concerned about your hair getting greasy and falling flat in the humidity, Tomich recommends washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo (one to try: Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo, $27) and putting it in a high topknot to sleep in. When you wake up and take out the topknot your hair will have tons of volume and wave. And steer clear of too many styling products since they can add to that greasy feeling.

Even a well-prepped style might start to frizz or go flat, so be sure to pack a few style-savers in your bag.

If your curls are frizzing, apply a smoothing serum, like Redken Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk, $13, and touch them up with a curling iron.

And if your hair starts feeling limp and greasy, keep a can of dry shampoo handy to soak it up. We like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $19.50. You can also change your part midday to add volume. If you normally part your hair in the middle, try a deep side part like Kimberley Garner's. Or if you're already working a side part, just switch sides for an instant boost.

If frizz is driving you bananas, or a monsoon hits, or you're heading to the beach or pool and want your hair out of the way, a bun or a braid like Berenice Bejo's is your best bet.

But before you start that braid -- this is key -- apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair. This will protect your hair from the chlorine or saltwater and the sun. You can also apply more leave-in conditioner or a hair mask after you rinse post-swim.

If you need style ideas, check out this roundup of pretty ways to style wet hair.

Survival Tip No. 1: Lock in that style

Dry heat can cause curls to deflate and straight hair to, well, stay straight. Tomich says you might as well work with it. Before you head to Palm Springs or Phoenix, give yourself a blowout like Jaime King's, using plenty of smoothing serum to lock in moisture.

Another bonus to a blowout ahead of time: no need to style your hair when you're there. Just freshen it up with dry shampoo at your roots and rub shine serum on your ends (Tomich likes Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine, $24.99).