I've never been one to call myself creative. Sure, I can write, but that's pretty much where it ends. When it comes to painting, drawing, sculpting or crafting, I'm an embarrassment to all artists. My inability to to successfully complete a color-by-number painting would make Picasso himself turn in his grave, although I must say that my ineptitude for producing such poorly drawn stick figures might be considered abstract in itself.

However, throughout the years, there is one thing I have become quite creative with: my hair. For years, I've considered my hair my security blanket; if I feel my hair looks good, then I feel good and I feel confident. After watching countless YouTube hair tutorials and thoroughly searching the beauty aisles for the best hair products, hair has become something that I love to do. What I've also discovered over the years of doing my hair: summer + hair = death. Heat, humidity and sun just don't mix very well with hair of any type or texture. But because of my dedication over the years, I've learned a few tips and tricks to keeping (and looking) cool during the summer.

Here are five summer hair hacks that'll be of use throughout the rest of summer '16 and the warm fall months.

1. Maintaining highlights.

'Tis the season for lighter hair and tanner skin. Many women (and maybe even some men) decide to go blonder during those warm, sunshine months. For many, the sun naturally lightens their hair, so it only makes sense to add in some lighter colors. However, if you are only looking to lighten your hair for the summer months, chances are your color treatment is probably only temporary. To make those expensive, short-term treatments last, it's a great idea to buy color treatment shampoo and conditioner. These will keep the color locked in your hair, even when you wash it.

Here's another easy tip: lemon juice. It's a time-old tale, but trust me: it works. The sunlight will react with the lemon juice in a way that makes the lightening process accelerate. The perfect recipe is as follows: brew 1/2 cup of warm chamomile tea and mix with 1 cup lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake! The tea and olive oil will act as protection against dryness. So if you notice your highlights beginning to fade, spritz some lemon juice in your hair while you relax poolside and you're highlights will be good as new!

2. Beachy wave, minus the beach.

Have you ever noticed how when you come home from the beach, you're covered in sand, smell a little fishy and may be morphing into a lobster (thanks, sunburn), but your hair looks incredible? Those effortless waves that somehow twisted themselves to perfection? Why can't it be like this every day?

Well, my friends, it can. If you like to shower at night, simply braid your hair. If you're a beginner, try just a simple three strand braid by splitting your hair into three pieces and weaving each piece over each other one at a time, so each piece has a chance to be the middle piece (here's a really simple tutorial to watch here for those who are stumped by the braiding technique). In the morning, simply take the braid out and shake your hair and voila! Easy, fast beach waves!

Tip: If you have fine hair that doesn't hold waves and curls very well, try rubbing some hair mousse like Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse before braiding. It will give your hair that extra hold it needs to maintain the waves throughout the day!

If you are a morning shower kind of person, here's another recipe: 1 cup of hot water, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of conditioner and a dab of pomade or gel. Simply shake all of these ingredients together in a spray bottle and apply to damp hair. Give your locks a good scrunch and let it dry throughout the day. If you're in a rush and need your hair to be dry, you can use a diffuser at the end of your hairdryer to scrunch it and dry it all at once.

Like the acidic lemons, this salt spray can be very drying. Use it sparingly and make sure to use a deep conditioner at least once a week, like Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle.

3. Three hairstyles that look cool and keep you cool.

There really is nothing worse than having all of your hair down on a 90 degree day. Not only does your hair grow larger, but it also maintains moisture easily and makes your hair stick to the back of your neck. If you're looking to keep cool while looking cool, here are three of my favorite hairstyles for the summer:

French braid

The french braid is classic, yet versatile. Most of the time, I go with a simple french braid down the back of my head. It keeps the hair off of my face, but also looks pretty. However, if you're looking for an easy way to keep your hair down yet out of your face, try french braiding the front pieces of your hair back and creating a half-up/half-down 'do. It's quick and easy and looks great. French braiding is simple; it's like normal braiding, but just adding more hair to each piece. Click here for a french braiding tutorial. Once you have the technique down, you will be able to french braid anything!

Messy bun

Ah, the good ole messy bun. This is one of my personal favorites because it requires absolutely no technique; all you have to do is scrunch your hair up on top of your head and secure it with a hair tie! (Lazy girls, unite.)

Top knot

If you're looking for something a little more uniform, pull your hair up into a high ponytail on top of your head. Once that is secure, twist the hair tightly and simply wrap it around the base of the ponytail. It should look like a doughnut when you finish (yum). Secure with some bobby pins and -- bam! Simple and cute top knot.

4. No heat curls.

Summer is hot enough; I don't need to be applying any more heat to my head than necessary. To avoid adding to my suffering, over the years I've discovered different tricks for creating no-heat curls and I want to tell you about one in particular: the rope braid. The rope braid is my best friend in the summer; it gives me perfect ringlets without the struggle of a curling iron. Not only that, but it's comfortable to sleep in. Here's how to do it:

1. Split damp hair into two halves. Secure one of the halves off with a hair tie.

2. With the loose half, split that into two pieces. Twist each piece tightly, making sure you twist away from your face.

3. Twist these two pieces around each other so they form a spiral-looking braid. Secure on the end and repeat these steps on the other side.

It should look like this on both sides:

When you wake up in the morning, simply shake out the rope braids and you'll have gorgeous curls! If your hair is fine, try adding in a dab of mousse to give your hair that extra hold.

5. Au natural

Summer is meant for fun, sun and relaxation. Your hair should be as crazy as your adventures, so when all else fails, simply let your beautiful natural hair do it's thing. Embrace your natural beauty!

With these tips, you'll be guaranteed to beat the heat (but still look hot!). And if you're as inartistic as I am, maybe these tips will help you become something of a hair connoisseur.