It might seem like your summertime hair options are: a) wear it down, and deal with frizz and sweat, or b) put it up in a sloppy bun or ponytail, and risk looking like you're headed to the gym. To avoid that rock-and-a-hard-place scenario, we spoke to a few stylists and came up with six polished updos that look sleek and chic—and will keep you feeling decidedly cool. (Looking for anti-aging advice that works? Prevention has smart answers—get 2 FREE gifts when you subscribe today.)
Faux bob
If you have curly hair, try this style for relaxed, effortless glamour. According to Nicole Nixon, director of education for ColorProof Evolved Color Care, it takes advantage of your hair's natural texture in summer instead of trying to fight it.
How to get the look:
1. Wash your hair with a formula made for curly hair—we like Mineral Fusion Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner for Frizzy Hair. Follow with mousse (Nixon suggests ColorProof CurlyLocks Color Protect Curl Mousse) applied from roots through ends, and then blow dry in an upward motion using a diffuser.
2. Section off the top portion of your hair and pin it out of the way.
3. Create a loose braid using the hair that's left out, and secure it with an elastic band. Roll the braid under and pin to secure.
4. Release the top section and spiral-curl your hair using a curling iron. Gather ends and secure to the braid base using pins to create a faux bob shape. Finish with hairspray.
Low pony
Add class to an ordinary ponytail by switching to a side part and adding volume and fullness at the crown. "This style is both classic and sophisticated with a retro flair," Nixon says.
How to get the look:
1. Apply a mousse (Nixon likes ColorProof LiftIt Color Protect Foam Mousse) to damp roots to give hair body. For added control and shine, use a protectant like Oribe Balm D'Or Heat Styling Shield from mid-lengths to ends.
2. Blow dry using a vented round brush, lifting hair away from the head to pump up the volume. (Find the best brush for you with Hair Brushes 101.)
3. Create extra texture and body by applying dry shampoo, such as Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, in sections. Back-comb the top and crown to create height, leaving a one-inch lock of hair out in front.
4. Gather hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic; cover the elastic with a lock from the ponytail and pin to secure.
5. Finish with an all-over spritz or shine spray, such as Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray.
Modern ballet bun
Lauren Thompson, stylist at Nunzio Salon, says this look can be worn smooth and polished or wavy and bohemian, depending on your hair's natural texture.
How to get the look:
1. Spritz roots with a volumizing spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturing Spray. Pull hair into a medium-high ponytail, and secure with an elastic.
2. Back-comb the ponytail to create volume.
3. Twist hair and curl it into a bun around the base of the ponytail.
4. Secure underneath the bun with pins. You can let the ends fall freely instead of tucking them in for a more carefree style.
5. Finish with a non-stiff hairspray, such as R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray, to add extra hold. On superhumid days, consider adding an all-over spritz with a frizz-control formula, such as R+Co Foil Frizz + Static Control Spray.
Bride's bun
Though Thompson uses this romantic style on a lot of brides, she swears that it's deceptively simple.
How to get the look:
1. Spritz roots with a volumizing spray (try Oribe Dry Texturing Spray), and hydrate locks from mid-length to ends with a hair oil, such as Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe.
2. Section off your hair from the ear forward. Put the rest of your hair into a low ponytail at the back, and then twist it into a bun, securing underneath with pins.
3. Take pieces from the front sections, wrap them back over the top of the bun, and secure with pins. If you choose to leave a tendril down in front, use a curling iron or your finger to create a loose wave.
4. Apply hairspray (try Living Proof Control Hairspray) and a shine treatment (we like Evo Love Touch Shine Spray).
Beachy twist
Give the traditional French twist an easy, breezy summer update. This version from Johnny Lavoy, a celebrity hairstylist at Pro Beauty Tools, looks best when imperfect.
How to get the look:
1. Spritz hair with a texturizer such as Living Proof Instant Texture Mist or Redken Beach Envy Volume Wave Aid.
2. Use a curling iron (Lavoy likes the Pro Beauty Tools Professional 1" Gold Curling Iron) to define waves from crown to mid-length.
3. Finger comb your hair to soften the waves and spray lightly with a brushable hairspray (try Pantene Pro-V Air Spray).
4. Gather hair into a ponytail at the back of your head and twist it tightly starting from the base and pulling up.
5. Secure the top of the twist to your head with a pretty barrette, and add bobby pins horizontally underneath the twist to hold the style.
Twisted tousle bun
This chic style, shared by Pureology pure artist Sandra Joseph, is perfect for a cocktail party or a casual summer BBQ.
How to get the look:
1. Apply a mousse (Joseph uses Pureology Root Lift) to dry hair, and then blow dry smooth. For added shine and hold, apply a dime-size amount of shine serum, like Colour Stylist Cuticle Polisher Shine Serum. Create a left-side part and slice, parting to the lower right-side corner. Then gather all the hair in the large section and secure it into a low ponytail.
2. Gather 1-2 inches of hair around the fringe, wrap loosely, and secure with a clip. Gather remaining hair into a ponytail behind the right ear.
3. Twist both ponytails, and add elastics to the ends.
4. Wrap both ponytails into low buns and secure with pins. Lightly pull apart the buns to create a piecey look.
5. Release the fringe and twist, then secure the ends with an elastic. Wrap this section around the two buns. Secure with pins, and loosen with fingers to soften the look.
6. Finish with a mist of hairspray.
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