Heatwaves are sticky, sweaty and uncomfortable.
Anyone with hair longer than a bob will know the hassle your locks can cause when it comes to staying cool.
As temperatures soar, those with longer hair look to get as much of it off their face (and neck) as possible.
Thankfully, there’s a plethora of styles that work well in heatwave, from French braids to stylish ponytails.
And let’s not forget about accessories – clips, bows and headbands all work wonders when balmy weather hits.
We’ve rounded up a selection of styles, straight off Instagram, with details and expert tips on how to recreate them at home.
Dutch or French braids
When it comes to braiding there are so many different variations – but the two most popular are the French and Dutch styles.
The latter essentially resembles an inside-out French braid – standing out from the head rather than hugging it. Also, a Dutch braid goes under the middle strand, rather than over.
Both braiding styles, if done correctly, should hold for the entire day.
Ricky Walters, founder of SALON64, explains how to recreate the Dutch style at home – but he stresses hair should be brushed and tangle-free for best results.
He says: ‘Step 1 – split your hair in two, straight down the middle, drawing a line from the centre parting down to the nape of the neck with a comb. Using a large clip or a hairband clip, put half of your hair out of the way.
‘Step 2 – working on the side of your hair left down, take a section roughly 1-2cm thick at the front of your head – next to the middle parting. Then split this section into three even smaller sections, as if you were about to do a regular plait. We’ll call these sections 1 ,2 and 3.
‘Step 3 – using both hands hold section 1 and 2 in one hand and section 3 in the other.
‘Step 4 – we will start the braid like most regular plaits. However, instead of each section going over the middle they will go underneath one another. Section 1 ( furthest to the left) will go under the middle section followed by section 3 (furthest to the right) going under the middle section.
‘Once you’ve formed the base of your braid by finishing step 4, we will start to add new hair.
‘Repeating the method just like a usual braid, we will join hair to each side section we take. As you take your next section from the furtherest left or right you will grab the same amount of hair next to it and include this in your braid.
‘Every time you plait the hair underneath the middle section, work in another small piece of hair. The less hair you grab, the more intricate the braid will look.
‘Repeat this method on both sides until you have two tight braids.’
The low ponytail
For a minimalistic style, the low ponytail is a great fuss-free way to go.
While it might look effortless, it does require a little bit of work.
Ricky says: ‘Style your hair as you see fit, providing the hair is smooth and polished.
‘Then, using a natural bristle paddle brush, (this will prevent static), begin by gently brushing three quarters of the hair.
‘Have a hairband waiting around you wrist. Then brush the hair as low as possible to the nape of the neck with lots of tension and tie the hairband in place.
‘If you have shorter pieces in the front of your hair or a grown out fringe, I would leave these be – as they add an element of detail. However, you can loosely grip these out the way to prevent them falling on your face. ‘
A hair tie does the job just fine. But those looking for something a little extra can use a tiny strand of hair and wrap it around the hair-tie for a more polished look. Or accessorise with an oversized bow or ribbon.
Space buns
90s space buns are a great option for Afro hair in the heat.
Instagram user @baddest_beauty shows how to create them at home, using a few simple hair tools.
The great thing about the space bun style is that there’s plenty of room to be playful with accessories.
In her video, @baddest_beauty shows how she finishes her buns with some ball hair ties.
Alternatively, another way to style them is with a 90s accessory that’s making a comeback in 2020 – the butterfly hair clip.
Dutch braid in a bun
Those looking to go the extra mile with their heatwave hairstyles can turn a Dutch braid into a bun, as shown by hair stylist Megan Barker.
Jonathan Andrew, a celebrity hair stylist at Fudge Professionals, breaks the look down into a few simple steps.
He says: ‘Step 1 – separate the hair down the middle from front to back into two large sections.
‘Step 2 – moisten the hair with some Fudge Professional Sea Salt spray very lightly, this will help control the hair to braid and add texture when dry.
‘Step 3 – take a triangle section at the top (about two inches should be enough) and separate into three strands.
‘Step 4 – begin the braid [as explained by Ricky]. Continue to move down towards the back of the head with this braid.
‘A top tip here is, when adding hair as you go down, use a tail comb to take larger sections and add to one side then the next side as you move down, rather than trying to split the sections. Once at the nape of the head, secure in place with a band and repeat on the other side.’
He adds: ‘With the ponytail, twist into a spiral and then wrap around the base, securing in place with some grips. Spray some texture spray to the bun and lightly ruffle to give a softer finish.’
The high ponytail
Most people with shoulder-length hair know how to put it in a ponytail. But how do you give an updo a little more finesse?
Hair stylist Ralphie shows how to create a perfect-looking high pony on her Instagram page – all you need it a brush, hair tie, some pliable hair paste (or whatever product of preference) and hairspray.
Hair accessories
Don’t underestimate the power of hair accessories.
From an assortment of clips to scrunchies and silk hair bands – all of these work wonders for pinning hair back from the face.
Do you have a beauty story to share?
Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.
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