Even though it feels like we spend the majority of our year waiting for the summer months to roll around, the mad rush of summer beauty prep somehow still manages to sneak up on us. Whether you're rushing to top up on fake-tan or scrambling to book in at your local nail bar, the onset British Summer Time can send even the most sane of us into a beauty frenzy.
But panic not! When it comes to levelling up your summer hairstyle game, the runways are a plentiful resource for seasonal inspiration that you can bookmark and call upon when your summer plans get in full swing. Be it mermaid-inspired tendrils, precisely placed plaits or head-turning accessories, the catwalk has something for everyone.
'We’re experiencing some real 1970s and 1980s nostalgia at the moment,' says Neil Moodie, hairstylist and founder of The Neil Moodie Studio. 'Fringes and mullet styles are influencing some of the most popular trends right now, including the ‘Mixie’. This is a shorter version of the mullet, married with the pixie haircut.'
'Colour in general will remain fun and experimental, which is perhaps a reflection of our need for some post-pandemic playfulness. It’s about lifting spirits and so we’ll see more bright colours being embraced.'
When it comes to looking after your hair in the summer months, there are some pro tips and tricks that will help to keep humidity at bay and control the random attacks of frizz. Enter award-winning hairstylist Charlotte Mensah's ultimate dos and don'ts:
- 'Try wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before you sleep. If you don’t wrap your hair before you go to bed whilst you’re asleep the pillow will absorb the moisture from your hair. This means that when you wake up your hair will appear dry, resulting in the need to apply more products and heat in an attempt to banish frizz.'
- 'Apply overnight conditioner or nourishing mask and oils to lock in moisture.'
- 'Minimise heat styling, heat styling can wear away hair’s cuticles, so it becomes dry, frizzy and breaks.'
We've rounded up the easiest summer hairstyles guaranteed to get you through every event from weddings to work, to working out, no matter what the weather decides to do.
Bow Out
At Giambattista Valli, volumised ponytails were secured two-fold with white ribbons for a statement updo that's perfect if you're headed to a summer wedding.
Sea Glass Pastels
While the cuts at Loewe might only be for the most adventurous, we can't stop lusting over the sea-glass inspired pastels in washed out pink, marine blue and sea kelp green.
The Sophisticated Scarf
At the SS22 shows, hair scarves reigned supreme as the chosen styling accessory. Bad hair day? Put a scarf over it. Want to elevate your outfit? Add a hair scarf. We love Rixo's glamorous yet simple styling of their patterned fabric.
Sculptural Wave Fringe
While the Gen Z vs Millennial hair parting argument rages on, the runways have clearly signalled the side parting as this summers hairstyle; Valentino paired this with a 1920s inspired gravity defying waved fringe.
Barrette Core
For an elegant look that takes no time at all, slick hair back into a low bun with a middle parting and finish with crystal barrettes on either side à la Simone Rocha.
Football Fever
Granted, football isn't the first sport that springs to mind when you look for beauty inspiration, but as it turned out for AW22, pitch-worthy hairstyles were everywhere. At David Koma, hairstylist Kenna took inspiration from Kiera Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham, using a zig-zag hair band to pull hair away from the face and a styling cream through the ends to give it a slightly wet, textured finish.
Triple Threat Plaits
While you might need someone to lend a hand to achieving this look, we love the Rapunzel meets Game of Thrones vibe from Cecilie Bahnsen's show.
Skunk Hair
This might be a trend we thought we left behind with the 2000s, but this time around the skunk hair is decidedly less emo and more street style.
Braided Band
When you just can't seem to find the right hair accessory, take notes from the Gucci Cruise AW22 and use your own hair to weave a hairband that looks straight out of Woodstock.
Just The Tip
If don't fancy fully committing to a summer pastel, why not dip your toe (or in this case, your fringe) into the shade like the models at Palm Angels AW22.
Beachy Tendrils
Beach waves might be a classic go-to summer hairstyle, but Altuzarra switched it up by making the wispy baby hairs the focus of this soft and romantic look.
Trailing Plaits
Rebel against gravitational rules when it comes to plaits this season by looping them around your crown before leaving them to trail down the back of your neck.
Mermaid Hair
For a fairytale-inspired twist on the wet hair trend, embellish your gelled tresses with antique gems and ribbons.
Chignon Braids
If a busy summer schedule leaves you lusting after a pared-back look, try pinning your braids into a bun at the nape of your neck.
Mohawk Plaits
Keep things straight down the line with this punk take on the french plait.
Middle Part Pixie
The pixie cut is turning out to be one of SS21's hottest hair trends, and whoever said you can only wear short hair one way clearly wasn't paying attention. Switch up a typical pixie with a playful middle part and logo clips for a shorter version of Margot Tenenbaum's accessorised 'do.
Wrap It Up
When the rain (inevitably) ruins your best made summer plans, keep your hairstyle under wraps with a printed silk scarf.
Pearl Band
For the chicest way to keep your hair off your face this summer, take note from Giambattista Valli's double pearl headband. Because pearls are always appropriate.
Poolside Slick
Never got along with not getting your hair wet in the pool? Now is your time to shine; embrace the wet-look and style your hair apropos Acne.
With Bows On
This season's biggest accessory? Tying it all up with a bow, as seen at Giambattista Valli and Chanel.
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