The best summer up-dos to beat the heat

The blue skies may be sporadic – but this summer’s heat and humidity certainly isn’t budging. Staying comfortable throughout these sticky and slightly insufferable summer days is essential. This weather calls for lightweight linens and ensuring your hair doesn’t hang heavy.

From low-maintenance buns to ponytails fit for a royal – we hear from leading hairstylists on the best summer up-dos to beat the heat this season.

Slicked-back bun

To create the look, “Simply combine a hair gel and serum together and brush this through the front section of the hair with a soft bristle brush, slicking the hair back before securing a ponytail at the neck nape,” says Suzie McGill, artistic director at hairdresser Rainbow Room International.

“The ponytail can then be twisted into a ballerina-style bun before pinning into place with hair pins. I then like to mist a strong-hold finishing spray to set the style, ensure there are no flyaways and give the look added shine.”

OSiS Session Extra Strong Hold Hairspray 500ml, £9.90, Salons Direct

Plaited ponytail

Kevin Murphy Powder.Puff 14g, £27

Undone bun

The trick to the perfect undone bun is to be light-handed. “It’s a good idea to lightly backcomb some of your hair before styling into your bun, or mist through some texturising spray to give your hair added volume and grit before creating your bun,” advises McGill.

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray 95ml, £16, Look Fantastic

Tousled tail

“Then, go in with a dry shampoo to give your hair added texture and volume before securing your hair into a ponytail. To finish, I like to apply serum or oil into the front section of the hair to slick back any frizz and flyaways, alongside a light mist of hairspray.”

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray Travel Size 50ml, £16, Space NK

Hot weather hair essentials

To truly beat the heat you have to focus on humidity. Implementing heat-protection sprays that tame frizz and smooth flyaways is essential. When it comes to washing, McGill advises you keep hair hyper-hydrated to ensure smoothness, “The Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Clean Moisture Kick Treatment is great – it rebalances the hair’s normal moisture levels, improves the overall hair condition and provides hair with intense nourishment and shine.”