At this time of year, one tweak to hair can make the difference between put-together or sweaty mess. But heatwaves and holidays can also be a good prompt to be a bit more daring and playful with your usual style.
Lacking inspiration? We pinned down three nominees for this year’s HJ British Hairdresser of the Year – aka the hair Oscars – so let them be your summer ‘do’ gurus. Read on for the top stylists’ DIY, no-salon-required tips for revamping hair in minutes.
IF YOU HAVE… LONG HAIR
Mark Leeson, the reigning HJ British Hairdresser of the Year for 2014, describes his hair aesthetic as “glamorous, directional and polished”.
“During the colder months, it’s much easier just to leave your hair down,” he says. “When it’s hot, it’s a great time to try out new plaits, braids and updos if you have longer hair.”
TOP SUMMER TRICK: “A really simple look is to simply take a section either side of the head, create two plaits and join them at the back of the head to create a daisy chain effect. Use tiny or chunky plaits – experiment to see what works best.”
FINISHING TOUCH: “I love playing with colour and purple is a big hit this summer, in pretty much any tone. If you don’t want to go bold, opt for pastel pieces or a dip-dye, to get colour without the commitment.”
SUMMER PRODUCT: “Embrace beachy textured hair by spritzing on KMS California Hairplay Sea Salt Spray, £13.15, lookfantastic.com. It’s brilliant for summer styling and festival-inspired hair.”
ULTIMATE HAIRSTYLE: “The long bob. It’s versatile, suits all ages and is bang on trend for 2015.”
IF YOU HAVE… SHORT HAIR
Jamie Stevens, resident hairstylist on The X Factor and three times winner of Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, has four nominations for British Hairdresser of the Year under his stylist belt.
“You only need to make slight changes to the way short hair is styled to make a real difference,” he states.
TOP SUMMER TRICK: “If your hair’s pretty short, wearing a quiff is a great way to keep your fringe off your face. Blow-dry your hair backwards in the direction of the quiff, using a small round brush to achieve as much height as possible.”
FINISHING TOUCH: “Accessories are really on trend and a great way to completely transform shorter hair. Slides, scarves and headbands are all popular at the moment.”
SUMMER PRODUCT: “My must-have styling product for shorter hair is Matrix Mega Dust Volume Texturiser, £10.99, lookfantastic.com. It keeps the hair in place from root to tip. Use a bit more product and it has the same effect as a dry shampoo, soaking up excess oil.”
ULTIMATE HAIRSTYLE: “The crop. It’s a classic, timeless style. Variations, from Twiggy to Charlize Theron to Jennifer Lawrence, show just how versatile short hair can be.”
IF YOU HAVE… AFRO HAIR
Errol Douglas MBE, nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year a record 19 times, entered the hair hall of fame by scooping Afro Hairdresser of the Year three times.
“Take advantage of the weather and have some fun with seasonal styling,” he suggests. “Keratin treatments for easier frizz control, new braid patterns, and day-to-night updos…”
TOP SUMMER TRICK: “Opt for simple styles that allow your hair to really repair and rest in the heat. Try a straight, slick back using a highly hydrating product, or more intricate braid. For something more dramatic, it’s easy to protect and hydrate afro hair with a gentle comb back to nape or crown.”
FINISHING TOUCH: “Experiment with using hair pieces to build drama for your summer look; Sleek and Balmain have exciting options for instant look-changers.”
SUMMER PRODUCT: “Intensely hydrating products are really key to control and style versatility with afro hair. For styling, I rate the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Serum Solide, £28.50, kerastase.co.uk.”
ULTIMATE HAIRSTYLE: “The Grace Jones natural precision cut. It’s edgy, timeless, bold, and incredibly flattering for the right face shape – oval, round or heart.”
