With the sun shining and the flowers blooming, it seems summer has finally decided to say hello (yippee!). Now, as temperatures are becoming reasonable and we are no longer freezing our bums off, we can come out of hibernation and take pride in our appearance again. For me, the summer means shopping for new clothes, tanned legs, and experimenting with my hair. Last year I fell in love with the dip-dye craze, but this year I have developed a weakness for gypsy braids and bohemian messy up-dos. Here are a list of my favourite styles. Roll on summer…
Classic Braid
To get Amanda Seyfried’s classic, tousled braid, your hair should have lots of body before you start. Use plenty of mousse throughout for ultimate volume. Make a deep side part; if you normally wear your hair to the left, switch to the right, and vice versa. Styling your hair in the opposite direction of what it’s used to will give a bit of natural lift at the root. Gather hair at the base of the neck and make a loose braid as you normally would. Then, with fingers, tug and separate the braid all over so it becomes messy and uneven—giving it the tousled mermaid look. Its as simple as that.
Sock bun
This is such a classic look that I like to use all-year-round. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a gorgeous ballerina bun? While the term “sock bun” doesn’t sound too appealing, there is no easier way to fake the big bun effect — especially if you have lifeless, flat strands (like me). There are hundreds of tutorials on YouTube on how to create the sock bun. However, I find the best way is the rolling technique. Using a bought hair doughnut or home-made sock bun, pull hair back into a ponytail and pull the ends of your pony through the hole in the centre of the ring. Spread the tips of your hair over the doughnut and tuck under, covering the doughnut. Slowly roll the doughnut down towards the base. With each flip downward, your hair will roll along with the ring, dispersing over the fabric. Pin hair at the base to secure the bun. For a more bohemian look, why not braid a small amount of hair and wrap it around your bun.
Ponytail with French braid
French braiding the sides of your messy ponytail will give your look more texture and allow a beachy feel. The best part is unwashed hair is ideal for this effect as it already has a messy texture. Perfect for lazy people like me! Spritz dry shampoo at the roots of your hair to boost volume. Split your hair from ear to ear, and tie your lower half out of the way. Then, split the top layer of hair into three equal sections: left, center, and right. Clip the middle section out of the way, then French braid the left section of hair, starting from your hairline until you reach the back of your head, where your pony would sit. Pin to secure, then repeat on the other side. Pull the bottom half of hair into a ponytail at the crown. Then braid the three top sections together and wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, hiding the elastic. Sounds complicated but it’s definitely worth taking the time to perfect it.
The Sleek Fishtail
A braid like Kelly Rowland’s is the perfect way to stay—and look—cool on hot summer days. Keep it sleek and polished to go seamlessly from poolside to bar. Blow-dry hair using fingers until it’s three-quarters of the way dry, then work in mousse from root to end. Use a paddle brush to finish blow-drying and smoothing strands. Make a deep side part and swoop the rest of your hair over to the opposite side, slightly behind your ear. To start the fishtail braid, divide hair into two sections. Work your way down by taking a thin piece from the outside right section and joining it with the left. Next do the reverse: take a thin piece of hair from the left section and join it with the right. Continue until you have about 1 inch left at the end and then secure with an elastic. This is perfect for summer festivals – stylish and will cover-up your greasy hair.
Bohemian Braids
This 360-degree braided headband is a favourite for celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Emma Watson, but I have always been intimidated by how hard this looks to perfect. However it is much easier then it looks, and after a few practices, you will be able to easily nail it. Start by running a dollop of texturizing cream through your damp hair to smooth frizz and keep strands from slipping out of the braided crown. Starting just above the right ear, French braid a two-inch section of hair all the way around the hairline until you reach your starting point. With the remaining hair, continue braiding the section into a regular plait (that is not attached to your head) and secure ends with a clear elastic. Lay this braid right along the inner rim of the French braid, and keep it in place with bobby pins. For a really summery feel, add flowers and beads.
Classic Ponytail
The classic ponytail is the perfect hair style for summer – it’s easy, effortless, and will keep you cool. For a pony like Miranda Kerr, tip your head upside down and messily tie-up. For volume, back-comb your crown and spritz with hairspray.
Curly Buns
For a classic bohemian look why not try these easy-peasy curly buns. Simply separate your hair into three and twist the sections round to form a bun. Pin to your crown at the base of your neck. Don’t worry about strands coming loose, the messier the better.
Side-parting Siren
For an effortless and at-the-beach look this summer, simply leave your hair to dry naturally. This will form loose and tousled waves. To create volume side-part your hair and back-comb. And then enjoy sunbathing around the pool.
Cascade Braid
I think braids are one of the easiest and versatile styles to wear this summer. The cascade/waterfall braid is really easy to do on yourself, and others, and you can switch it up a bit to match your style. Begin with a standard 3 strand braid. After 3 or 4 weaves, drop a strand. Gather a new strand that pulls the braid toward your wanted direction. Repeat as many times as necessary until you get your desired shape. It really is as easy as that!
Headbands
Headbands, scarves and flowers are the perfect hair accessories for summer. Update an up-do with a girly headband for a festival, lunch with friends, or an afternoon shopping.
Enjoy the sunny weather guys!
Made By Katie 