It’s hard to believe that we’re talking about the end of summer already — didn’t it just start? — but I guess we should be used to life moving at lightning speed by now.
What makes end-of-summer styling a bit trickier than start-of-summer styling is the texture of your hair. A season of sun and surf has probably left your hair looking dry, dull and damaged. While we’re well-versed in protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, protecting our hair can often fall by the wayside. Yet, on average, hair is three times more exposed to UV rays than skin*. Thankfully there’s a simple solution: using a turbo-charged conditioner — like Pantene 3 Minute Miracle — to restore that start-of-summer shine.
With your locks back in pre-summer shape, here are eight celebrity hairstyle how-tos (that don’t require a professional) to try now.
Meghan Markle’s messy bun works for every end-of-summer occasion: last-chance beach days, brunch dates, BBQs or even official royal duties! Simply pull hair into a loose ponytail (use your fingers instead of a brush to avoid losing your hair’s natural texture) and divide hair into four sections. Gently tease each section using a boar bristle brush to create added volume and oomph, then twist all segments into a bun securing with an elastic and bobby pins, if needed. Pull a few face-framing strands loose à la Meghan for an undone (yet gorgeous) effect.
UV rays can be harsh on hair so we tend to resort to wearing it up by the time end of summer rolls around, but with the right products you can pull off Drew Barrymore’s smooth and shiny half ponytail style. Start by using an ultra-nourishing nourishing shampoo such as Pantene Smooth & Sleek Shampoo, $6.99, and follow with Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Smooth & Sleek Conditioner, $6.99, which can help repair up to three months of damage in just three minutes. Air-dry or blow-dry your hair straight, then use a comb to divide hair horizontally into two sections at the top of your ears. Pull the top section into a ponytail, smoothing any lumps with your hands or a comb, and tightly secure with a hair elastic.
The Crown‘s Claire Foy demonstrates how to stylishly grow out a summer fringe with her side-pinned crop. Follow suit by twisting a fringe (or sections of your hair) to the side and pin back with bobby pins. Jazz up the look with coloured or metallic hair slides like Kitsch Straight Bobby Pins, $12.
Chrissy Teigen’s playful top knot is a chic option for balmy nights out when it’s too hot to deal with hot styling tools. (It’s also a great way to disguise unwashed hair!). Start by pulling hair into a high pony at the crown and secure with an elastic. If working with clean hair, spritz a texturising spray through the lengths to give your bun that mussed-up sexiness and loosely twirl it out to create your top knot. Pin into place and “pull” the bun with your fingertips to make the bun bigger and less perfect. Voilà, you’re done! Though we highly recommend a slick of bright lipstick like Chrissy.
Alicia Vikander’s lived-in waves are the ultimate end-of-summer style, perfectly embodying the season’s low-fuss vibes. To get beachy waves at home start by spraying damp hair with sea salt spray. Then, depending how much time you have, twist your hair into Björk-style knots or mini braids and leave to air-dry. (You can always do it before bed too and remove them in the morning.) If you’re running low on time, scrunch into your hair and dry on a low heat with a diffuser. Avoid brushes and use your fingers to separate the waves or style.
If you plan to spend all of winter hibernating in front of Netflix (same), go out with a bang and make a style statement with a faux-bob effect embellished ponytai like Jessica Biel’s. It’s a clever way to test-try a shorter style before actually committing to the chop. All you need to do is pull your hair back into a ponytail, tying the elastic about 15cm below the nape of your neck. Then wrap black ribbon or twine around the ponytail, covering the elastic. The result? A high-fashion look that takes less than five minutes!
Pippa Middleton’s curly ends give her look a distinct holiday feel — the best way to prolong that summer lovin’ feeling. Want in? Use some medium-sized hot rollers (try Remington Pro Shine Hot Rollers, $49.95) through the ends of your hair. Then part your hair to the side and pull back into a half-up style if you wish. Use a clear hair elastic if you do pull your hair back to keep the full focus on the feminine end flicks.
Reese Witherspoon’s glam up ‘do proves ponytails shouldn’t be reserved for the gym or bad hair days. With a tousled texture and face-framing fringe, the style will add a casual coolness to any summer party look. Curl the mid-lengths to ends of your hair using a tong or straightener (don’t forget the heat protector first!) before pulling your hair up into a high ponytail. Leave the front couple of inches out and spray all over with a flexible hold hairspray.
Brought to you by Pantene
**P&G Research & Development. Based on surface area of hair being more than 3x that of skin.*
