Holiday hair: Easy up-dos that work in hot weather

It's official, the ubiquitous topknot just won't cut it any more, when it comes to piling your hair up: this summer, up-dos come with an added twist.

Backstage at the spring/summer 16 shows, there was a big shift from 'nothing' hair to 'proper' 'dos. But don't panic; you don't need hairstylist skills to ride the new up-do movement. The season calls for a more relaxed vibe, so imperfections, flyaways and wayward strands are all positively encouraged (phew).

This is the perfect time of year to experiment with hair-up looks, according to Indira Schauwecker, Toni&Guy's international artistic director: "Up-dos keep hair away from areas like foreheads and necks, that usually get hot and sticky in summer.

"Whether you're doing beach, wedding or festival, you can just leave the style all day. The messier it gets, the better."

Time to up the hair ante for summer...

HAIR DECOR

Bling is the new thing when it comes to elevating a plain bun or chignon twist in seconds. Just add shiny brooch-like accessories in random places.

"Going heavy on the oversized jewels is a great way to transform an easy up-do into a statement look," says Indira. "Add height to the crown of the hair and keep the sides sleek and modern so it doesn't look too fussy."

HAIR KIT: Toni&Guy Black Widow Hair Grip, £16 (toniandguy.com); Superdrug Hair Grips x 30, £1.39 (superdrug.com); label.m Hold & Gloss Spray, £12.50 (labelm.com)

BRAIDY BUNCH

Braids are your no-fuss style for summer, because they won't budge. Take a French plait to the next level with a double-sided braid starting at your temples. Wear both braids down or pin them up completely using grips, so it's more of a halo style.

"Full braid looks will see you through swim, sleep and everything in-between - it doesn't frizz or spoil when you perspire, and looks even better when it's worn in," Indira advises.

"Try pulling the braid apart slightly with your fingers after styling, to create the illusion of fuller hair."

Hair kit: Redken Braid Aid 03 Defining Lotion, £17 (redken.co.uk); Michael Van Clarke Lifesaver UV Leave-In Styling Treatment, £19.50 (3moreinches.co.uk); Invisibobble Nano Hair Ties, £3 (topshop.com)

I'M WITH THE BAND

No matter whether you remember it from first time around, Nineties girl half-up, half-down hair is well and truly back - and it's ideal if you don't like your hair pulled off your face completely.

"This look is cool and fun, but also really easy to recreate at home," assures Schauwecker. "Faux side burns are another big trend at the moment so leave hair falling in front of the ears for a lived-in, relaxed look."

Keep things playful for summer with bold, bright hair ties that punctuate your look.

Hair kit: label.m Texturising Volume Spray, £13.50 (labelm.com); Windle & Moodie Texture Cream, £15 (windleandmoodie.com); Toni&Guy Colour Me Happy Hair Ties, £10 (toniandguy.com); Superdrug Metal Free Hair Bands, £2.29 for pack of 18 (superdrug.com)

HAIR-UP HACKS

Still not sure about wearing your hair up? Indira has these five top tips

1. Don't be afraid to experiment. Play around and see what suits you - if it doesn't work, you can take it down.

2. Whether you want glossy or lived in, use styling products to accentuate cool texture in your hair.

3. Focus on smaller areas of the hair where you can create pops of detail, whether it's a braid, twist, or adding a killer accessory.

4. Experiment with height in your up-do, as this can really accentuate your face shape.

5. Give your hair an up-do treatment. If you're wearing braids, use a leave-in conditioner before plaiting to moisturise and protect your hair all day.

For more hair-up help, visit Toni&Guy's salon finder at toniandguy.com/salon-finder