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."
:: HJ's British Hairdressing Awards are now in their 31st year. Nominees selected for the 2015 title include: Darren Ambrose, Errol Douglas MBE, Mark Hayes, Akin Konizi, Mark Leeson, Jamie Stevens and Gary Hooker & Michael Young. Past winners include John Frieda, Trevor Sorbie and Charles Worthington. For more information, visit www.hji.co.uk/BHA2015
TRIED & TESTED
Pocket-sized and face-friendly? We put three SPF minis to the tests.
:: Nivea Sun Protect & Bronze Face Cream SPF30 or 50, £6.50 for 50ml (Boots)
This dinky tube fits nicely in your palm. I tried the SPF50 and the creamy consistency is pretty thick, so required some rubbing in, but you're rewarded with a fresh, holiday fragrance and non-greasy finish.
4/5
:: Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid SPF15 or 30, £12 for 50ml (Boots)
I loved the accurate dispenser on this skinny tube - ideal for throwing in my handbag. The super-lightweight formula absorbs instantly, making it perfect for quickly applying over or under make-up.
5/5
:: Vichy Ideal Soleil Velvety Cream SPF50, £14.50 for 50ml (Boots)
Best suited for dry skin, this high SPF hydrates like a moisturiser but doesn't leave a sticky finish. I'm usually quite sensitive to face SPFs (eye watering/redness) but didn't have any problems with this.
4/5
BUY IT NOW
Make holiday packing a breeze with The Perfume Society's limited edition Jet Set Box. The edit is ideal for fragrance-loving globetrotters, with nine mini scents, like The Library Of Fragrance Salt Air and Creed Virgin Island Water. Available from July 17 to non-subscribers for £15 with free delivery (VIP subscribers, £10). Visit perfumesociety.org/shop/
BEAUTY BULLETIN
:: ASSISTANT SWERVE
When it comes to beauty retail therapy, half of people (52 per cent) shop online to avoid pushy sales assistants, while more than a third (36 per cent) say they buy via the web due to a lack of time, according to a new vouchercloud.com survey. From Sunday to Tuesday is when most (46 per cent) online beauty sales are made, with Tuesday the most popular day to order those new cosmetics, potions and perfumes - leaving plenty of time to ensure they arrive by the weekend.
:: STEAL OF THE WEEK
Update your make-up bag for under £10, with the cheap but oh-so cheerful Essence range at Wilko. For a tenner, you could pick up: Soft & Natural Foundation, £3.30; Blusher, £2.50; Mascara, £2; Glossy Lip Balm, £1; and a Kajal Eye Pencil, £1 (oh, and you'll have 20p change). Visit wilko.com
