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Easy Summer Updos That'll Save You from Sweaty Hair

There's a risk you take when you wear your hair down on a hot summer day. Not only is it horrifically uncomfortable, but the sweat from your neck inevitably drenches the back of your head, making it look like you just walked out of a spin class, and your hair ends up going into a messy bun anyway.

In the summer, updos are practically essential. But you don't have to limit yourself to a standard ponytail every single day. There are so many more ways to pull your hair off your shoulders, as demonstrated by the likes of your favorite celebrities. And don't let the thought of creating an updo scare you — there are plenty of easy looks you can emulate this summer.

We spoke with Jennifer Lord, hairstylist and founder of Natural Hollywood to find out her favorite updos and how you can easily achieve them.

"Updos are ideal for summer [when] wearing off-the-shoulder and halter-top pieces because they give a refreshed look," says Lord. "[They] also thin your face and accentuate your cheekbones so you look regal."

Keep scrolling for 14 cute hot-day hairstyles to copy this summer.

Pineapple Bun

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Yara Shahidi swept up every single last coil into a giant pineapple bun. We love the ease of this look, and that even on a humid day, it gets better and better. To keep curls hydrated and frizz-free, try a curl refresher spray.

Halo Braid

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One easy updo that Lord recommends is a halo braid. This will keep your hair off your face in a sophisticated manner, and it's pretty easy to execute. Plus, it can work on pretty much all hair textures. It will require some braiding skill, but even if it doesn't look perfect, that's all the better anyway. A loose, messy crown like Kate Bosworth's will look chic but not too done, so you can still wear it with a day-to-day look.

Box-Braid Topknot

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If you're opting for a protective style this summer, box braids are a great, versatile choice, and there are plenty of ways to style these braids. But if you're not sure where to start, an elegant top knot like the one Gabrielle Union is sporting always does the trick. Curly and undone ends keep the look fresh and fun for summer.

Messy Bun

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Don't worry about frizz or flyaways. Those little hairs only make this hairstyle look better. Give your hair even more of a messy, undone texture by first spritzing in sea-salt spray, like this Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray before sweeping your hair up into a twist. Leave out any face-framing strands or style your bangs to complete the look, like Gigi Hadid.

The 'Fro Hawk

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Now is the time to embrace your natural curls. Lord says the 'fro hawk is a great way to embrace your hair's natural texture while adding a little bit of oomph to your everyday style. To create the look, partially pin your hair to the side or pull it into a high ponytail and pin it over as Lupita Nyong'o did here. Have short hair? Lord says to find a curly hair wig or extension and add to your short hair. "Make sure the texture and the color match when dealing with extensions," she advises.

Headscarf

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If the weather is too hot to handle and you want to keep your hair and sweat off your face while still looking sophisticated, try pulling it into a tight low bun or pony before accessorizing with a scarf, similar to Zendaya's look here. Match it to your outfit for a trendy monochromatic moment.

Curly Ponytail

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Embrace your natural hair while keeping it out of your face. A slicked-back front section with a curly ponytail, like Alicia Keys' here, will elevate any outfit while accentuating your facial features and collarbone. Keep your curls soft and shiny by following your wash with the Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask Creamy Deep Conditioner.

Messy High Ponytail

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Kim Kardashian is the queen of the messy, high pony. Kardashian's hairstylist Chris Appleton created this look by applying Color Wow Brass Banned Correct & Perfect Mousse for Dark Hair to enhance and define her hair texture. Then he added in loose waves with a curling iron before pulling the hair into a ponytail.

Loose Braid

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Camila Cabello's loose, undone braid goes perfectly with any LWD in your closet. Braids are always best created on second-day hair or hair that's a little dirty. After you create the braid, lightly spray L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold over the hairstyle to keep everything in place.

Tight Low Bun

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Chances are you won't be wearing a fascinator this summer, but you can still copy Meghan Markle's updo. Start with sleek, smooth hair pulled into a slightly off-center bun near the nape of your neck. Leave out a two-inch section of hair to wrap around the base to hide bobby pins or hair ties.

Pinned-Back Waves

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If you have bob-length hair, Selena Gomez's look is a great updo option. Loosely secure all your hair near the nape of your neck with bobby pins. Leave out your bangs or any shorter pieces towards the front to balance out the look.

Mini Pony

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So you can't pull all your hair into an updo? No problem. Copy Sarah Paulson with a mini pony accented by two parallel bobby pins. Create a "wet" or sleek texture by applying hair oil or styling cream, like OUAI Finishing Crème before pulling your hair back.

Top Braided Bun

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To copy Jasmine Sander's high bun, start by pulling your hair into a high ponytail. Then, fishtail braid the length of the hair. Wrap it around the base of the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins. A spritz of Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish should lock everything in place.

Braid Crown

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Emily Blunt's pretty updo requires a bit more braiding skill. To get the look, create two French braids on either side of your head, then tie them off in a braided bun at the nape of the neck. Lord recommends accessorizing the braid with a headband, barrette, or flowers. "Adding florals and accessories are also a summer vibe and go-to for updos," she says.

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Larita Shotwell

Update: 2024-06-21