These loose hairstyles are ideal if you like wearing your hair down, but want to jazz it up a bit
While summer hair styling trends tend to skip straight to messy buns and complicated braids, what happens if you prefer to let your hair loose?
Whether you’re currently sporting a chopped bob, middy length or XXL ends, hair left loose can feel understated, liberating and low-key romantic. Really, there’s nothing like a shoulder skimming crop, or tumbling relaxed waves to add a chilled-out element to your outfit and celebrate your hair length in all its glory.
So, if the average updo makes you feel a bit too prim, allow us to suggest some alternatives. First shake out any strict styling, next have a look at our solutions below. If you have zero minutes to pull something too fiddly out of the bag, a headband, hair bandana, stacked up slides or simple hair tuck can make all the difference and keep any flyaways out of your face in literal seconds.
If you're worried about your hair getting stuck to your face (we are in the middle of a heatwave, after all), half-up, half down combos are a hybrid fix that combine the best of both worlds. A half-up top-knot can give you some extra height if volume is something your struggle with. It can keep things from feeling too heavy if you have lots of hair, too. Half-up space buns are cute, summer friendly and pretty easy to achieve. You could even incorporate a braid or two. If you have the skill set (well done you), you might as well make the most of it. Bubble braids are the ‘big in thing’ this summer and they’re extra simple to do. Or double up with chunky plaits at the back, or micro braids to frame your face.
Here’s 13 of our favourite loose hairstyle ideas to wear your hair down...
@romaneinnc / InstagramLace headscarf
This ivory lace headscarf is the perfect way to keep hair in place while staying cool in the summer months.
@bel_pipsqueekinsaigon / Instagram90's pigtails
The half-up, half-down craze was the calling card of the 90's and this pigtail look is one of the cutest ways to wear the trend.
@jenniferbehr / InstagramBejewelled bow
For a fancy affair, invest in a bejewelled bow to tie back the front sections of hair.
@justinemarjan / InstagramThe double plaits
A basic plait can feel cool and modern when paired with loose hair. Try one on either side of your crown and to make them extra full and chunky, use your fingers to tease out the width or each braid.
@abrillrios / InstagramThe hair bandana
A hair scarf can be knotted into place in seconds, looks like you've made waaaaaaay more effort than you have and can hide greasy roots like a champ.
@brittsully / InstagramThe ear tuck
An ear tuck is the hair equivalent of a shirt tuck – it takes seconds, but its laid-back impact is not to be underestimated. The quickest short cut to cool-girl hair.
@diipakhosla / InstagramThe headband
What's not to love about a headband. It can incorporate colour or embellishment into an otherwise casual outfit, it can help to create the illusion of extra height at the crown, it can tuck extra flyaways back out the way and, like a bandana, it can hide second day hair or root regrowth. Wins all round.
@freshlengths / InstagramThe top knot
Hello XXL volume and respite from your fringe. The half-up top knot is fresh, modern and positively breezy.
@hairbyrachel__ / InstagramThe twist and clip
Twist the front section back and clip it up. Looks chic, dead simple.
@heybriajones / InstagramThe space buns
Super cute and perfect for summer. Split your hair in a middle part and twist a mini bun up either side. To make it look messier, pull your front sections or fringe out. Voila.
@merricksart / InstagramThe hair ribbon
A pretty way to make a tied back half-up ponytail look dreamy.
@roralovestrand / InstagramThe bubble braid
The braid of the season. Tie hair back into a half up ponytail, then add extra bobbles at intervals down the length. Tease each section with your fingers slightly for added oomf. Done.
@sincerelyjules / InstagramThe side clips
Stack up clips above your ear to keep your hair out of your face, without sacrificing on showcasing the length.
