5 Scandi-Inspired Updos To Beat The Heat
Discover the effortless hairstyles that beat the heat without compromising on style, as seen on the streets of Copenhagen Fashion Week – from sculptural buns and sleek ponytails to the fabric hair accessories bringing a playful fashion-forward finish. By MALENA HARBERS
While the street-style set at Copenhagen Fashion Week continue to redefine summer dressing with sequin and tulle skirts, oversized cargo pants and fringe bags seen everywhere, it’s the low-effort, high-impact updos that are quietly leading the beauty conversation. Think sculptural buns, minimalist ponytails and messy twists that hold their shape through heatwaves and humidity alike. “The overall look is intentionally undone,” says A-list hairstylist Belle Cannan of London hair hotspot Salon Sloane. “And, equally, they’re weatherproof – pulled back and off the face, but with softness and a sense of ease.”
Start with good prep
To create these summer-ready styles, Cannan advises to put the most effort into your pre-styling routine: “Use the right tools to smooth, build texture and hold shape without overworking your hair.” Her top product picks include Hair Rituel by Sisley’s The Brush, to smooth and detangle lengths before sweeping them into a bun or sleek ponytail; a few drops of the brand’s Precious Hair Care Oil for a professional radiant shine and finish; a volumizing or texturizing spray used on dry hair to create or boost texture; and, both before and after you’ve secured your hair in place, a misting of Hair Rituel by Sisley’s Invisible Hold Hairspray for a natural and flexible hold (and another hit of shine). “In order to master that minimalist Scandi look, think less is more – don’t overstyle your hair,” she stresses. Here, the five Scandi-approved styles we’ll be copying all month…
The messy French twist
This isn’t your classic ’80s-style, teased-to-perfection iteration. Instead, make it middle-parted, loose, and add a clip for a fresh, seasonal twist. To copycat the look, “start by simply pulling hair into a low or mid-height ponytail,” says Belle. “Then twist the hair upwards to create a pleat; or roll and secure it against the head with a claw clip instead of traditional hair pins. The key is letting pieces fall out, so it looks undone with natural texture.”
The sleek ponytail
“One of fashion’s staple hairstyles, the sleek ponytail elevates the face, always looks elegant and works from morning to night,” says Cannan. “Plus, it only takes five minutes once you’ve mastered the art of doing it.” Start with clean dry hair and spritz it with a light hold hairspray. “Next, section the hair and spray the hairspray over each section before using a bristle brush to pull the hair up to the crown. Tie your ponytail in place, leaving the ends loose. To finish, lightly spray the brush and gently run it through the pulled-back, front section of hair to smooth any loose strays.” This look is especially pretty if your ends are left loose with their natural texture.
Ribbons, scarves and scrunchies
Hair accessories took on a more tactile, fashion-first approach this season, with street style stars tying thick ribbons, patterned scarves and colorful scrunchies around braids, undone buns and pulled-back ponytails. This simple styling choice felt distinctly Scandi: effortless, functional and subtly expressive. Whether in silk, denim or bandana print, these hair ties add just the right amount of interest to any updo. “It’s a nod to personal style without disrupting the understated mood that defines the season’s beauty approach,” agrees Cannan.
The braided top knot
This high-sitting top knot is the ultimate protective-meets-polished style for textured hair. Sculptural yet effortless, it lifts braids off the neck (and out of the heat), while embracing natural volume and shape. Before twisting braids into place, use a texturizing spray for added grip to help them stay in place better.
The pulled-back bun
Polished, sculptural, and endlessly versatile, the slicked-back bun is a timeless summer hairstyle. Whether worn low at the nape of the neck or high on the crown, the look is all about a smooth, high-shine base. “Use a nourishing hair oil to get that ultra-sleek finish,” says Cannan. “Pull your hair tightly into a ponytail, then twist it into a simple knot, securing it with pins for a minimalist mood – or opt for a vibrant silk scrunchie if you’re leaning into something more maximal.” Let flyaways come out of the bun itself for that just-swept-up effect.
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