Once summer weather hits, getting our hair in order can be a struggle. Not only are we dealing with the effects of humidity, but sweltering temperatures can also make wearing our hair down an impossible, ultra-sweaty feat.
Which is why we’re looking for fresh new ways to wear our hair up, going above and beyond the average topknot. Hairstylist David Cruz takes us through four unique summer updos to try to take our summer hair look to a totally new level—and, in the process, keep us nice and cool.
Read more about how he created each look, below.
Photo: Savanna Ruedy
Hair:David Cruz
Makeup: Sofiia Strykova
Stylist: Heather NewbergerModels: Chi and Olivia at Fenton, Janine at Bicoastal, and Alyssa at Marilyn
Hair Assistant:Julianne Laney
Makeup Assistant: Ifza Ishaq
Stylist's Assistant: Gabby Weis
Braiding is a surefire way to keep hair off the shoulders and neck and out of the way. But why not change things up a bit? For Alyssa’s look, Cruz was inspired by a classic French braid but decided to braid it upside down, working his way from the back of the head forward. “It makes for a cool silhouette—almost a little rockabilly.” Working with Alyssa's naturally curly texture, he amplified it with a wave spray to gain the perfect amount of control.
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Alyssa is wearing a Coach dress and a vintage brooch via The Shiny Squirrel (worn in hair).
Chi is wearing a Zara dress and Avocet Jewelry earrings. Alyssa is wearing a Coach dress and a vintage brooch via The Shiny Squirrel (worn in hair).
“Changing up your braids and mixing it up can keep your looks fresh all summer,” says Cruz. For Chi, he gave an average topknot a (literal) twist, by not only incorporating in a braid but a unique rope braid. Using a rough-drying mousse, he gave the look some manageable texture.
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Chi is wearing a Zara dress, Coach shoes, and Avocet Jewelry earrings.
Deciding on an updated version of the classic braid, Cruz amplified Olivia’s look with a fishtail braid, starting from the front of the head and braiding back. For her naturally straight hair, Cruz opted again for a rough-drying mousse to give it a cool texture that’s easy to manage.
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Olivia is wearing a Rachel Comey top and earrings, a Jason Wu dress, and The Shiny Squirrel bangles.
Janine is wearing a Coach dress and a vintage brooch via The Shiny Squirrel (worn in hair). Olivia is wearing a Rachel Comey top and earrings and The Shiny Squirrel bangles.
If you have an afro or short, curly hair, Cruz suggests working with your natural texture, opting for simple ideas that make a big impact. For Janine’s look, he pulled one side of her hair into three separate ponytails, using a piece of hair jewelry to tie it all together. “It creates a cool shape and makes your hair look a little more interesting.” To finish off the look, he used a shine product to add moisture and shine sans weighing it all down.
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Janine is wearing a Coach dress, a Nina Berenato Jewelry bracelet, and a vintage brooch via The Shiny Squirrel (worn in hair).
