The trifecta of heat, humidity and sun means summer is still going strong—the last thing you want is a hairdryer in your face right now. But if you've spent any time browsing Pinterest lately, you know there are plenty of styles that don't require plugging in a single hot tool.
We love these modern ponytails and braids that look way more complicated than they actually are. Plus: new ways to rethink basic hair accessories like clear elastics and bobbies are sure to inspire you in the coming days. Scroll through these popular pins on how to give your hair a much-needed break from your blowdryer, straightener or curling iron. Learn the surprisingly simple DIY steps, then follow SELF on Pinterest to find more looks we're into right now.
For a chic pony that looks like it took you all morning to do (in actuality: just seconds!), run a shine serum like Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream ($49) through your hair to smooth out flyaways, then pull it all back with a metallic cuff ponytail holder.
Original pin from Brit Morin from brit.co
This '90s staple is making a cool comeback thanks to celebs like Khloe Kardashian and Cara Delevingne who have recently been spotted sporting them out and about. To get the look, comb a flexible texturizing cream like Aveda Light Elements ($24) through your hair to give it some grip. Flip your hair upside down and create a loose three-piece braid until you reach the crown of your head. Then, toss your hair back over and create a messy bun or ponytail to keep with the effortless vibe. Add a colorful handkerchief to keep short layers out of your face in the summer heat.
Original pin by Vivian Jiang from tumblr.com
To make the most of natural post-beach waves, spritz on Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo ($11) all over second-day hair to add volume and lift. Create a low ponytail and secure loosely at the nape of your neck. Use your hands to gently pull apart your hair above the ponytail holder to create an opening. Flip the end of the ponytail into the opening and pull it through to create a simple twist. Twist random sections to mask the holder and pin in place.
Original pin from thenletitbe.tumblr.com
With this gorgeous bun, no one at the office will be able to tell you slept through your alarm this morning. Blast day-old hair with volumizing spray—try: Photo Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray ($29)—and toss it back into a low messy bun with bobby pins. Then accent the style with three matching statement bobbies above your ear to not only pull back shorter layers, but to add a touch of color. Try a chic combo of neutral pins for a conservative office space or a mix of neons for a more creative work environment.
Original pin by Catherine Torres from thenletitbe.tumblr.com
Let a few natural flyaways from air-dried hair work to your advantage with this pool-ready style. Create a messy French braid on the top half of your hair and then transition to a more structured fishtail braid through the ends. Blast it with hairspray—try: TRESemme Tres Two Hair Spray ($4)—to keep it in place.
Original pin by Clara Stevens from socialsurvival.tumblr.com
For a fun weekend look, sleep in braids the night before and wake up with pretty waves. Then spray hair with a temporary, quick-dry tint like Bumble and Bumble Spray Chalk in Blush ($19) to take it up a colorful notch. A simple fishtail braid on the side enhances the bright hue.
Original pin from designlovefest.com
Use a lightweight wax like Pantene Texturizing Sculpting Wax ($5) on towel-dried hair and separate hair into two pigtails. Braid each pigtail into two classic three-piece braids. Use a few bobby pins to secure the first braid across the nape of your neck, then criss-cross the other braid over it to the other side. Tuck in the ends of the tails to make it look like a seamless loop.
Original pin by Emiily from byrdie.com
If you have long hair, a few smart elastics can go a long way. Use clear bands like Goody Ouchless Elastic Bands ($4) to create the illusion of a bubble pony. Brush hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Measure about two inches down and secure another elastic. Afterwards, gently pull out the hair in between the elastics to create the bubble shape. Continue down the length of the pony until you reach the end.
Original pin by Carla Talbot from refinery29.com
This effortless half-up hair bun is a gorgeous way to show off a fresh ombré dye job. Simply spritz on Batiste Dry Shampoo ($8) to soak up greasy roots and give a slight wave to your ends. Then throw half your hair up into a ponytail, but leave the ends tucked in.
Original pin by Camille Normandin from fashiontartare.ca
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Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pinterest
