I’m going to admit something here. Something I’ve never said out loud before–I actively avoid swimming regularly because of my hair. Yes, I know I can put on a swim cap and it’s not the end of the world but it seems like a faff and from memory they are kind of uncomfortable. Plus, vainly, they don’t usually gel with my summer aesthetic.
On holiday I’m more carefree. I’m all about rest and relaxation and don’t really stick to a hair and beauty regimen (but I never skip my SPF) so if I want to dip in the pool or sea and my hair gets a little wet, so be it, I roll with what I have to work with. I bring my travel beauty essentials along with me and post-swim I’ll concoct a style that’s simple enough to not require much product or manipulation but that looks like I’ve made a bit of effort for sundowners. Here are the best post-swim hairstyles you need to bookmark for your next summer holiday.
Whether you have a bob or waist length hair, hair-up styles should be a go-to in you roaster. Even if you haven’t had time for a post-swim rinse, it hides a multitude of summer hair concerns from frizz to dry ends and greasy roots–plus it’ll cool you down by keeping your hair off of the nape of your neck.
For this look a hair bungee will be less tight than a typical hair elastic and allow your ’fro to show all of its voluminous glory.
Use a styling cream to aid with calming any flyaways and twist hair at the crown before securing with a claw clip.
This style works across the hair-type spectrum, and if your hair swells when it comes in contact with water even better as this’ll give your bun more volume. The best thing with this style is not to over-complicate it, spritz with a light leave-in conditioner, scrape upwards and tie before folding hair either around or over itself and securing.
If in doubt, scrunch it out. If you can, opt for a silk or satin scrunchie as they’ll be gentler on your hair as strands are more delicate when they’re wet.
These make tying your hair a breeze, with no snagging involved.
This leaves lengths hydrated and conditioned, making it perfect for packing in your suitcase if you’re jetting away somewhere warm.
Silk scrunchies are much gentler on lengths than standard hair ties.
The benefits of plaited and braided styles post-swim are multi-layered. A pulled-together style, yes. But also, if you plait or braid while your hair is still damp, with styling products in and then once dry your hair will have beachy definition.
If you have wavy hair, rake some light mousse or cream through your lengths before plaiting for amazing waves when your hair is dry.
For these rope buns you’ll need to do two high pigtails, do a two-strand twist and then wrap around before securing with hair pins. If you have curly hair you can slick the front of your hair down with a little pomade.
Tie your post-swim style into your overall look with a vibrant ribbon. The easiest way to do this is tying your hair into a ponytail or pigtails and then looping your ribbon around the band before plaiting it into your hair.
A slicked back pony plait is the best option if you want your sun-soaked hair to recoup while you head for post-swim cocktails. Wash or rinse hair and apply your mask of choice, comb through and secure.
Fine hair is given a plumping boost by this hair mask, which also helps to repair sun-soaked lengths.
A mousse is great for adding body and enhancing your hair’s texture.
Perfect in warm climates, this anti-humidity pomade leaves curls defined while taming flyaways.
Ultimately the quickest way to style out a post-swim look and actually the savviest too. If you’re still going to be sat in the sun after swimming, a hat or scarf will protect your hair, especially if you have bleached or colour-treated hair.
A scarf is an excellent way to complete your outfit and protect your hair from the sun too. Bonus points if you can incorporate the tendrils trend as well.
While the lengths of my hair actually tend to behave themselves when splashed with a little water it’s my hairline that gets super frizzy, so a headband is an easy cover up for edges.
Arguably the ultimate poolside hair accessory for laidback luxe a bucket hat keeps your hair and scalp safe from the sun and requires zero effort–bonus.
A sun hat keeps hair and face protected in the most stylish way possible. Also a hat, whether a cap, bucket or sun hat is essential for protecting the scalp when your hair is in braids and your scalp is more exposed than normal.
So chic tied into the hair.
We’re taking this on all our summer holidays for the foreseeable.
The perfect way to keep hair protected while staying stylish in the sun.
This big floppy sun hat is a whole poolside mood. Next up, This Retro Product Works Wonders on Thin Hair, and It Just Made a Comeback
