Ascot wouldn’t be Ascot without the vast array of millinery on show, however avoiding hat hair is also top of the agenda. Here, we’ve joined forces with Gielly Green Artistic Director, Ondine Cowley, to bring you seven easy-to-do styles that will complete your race-day look.

1. Soft Wave

Create a stylish and modern look with a pin-curled blow-dry. With one side of your hair tucked behind your ear (the fascinator/hat side) and floating soft curls on the other side, use a tong and plenty of hairspray to hold the look in place. This hairstyle will suit any headgear, especially those with a floral feminine feel.

2. Pinned-Back Bangs

GiGi Hadid wore pinned-back bangs to the 2018 Met Gala, and we haven’t stopped talking about it since. Still styled by celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Camille Razat in Emily in Paris, the pinned back bangs are timeless, chic, and will keep those pesky flyaways out of your face on a warm race day. Style the rest of your hair with a sleek, straight look, or with bouncy, old Hollywood inspired curls.

3. Middle Part

For the modern Ascot lady with short or long hair, a middle parting tightly pulled to the nape of the neck and smoothed into a low ponytail is effortlessly chic. Upgrade the look, by taking two sections from the ponytail and wrap around the band to cover the elastic with her. Think Chanel-esque elegance.

4. Slicked Back

Another heat-free styling option we love is this low ponytail, using gel to create a crisp side part before securing the hair in a low ponytail and allowing to dry. Add volume to the ponytail in the back for that little extra something.

5. Half Up, Half Down

Let’s not forget a classic Kate Middleton, half up, half down style.

6. Chignon

Hair pulled tightly up is without doubt a flattering option for hot race days as your hair will be drawn off your face and fight the frizz too. However, this sophisticated style takes some practice (or a trip to the hairdresser). If you want a DIY alternative, then, quite simply pull your hair in a ponytail, twist to one side and draw up (not too high that it won’t sit under your hat) to create a chignon. Secure with plenty of bobby pins.

7. Low Bun

This adaptable hair style is the ultimate canvas whether you’re wearing a floppy hat or a full-on headpiece. For a messy bun alternative, add texture to your hair with a texturising hair spray for body and grit, use a hair doughnut to get the perfect shape bun and a generous dosing of strong hold hairspray.

Beauty, Hair & Nails

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