One thing I love about this style? It works for teens and grown women alike. It is gym friendly, beach proof, and classy enough to raise eyebrows at dinner. And let’s be real—it’s one of the smartest moves for transitioning hair at the end of summer, especially when you’re prepping for a fall protective care routine.
High Double Ponytails with Glam Volume
And in case you ever dreamed of becoming the It Girl in a Gen-Z fairytale, then these two ponytail updos are yours. Big on the top, twisted at the ends, and split in the middle with a razor-sharp line-it is the cool-girl re-imagination of a classic. The platinum color ups the glam to ten but the fullness is what makes it sell. This isn’t a costume—it’s a statement.
A little mousse at the roots (try Amika’s Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse) helps you get the lift and hold you need without the crunch. I also adore a big-barrel curling iron to make those smooth swirls at the bottom of each tail-it makes the look playful, not sloppy.
I believe that this is the best inspo style to celebrate late summer birthdays or music festivals personally. You’ll get compliments, guaranteed. And it turns out to be quite convenient in the humid weather since the hair is purposely bound and styled.
Glossy Layers with a Bandana Twist
Other times you just need long straight hair and a witty accessory. This appearance provides that early 2000s reference with its silky length and well-positioned bandana. It is easy-but the gloss and the style of the hair take it to the level of being smooth and trendy. The face-framing layers are light and it can be worn regardless of your hair type.
I am a fanatic about the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to achieve this degree of gloss, it smooths out the flat iron and locks in moisture. Add a little dry shampoo to the crown and it is ready to face that hot walk to brunch or your errands in the sun.
It is something effortlessly beautiful about this outfit that makes me think of late summer picnics and Target shopping. It is the ideal lazy look when you do not feel like doing it but still want the look.
Space Buns and Loose Waves for Urban Cool
This split-style combo is edgy and soft at the same time: half-up updos in the form of buns, and the rest of the hair is wavy and wild. The buns are not rigid and symmetrical and the long pieces around the face make it softer and thus wearable. It is fun yet with a street-chic twist- just what you need when you are not willing to accept that summer is gone.
The only effort here is to get the buns even. I tend to spray a flexible hold hairspray such as the Living Proof Style Lab Flex, divide the hair horizontally above the ear and then wrap each section around itself before pinning. Apply bounce to the back parts with a curling wand in case your hair is not naturally textured.
It is a style that shouts out, casual rebellion, which is pretty much what late August and early September are all about. And it works on men, albeit with a bit of difference, just like any Coachella lineup will tell you.
Short Double Buns with Playful Edge
This is where the season begins to play with fall. These short-haired space buns are so carefree and careless, so just-because-it-seems-like-fun-energy, you know, you are not quite ready to part with the summer and why should you? The texture is a little mussed, the ends are sticking out with personality and the center part keeps it not too groomed. It’s young, cool, and totally wearable.
I make those buns light but safe by using small clear elastics and securing them with some bobby pins in the shape of X. Seal with a spritz of Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray to get grab without stiffness, particularly short pieces that tend to work their way lose.
This style is ideal when you are out to brunch with friends, a last minute photo shoot, or those warm September days when you want your hair off your neck, but you still want to look deliberate. It also radiates teens energy in the best way possible, nostalgic, fun but completely in control.
Voluminous Curtain Layers for a Blonde Glow
Let’s talk dimension. These long bangs are perfectly combined with soft layers, which provide that bouncy and voluminous frame that makes any long hairstyle look instantly high-fashion. The tone—bright but sandy—screams sun-kissed without feeling summer-exclusive. The flow is soft, but the structure is strong. That is the meaning of luxe without being too much.
To achieve the typical lift, I suggest blow-drying curtain bangs using a medium round brush and directing the dryer upwards, always upwards. The R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray gives a lift that holds up even during humid, sticky days.
What I adore about this look is its flexibility. You can divide it in the middle or a bit off and it will frame your face regardless of the outfit. It is a wonderful foundation in case you are willing to play with updos later in fall- or simply leave it down and let it speak all the words.
Romantic Crown Braid for Warm Weather Weddings
This is the fairytale moment of this lineup, a broad crown braid that goes around the head and dissolves into light waves. It is providing bridal shower, end of summer soiree, and I woke up in Provence vibes. This is one of the most beautiful and functional ideas of a summer-to-fall transition event in case you require some.
Hold and shine I tend to prep with a little Kerastase Elixir Ultime and braid slightly damp hair to get grip. Then I pull on the loops a bit so that the braid becomes plumper and more relaxed. The bonus? It remains in place even during dancing, sweating, and twirling in flower fields.
This braid has been one of my go-to holiday events or even when I just feel like romanticizing running errands. Combine it with a maxi dress and you are done–you win summer.
Classic Straight with a Parisian Twist
This look is all about the attitude. Long, perfectly smooth strands paired with a beret—suddenly, you’re not just walking down your street, you’re on a campus in France. The hair is smooth with barely any shaping at the ends, allowing the outfit and accessories to do the loud talking. It’s simple, but not basic.
The flat iron is your new BFF in this case, but with a heat protectant, of course, like the Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique. To add a little texture, a few spritzes of dry shampoo at the crown will add lift that will prevent things going flat.
I, personally, resort to this hairstyle when I travel or enter the fall wardrobe realm. It is low maintenance yet it seems costly, particularly when combined with oversized knits and bright lipstick. It whispers confidence, not desperation.
Effortless Low Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
And lastly- the soft girl aesthetic we never knew we were missing. It is a low, casual bun with the front tendrils that frame the face perfectly. It’s not overdone. It’s not too neat. It’s natural in the chicest way. The contrast of the colors in the front is dramatic and the loose form keeps it down to earth. You can definitely wear it to a meeting or a beach dinner and feel like your best self in both cases.
