7 Pretty Hairstyles for the Summer 2012 Heatwave [SLIDESHOW]
Creative Updos Are the Key to Looking Fresh and Stylish in 90 Degree Heat
We get it: some days, it's all you can do to drag yourself through a 97 degree day, let alone worry about how stylish your hair is. In those kind of temperatures, wearing as little (and as light) fabric as possible and piling your hair on top of your head and away from your neck are the keys.
But TotalBeauty.com points out that doesn't mean you can't still rock a pretty 'do. Braids, ponytails, buns and a combination of those basic styles can be eye-catching and lovely if they're paired with a bit of creativity.
Read: Celebrity Hairstyles: Katy Perry's Sleek 'Do
And here, a guide to TotalBeauty.com's suggestions for the prettiest updo hairstyles for looking fantastic this summer (check out our slideshow below for photos of the hairstyles):
-- Braided crown: a "360-degree braided headband" is how Total Beauty describes this style, which is elegant enough to wear to work or a summer wedding. Sienna Miller and Emma Watson are among the celebs spotted wearing the 'do, which a New York stylist assures is not nearly as difficult as it looks to pull off;
-- Tucked over ponytail: this fancy ponytail looks cute, but when actress Diane Kruger wore it at a red carpet event, we saw that it could also be a truly sophisticated style. And, key in this summer of extreme temperatures, it's easy to create, and it's a style that stays in place;
-- Sock bun: yep, that name is literal … you cut off the tip of a sock to fashion this 'do, which looks fun, keeps your hair fully off your neck and works well with hair no matter how lifeless it may be in the heat;
-- Low braided bun: Kate Middleton sported one of the best examples of this pretty style earlier this summer. The style takes a bit of time and effort to create -- braids and ponytails and wrapping them all together artfully are involved -- but the result is pretty amazing, and perfect for a hot date or a formal event like a wedding;
Read: LOOK: Madonna's 2012 Summer Tour Costumes [SLIDESHOW]
-- Ponytail with French braid: unwashed hair works best for this funky style, which makes it the perfect roll-out-of-bed morning 'do;
-- Topknot with French braid: "This summer, women are updating the simple updo with a party-in-the-back vibe," Total Beauty describes this style, which sounds as fun to create as it is to wear;
-- Rolled updo: Charlize Theron has worn this update on a retro style, which involved mousse, bobby pins and a simple, but elegant result that keeps your neck cool and gives you the opportunity to show off your favorite earrings.
Again, check out our slideshow below for Pinterest-able pics of the hairstyles, and peruse the TotalBeauty.com feature for complete how-tos on DIY-ing the styles on your own locks:
