Summer is in full swing and we’re officially in vacation season. Whether you're jetting off overseas where they're entering the colder months, or soaking up the sun, We've got your hair inspiration sorted with 5 hairstyles to suit every kind of vacation you have planned. Who said holiday hair had to be boring?
LOOK 1- Tropical Top Knot
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Heading to the tropics? Some island time is always a good idea, however hot, humid weather is not so kind to our hair. Whether you have naturally curly, thick, long, thin or fine locks, humidity equals frizz, and battling with frizz throughout the day is not the kind of vibe you want when trying to get some R&R. To combat this, we suggest not even entertaining the idea of sleek and smooth hair - leave the straightener at home and instead focus on a hairstyle that will help hide and control frizz like the half-up, half-down top knot.
This relaxed style will help you manage frizz while also still embracing your natural texture. If you have a natural curl, try touching up your natural texture with a styler like the Nourishology 40mm Curler to create natural-looking beach waves. This will not only make your hair look more styled, but the curler’s keratin-infused barrel will also help to smooth and add shine for healthier looking hair.
As for the top knot, this hairstyle never fails when it comes to battling frizz. Super versatile too, a half-up, half -down style may be better in the evening when the temperature is slightly cooler, or you can choose to pull your hair completely off the face for more humidity-fighting power.
What to pack: Hair oil (lots of it), a hair pomade and humidity-proof hairspray are all going to be your best friends here and don’t be scared to apply each in liberal measure in order to keep frizz and wispy strands in place. Then of course, hair ties and bobby pins, which are essential to have on hand in order to secure your humidity-proof look.
Look 2 - Beach Babe Hollywood Waves
Good news, those LA-inspired glam waves you had envisioned for yourself can be created, on your admittedly, slightly less glamorous but still chic beach vacation at home. Hollywood hills or not, glam beach waves are a classic for a reason and let’s face it no matter where you're vacationing, it’ll never fail to be a crowd pleaser. But, let’s just get this out there. There’s a difference between just-got-out-of-the-sea beach waves and glam beach tousles. The latter, sadly does not come as easily as dipping your head into some salt water.
The good news is however, is that by using a tool like the Cool Curl Brilliance, you can achieve glam beach tousles in minutes, minus the beach frizz.LOOK 3 - Hike-Proof Braids
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If your idea of a vacation is about getting back to nature, these hike-proof braids are the perfect look. A nice long saunter along the beach cliffs or a trek through the outback might be on the lower end of the intensity spectrum, but anyone who's endured a 7-hour hike will know that the outdoors requires a style that will keep your strands out of your face. These pigtail braids will not only withstand the most intense sweat sesh and keep your hair in place while you exercise, they're also cute enough to keep in once after you’re back down in normal altitude.
Plus, if your itinerary is packed and you don’t have time to spend all day doing your hair (let’s be honest, who does), then these hike-proof pigtails are actually the perfect hair-hack to create overnight heatless beach waves. Simply leave them in overnight and when you wake up, gently unravel your braids, shake out your waves, and spritz them with texturizing spray to keep them intact all day.
What to pack: Investing in silk hair ties can be a great shout, since they’ll keep your hair in place but minimise the risk of hair kinks and breakage whilst you sleep. A texturizing mist is also a must.
LOOK 4. Slicked-back City Break
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Hands up if you often feel like you need vacation after city break vacation? Glad we’re not alone here. City break itineraries are often jam packed, running from one museum to the other, checking out parks, picnics, cafes, bars - there’s always just so much to do in such a short space of time. Which is why for a hairstyle that is going to stay put all day, these wet-look waves are the ideal do. Not only is this look glam enough for hopping from one rooftop bar to another, they’re also sweat-proof and guaranteed to last a good 10 hours so you don’t have to worry about heading back to your hotel for touch-ups. Here’s how.
Step 1: Create a deep side part then section the hair with clips and curl in alternating directions using the Straight & Curl Brilliance.
Step 2: Rub a generous amount of hair oil throughout from roots to ends while using your fingers to simultaneously break up the curls.
What to pack: Hair oil, so you can touch up your ‘do throughout the day and it’s also work pocketing a silk scarf so that you can quick and easily accessorise your look and take it from day to evening.
Image Source: shaymitchell
LOOK 5. Boat Trip Braids

If you're planning for a trip to the ocean anytime soon, then you’ll want to hit save on this braided beach wave hairstyle. Anyone who's been out at sea will know that a hairstyle which keeps your hair out of your face is a must, which is where braids come in. This braided crown ‘do is not only pretty, but practical too, as when paired with some strong-hold hairspray it’ll ensure that you won’t have to be fussing with your hair all day.
Don’t be deceived by how tricky this crown braid may seem, with a few trick techniques it becomes surprisingly easy and do-able yourself with no extra hands needed. Here’s how.
Step 1: Start by French- or Dutch-braiding the front section of your hair, gathering enough hair to make it all the way around, like a crown.
Step 2: Keep braiding horizontally until you reach all the way around your head, braiding your hair until the end. Secure with a hair tie.
Step 3: Then, wrap the end of the braid around the front and tuck the tail in and secure with a bobby pin.
Step 5: Loosen sections to make the braid appear thicker.
Step 6: To finish, create some beautiful curls with the Unbound Cordless Auto Curler, making sure to use the highest heat setting. This will guarantee a tight curl that is sure to hold against any strong winds.
Step 7: Loosely break up the curls with your fingers and spritz with a strong-hold hairspray!
How To Use The Unbound Cordless Styler
We love this tutorial from Bonnie which shows how you can get quick and easy tousled waves using the Unbound Cordless Auto Curler. Press play, and read on below as we break it down.
Step 1: Adjust the heat setting to the lowest temperature,160ºC, which will not only create the most natural looking wave, but also is best for hair that is chemically treated, damaged or if you already have a natural curl. And don’t forget to adjust the timer to the lowest setting - 6 or 8 seconds.
Step 2: Curl your hair in sections, inserting about one-inch thick pieces of hair into the curling chamber at a time.
Step 3: Once you’ve curled your whole head use a brush to tone down the curl with gentle strokes with a wide tooth comb. Just remember to do this only when your curls have cooled, brushing right after you’ve curled hair can cause a lot of frizz and cause the curls to drop!
Then lastly, amp up the texture and go for a tousled look by adding some dry shampoo or texture spray to the roots to encourage some lift.
What to pack:
Hair protectant and salt spray. One to protect and hydrate, the other to add piecey texture. A brush or comb will also come in handy to break up your curls and it’s also worth packing some cute clips, like an oversized barrette which will help take your look from beach to bar.
Want to see more glam results using the Unbound Cordless Curler,
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Love Your Style, from the VS Sassoon Team! x