Heat Free Hairstyles

From braids to buns and ponytails to up-dos, whether you have short, long, or medium length hair, we’ve put together a guide on the best heat-free hairstyles to keep your locks looking amazing throughout the winter.

The Red-Carpet Sidepart Short hair parted to one side is a timelessly feminine and glamorous look - think Claire Foy on the red carpet. What’s more, it’s super easy and quick to do. Use a thin-toothed comb to part your hair to one slide. Then, use a gel, like Wella Shockwaves Extra Strong Hold Gel to slick your hair in place without any stiffness. Quick, easy and super glam.

The Half Bun This style is a life saver for the girl on the go. It’s quick, easy and always looks cute (even if you’ve not washed your hair for a week). Brush your hair with a wide-toothed comb and add some Salt Spray, like Osmo Matt Sea Salt Spray for texture. Now, gather half your hair (between your left and right temples) into a ponytail and tie it with a hair elastic. Then, divide your half ponytail into three equal sections and twirl and roll up each section, clipping them to the top of your head. Have a little play around with the style until you find the perfect balance of smart and messy. Finishing this look with some light hold hairspray will ensure it stays looking cool all day.

The Side Braid The side braid is a look that can be worn to work, on a night out or even on holiday and is perfect if you’ve gone a few days without washing your hair. All you need is a comb, some hairpins and an elastic hair tie. Comb your hair and tie it up while leaving a section at the front out of the ponytail. Then, braid this section in a Dutch braid until the end and secure it with an elastic band. Pull on the braid a little bit to make it bigger and more voluminous, and then pin it to the side of your head. To go for the full “pin-up” look, you can wrap a scarf around the back of the braid and secure the front with a little hairspray.

The Double French Braid Kim Kardashian rocks it, and now you can too. The double French braid is perfect for keeping your medium length hair out of your face, ideal to help you stay looking glam at the gym or while playing sports. This one is a little complicated to explain (but very easy to do), so we recommend checking out a tutorial on YouTube such as this one. Try it a couple of different ways and you’ll find a technique that you love.

Side-Swept Ponytail Ponytails are a classic look whatever your hair type, and the side-swept ponytail will add an extra level of glamour to your day-to-day look. Use a small amount of hair mousse such as Aussie Miracle Styling Mousse Volume & Conditioning on damp hair and make sure it’s covered from root to tip. Then, once your hair is completely dry, create a deep side part in your hair with a fine-toothed comb, and brush your hair over to the opposite side. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the side of your neck and secure with an elastic hair tie. Try spreading your hair over your shoulder for a more sophisticated look.

The Simple Messy Bun The simple messy bun is a great way to look cool and carefree, and has just enough glamour to take you from day to night. It’s also super quick and simple to do – perfect for those mornings you might have slept through your alarm! Simply tie your hair into a high ponytail, then grab the ends and twist. Wrap the twist around your ponytail and secure it with an elastic hair tie. Once the bun is secure, pull out small strands from both the top and the bottom to create a messy look. To secure the bun spray some firm hold hairspray like Charles Worthington Style Setter Strong Hold Hairspray to keep the strands in place.

The Tuck and Cover French Braid This style is simple and elegant, and works best when you use a headband to wrap your hair around. Grab the front section of your hair, and braid a French braid over the top of the headband, down towards the left ear. Then, wrap the back section of your hair around the headband in three parts. If there is any hair in the hairband, make sure to tuck it in tight. Secure it with some hairspray and you should be good to go!

The Party Ponytail This is an amazing style for those blessed with long hair, especially if you have an event where you can wear a backless dress! Start by teasing out your hair with your fingers, leaving it soft and tangle-free. Then, use a comb to backcomb under the crown of your hair for fullness. Starting from behind your ears, section off your hair and pull the back section into a ponytail. Twist the right side of your hair over the hair-tie and then repeat with the left slide. You’ll look amazing with minimum effort, leaving you more time to party!

Half Up Half Down This style has a lovely feminine look to it, and if you’re feeling particularly girly, you can accessorise with a bow at the back! Using a comb, tease the crown of your hair to add volume. Then, smooth over the top layer of your crown without combing out the teasing. Gather small sections of your hair in the middle of your head (just under the section you teased) and secure with bobby pins. Gather the sections of hair around your face and tie them together with a small rubber band just above where your bobby pins are located. Then you can add the bow if you want! Whatever type or length of hair you have, there are many heat free, DIY hairstyles that will get you through the colder months. It’s the perfect time to give your hair a rest while still looking chic and stylish.

For more info on keeping your hair healthy and strong, check out the best oils available for each different type of hair.