How to master the perfect race-day hair

The number-one rule for perfectly anchored hat hair is to keep it simple. A low, sleek bun that hugs the neck is a great go-to option as it suits any headwear, from an oversized hat to a decorative fascinator. Other options include a simple ponytail, braids, curvy waves and long, poker-straight hair. As a general styling rule, a hat worn further back on the head will keep the bulk of your hairstyle intact, while hair worn behind the ears will prevent your locks from picking up excess oil from your face.

Georgina Burke at Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse, 2023.Credit: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

For wide-brimmed hats, wearing hair out and ironed straight, with a good dose of spray to keep it intact, is a sure winner, as is hair that’s been gently tonged to give it some bounce and texture. To get the look, blow-dry hair straight and apply a de-frizzer like Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Oil Mist ($38) to smooth the hair from mid-lengths to ends. If you want to add texture, use a tong to create loose waves and work the hair away from the face.

For a small pillbox hat or a fascinator, try a sleek hair knot – a great option that can work with styles from bob length to longer. To create this look, wash your hair the night before, then prep it with a primer like Davines More Inside Blow Dry Primer ($49) before straightening (we love the Dyson Airstrait, $749, for this job). To make sure the bun is secure, put hair in a ponytail with a hair tie, twist the hair around itself and use bobby pins in between the head and hairband to lock it into place. Fascinators also look good with a softly waved ponytail that’s been lightly tonged.

We also like a side bun with a fascinator. George Northwood, the stylist behind the much-copied, low-slung, undone bun with soft tendrils that Meghan Markle wore at her wedding reception, suggests starting with day-old hair. “Use your hands to guide the hair back for a more natural look,” he says, “then place the hair in a ponytail worn to the side and twist the hair around itself, using bobby pins to secure the bun.”

So, with a style sorted for the big day out, it’s all about holding things in place – and for this, a great mini hairspray, like L’Oréal Paris Elnett ($3.75), is a must. Give curls that have flattened and fallen a breath of new life with R+Co’s Waterfall Moisture and Shine Lotion ($51). And as an instant pick-me-up for flattened hat hair, dry shampoo is the bomb, giving you volume and soaking up grease at the crown and roots. Try Davines More Inside Dry Shampoo ($49).

You are now race-ready.

ASK STEPH

Can you suggest a good exfoliator for my dry, pregnant belly?
There is a great Kiwi brand called Pure Mama that, you guessed it, is devoted to all things pregnancy. Try Pure Mama Bump Scrub ($45), a softening blend of coconut oil, shea butter and bamboo powder.

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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