Hot girl ponies and French chignons: Four updos to try this summer

Updos are what’s up.

Hear ye, hear ye: Wedding season is officially upon us. While you’ve likely already thought about what to wear (and if not, we’ve got you covered), you probably haven’t yet decided how you’ll style your hair. For summer 2026, we recommend you try an updo.

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This year’s El Niño is predicted to bring both high temperatures and heavy rainfall to Australia and New Zealand. Choosing looks that can withstand the heat and humidity (especially at outdoor ceremonies) is a small way to feel more at ease at a big event.

Inspired by the changing weather and a recent browse of hair accessories at Saloon Store, we asked professional hairstylists Madison Finn of Madison’s World and Becc Snow of Alchemy Salon to show us their best wedding guest updos.

Madison’s hot girl pony

Sleep in heatless curls the night before. Once your hair is completely dry, brush all those curls out. Pick the perfect section for your fringe, then clip it out of the way. Work a pomade like Sebastian Microweb Fiber through your roots to give your hair grip and hold.

Using a brush or comb, start brushing everything up as high as you can. You want to find that perfect ponytail position that really lifts and flatters your face. I usually position mine to extend the cheekbones. When you’re happy, tie it off with a strong hair tie.

Once it’s secured, I like to go back in, re-comb any bits that aren’t sitting quite right and spray everything into place with hairspray. Sometimes, I’ll even retie the pony after this to get it extra tight and neat.

Brush out your ponytail, get your fringe sitting exactly how you want it and lock it in with hairspray. You can always go back in with a little extra pomade to get those baby hairs in check. I finished mine with the cutest scrunchie from Saloon Store. It definitely elevates the look!

Becc’s modern French chignon

 

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Start with day-two hair. You don’t want freshly washed hair for this hairstyle. Add some dry shampoo or texture spray throughout to give the hair some body and grip, making the whole process much easier. I recommend Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair.

Decide if you want any hair out at this point. If so, section and clip it out of the way. Secure the rest of the hair back into a ponytail using your hands and fingers only – no brush or comb. This will give the hair a more effortless, not-too-perfect look.

Twist and lift the ponytail on itself to create the chignon shape. Roughly pin in place with fringe pins. Let some pieces naturally fall out for a softer look. Finish with a light hairspray to lock in place. I love Kevin Murphy Session Spray. The Spiral French Pin would work beautifully with this look, just tucked into the side of the roll.

Madison’s messy ‘Pammy’ updo

First, curl all your hair. This look actually works better on hair that isn’t freshly washed. A few days of lived-in hair is perfect for getting that extra texture. Next, pull out two little strands at the front to frame your face and give it that extra sexy feel. Now, we need product. I use the Sebastian Professional Drynamic+ Dry Shampoo to add texture and grip, followed by the brand’s Dark Oil Silkening Mist for a little shine.

Then, grab yourself a big claw clip. You want something that’s going to hold all that hair nice and securely. I used this super cute darker blue one from Saloon Store. I like to tilt my head back a little to get some movement, then grab all my hair with my thumb underneath and twist it upward, leaving the ends sticking out at the top.

Secure the hair with your claw clip, keeping it towards the upper part of your head rather than too low, so it stays nice and secure. Now for my favourite part, dressing it out! Play around with the ends, pull out any bits you want more texture in and finish with the Sebastian Professional Reshaper Strong Hold and Touchable Feel Hairspray.