Royal Ascot 2019: How to match your hair to your hat
Ahead of this year’s Royal Ascot, we asked London’s most in-demand hairstylist, George Northwood, how he would style hair to suit four different hat types, all worthy of an outing in the Royal Enclosure – or any formal summer soirée.
Here, fashion illustrator Sabrina Percy has imagined how they might look, to inspire your style choices should you be in the market for elegant headwear this season.
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A favourite with royals, Erdem headwear is the holy grail. This polka-dot wide-brimmed hat would work with any outfit, any season.
SHOP Erdem flocked dot tulle hat, £560
With this hat, Northwood suggests wearing your hair down, either sleek or with a gentle tong (as illustrated) and tucked behind the ears. Given that he’s the hands behind Alexa Chung’s barely-there waves, keep her hair texture in mind when styling yours and use your tongs lightly.
“To achieve this look, blow-dry the hair without aiming to create too much volume,” Northwood says. “I use a hair balm or oil (try Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Mist) to smooth the hair through the mid-lengths and ends, and then tong the hair away from the face.
“Finally, place the hair behind the ears using your hands.”
Small, yet flamboyant. This Gucci camel hat would give a directional nod to any Royal Ascot outfit.
SHOP Gucci crystal-embellished straw and feather hat, £495
With such a modern hat, a minimal hairstyle would best complement it. Northwood recommends a sleek low knot, achievable on any hair bob-length and longer.
“To create this look I recommend washing hair the night before, and then with a hairdryer smooth the hair through the following morning. Use Redken Pillow Proof Blow-Dry Express Primer ahead of blow-drying – it provides hair with protection and makes a good foundation for styling,” Northwood instructs.
Next: “Use your hands to guide the hair back for a more natural look – or use a brush if you require a more sleek and styled aesthetic. Knot hair at the mid-back of the head.
“To achieve a secured knot, place the hair in a ponytail and twist the hair around itself. Use bobby pins (pinned in between the head and the hairband) to secure.”
Disc hats are a timeless choice for summer occasions such as races and weddings. This statement flower version, by London milliner Bundle MacLaren, would look equally beautiful with a bold dress or sharp suit.
SHOP Bundle MacLaren Millinery Arabella statement flower detail disc occasion hat, £330
Mirror the hat’s petal texture with a softly tonged ponytail, says Northwood.
“Again, wash the hair the night before and use a hair primer to protect and provide a foundation,” Northwood advises.
To style the ponytail: “Lightly tong through the hair to achieve some movement (not a full curl). Apply a little Redken Windblown05 and use the hands rather than a brush to pull the hair back into a ponytail.”
A chic (and often discreet) pillbox hat is an occasion-wear classic. Phase Eight has many wearable options that look more luxe than their price tags. This neutral plaited pillbox is Ascot-approved, and would go with most outfit choices.
SHOP Phase Eight Una Plait Pillbox Fascinator, £59
Northwood was behind the Duchess of Sussex’s wedding reception hairstyle – a low slung bun – and many of her looks for public appearances since. Together they’ve modernised the bun and made ‘messy’ royal event-worthy.
As with the sleek knot above, the stylist recommends washing hair the night before, “and then with a hairdryer smooth the hair through the following morning, use Redken Pillow Proof Blow-Dry Express Primer ahead of blow-drying”.
Directing your hair to the opposite side of the tilt of the hat, “Use your hands to guide the hair back for a more natural look, then place the hair in a ponytail and twist the hair around itself. Use bobby pins (pinned in between the head and the hairband) to secure the bun.”
Visit George Northwood at 24 Wells Street, London W1T 3PH and discover more of Sabrina Percy's work at sabrinapercy.com.
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