Warmer weather ushers in a sport that is foreign to some and all but religion for others—horse races. And whether your client is headed to the Derby or just keeping the sun off her skin during spring and summer outings, a no-fuss hairstyle is key when hats are involved.

"Events like the Kentucky Derby call for elaborate hats, but the look can become too busy when the hair is worn down or if the hair is too textured," says Pureology Artistic Ambassador Ruth Roche.

"Wearing hair in a side chignon, which sits to one side at the nape, is a beautiful and visible style to wear with a hat without distracting from the hat's beauty," Roche says. "Another benefit is that the hair will still look great when you take off the hat. No hat hair!"

Get the look: Derby-ready side chignon

STEP 1: Blowdry hair with Pureology Pure Volume Levitation Mist and a round brush to create volume and hold.

STEP 2: Curl away from the face using a 1-1/4-inch barrel iron. Set style with Colour Stylist Strengthening Control zero-dulling hairspray as you go.

STEP 3: Create a side-part, smooth over and around the head and create a sleek ponytail on one side at the nape.

STEP 4: Apply a small amount of Colour Stylist Cuticle Polisher shine serum into your palm and rub palms together until the cream turns to a serum. Smooth over the entire surface of the hair except for hte ponytail, which will create shine.

STEP 5: Twist ponytail all the way to the end and hold onto the ends. Use your other hand to hold the hair close to the head as you wrap the twisted ponytail around the elastic. 

STEP 6: When you reach the ends, tuck them under the bun you have created and secure with bobby pins.

STEP 7: Spray with Colour Stylist Supreme Control high-hold hairspray.

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