Hot summer hairstyles inspired by the BAFTA Television Awards 2021 red carpet
Style enough red carpet events, and you’ll start to notice distinct trends! Paul is fresh from the 2021 BAFTA Television Awards and has plenty of insights to share on the hottest celebrity hairstyles from this year’s red carpet. If you’ve got a low-key summer event coming up and want style inspiration (and some tips on creating the looks yourself), we’ve got you covered. Want help recreating any of these iconic occasion hairstyles? Get in touch and book an ‘updo’ hair appointment with our specialists.
The sleek blunt bob
As seen on: AJ Odudu, Michaela Coel, and Nicola Coughlan
A blunt cut bob is sleek, simple and does all the work for you. It adds a dash of ‘edge’ to very feminine outfits and draws more attention to your face. Before you can achieve this striking look at home, you’ll need a stylist to create the cut for you.
“One of the main trends at the BAFTAs was having a slightly more finished look,” Paul says. “This style is completely smooth, with no layers. It’s very polished.”
There are two main trends for styling a short blunt cut bob: you can create a sharp centre parting or slick the hair back and away from your face to create a very finished, high fashion look. “AJ, in particular, wanted her hair gelled back and away from her face,” says Paul.
Star products: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue used alongside Kérastase Laque Couture hairspray.
Art deco finger waves
As seen on: Golda Rosheuvel and Lydia West
If the blunt cut bob is the ultra minimalist answer to a high-finish professional hairstyle, then art deco finger waves are the decadent equivalent. As Paul puts it, they’re “pure glamour”.
“You don’t have to do masses to achieve the look at home — you can put your hair back into a ballerina bun and shape the front hairline with a rattail comb and hair gel. Just add a couple of waves in the front and let them dry,” says Paul.
Star product: Kérastase Densifique Densimorphose Mousse
Feminine nape chignon
As seen on: Daisy May Cooper, Zawe Ashton
When it comes to summer hairstyles for long hair, the nape chignon is a timeless classic…and for a good reason! It’s elegant, simple, and undeniably feminine. Women have been styling their hair in a nape chignon for over two centuries, and it shows no sign of slowing in popularity.
“It’s a bun, secured low down on the head and above the nape of the neck. We leave the front a little bit softer with some loose pieces of hair, just to stop it looking too severe,” says Paul. “I call them ‘ballerina buns’. Most girls who have done ballet will know exactly how to do this look at home.”
Star products: Shu Uemura Tsuki Shape mixed with Essence Absolue. Blend the two products together in your palm and apply to get that extra glossy finish.
Decorative braids
As seen on: Gbemisola Ikumelo, Siena Kelly, Vick Hope
Braids are a timeless hairstyle that can easily be elevated to suit red carpet occasions. Paul and Afro hair specialist Gemma were on hand to bring high-fashion interest to celebrity braided styles by playing with height, shape, and texture.
“There were quite a few braided styles on the BAFTA red carpet this year,” says Paul. “The ‘in’ thing at the moment is box braids which are twisted at the ends.”
Try bringing the braids up into a ponytail to create extra height, twisting the ends for movement, creating playful partings and patterns, or adding hair jewellery for interest.
Natural curls
As seen on: Sophie Okonedo, Rakie Ayola, Rose Matafeo
Natural curls are back, and they’ve taken the BAFTA Television Awards red carpet by storm. “I’ve noticed more and more women turning away from chemical straightening and embracing their natural hair,” says Paul.
Lavish care and attention on your natural hair using specialist products that help build elasticity, shine and strength in delicate curled, coiled, and kinky hair, so you can amplify your natural assets.
The BAFTA red carpet also saw its fair share of glamorous afro wigs this year. Gbemisola Ikumelo wore five different looks when she hosted the recent BAFTA Craft Awards in May, three of which were natural afro wigs cut to suit the shape of her face.
Star product: Curl Manifesto Refresh Absolu Spray
Hopefully you’re brimming with inspiration for your show-stopping summer look. Visit our online shop for your star products or book an appointment and let us take care of everything for you.