WHEN it comes to summer hair the up do is in.

Forget about formal styles, in warmer months it's all about a relaxed look that works just as well on days off or afternoons on the beach when you're away on holiday.

Long hair for summer is yet again all about braiding, but this season it's much more intricate and detailed than it has been in previous years.

"Braids are smaller, tighter and incorporated with knots and messy, undone textured lengths, which are left out," explains Chantal McAuliffe, master hair designer at Rainbow Room International in Uddingston.

"Celebrities such as Kate Bosworth, Katy Perry, FKA Twigs and Kylie Jenner all worked braided styles at celebrity hotspot Coachella."

She says the topknot is back - it is always a big summer trend as so versatile and easy to achieve.

"This year we're seeing a lot of girls wearing their hair in a half-up, half-down style with a topknot.

" Topknots can be worn sleek or messy the only rule when it comes to topknots is that the higher on the head the better."

She say for shorter styles, it is all about undone texture.

"I love Tilda Swinton and Jennifer Lawrence: their hair is short but it's still sexy and they manage to pull off the undone look with razored edges and a messy finish," adds Chantal.

"This look doesn't come easy - it's all about loading up on the products."

She suggests using a salt spray to prep hair for textured plaits.

To achieve the looks described by Chantal, reach for Osmo Matt Sea Spray, £8.50, and Osmo Extra Firm Hairspray, £12.10, from www.osmo.uk.com.

Alternatively, the Schwarzkopf Got2b collection including Beach Matt Paste, £4.07, Oil-licious Dry Oil Mist,£4.07, and Oil-licious Styling Oil, £4.07, are perfect for packing if you're heading off to the sun.

If you're styling on the go, try Rush Survive & Revive Dry Shampoo, £5, from www.shoprush.com.

Tame unruly locks with Joico Humidity Blocker Finishing Spray, £11.95, from 0845 071 2326.

For hair that needs some TLC try Osmo Wonder 10 Leave-in Treatment, £11.40, or Osmo Moisture Intensive Repair Mask, £5.20.

Apply Aveda Thickening Tonic Styling Spray, £19, before blow drying. It expands strands from the root to the end, thickening the hair instantly.

While Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, £21.50, is a lightweight UV mist that helps to minimise colour fade, dryness and sun damage.