Wind finds every loose piece.
Contain what matters and keep the roots relaxed.

Short front pieces and the long tail are two problems

A ponytail holds the length but leaves the short front layers free to fly, and the tail still swings. Work out which part bothers you. Use only a tie or clip those pieces can reach. Pulling the whole style tighter won’t make short layers longer.

A hat helps with some of it

A hat can tame some loose pieces, as long as it’s comfortable and suits what you’re doing. Check what still hangs below it. If you wear a helmet or other required headgear, its fit comes first, so don’t pad it out with extra hair.

The tail keeps whipping across your face

• Before you go out, put dry lengths into a loose braid or another contained style you know.
• After tying it, check the roots aren’t pulling.
• If the wind keeps undoing it, stop somewhere sheltered and redo it. Tightening it on the move just hurts.

The nape tangles as the layers move

• Lift the hair clear whenever you put on or take off a collar, scarf or bag. The wind moves where the lengths sit, so check more than once.
• Keep a braid or tail clear of zips and buckles too.
• If the nape tangles every time, braid it before you leave.

You come in with a tangled mess

• Take off the hat or scarf gently before you touch the hair.
• Hold a small section and work from the ends, stopping where it resists. Don’t brush through the whole lot at once.
• If dry detangling pulls or wrecks your curls, leave it for your next conditioned detangle.

Keep enough slip in the lengths

Where the tangles collect, your pattern and any treatment on the hair affect which conditioner suits you. Small sections, and never force a knot, however much conditioner is on it.

Browse rinse-out conditioners. Your tangles, past treatments and preferred finish help guide a personal conditioner recommendation.

Hold for the finish you like, not a force field

A styler can support the finish you like, but nothing keeps hair completely still outdoors. Think about what you already use, how soft you want it and how easily it brushes out later. Don’t keep brushing through a stiff cast chasing windblown pieces.

Browse styling products. Tell the consultation how much hold you want and which stylers you have tried.

1. Braid it loosely before you leave

Use dry, loose hair that reaches over one shoulder without pulling. Keep the first crossing relaxed and secure the ends comfortably. A braid contains the length for most outings. It isn’t armour, so judge whether it suits what you’re doing.

2. Check the nape whenever clothing changes

Start with dry hair and bring the nape clear of collars and straps. If dry handling disturbs your curls, do the detangling in your usual conditioned routine first. Stop at a fixed or painful mat rather than dragging a comb through it.