Race Day Hair: 7 Styles You Can Do at Home

Which Race Day Hairstyle Are You Wearing?

Big hat energy or soft glam waves? Whether you're trackside with a glass of bubbles or seated in the members' enclosure, your race day hair should match the magic of the moment. From polished ponytails to voluminous blowouts, we've rounded up seven stunning styles to suit every vibe. Best part? You can create each look at home with a few Beauty Works favourites.

 

 1. Twisted Ponytail

If you're after a romantic yet polished look for race day, the twisted low ponytail is the perfect choice. It’s chic, feminine, and effortlessly stylish - ideal for pairing with soft makeup and statement accessories.

*insert video*

 

What You'll Need:

Hairbrush or comb
One regular hair tie
Two small clear elastics (optional, for finer hair)
Beauty Works Super Hold Hairspray

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Create a Low Ponytail

• Brush your hair back smoothly and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
• Secure it with a regular hair tie.

Step 2: Section Out Two Front Pieces

• Pull out two small sections from the front – one from each side of your face.
• These will be used for the twist detail.

Step 3: Twist the Front Pieces

• Take the left and right sections and gently twist them back, away from your face.
• Keep the twists loose for a softer, more voluminous look.

Step 4: Tie the Twists Together

Bring both twisted pieces around the back of your head, above the ponytail.
Secure them together with a small elastic right over the ponytail base.

Step 5: Create the Loop

• Use your fingers to create a gap between the twisted section and the ponytail.
• Carefully flip the ponytail up and over, pulling it through the gap you just made.

Step 6: Adjust and Finish

• Tug gently on the twists to add volume and shape.
• Smooth down any flyaways and spritz with the Beauty Works Super Hold Hairspray

Pro Tips:

• Add a bit of Texturising spray before styling for grip and volume.
• Curl the ends of the ponytail using the Beauty Works Professional Styler for a more glam finish.

 

2.  Elegant Twisted Low Bun

Looking for a chic but easy updo that holds all day and turns heads? This twisted low bun is the ultimate go-to for race day glam. It’s sophisticated, stylish, and surprisingly quick to do!

 

*insert video*

What You’ll Need:

Hairbrush or wide-tooth comb
2–3 small elastics
Bobby pins
Beauty Works Super Hold Hair Spray

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Start with Loose Hair

• Brush through your hair to remove any tangles.
• Add a bit of texturising spray if your hair is very clean or slippery.

Step 2: Gather Hair into a Low Pony

• Secure it loosely with a small elastic at the nape of your neck.

Step 3: Create a Loop Bun

• On the final twist of your ponytail, don’t pull the hair all the way through.
• Leave the ends sticking out at the top – this will form a looped bun.

Step 4: Twist the Ponytail End

• Take the free tail of your pony and twist it.
• Wrap it up and over the bun base to cover the elastic.

Step 5: Tuck & Pin

• Tuck the twisted end under the bun or around it in a figure-8 motion.
• Secure with bobby pins, making sure it feels snug and secure.

Step 6: Pull Face-Framing Pieces

• Gently pull out small sections around your face and ears to soften the look.
• You can curl them lightly for added texture if you like.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Gently tug the bun to make it fuller and more romantic.
• Set the style with a light mist of hairspray.

 

Pro Tips:

• This bun looks especially stunning on highlighted or balayage hair because of the dimensional twist.
• Works beautifully on second-day hair!

 

3.   Soft Glam Half-Up with a Bow 

If you're going for classic charm with a playful edge, this hairstyle is your dream match. Think bouncy curls, a half-up twist and the star of the show: a bold bow to tie it all together.

*insert video*

What You’ll Need:

Beauty Works Professional Styler
Hairbrush or comb
Texturising spray
Clear hair elastic
Ribbon or bow clip

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

• Start with clean, dry hair.
• Apply a Beauty Works Heat Protection and texturising spray for volume and hold.

 

Step 2: Curl It Up

• Using the Beauty Works Professional Styler, create soft waves throughout your hair.
• Curl away from the face for that flowy, open effect.
• Let the curls cool fully before styling further.

 

Step 3: Section for Half-Up

• Take a section from each side of your head (just above the ears).
• Lightly backcomb the crown area for volume, then smooth the top layer over.

 

Step 4: Secure the Half-Up Section

• Bring the two sections together at the back of your head.
• Secure with a small clear elastic or bobby pins if preferred.

 

Step 5: Add the Bow

• Place your ribbon or bow clip over the elastic to conceal it.
• Make sure it's centred and sitting flat against your hair.

 

Pro Tips:

• Gently brush through your curls for a more natural wave.
• Smooth any flyaways and spritz with the Beauty Works Super Hold Hairspray.

 

4.  Elegant French Twist

Looking for a timeless updo that oozes sophistication and stays sleek all day? The classic French twist is the ultimate race day hairstyle – elegant, stylish and surprisingly simple to master!

*insert video*

What You’ll Need:

Hairbrush or wide-tooth comb
Bobby pins or a French hair pin
Beauty Works Super Hold Hair Spray
Texturising spray (optional)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

• Brush through your hair to remove any tangles.
• If your hair is very soft or freshly washed, mist with a little texturising spray to add grip.

Step 2: Gather Your Hair

• Bring all your hair together at the back of your head as if you’re creating a low ponytail.
• Hold it firmly with one hand.

Step 3: Wrap and Twist

• Place your index and middle fingers at the base of your ponytail.
• Wrap the length of your hair around your fingers, creating a twist.

Step 4: Form the French Twist

• Twist the hair upwards, guiding it so it sits vertically against the back of your head.
• Keep the shape neat and secure as you go.

Step 5: Tuck and Pin

• Tuck any loose ends into the twist for a smooth finish.
• Secure the twist with a French hair pin or a few strong bobby pins.

Step 6: Refine the Look

• Gently pull on small sections if you want a slightly softer, more relaxed twist.
• Smooth down any flyaways with a light touch of hairspray.

Pro Tips:

• Works beautifully with second-day hair for added texture and hold.
• For an ultra-polished finish, use the Beauty Works Mirror Shine spray after setting your twist.

 

5.   The Textured Bun

The textured low bun is effortlessly chic and ideal for long days at the races. It’s secure, stylish and works beautifully with both sleek outfits and floaty dresses. Follow these easy steps to master the look!

*INSERT VIDEO

What You’ll Need:

Hairbrush
Texturising spray
Hair tie
Bobby pins
Beauty Works Super Hold Hair Spray

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

•  Apply the Beauty Works Texturising Spray or dry shampoo to add grip and volume, especially at the roots and mid-lengths.

 

Step 2: Gather Your Hair into a Low Ponytail

• Secure it loosely with a hair tie at the nape of your neck.

 

Step 3: Loosely Twist the Ponytail

• Wrap the length of the ponytail around the base to form a messy bun, keeping it soft and voluminous.

 

Step 4: Pin into Place

• Use bobby pins to secure the bun, letting some ends stick out for that perfectly undone finish.

 

Step 5: Pull Pieces Loose

• Gently pull out a few front sections or baby hairs around the face to frame and soften the look.

 

Step 6: Set the Style

• Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to keep it in place without making it stiff.

 

Pro Tip:

• For extra volume and texture, gently backcomb the ponytail before twisting it into a bun.
• This style pairs beautifully with statement earrings or a bold fascinator for race day glam!

 

 

6.   The Voluminous Blowout

The voluminous blowout is a race day classic - big, soft curls and swoopy layers that frame the face and move like magic. It’s glamorous, wearable and works beautifully with any hat or fascinator. With the Beauty Works XXL Volume Hot Brush, achieving salon-worthy volume at home has never been easier!

*insert video

What You’ll Need:

• Beauty Works Bounce Back Volume Spray
•  Beauty Works XXL Volume Hot Brush
• Wide paddle brush or detangling brush
• Beauty Works Mirror Shine Spray
• Beauty Works Heat Protection Spray

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair

• Apply the Beauty Works Bounce Back Volume Spray roots to ends.
• Rough dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry if starting from wet.

Step 2: Create Volume with the XXL Volume Hot Brush

• Section your hair into manageable pieces.
• Glide the XXL Volume Hot Brush through each section, curling the ends under or away from your face as you go.
• Focus on lifting at the roots to create maximum volume.

 

Step 3: Add Extra Bounce

• For even more body, set the curls in rollers until they are cool.

 

Step 4: Brush It Out.

• Remove rollers and gently brush through the curls with a wide paddle brush or your fingers to blend into soft, voluminous waves.

 

Step 5: Flip the Fringe

• Use the XXL Volume Hot Brush or a straightener to flick the front layers away from your face for that signature, face-framing swoop.

 

Step 6: Finish with Shine Spray

• Spritz a light mist of the Mirror Shine Spray or apply a small amount of Argan Oil Serum to enhance shine and show off the dimension in your layers.

Pro Tip:

• For maximum root lift, hold the XXL Volume Hot Brush at the roots for a few extra seconds before curling through the mid-lengths.
• A day-old blowout has even better staying power - prep your hair the night before and simply refresh with the XXL Volume Hot Brush on race day morning!

 

7.   The Sleek Wrap Ponytail

The sleek wrap ponytail is a minimal yet sophisticated style that’s perfect for race day. It keeps your hair out of your face while looking modern and put-together - ideal for pairing with bold makeup, hats, or statement earrings.

*insert video

 

What You’ll Need:

Hair straighteners
Bobby pins
Beauty Works hairspray
Beauty Works Mirror Shine Spray

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Smooth Your Hair

• Start by straightening or blow-drying your hair smooth.
• Apply the Beauty Works Argan Oil Serum to tame any frizz and add shine.

 

Step 2: Part Your Hair

• Use a fine-tooth comb to create a clean centre or side part, depending on your preferred look.

 

Step 3: Create a Low Ponytail

• Gather your hair at the nape of your neck.
• Secure it with a clear or neutral-toned elastic for a seamless finish.

 

Step 4: Wrap a Strand Around the Base

•  Take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail.
• Wrap it around the hair elastic to conceal it.
• Secure the end discreetly underneath the ponytail with a bobby pin.

 

Step 5: Tidy Up

• Spritz with hairspray to smooth down any flyaways or baby hairs for a sleek, polished finish.

 

Step 6: Finish with Shine Spray

•  Lightly mist the ponytail and crown area with Mirror Shine spray or apply a touch of Argan Oil Serum for a glossy, high-shine look.

 

Pro Tip:

• For an ultra-sleek finish, run a straightener gently over the ponytail after wrapping it to ensure every strand is perfectly smooth.

 

 

Ready, Set, Race!

Whether you're going full glam or opting for soft and natural, these race day hairstyles will have you feeling confident and camera-ready. Don’t forget to prep with your Beauty Works essentials and tag your look on Insta - we’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines!

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more hair inspo and tutorials.

 

 

 

Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair

• Begin with freshly washed and thoroughly dried hair.
• Apply Beauty Works Bounce Back Volume Spray from roots to ends to prep and plump the strands.
• If starting from wet, rough dry until your hair is around 80% dry to speed up styling.

Step 2: Create Volume with the XXL Volume Hot Brush

• Section your hair into manageable pieces.
• Take each section and glide the Beauty Works XXL Volume Hot Brush through, curling the ends either under or away from your face depending on your desired finish.
• Lift at the roots as you go for maximum volume and bounce.

Step 3: Add Clip-Ins for Extra Fullness

• Before setting the look, clip in extensions to amplify your volume or enhance length:
• For maximum body and a salon-style blowout, opt for the Beauty Works Double Hair Set.
• If your hair is fine or medium in texture, the Deluxe Clip-Ins offer a lightweight, natural blend that still delivers impactful volume.
• To frame your face and elevate the look further, add a Clip-In Fringe - perfect for creating that signature swoop without making the chop.
• Secure extensions below the crown and ensure they blend smoothly into your natural layers.

Step 4: Add Extra Bounce

• For long-lasting lift, set your curls in rollers while they cool.
• This step locks in volume and shape, especially around the crown and fringe area.

Step 5: Brush It Out

• Once the rollers are removed, gently brush through the curls using a wide paddle brush or your fingers.
• This helps blend your natural hair with the clip-ins, softening the shape into full, voluminous waves.

Step 6: Flip the Fringe

• Using the XXL Volume Hot Brush or a straightener, flick the front layers away from your face to create a flattering, face-framing swoop.
• If you’ve added a Clip-In Fringe, this step will help blend and style it to suit your features.

Step 7: Finish with Shine Spray

• To complete the look, mist with Beauty Works Mirror Shine Spray or apply a drop of Argan Oil Serum to mid-lengths and ends.
• This enhances shine and adds definition to your layered blowout.