Chester Races Hair Looks 2026
Alice Fairlie from DD Hair shares her expert guide to the most elegant hairstyles for the racing season
With the Chester Races season well underway, it’s time to start planning the perfect race day look. While finding the right outfit is important, your hairstyle can make all the difference when it comes to looking polished from the first race to the last glass of champagne.
Alice, Stylist at DD Hair, shares her expert advice on creating race day hair that not only complements your outfit but lasts all day.
Choosing the Right Hairstyle for Hats & Fascinators
“When wearing a fascinator or hat, balance is key,” says Alice. “You want your hairstyle to work with your headpiece, not compete against it.”
For larger hats, Alice recommends sleek low buns, soft chignons, or elegant ponytails that sit neatly beneath the brim. Fascinators, meanwhile, pair beautifully with soft waves, textured updos, or glamorous Hollywood curls, allowing the accessory to become part of the overall look.
“If your fascinator sits to one side, adding volume or waves to the opposite side helps create balance and enhances the overall style.”
How to Make Your Hairstyle Last All Day
A day at the races often starts in the morning and finishes late into the evening, so longevity is essential.
“My biggest tip is preparation,” explains Alice. “Freshly washed hair can sometimes be too soft to hold a style, so washing the night before often gives better results.”
Alice also recommends:
Using a lightweight volumising product before styling.
Securing styles with professional-grade pins and setting sprays.
Carrying a small travel hairspray and a few spare pins for touch-ups.
Booking a professional blow-dry or styling appointment on the morning of the event for maximum staying power.
Sleek or Curly? Let the Weather Decide
The British weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility is important when choosing your style.
“On warm, dry days, glamorous curls and soft waves look incredible and photograph beautifully,” says Alice. “However, if humidity or rain is forecast, a sleek ponytail, polished bun or smooth blow-dry is often a better option.”
Sleek styles tend to resist frizz and movement, making them ideal for longer days outdoors. Curled styles can still work wonderfully but may benefit from additional product and professional styling to help them hold.
Alice’s Top Race Day Trend for 2026
“This year we’re seeing a move towards effortless luxury,” says Alice. “Think glossy, healthy hair with soft movement rather than overly structured styles. Elegant ponytails, modern chignons and polished waves are proving especially popular for race day events.”
Alice’s Final Tip
“Book your styling appointment early. Chester Races is one of the busiest periods in the salon calendar, and planning ahead means you’ll have plenty of time for a consultation and trial if needed. Most importantly, choose a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable; you’ll wear it far better than following a trend that doesn’t feel like you.”
For race day styling advice or to book your Chester Races hair and makeup appointment, contact DD Hair and let Alice and the team help you create a look that’s ready for the winner’s enclosure.
Hungry for more?
Read up on the latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends in FEATURES, or browse a curated selection of our FEATURED PRODUCTS, meander through our guide to the finest things to do in Cheshire and beyond in WHATS ON or partake in our COMPETITIONS.
About The CHESHIRE Magazine
We are the definitive guide to luxury lifestyle in the North West. Latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends. The Cheshire Magazine is the largest luxury lifestyle title for the North West of England, dropping directly through the letterboxes of VIP subscribers from the Wirral to Greater Manchester plus all the villages and towns in between and digitally available as a subscription in print and digital on issuu.com worldwide. We specialise in connecting luxury brands to likeminded consumers.
If you are interested on how you can partner with The CHESHIRE Magazine, read more about us. Or get in touch to find out more about marketing, featuring or partnering with the Cheshire Magazine in print or online.
