Quit worrying about your bum, tum and thighs this summer. The body part you really need to prepare for exposure is your neck.

Hemlines are not the only thing rising with the temperature gauge — hair is going higher too with tied-back locks beating the high-maintenance blowdry hands down.

It's a summer trend Guido, Redken creative consultant, dubs “urban romance”.

“This isn't romantic hair in the usual sense, not down and free-flowing — it's more for the city woman,” he explains.

“Shapes have an edge, and it is worn up in a ponytail or knot.”

The average woman changes her hairstyle twice every year between the ages of 15 and 65 — a total of 100 looks, according to a new survey by hairdresser Andrew Collinge.

But there is no need to run home from the salon in tears after a crazy cut or colour — with a few grips and tucks you can create a dramatic new look in minutes.

At the scorching Cannes Film Festival 'up hair' was the red carpet highlight with Kirsten Dunst's wavy side chignon, Kate Beckinsale's glam beehive and Diane Kruger's pinned back curls.

There is also this season’s soft and casual bun.

“This loose, low-slung version of this season's must-wear bun is very pretty and soft — perfect for girls with shoulder length hair and longer," says Andrew.