Braids
What: Plaits are huge this Spring/Summer, with everyone from Moschino and Michael Kors to Valentino celebrating their revival on the runway. While Moschino went for impeccable, ladylike plaits, gracefully fashioned across a centre-parted crown, Valentino favoured slightly messy, uneven braids with flyaway hairs for a youthful, gypsy vibe.
Get the look: For a braid that runs over the top of your head, you'll need waist-length tresses. If you don't have such long hair, you can always fake it with hair extensions. To recreate the style, Natalie O'Sullivan, creative director at Pastels Salon, says, "First, use an ironing tool to straighten your hair. Centre-part your hair on top through front, and then brush the length back into two ponytails at the nape of the neck. Take care to position the ponytails so that they are hanging side by side.
Braid both ponytails and secure the ends with discreet elastic bands. Wrap one plait over and across the top of the head, and pin it at the nape of the neck. Secure in place with bobby pins and clips along the entire length too. Next, roll the second plait into a classic braided bun and pin at the neck base to sit exactly over the pinned end of the other plait. Finish with a shine spray."
When doing plaits, Natalie recommends not braiding too tightly as you risk breaking your hair.
Fuss-free centre part
What: Classic American glamour is having its big moment this season, judging by the fuss-free centre partings seen at Chloé, Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana. Easy, effortless and chic, this smooth style is all about creating a cascade of long, bouncy layers.
Get the look: "This cut has a fairly heavy baseline, with very tapered layers shaping the face," says Natalie. "First ask your stylist to add layers that aren't too short - they should go up to the jawline - and focus on texturising the tips to give your hair ample movement," she says.
Once you've got the perfect cut, it's over to you. Natalie advises prepping hair with a light heat-protective lotion so as not to weigh hair down. Smooth your hair section by section using a large round brush and blow-dryer. You can also take small random sections and wrap the hair around tongs at mid-length to create gentle waves. You can then build volume at the front of your hair by blasting the front section backwards with your hair-dryer.
"You don't need to set you hair with hairspray in this style, as you want your hair to stay bouncy and have movement," Natalie says.
The Great Gatsby
What: Retro is all the rage now, in everything from fashion to make-up, and hair trends are not to be left behind. Vintage Hollywood-inspired voluminous bouffants, beehives and big rolls, as shown by Fendi, Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs, may not be practical for every day, but you could try something different for a special occasion.
Get the look: Retro coifs and rolls work better when hair is unwashed - your style will stay put. Natalie says, "first prep your hair by cleaning greasy roots with a dry shampoo. Next, work a styling mousse into the lengths. Brush and divide hair into front and back sections - the back section you can work into a high ponytail and then into a neat bun. Now centre-part the front hair section, and lift strands from under the roots on one side of the parting and use a curling iron to create one big cylindrical curl on each side.
"Curl about two centimetres of the ends into the iron to train the hair to sit like the two cylindrical barrels on each side. Tease lightly at the roots to work up volume, and then smooth the strands on top with a tiny flat styling brush."
Natalie says you needn't worry if the curls get combed out at this stage. "Hold each side section of centre-parted hair and roll into a long, oversized curl using your fingers as a mould to wrap hair around. Immediately pin the curl to the roots with discreet hair clips. Repeat on the other side. Finish with a strong-hold spray," Natalie says.
Low pony
What: The ponytail has undergone a transformation for spring/summer, with the new low-slinger making waves on more than one runway. Take inspiration from Viktor & Rolf and Carolina Herrera who neatly wrapped loose, low ponytails in cute bows. Or, you could try something a little more boho like the textured, undone layers at Emilio Pucci.
Get the look: "Prep hair with a light heat-protectant spray and blow-dry or flat iron it straight," says Natalie. "With a styling bristle, brush your hair backwards, smoothing and shaping it all around the head. Use a small hair band to tie hair just a few inches above the ends and spritz your locks with a medium-hold hair spray and finish," she says.
You can add interest by tying a ribbon, bow or scarf over the elastic band.
