For many women, knowing that our hair looks good is the key to feeling confident. But hair is often an after-thought when we’re getting ready, short of time, or when we’re feeling uninspired.
The holiday season is a great time to try out new hairstyles. We’ve got a round-up of some of the hottest hair trends and a few recommendations of the best-buys around, to help you achieve these up-to-the-minute looks.
Pony Tails A-Go-Go
Worn high or low, right now, the humble pony tail is very sophisticated! Which is very handy, because the same look can serve during the day at work and for the evening when you’re partying. You can look efficient by day and elegant by night.
The pure and simple look is heavily in favour—“reflective shine” is the key to marking your pony tail out as chic. So why not invest in some really good straightening irons? There’s a bewildering range out there, but the Corioliss C2 Ultra-slim Titanium Straightener stands out from the crowd. It uses nano silver technology which means it kills bacteria too. It also uses negative ion technology which will, even without serums, give your hair a long-lasting polka straightness.
Unlike many straighteners, this has an adjustable temperature and it can be used to curl effectively too, with a little practice. The Corioliss C2 Titanium Straightener is available in a range of colours from www.corioliss.com and from various retail outlets.
Long Is Beautiful in Contemporary Hair Fashion
Long, luscious and worn loose, luckily, you don’t have to spend years growing it anymore as quality hair extensions are widely available.
If you’re lucky enough to have hair that is real and long, however, you may find that the combination of harsh winter weather and indoor heating is very drying—and the “dried hay” look just isn’t fashionable.
Longer hair generally needs more attention—the ends have been around for much longer and have had to withstand more damage! The Revlon Equave set contains a sumptuous shampoo and conditioner packed full of vitamins and essential minerals like white grape (containing anti-oxidants now known to be more effective than Vitamins C or E).
It also has a deeply nourishing hair masque to penetrate the hair shafts and keep your hair soft and subtle. Paddle brush included—good for sleeking out long hair.
Available at the bargainous price of £14.95 from www.ukhairdressers.com, these boxed sets make fantastic gifts.
Very low side partings are the in thing at the moment. Particularly “short” partings, more slanted than straight. Try it out and see if you like it. Maybe you could even swap sides.
Sultry Waves—The Trendiest Look Around
The aim is to look loose and natural, rather than lacquered and stylised. The Jose Eber Signature Series Ceramic Curling Tongs are a versatile little tool—good for anything from sharp ringlets or cool waves.
They are lightweight, “clipless”, revolve 360 degrees and are easy to handle. For loose waves, take two inch sections of hair and wrap it vertically around the wand, starting at eye level. Roots will remain straight and this gives a very flattering shape to the hair. Finish off with scrunch texturising balm or defrizzing product if you have wavy hair.
These tongs work using negative ion technology, which means less heat is required (the temperature is adjustable too), so far less damage done in the long-run. Straighteners can be a little damaging to the hair when used continually for curling as you have to pull the hair so often. The Jose Eber range of straighteners and tongs is available in several of the larger London department stores. The signature ceramic curling tongs are very strong and reliable—so much so, that Jose Eber are offering a lifetime warranty on them.
House of Fraser have a number of great in-store promotions at the moment, including a free mini-straightener with the purchase of two products (great for Christmas presents) so pop in for a demo.
Asymmetrical Fringes Are Very Chic
Give it a go if you want to give yourself a quirky, slightly rebellious make-over. However this look is much more effective if you’ve got straightened hair (mini-straighteners are particularly useful).
Unruly Curls Are Cool
There is one rule this season and that’s anything goes. The dishevelled, playful look is very in. You might want to, for instance, opt for a funky mess of curls all pinned up. The Babyliss Pro is just the thing for this. They come in a very funky black and white design. They’re ceramic and have an adjustable temperature—so are kind to your hair – and they’ve been designed by Babyliss for the demands of a professional salon. These curling tongs are not available in department stores, but you can get one for £24.50 at www.hqhair.com.
Buns Are fun
...and they’ve cast off their staid old image. Whether it’s a classic ballerina bun or a slightly more complicated affair of a pony tail worked into lots of plaits and then intertwined and pinned into place.
Quick Up-Dos
1. Back comb the hair at the crown.
2. Pull the hair into a low-ish pony tail (preferably with a clear elastic band).
3. Fix the hair up using Kirby grips – place pins in opposite directions for extra staying power.
4. Tuck the end of your hair in with another Kirby grip so it’s hidden away.
5. Gently pull out some strands to frame the face.
6. Finally give your hair a spray. Simple.
Adorn your hair with a sprig of mistletoe, if you’re feeling up for it. To lift your basic chignon into something really show-stopping (and what could suit a Christmas or New Year’s party more?) fix some sparkly accessories up the side. Goody stock an array of quality accessories, clips and grips available from stockists nationwide. www.goody.com
