While
some may argue that winter never truly arrived, there is no doubt that
for most of us, spring has sprung. With a new season comes new trends,
and the world of hair is no exception. From
recent red carpet events to runway shows, celebrities and style
trendsetters alike are blazing the trail of the most sought-after looks
for the warmer months. The question becomes how to make them work for
everyday wear. Here are fool-proof versions of hot spring and summer
looks from celebrity hairstylist, makeup artist and owner of Gocha Salon, Gocha Hawkins, with emphasis on low-maintenance styling, also known as a woman’s best friend.
Tight Top Knot
The
updo is back this spring, and arguably the most popular style of the
moment is the upswept top knot. “More than ever, we see people taking
more chances with hair. The top knot has been a
favorite of celebrities for a long time, and now more women are looking
to capitalize on this easy, yet impactful, trend. One thing to remember
when doing the top knot is that your hair should
be shoulder length or longer; anything shorter, and your style will be
much more difficult to achieve. When you add too much product, it can be
sticky and unflattering,” says Gocha.
· Gather hair as if putting up in a high, slicked-back ponytail. If hair is thin and does not have a lot of natural volume, tease gently and pull back, securing with hair elastic.
· Divide hair into two sections, winding them around one another from the base of the ponytail.
· Using hairpins, secure hair by pinning the base and then any additional loose hair.
The key is to keep most of it contained so the look emphasizes the
knot, like Jennifer Lopez’s look at this year’s Academy Awards.
· Spray with hair spray to keep in place throughout the day or night.
Effortless Waves
While for some of us, beachy hair
may be easier to achieve, for those without a natural wave, it takes a
little practice to get the right look without overloading on product. As
Gocha explains, “One of the biggest mistakes with the beachy-haired
look is to utilize products without understanding your hair type. For all hair types, you’ll want to avoid products that are sticky or that make your hair feel hard. Overdoing it on gel or spray can make hair appear stiff, and often, it doesn’t solve the issue of frizz. If your hair is prone to frizzing, use a serum; they are most easily absorbed into hair.”
· While hair
is still wet, apply a volumizing spray; after all, the desired effect
is a little bit of a boosted, “heavy-with-saltwater” wavy style that
requires some volume. Kate Hudson’s look is the perfect mix between
carefree and careful, deliberate face frames.
· Blow-dry with hands; don’t brush hair while styling.
· Choose random groups of strands and twist with fingers; particularly those around the face.
· Finish with hairspray if needed.
High Volume
With
humid months around the corner, it’s helpful to have a few styles in
the repertoire that lend themselves well to high volume. As Gocha puts
it, “Why fight it when it’s humid outside? It’s a losing battle, unless
you want to spend your day doing countless touch-ups, and who has time
for that? I usually suggest going for trends that are low-maintenance
and work well for women with thicker hair that
changes texture in heat. Achieving a bigger look is simple, and contrary
to popular belief, does not require a trip to the salon for a
professional blowout!”
· If hair is thin, use a shampoo that specializes in producing volume.
· Use volumizing spray, and then flip hair
until upside down. Blow-drying this way produces natural heft and
allows closer access to roots that may need teasing. Like Beyonce, don’t
straighten bangs, but blow dry them so that they keep the same texture.
· If needed, use a three inch curling iron (make sure all hair is dry first!) to add more control to waves.
· Not big enough? Tease hair at the crown. Then, using a large flat brush, comb out and seal with hairspray.
Short and Chic
There is no time more popular for short hair
styles than spring and summer. And with more and more stars embracing
the pixie cut, the moment to go short is now. “Not only are short hair
styles the most low-maintenance and easiest to style, but they’re also
increasing in popularity as more and more celebrities embrace them. It’s
important with a short haircut to trust your stylist to give you the
right look; this isn’t something that I would suggest trying at home. It
takes a certain personality to pull off this trend, but it’s worth it
to be on the cutting edge of what is chic,” explains Gocha.
· With short styles, keep in mind that they look best on women with square, oval or heart-shaped faces and hair with a certain degree of texture. Not curly, but wavy, is the best for short hair,
though thin can also work if layered well. Not ready to go for the full
pixie? Take a cue from celebrity Sienna Miller and keep hair longer in front.
· While
many women think that a pixie cut is a “one-trick pony,” there are
certain cuts that can be very versatile. For example, a short pixie cut
can be styled into choppy bangs, a deep side part, spiked up for volume,
or tousled.
· One
of the best go-to products for any type of styling for a pixie cut is a
wax-based product, which adds volume and also separation for sectioning
hair. Use this as an alternative to hairsprays for keeping the style in place.
“Spring and summer are the prime seasons for women to be more confident in changing hair. I always suggest going for whatever look you’re considering, because it is hair,
and it grows back! These easy styles are great for women-on-the-go who
seek low-maintenance, yet trendy, looks. And isn’t that all of us, after
all?” Gocha says.
Images courtesy of PageDaily.com, HairstyleIdeas.net, WomensBeautyLife.com, and BestHairstyle.us.
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