Top Hair Trends For This Summer
The cut: chic chop
Bobs are big news, with stard like Danni Minogue showing how versatile a bob can be, and Alexa Chung pulling off the perfect tousled "bobette". Worn sleek or shaken, it's a great look. Pop stars Rihanna and Frankie Sandford of The Saturdays are wearing the coolest crops - the underneath is cut short, while the top lengths can be worn straight and flirty over one eye or teased into a quiff.
Top tips
If you have a small face, a sharp-edged bob works well. For a fuller face, bobs with a bit more bounce are best - think flicks and sweepy fringes.
• A paddle brush will help you achieve a super-smooth finish. Brush hair from side to side as you blow-dry, and use straightening irons to de-kink.
• For more texture, tip your head upside down and aim the hairdryer at the roots.
• Keep your crop trimmed regularly so it falls into place.
The colour: multi-platinum hue
Blonde is the focus shade, as models such as Jessica Stam and Carmen Kass have been showing off blonde-bombshell looks to great effect. For home hair colour, the new Nutrisse Radiant Blondes which come in five shades, are sensational. I love multi-tonal colours that create a sun-kissed effect. But blonde shades are designed to work on naturally light hair - you can only lift your hair colour by up to two shades, so be realistic about your expected result.
Top tips
• If you're blonde, go blonder - anything from icy white to lushly syrupy blondes.
• If you're a redhead, go lighter and warmer or darker and richer, by introducing highlights or going for all-over colour.
• If you're brunette, bring extra summer warmth with dark caramels or rich chocolates.
• Always follow the safety instructions on home hair colours.
The style: side plait
Plaits are everywhere, inspired by the casual, asymmetric braids at Miu Miu and Alexander Wang and the fishtails at Missoni. A single rope of hair, worn to the side with laid-back slouchiness looks sexy without trying too hard, as Sherlock Holmes actress Rachel McAdams shows. Here we give step-by-step advice on how to turn a side plait into a special spring/summer style.
• You need to work with hair that has a mattified texture. Section off the hair and apply Charles Worthington Results Dry Shampoo on to the roots. Allow to settle for a minute and then massage in.
• To inject extra body and height, backcomb the top section, from hairline to crown, with a tail comb.
• Use your fingers to work through lengths of hair to create a tousled look. Then, creating a rough, low parting on one side, loosely fold the hair over to the other side, securing at the nape of the neck with a grip. Let random strands fall around the face, keeping the bulk of the hair aside to form the plait.
• Create the plait using the classic braiding technique. Aim for a loose, chunky plait, securing it with a small, snag-free hair band and leaving 2-3in of length at the end.
• Add body to the length of the plait by massaging it with your fingers in a circular motion, so some strands come loose.
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