Hair Trend Report: Spring 2013

By: Mandi Pimental

Hair, for as long as we women have had it, has been our best accessory and, at times, our worst foe. It is constantly changing.  I am not just talking about yours (and mine for that matter) on a daily basis. I am referring to the styles, the colors, and the popular lengths through time. Going back over fifty years, we can see how quickly trends change. Back in the fifties and sixties, we saw the dramatic beehive make a big statement, as well as feminine flips. Progressing into the seventies and eighties, we had Farrah debut her classic Charlie’s Angel blowout style that was ever popular for almost two decades. The motto also seemed to be “the bigger the better”, where stock in Aquanet and crimping irons surely soared. The nineties brought us edgier cuts and females were seen using more hair product to piece out shorter styles moving into more modern looks. Always looking ahead to the future, as we do in fashion, we work to try to improve upon all facets of what hair can be. Working with texture, thinking outside the proverbial color box, and bringing it all together to make it shine.  Here you will find some tips to do just that as you get a glimpse into what spring 2013 will bring us in the way of hot styles according to Runway and some of the hottest names in fashion.

The Deep Side Part
Tools Needed: High heat flatiron, strong hold hairspray, fine toothcomb, small elastic or bobby pins.
This low-maintenance look is sleek and dramatic in its own right. Start with your hair blown out and straightened stick straight (another trend making its comeback this season). You will be able to locate your own deep side part by lining it up with the outside of your eyebrow. If it feels unnatural, you may alternatively need to line it up with your brows natural arch. Using your comb, part your hair, bring it over, exposing your new part and comb smooth. Use hairspray to keep hair in place. Do not over-spray; just tame the hair that is wanting to fall away. You could also opt to use gel to give it a sleek and glam look for night. Pull hair tightly toward the back and secure with a bobby pin. You may also curl some soft waves in the hair hanging loose or secure in the back into a low small bun (pictured).

The Low Down – Buns & Ponytails
Tools Needed: A hairbrush and one small elastic. Hair wrap, pretty hair accessory or headband is optional.
Low buns and low ponies are getting a lot of attention this season. Being featured on runways internationally, as well as taking the spotlight in the press and social media, this low-key look is easy for all hairstyles and is very versatile. As well as being easily dressed up with the ever-popular hair scarf, this look takes little to no product and is easy to touch up on the go. For the low pony: brush hair back and tie with elastic at the base of your neck. You can leave it messy if you prefer and add a little product to give it a beachy feel, or smooth it back for a sleeker look. For the low bun: Style hair into low ponytail and tease lightly so that it becomes voluminous. Next, use a small elastic to keep in place.  Separate ponytail in two sections, top and bottom. Tease the upper half to give it more body. Create a small bun with the teased portion and secure by wrapping remaining un-teased hair around it. Secure with bobby pins.

The Look That’s Making Waves
Tools Needed: Hair dryer with diffuser, a surf spray, pick comb, hair wand, finishing crème
To obtain the perfect beach wave you can do one of two things. Ride the waves on a board, soaking up the sun and salty sea air (that would definitely achieve said look). Or, if you are like me and reside in the desert or other non-beachfront locale, you can follow these simple steps to look as though you had been hanging ten all afternoon. After your shower, use a pick comb to smooth out hair. (Do not dry with towel!) Pat it dry and let it naturally fall where it may, this will help it to not frizz. When it is slightly still damp, apply a surf spray (Bumble and Bumble has a nice one) and work it through your hair, scrunching it with your hands. Using your hairdryers diffuser, dry it almost completely and use a heated hair wand to wrap selected pieces around the wand lightly. While piecing it out, lightly curl sections until your desired look is achieved. Finish with a light finishing crème to give it a more finished look without weighing the hair down.

The Messy Braid
Tools Needed:  An elastic hair band, a light hold spray
Start with a basic side braid; do not smooth the ends as you go, as you want to achieve the “messy look”, fly-aways are o.k. in this instance. Once the braid is completed, secure with elastic about an inch from the bottom and pull on the braids sides to create the “undone” look. Spray for added security and in those two simple steps you have a messy braid.