Stuck in a style rut? Been there, done that. But changing up your look doesn’t have to require hours in the hairdresser’s chair or a drastic cut – with just one of these quick fixes, you can breathe new life into the hair you already have.
1/ Add a hair accessory
The A/W ’17 runways were replete with all manner of hair bling, from the gilded floral headpieces at Rodarte to the ‘60s-style, jewel-encrusted headbands at Chanel. Whether your style is more Game of Thrones whimsy or Gossip Girl prep, there’s a hair accessory to suit.
2/ Get bendy
“This isn’t a beach wave. It’s more polished and chic,” says ghd stylist James Pecis of the new, effortless way to wear hair. “Instead of wrapping hair all the way around the tong, you press it against the barrel to achieve a natural S-shape bend,” he instructs. He uses the ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong to get the look, starting at ear level for an undone effect.
3/ Consider a fringe
Follow in the footsteps of Jesinta Campbell and January Jones and use a fringe to freshen up your look. The current style is piece-y, undone and, most of all, FUN – look to French icons like Jane Birkin and Caroline de Maigret for inspiration.
4/ Go low
The topknot’s time is over (at least for now….) – if the hair looks on the runway are any indication, it’s all about a sleek low ponytail or ballet bun. As spotted at Prabal Gurung, Loewe and Erdem, the look offers instant polish with none of the fuss – simply pull back, secure with a hair elastic and go. Spritz hair first with texturizing spray for a more casual vibe.
5/ Change your part
With a quick flick of a comb (or even your fingers), a different part can transform your entire look. “A simple flick in the opposite direction can take you from desk to downtime in a flash,” says Sydney hair stylist Barney Martin. “I would recommend anyone with a very round face to go for more of a side part as a centre part can make the face look wider,” he cautions. “Square faces are [also] softened with a slight side part.”
6/ Embrace your natural texture
The easiest way to change your hair? Do nothing. Set your alarms back by 15 minutes and eschew styling in favour of a natural, air-dried look – if it’s good enough for Alexander Wang, it’s good enough for us.
7/ Go for a perm à la Gigi and Bella
The Hadid sisters are rocking ’80-style curls right now, and we’re seriously tempted to follow suit. The fashion and beauty worlds have fallen head over heels for ‘80s styling, from puffy sleeves and lurex to disco eyeshadow, so it’s no surprise hair trends are following suit.
8/ Tie a ribbon in your hair
You could do worse than take your style cues from Nicole, Gwyn and Carrie, who have all resurrected that primary school staple – the hair ribbon. Keep the look luxe by way of black velvet – it’s a sure-fire way to elevate the humble ponytail.
9/ Get gym hair (no workout required)
It’s a look favoured by celebrities and the street style set alike – the half up, half down gym bun. Boost your hair’s body with a texturising spray or dry shampoo, then scrape back the front and secure high on the back of the head, looping the ends.
10/ Trade in your beachy waves for dead-straight hair
It’s finally time to make friends with your straightener again – after season after season of tousled bedhead waves, sleek, poker-straight strands are having a moment once more.
