Runway hair is either an exercise in aspirational, over-the-top, theatrical tresses (recent examples include Haider Ackerman's alien head-esque ponytail or Jean Paul Gaultier's sky-high grey beehive) or the pinnacle of natural beauty—which means shiny, cascading locks (think Tory Burch or Chloe). And while we're definitely equal opportunists when it comes to hairstyles, loving both the craziness of an awesomely exaggerated updo and the beautiful simplicity of a gorgeous waves, there's nothing like being able to effortlessly translate a 'do into a covetable iteration that's all your own. Here are 4 easy hairstyles to help get you amped on new spring 'dos.
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The Romantic Twist— Imperfection was the goal at the Alice and Olivia fall '11 show, where Sebastian sylist Thomas Dunkin went for a slightly disheveled chignon. He also upped the elegance factor by adding small twists on each side. Start by applying a volumizing spray to damp hair and then blow-dry, creating texture with fingers. Next, spray hair with with a shine product, then create a center part. Starting at the front, twist small section of the hair on the sides (temporarily pin each side) and pull the hair back into a loose bun or chignon. Spray with hairspray to hold.
Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray, $19.95, visit Sebastian Professional for locations; Sebastian Shine Define, $15.95, visit Sebastian Professional for locations; L'Oreal Paris Ellnett Hairspray, $14.99, available at Ulta. Images courtesy of Sebastian Professional.
Deconstructed Braids— At Rag & Bone, Redken stylist Guido Paulu went for what he described as "braids that look wrong." It's a simple, feminine look with underneath braids that are almost an afterthought. Prep the hair with a body building product, then blowout straight or leave your natural texture. Divide the hair into three sections, leaving the front pieces out, and loosely braid small pieces of hair in each section and try not to make them symmetrical. Pull pieces out of the braids a bit for a lived-in look.
Redken Thickening Lotion 06 Body Builder, $13, visit Redken for locations; Blax Mini Black and Clear Hair Elastics, $4, available at Beauty Habit; Images by Dan McMahon.
Tie One On—Veering a bit into masculine territory, stylist Luke Hersheson went for a slick, '50s rockabilly-inspired knotted ponytail for Preen's fall '11 show. To get the wet look, start with damp hair, apply an anti-frizz product and a volumizing mousse, and comb through with a brush until the hair is completely shiny. Finish with a smoothing serum for extra shine. Next, create a deep side part and twist the front portion into a quiff at the forehead. Then, pull the hair back into a ponytail at ear level. Divide the ponytail into two sections and add Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist (for hold and shine). Twist each section tightly and tie the two pieces together into a knot. Pin at the base to hold and leave the pieces hanging into a ponytail.
Redken Outshine 01Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk, $16, available at Redken; Kevin.Murphy Body.Builder Volumizing Mousse, $21.29, available at Sleek Hair; Rodin by Recine Luxury Hair Oil, $60, available at Olio Lusso; Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist, $17, available in April. visit Redken.com for salons. Images by Dan McMahon.
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Knot So Fast— Hair at Narciso Rodriguez's fall '11 show got knotted too, diverging from Preen's wet into a dry, twisted, purposefully unkempt knot. Wella Professional Global Creative Director Eugene Souleiman used Well Ocean Spritz on dry hair, then created extra texture with a hairdryer directed at the roots. To start this easy hairstyle, just pull hair into a tight ponytail, spray the ponytail with more Ocean Spritz, and twist hair into a knot, leaving the end of the ponytail sticking out. Secure knot with bobby pins.
A Beautiful Life Pregame Texturizing Spray, $22, available at A Beautiful Life; Goody Bobby Pins, $3.29, available at Target. Images courtesy of Wella.