Hairstyle trends by Shahnaz Husain
- Posted in: Feature Stories on Saturday, 04 May 2013 10:12
The trends, whether for make-up or hairstyle, is a combination of the old and the new. Some styles of the 60’s and 70’s are being revived, adding a modern touch. The retro look, reminiscent of the 60’s and 70’s, seems to be coming back, with the back-combed bouffant like raised hairstyles, or softer styles.
The shaggy layered shoulder length hair has been in fashion and continues to be so. It suits most face shapes. In fact, shoulder length hair suits most face shapes, except long faces. The layers can be cut in a way that suits the face. The layers should begin at chin level and not above, otherwise a round face will look even rounder.
In fact, long hair is very much the trend and still much favoured with a bouncy look and cascading waves. The hair should have a lot of movement. The softer look is in, with big curls or natural waves, in the lower half of the hair. Most styles suit oval faces and so does this one. Since bangs and fringes are still in vogue, one can go for a side swept fringe for an oval face. Go for a side-parting.
Since the bouffant, which was the fashion during the 60s, is coming back, half the hair can be put in a bouffant, with the rest coming down. In fact, the bouffant can be used to add height to a round face. The rest of the hair can fall softly down, framing the face.
The classic ponytail is also dictating trends. It suits most face shapes, because one can wear a pony tail high or low, with a fringe or without, or with wisps or curls falling down, with that carefully-careless look. A ponytail is actually an easy hair do. With ribbons, or other hair accessories, it can even provide a touch of glamour. One can have a ponytail for a formal or an informal look. For a long face, wear a low pony tail and have a light long fringe falling straight down. For an oval face, wear it with a side-swept fringe. For a square jawed face, have wisps of long curls falling down on either side of the face, just beyond jaw level. It will suit a round face too.
Braids, especially side braids are also “in” and one can have the hair braided in many ways, using hair accessories too. Long hair can be braided and then put up. Or, have the braid on one side, with wisps and curls framing the face. One can also have several braids and then put them up in a pony tail with ribbons. Coloured ribbons can also be used all along the braid. The side braid is becoming more popular – whatever the texture of your hair, you can try braiding it on one side. For frizzy hair, first apply an anti-frizz cream or spray. Comb the hair by sweeping it all to one side. Then divide it into three sections and make a loose braid and secure it with a ribbon, scrunchy or rubber band. The wisps of hair that remain can frame the face, or some may be pinned up to give you the carefully careless look.
Putting the hair up is also in vogue. It can be put up with the help of hair accessories, with curls and ringlets. Long hair may be put up too, in a casual knot or braided styles. Putting the hair up can make you look sophisticated, elegant or glamorous. The style is suitable for a gala occasion.
The bob is also back. For short bobbed hairstyles, it is not just the shape of the face, but also hair texture that matters. Basically, a bob is a short cut, with the hair cut in one length. But, today one sees many variations of the bob, with the hair being worn at chin level, or even slightly longer. Also, it is not strictly cut to one level (blunt cut), but may have layers and waves, giving the cut a softer look.
Most hairstyles suit an oval face, whether it is long, short or medium length. A layered style would suit an oval face. A short hairstyle suits a long face, provided it adds width to the sides. Avoid styles that add height on top. A fringe – light and long, or a side-swept one, would suit a long face. The style can be up to chin level, with soft layers or curls.
For a round face, avoid very short cuts if the hair texture is curly or bushy. It would add more width to the face. The hair length should be below chin level. The hair should fall softly down, without adding much width at the sides. Layers or waves should begin at chin level and not at ear level. Very straight hair would make the round face shape more apparent.
As for hair colour, subtle and more natural highlights continue to be in vogue. Dark brown, reddish shades, burgundy or dark copper are in and suit Indian skin tones.