Whether you are blessed with long, flowing locks or have opted for a practical bob or crop, we’re all prone to getting bored of our cuts every now and again, and as a new season dawns, it can be tempting to mix things up with a complete and glamorous overhaul.
But before you go booking that salon appointment, there are plenty of ways you can update your style without so much as a snip – from up-dos and braids, to simple accessories like handmade hair barrettes. Taking your hair from dull plain Jane to chic and expensive-looking in a matter of minutes, it’s the most wonderful time of year for experimenting – particularly if you’ve got a party or two to show up at where you’re keen to impress.
To help get you inspired for the season ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest seasonal updates to take you through winter – and whether it’s a day at the office or a special occasion out, there’s something to suit all eventualities.
All you’ll need to get started is clean hair, good quality texturizing and hairsprays, a few hair elastics and oodles of Kirby grips – and no more than five minutes to spare.
Face framing pieces
One of the simplest updates you can possibly make is to let some face-framing pieces fall free from your up do. This ‘90s throwback adds a soft, beautiful and feminine finish to ponytails, top-knots, buns and chignons alike, and will take you a matter of seconds to achieve. Just use a pin tail comb to pull out a few small sections near to your hairline, and you’re good to go.
Messy low buns
A versatile look that suits every hair type, the messy low bun is one of the best hairstyles for sarees, veils and other adornments, as well as looking chic and understated worn alone. To create yours, simply brush hair through until smooth, spritz generously with texturizing spray and part hair on one side. Next, pick up a two-inch section of hair from the front and to the left of your parting, twist and pin at the back of your head – then repeat on the right side. To finish, tie the rest of your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, roll messily into a bun and secure with Kirby grips. Spray with hairspray to fix, and voila!
Knotted up-dos
Another simple and pared-down style, the knotted up-do is casual daytime chic at its best, and requires minimal effort to achieve. Split your hair into two sections, then knot them together at the nape of your neck. Secure with a few Kirby grips, add a little hairspray, and you’re done. For shinier, slipperier hair, spray liberally with texturizing spray before styling to ensure your do will stay in place.
High ponytails
The high ponytail is a classic an glamorous style that rarely falls out of favour, but this season, it’s all about weight and volume. A look that works best on long, thick, unlayered hair, volumizing mousse is the key to getting it right – scrunch into damp hair before blow-drying for maximum oomph. Use a one-inch curling iron to create loose waves, spray liberally with a good-quality texturizing spray, and sweep into a ponytail at the crown of your head. For extra bounce, fluff up the lengths by backcombing lightly.
Undone side braids
As seen on the likes of the beautiful Elizabeth Olsen, the mussed-up side-braid is a work of art. To replicate this effortlessly stylish look, part your hair low on one side, and start plaiting the hair just below the jawline. Secure at the end with an invisible or covered hair elastic, then randomly tug at sections and pull them part-way out to create that loose, undone look.
Ribbon pony
A simple style can be taken from run-of-the-mill to chic an unique with ease – all it takes is a show-stopping accessory. Bows are big news for the winter season, and a simple block colour or black velvet number is the perfect accent for a pared down evening look. To style yours, let your hair air-dry, get out that trusty texturizing spray and rough up with your fingers. Then, secure with an invisible elastic at the nape of your neck, and cover with your chosen ribbon in a large, loose bow.
Half-up top-knot
The recurring style that just won’t go away, the half-up topknot is beloved by celebrities and high-society ladies alike. Even better, it works wonders for when your hair is looking past its best, and will hide an oily fringe in an instant. Great on short to medium hair, just sweep the top section of hair up from above each ear, form a loose bun and pin loosely. This look is all about volume, and is meant to look ‘undone’.
These quick and easy updates are the perfect antidote to winter hair boredom – just don’t tell anyone how long they really took you, or you’ll spoil the illusion!
