Letting your hair down

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2014
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Tresemme's stylist explains to how sweep long locks into a range of styles that are perfect for work and partying

Bored with long straight tresses and the keep-off-the-face ponytail tied with a colourful scrunchy? Then take some tips from Tresemme, the official hair care sponsor of the Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week.
Global stylist Matthew Curtis recently outlined a few simple steps to achieving seven glorious new looks. The first, “Enchanting Barrel Roll”, is a soft, romantic style straight out of a fairy tale.
“I selected these fabulous updos for the runway because they are effortless and have great texture which makes them wearable in any environment,” Curtis says.
The tomboy side slick exudes an air of coolness and a slight edge that lets a girl’s individuality shine through.
“Polished Chignon” is a versatile style as suited to a day at the office as a chic evening out. “The textured updo is a wearable interpretation of the timeless evening looks,” Curtis enthuses. “I love the clean lines of the sleek ponytail, and the low slung plait and ethereal waves are great ways to enhance a casual day look with a slight Bohemian touch.”
It’s even simple to achieve. All you need do it part the hair in the centre, loosely smooth it into a low ponytail and tie with elastic. Then twist the end of ponytail and wrap lengths around the base of ponytail and secure with elastic to create a low, loose chignon. Soften the perimeter of hairline with your fingers.
An insider’s tip to perfecting the third look, “Sleek Ponytail” is by spraying the brand’s Smooth and Silky No Frizz Shine Spray on a soft bristle brush and brushing through lengths and ends. This look is paired best with your favourite dress and a night on the town.
Curtis notes that he chose the textured pleat because it’s a contemporary take on a classic updo. “The double tied ponytail is a great way to make a regular ponytail more interesting. The braided updo is a great next day style with a young, fun feel. The slick back side gives you an exaggerated clean parting and front of hair that can take moments to do, but be bold and effective. The slick deep side part is a great high shine ponytail that is perfect for any situation.”
Another ponytail style is the “Rope Braided Updo”.
“It’s a great twist on a basic braid, and the bold centre parting adds a slight edginess to this classic look,” he says.
Back-combed curls, all the rage on this season’s fashion runways, are the stars of the “Textured and Teased Ponytail” though Curtis advises ladies with finer hair to curl their hair with a curling iron or heated rollers before back-combing to create more volume and hold in the ponytail.
“Sleek and Soft Lengths” give a polished look and feel to normally more relaxed styles. The deep side parting easily creates a clean yet dramatic effect with minimal preparation. “The bobs are staples of hairstyling and are timeless no matter how you tweak them. They evoke a modern feel that makes the classic style an instant must have,” says Curtis.
“To maintain the sleek polished top half of the hair, simple tie a silk scarf on top of the hair before curling the bottom half. This will help to set to the smoothness in place, tame flyaways and create shine on hair.”
Last but certainly not least, Tresemme introduces the “Textured Pleat”.
Smooth out the hair by the section and roll it together to create a vertical roll, giving that classic twist shape. Smooth out the top section and connect to the roll, creating a smooth vertical roll at the back of the head with soft sides and a luminous top. Pin hair from the nape of the neck up from the section you have at the back end of the head.
“This is a classic evening updo that isn’t for all occasions, but wearing it would be incredibly special, like breaking out that ball gown that’s been sitting in your closet. Save it for a stellar evening and you will feel amazing,” says Curtis.