Hair Styles for Women: totally new
From frizz attacks to listless and brittle hair, summer can be a nightmare for those sporting long tresses. Even that sleek figure you managed to finally achieve after spending months at the gym or the glamorous summer outfits that you spent your last salary on can fail to up your oomph quotient, thanks to unruly hair that refuses to behave itself.
While most people resort to the old tied look for the summer, a boring bun or a done-to-death ponytail, you'll be surprised at the number of stylish hairstyles you can treat yourself to, even in this heat, and without spending a bomb on a stylist. This summer, trendy hairdos mix classic nostalgia for the past with futuristic modern sensibilities to come up with styles that are romantic and edgy.
"They go very well with all kinds of textures too," says Shefali Shetty, salon director, b: blunt, Mumbai. Blossom Kocchar, education director, Blossom Kocchar college of creative arts, Delhi, adds, "This summer is all about reinventing your hair in styles that are carefree, relaxed and yet completely glamorous." So go ahead, be a chameleon with these expert recommended hairstyles in five easy DIY steps.
Unkempt Braid
Get the look
1. Comb your hair to brush out all the knots using a wide tooth comb and part your hair down the middle or to the side, depending on what suits your face.
2. Leave a bunch of hair on one side and scoop the rest to braid.
3. Grab the top section of the hair to be braided and divide into three strands. Start intertwining these strands like a normal braid. Keep the braid loose.
4. Once done, pull out a small strand from the plait and wrap it around the end of the braid to fasten it. Secure this strand with invisible pins. Now, further loosen out the braid to get the unkempt look.
5. Scrunch up the hair on your right. Divide it in strands and twirl them around your fingers to enhance the messy curly look.
Trend alert
The age old method of braiding hair is now being reinvented worldwide.
Spotted on various celebrities like Nicole Kidman, it's ideal for both long and medium length hair and adds much needed drama to the otherwise boring plait.
Messy Chignon
Get the look
1. Divide your hair in small sections and put hot rollers on for 20 minutes.
2. Open your hair and finger comb it. Make a side parting, also leaving out a thick strand in front for the fringe.
3. Starting from the back to the forehead, take thin sections and back-comb hair to slightly mess up the curls.
4. Twisting the hair a little from the ends, secure it with bobby pins on crest area. Roll the hair left over upside into three sections.
5. Smoothen and secure the hair on the outside with bobby pins. Straighten the hair in front to make a fringe. Accessorise the look with a stylish hair band.
Trend alert
Seen on glamazons like Nicole Richie, this version of the tousled bun is a great choice for formal occasions as well as casual events.
This look works for all types of hair and texture.
Side Swept Curls
Get the look
1. Divide your hair in small sections and curl tightly.
2. Once done, use your fingers to gently open up the curls until they lose some of their tightness.
3. Part the hair sideways and pull the curls over your right shoulder. Leave out one curl to loosely hang on the other side of your face.
4. Leave out another strand in front, from the curls on the right, and safely secure the rest with bobby pins just below the ear.
5. Only from the top, gently brush the left out strand to straighten it. Then sweep it across the forehead, and using bobby pins, loosely secure with the rest of the curls.
Trend alert
Giving the old Hollywood waves a twist, quite literally, this look is a big favourite with A-listers like Taylor Swift.
Easy to achieve, it can be dressed up or down, depending on your choice of accessories. Perfect for a romantic date.
Retro Chic
Get the look
1. Divide your hair in small sections and put hot rollers on for at least 20 minutes.
2. Divide the hair in three segments, starting from front to the back. Keep the front section the smallest, and the furthermost section, the biggest.
3. Back comb the mid section. Smoothen the surface and bunch the hair up in a puff. Pin this puff up at the back.
4. Straighten the strand in front. Sweep it across the forehead and let the hair lie loosely on the side.
5. Put the hair in the last section over your left shoulder. Brush out the curls so they resemble flowy locks.
Trend alert
A classic hairdo reinvented, it channels the old-world diva in you.
Go the Angelina Jolie way or doll it up with ribbons, feathers or scarves.