No need for drastic transformations to be a head-turner. To go from last to this season, think small change like a new colour, bangs or quick updates to the styling routine. What governs the state of heads for 2011? Revival, not massive change. Classic cuts like the bob and pixie, find themselves in the spotlight again, albeit with modern signatures. The updates are almost minor, yet are so definitive. Like giving bangs to an old cut, flashing colour or just parting your hair differently. Familiar yet fresh, runway hair now is simplicity at its best. Universally flattering looks that are chic and wearable, and most importantly, easy for everyone to cop. The Fringed, long bob Change Factor: Grow out and cut Difficulty rating: 2/5 Take a classic cut, let it grow out a little, add bangs, and voila it s the uber fringed, long bob. Replacing the edgy, razor-sharp, chin length pob that was popularised by Victoria Beckham, 1/5
2011 s bob is worn longer (tips graze shoulders) and with a thick, blunt-cut fringe. There s a retro 70 s influence going on. The look appeals because it s sophisticated yet girlish and wearable for all. Who s got it down pat? Model Abbey Lee Kershaw who s worn the long bob with bangs in different lengths. How to wear it well Less severe than 2008 s bob, the new longer, fringed bob has a more youthful vibe. The softer do can be backcombed for kitten sexiness, styled neatly (think Jane Birkin) or even mussed up or curled. Fringe lengths can vary either 2cm above or just below the eyebrows if you want to shorten a long forehead. Lie Low Change Factor: Styling Difficulty rating: 1/5 The ponytail now sits lower at the nape, and not perched high up on the crown like before. New York s Spring 2011 fashion runways like Lacoste, Carlos Miele and Carolina Herrera saw many versions of the low ponytails. Some messy, some neat and others prettily accessorised with clips. We ve always loved the ponytail for its no-fuss, no-muss simplicity. Now that it s less pulling on scalps since it s worn lower, we welcome the comforting change. How to wear it well Don t think of the ponytail as schoolgirl hair. You can wear it slick and neat, curled and teased or backcombed or adorn it with barrettes. Just remember to place your pony low at the nape, and if you want to give it some polish, smooth some hair serum over tail for healthy shine. 2/5
Side Order Change Factor: Styling Difficulty rating: 1/5 Centre parts have inched to one side. It s a look that is so simple, yet makes a distinct change to your look. Another winning pull: While not all can take a centre part because it can emphasise a full face, a side part is universally flattering and can be worn by all. How to wear it well Use a comb with a sharp handle to create a clean part on damp hair, then blow-dry it to set the part. For round or broader faces, wear the side part in line with the centre of the pupil of your eye. Any further and your face will seem wider. 3/5
The New Black Change Factor: Colour Difficulty rating: 2/5 Last season s jet black heads have been replaced by its new counterpart high-flex black. This trendy colour has a strong jet black base with hint of colours reflection under the light. Pamela Loh, brand representative from L'Oréal Professionnel, describes this colour as a one with multiple layers. "On first sight, it will be the familiar black hair that everyone is comfortable with. But under light, the highlights will be revealed, showing a rich yet subtle tone that represents your personality." Irina Brunette, a new seasonal colour formulated by L'Oréal Professionnel, has blue black(inoa 2.10) as base tone and maroon chocolate (INO 4.15) with platinium as the highlights (above). The result glossy black hair with a alluring purplish reflex. How to wear it well Choose a highlight colour that looks natural on you. Dark Asian hair needs to be lightened before it can take on platinium hues. Hair stylist Sean from Sean Concept says, Girls with fair to medium complexions can go for richer, brighter tones of red, while those with darker skin, can go deeper with reddish browns. He adds: To prevent your hair colour from fading, always use a shampoo for coloured hair. 4/5
Get shorty Change Factor: Cut Difficulty rating: 4/5 The new pixie cut a la Mia Farrow in the classic 1968 Film Rosemary s Baby, makes a comeback. Replacing the classic structured bowl cut, this short crop has it s own following of celebrity fans such as Emma Watson and Carey Mulligan. While going shorter might be a tall order for girls who have had their hair covering their napes all these while, this look surprisingly flatters most face shapes. How to wear it well While this look can only be achieved for those with fine and softer hair, those with thicker hair can also work it with a longer fringe. Check Anne Hathaway s cute boyish do, that still manages to look chic. Those with a broader face who want a short do can do so with a heavy side swept fringe, like Victoria Beckham s it will slim the face. 5/5