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If there’s one message we can take from the scope of fashion weeks this year, in particular the Fall/Winter 2019 runways, it’s that a sense of nuanced refinement is back. It’s less grunge, less cool girl and more polished, poised and purposeful. As far as beauty goes, this can be translated as the expiration of undone, textured waves and the reintroduction of deliberate hairstyles. And while we’re yet to meet a woman who doesn’t love the effortlessness of the supermodel-subscribed style, the notion that it might have run its course is a welcome one. It’s a breath of beauty fresh air – free from chalky clouds of dry shampoo and texturising dust, anyway.
Deliberate though as this season’s trends may be, they aren’t necessarily tricky or time consuming. At least, they need not be. Rather, it’s about reinventing the classics; just fresh enough to quell hairstyle fatigue, but simple enough to execute in real life. Think insouciant ponytails, a new take on texture, and blunt cuts that do all the talking (so you don’t have to). It’s styled, up and away from your face, but not stuffy or complicated. As far as hair types go, there’s something for everyone, too, from textured to stick straight, long to lob. The best part is that there’s no need to chop, change or colour.
To bring our bourgeois hair dreams to life, we tapped into the expertise of Sydney-based hairstylist Anthony Nader, who knows how to toe the line between styled and simplicity with finesse. Here, he maps out a visual menu of styles to inspire change this season – just not the drastic kind.
SHARP OBJECTS
In some instances, a great cut is the only style point of reference you need. If your hair is already short, take it up a notch by way of a bowl cut and blunt edges that graze the nape of the neck. Keep things running smoothly by blow-drying with a rounded natural-bristle brush after every shampoo. Finish with a silicon-free serum for hair that shines like glass.
NADER’S EXPERT TIP: “This style is not for the faint of heart. Ask your stylist for a sharp-bowl style where the focus is a clean edge. This style means business, but it’s beautiful.”
BRAIDED
Take a trip back to the school yard with two braids. Best suited to long hair, this eternal style is the gift that keeps on giving. Mist hair with a cloud of styling spray for grip, enforce a slick centre part, and work from the hairline all the way down. Once secure, loosen just a little with your fingers. This will last you 48 hours, minimum.
NADER’S EXPERT TIP: “Skip a plastic-tooth comb and use metal instead. It will give you a cleaner result and more longevity.”
SHORT STORIES
Short hair, while chic, can feel limiting as far as styling prospects go. Ignore this hypothesis and try a low-slung knot on for size. Don’t worry about shorter pieces escaping when you twist – the more movement and defiance, the better.
NADER’S EXPERT TIP: “Take a bit of gritty paste, warm between the fingers and scrape damp hair back. This will ensure dimension and hold.”
ON LOOP
A prim-and-proper low pony fits the bourgeois bill this season to a tee, but make it interesting by incorporating a loop. It’s a modern, purposeful take on the world’s easiest hairstyle – a reinvention of the wheel, so to speak.
NADER’S EXPERT TIP: “This is perfect on second- (or third-) day hair as natural oils will give it grip. Pull hair into a low ponytail, and on the last loop, only pull halfway through before securing with an elastic, leaving the ends of the tail free.”
PILED HIGH
Curls are a dichotomy: beautiful but difficult to wrangle. Instead of fighting your texture, give it freedom to dry naturally and then pile it high on top of your head. Use a soft, natural-bristle brush to sweep upwards, and secure with a bungee cord. Skip gels and mists and just lean into your clean, airy strands. Don’t worry about baby hairs either – they’ll just add softness.
NADER’S EXPERT TIP: “You can define fluffy curls with an extra-small hot tong. Once it’s tied up, wind to the ends and let them drop naturally so they bounce freely.”
THAT’S A WRAP
Up the ante on the classic high pony with an unexpected wrap-around. Once secured at the crown of the head, take the top half and sweep around the elastic, securing with pins and bringing up the length. Thicker hair types should be sure to subscribe, as this will lighten up your hair for maximum swishy-ness.
NADER’S EXPERT TIP: “Give heavy ponytails a kick-start with an extra-large curling tong. Wrap up from ends to roots, hold, remove and pin while it cools. Once set, unravel and push ahead with the wrap-around style pictured.”
THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE OCTOBER 2019 EDITION OF GRAZIA AUSTRALIA.
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