Summer Styles

WITH summer finally here it’s time to revamp your style and what better way than with a new hairstyle for the season.

A new hair cut, hair style or colour is as important as a new wardrobe at this time of year for making you feel fresh and ready to face the year ahead.

But with so many options it’s hard to know where to start when planning a new style. It’s important to do your homework and speak to your hairdresser who can advise on what will work well with your type of hair, your skin tone and your face shape. Don’t rush into a radical change until you have had a consultation with the experts.

Here Colin our Creative Director guides us through this year’s hottest hair trends for summer and it seems straighteners are consigned to the drawer for another season as waves and texture take the place of ironed out hair.

Colin said: “Take the lead from the catwalks this summer and embrace your hair’s natural texture. It’s all about that laid back, undone look with lots of texture and not so much product. Festival chic leads the way.“

Here’s his guide to getting an on-trend new look.

Short hair
Colin said: “Shorter hairstyles are full of contradictions this season, with a mixture of soft and sharp making the foundations for the styles of Spring /Summer. Hair should be kept shorter on the sides and longer throughout the top with lots of texture and disconnection.
“Undercuts are still huge and style icons to look to for inspiration are Rihanna, Pixie Lott and Dannii Minogue. Sweeping fringes add a delicate finish to an edgy look.”

Midi length
Colin said: “When tv presenter and fashion trailblazer Alexa Chung chopped off her locks she instantly developed a whole new shade of sophistication. The shaggy, midi bob, with lots of texture and an effortless finish is here to stay. This style can be worn smooth for versatility, but the choppy and relaxed look is perfect to take you from day to night.”

Long hair
Colin said: “For those with long hair, the same principle applies – wear it loose and relaxed with long tumbling waves. Curls and waves are beachy, with that classic model look of centre partings remaining popular. Think Gossip Girl Blake Lively, Jennifer Aniston, Lauren Conrad and the Olsen Twins with their glamorous and slightly messy styles.

“To get this look if your hair is already straight, roughly blow dry your hair and section it before twisting your hair into ringlets. Then secure them with hair clips and allow to cool. Remove the grips and gently run your fingers through the curls to reveal flowing waves.”

Pretty Plaits
Colin said: “As seen on the catwalk at Alexander Wang, the messy side plait is a huge trend for spring/summer. Jessica Alba, Cheryl Cole and Lauren Conrad are all fans of this simple yet stylish look. This look is easy to wear and even easier to create. Apply a small amount of a texturising product such as Sebastian’s Thickefy Foam (£18.25) to create volume and movement.

“Then simply sweep the hair to one side and loosely plait. Don’t worry about shorter bits falling out in fact, once you have secured at the bottom with a natural coloured band, run your fingers over the plait and tease it out even more. This gives it a messy and earthy finish that’s straight off the runway.”

Relaxed updo - Chic Bun
Colin said: “Gone are the days when the classic bun was seen as a prim and proper style. High, low, loose or sleek, the bun is an adaptable and feminine style.
“The loose and sexy, carefree bun is the style to go for this spring and summer, with Chanel showing us how it’s done. And stars like Kate Bosworth, Cameron Diaz and Lily Cole have all cottoned on.

“To recreate this style, buy a hair donut from a good chemist or dance shop. This will help pad out your bun and give it a good shape. Start by pulling your hair into a ponytail (be daring and go for a high ponytail) and secure with a covered elastic band.
“Again the theme is all about hair being undone so don’t try to make it perfect. Messy is good for once.

“ Thread the hair through the donut and wrap the ponytail around it. Then secure the hair with a few grips.”

For an appointment with Colin or a stylist at Medusa please call the salons on the numbers below.

Bread Street 0131 622 7277

Teviot 0131 225 6627

Musselburgh 0131 665 1199

www.medusahair.co.uk