Style is just a snip away

Published on Thursday 19 October 2006 12:04

EVERY season there's a list of fashion must-haves. Peruse any style magazine and those "essentials" will be flaunted by models and celebs alike.

But look a little closer, beyond the flashy clothes and fancy accessories, and there's another important trend - and this one is for your crowning glory.

Once, all it took was a trim every couple of months and a couple of highlights. Now, like the clothes on our backs, if your hairstyle ain't cutting edge, you just ain't cutting it.

So, pay attention. That textured "sexy, sensual" layered look of the spring and summer we spent hours achieving with Velcro rollers and tongs is out. So is natural shine and movement. Vintage shapes and the old classics are passe. And when it comes to colour, au naturel is a thing of the past.

We know all this because, in addition to the clothes, the autumn/ winter catwalks revealed a bewildering array of hair trends, with everything from heavy fringes and long, sleek, straight hair, through to the sharp, graduated bob.

Colour is no longer light - it's all about drama instead, with deep, vibrant colours in vogue. If it clashes and contrasts it's in. If it looks like you've had your colour done, you're at the sharp end of fashion.

So what do the Capital's hair experts predict will be big in Edinburgh?

Austen Thomson, artistic director at Paterson SA, says it's all about bold hair. "The 30-year anniversary of punk is going to influence autumn and winter. We will see more rebellious styles with lots of extreme disconnections, but with clean styling and slightly androgynous shapes," he says. Austen, who is nominated for Scottish hairdresser of the year at the 2006 British Hairdressing Awards, also says that fringes will be big. Literally.

"They're going to have a chopped feel - almost looking home cut and slightly wig like," he explains.

Amy Scott, of Sassoon Studio in Multrees Walk, agrees - it's all about strong outlines, layering and a homage to the 60s for the creative team.

"By capturing the youth of the swinging sixties style, the collection combines the use of modern techniques with a flirtatious and quirky edge," she says.

The Twiggy bob is a big look for Amy, as is long hair with disconnected lengths for a sleek, smooth finish. But at be-ba-boom on Leith Street, short hair is the leading trend.

"Short hair is making a big comeback, with heavy fringes, bobs and tapered back lengths," says senior creative director Jack Melville. "Chic hair styles are going to be popular this season.

"And if you've got medium to longer hair, volume and curls are going to be big."

And he adds: "Textured waves and body will create the latest looks. Think bigger and fuller, with more volume."

So how do our hairdressers come up with the latest hairstyle must-have? Colin explains: "Inspiration for styles and fashion come from so many places - people on the street, magazines and galleries.

"Hair has always been hand-in-hand with the overall image, being influenced and influencing the overall image."