If you can do a ponytail, and you can make a braid, you can create this look by 1976 hairstylist Esther Langham for the Elie Tahari show. It might have the best easiness to gorgeousness ratio we've ever seen. Here's what to do:
Step 1: Pull hair into a low ponytail using a clear elastic (any hair texture is fine).
Step 2: Take a section of hair from the pony and braid it.
Step 3: Wrap the braid around the rest of the pony (starting a few inches down from the base) and use bobby pins on the underside of the pony to hold it in place. Spray with hairspray to finish.
Photo 3/8
Haircut fakeout
If you're not entirely sold on pulling your hair back, a faux bob is a good compromise. Your hair is technically "up," but it's still framing your face. This is also a great way to test-drive a shorter haircut before you commit. The faux bob Jessica Gillin from the Marie Robinson salon created for the Joy Cioci show is a perfect example. Here's how to get the look:
Step 1: Spray a thickening spray throughout your hair, then do a rough blow dry for texture.
Step 2: Take most of the bottom layers of your hair and pin them into a flat bun at the base of your neck. This makes the whole style much easier to finish, since you only have to curl and pin the top layers of your hair. Plus, the bun gives the pins something to grab onto.
Step 3: After you've created your bun, curl the top layer of your hair with an iron and brush curls once they're cool to loosen them.
Step 4: Roll long hair up and pin it into the bun, letting it loosely fall around your face. Try to use the back, top layer of your hair to cover the bun.
Photo 4/8
The looks-more-complicated-than-it-is bun
This bun, done by Kerastase stylist Odile Gilbert for the 3.1 Phillip Lim show, looks pretty tricky, right? It's actually ridiculously easy to do. Here's how:
Step 1: Blow hair out straight and create a side part.
Step 2: Leave out two sections of hair in the front and pull the rest back.
Step 3: Divide the hair you pulled back into two sections and tie them in a knot, letting the ends hang down. Use pins to hold the knot in place.
Step 4: Take those two front sections, twist them towards the back of your head and pin in place above your bun, letting the ends hang loose and the pins show.
Step 5: Finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Kerastase Double Force Hair Spray, $36.
Photo 5/8
French twist with a twist
You're probably already familiar with a traditional French twist, but this look, done by Ouidad for the Timo Weiland show, has a messy, modern spin. The key to keeping this look fresh: Ditch the brushes and use your fingers to style the look. Here's what to do:
Step 1: Apply a heat-protectant gel, like Ouidad Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel, $13, and do a rough blow dry on hair to bring out your natural texture.
Step 2: Using your fingers, create a side part in your hair and pull hair back into a low ponytail.
Step 3: Very loosely pull the pony up and twist and pin into that classic French twist shape. Don't worry if strands fall out or it looks messy; that's kind of the point.
Photo 6/8
Chic updo in under five minutes
This updo looks like you got your hair done in the salon, but it's so easy to do yourself and literally only takes minutes. Orlando Pita for Orlo Salon used Moroccanoil to create this looped ponytail at the Carolina Herrera show, and explains how to get the look below:
Step 1: Shiny hair is a must for this 'do, so Pita recommends starting by applying Moroccanoil Light, $14, to damp hair to get a smooth look.
Step 2: Blow dry hair straight and part it in the middle.
Step 3: Pull hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Tease the ends of the ponytail to make it fuller (especially if you have fine hair), then spray with hairspray.
Step 4: Wrap the hair elastic around the pony one more time, but don't pull your ends all the way through. Instead leave them tucked in so you get that looped look. You can use your ends (if your hair is long enough) or pull out a section of hair to wrap around the elastic to cover it. Use bobby pins and hairspray to hold hair in place.
Experiment time. Take a look (or think about) your photos from the past year. Are you wearing the same hairstyle in almost all of them? Down and straight, with maybe a wave or curl thrown in to "mix it up"?
No offense, but you can do better. There are a million gorgeous hairstyle trends out there worth trying, and most of them don't take any more work than your usual down 'do. So why not try something new? Your photo albums will thank you.
First step in your hair overhaul: inspiration. Thankfully, hair ideas can be found everywhere -- on the street, in magazines, and of course, at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. We were just there and saw seven beautiful hairstyles we were inspired to try immediately (and share with you).
All of these hairstyles work with almost any hair texture and medium to long hair. But even if you have short hair, you can try variations on the looks. Plus, with the expert how-tos we got backstage, you can easily do them all at home.
So come on, admit it. It's time to revamp your hairstyle, no scissors or spendy trip to your hairstylist required. Check out these seven new updos from Fashion Week now.
