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.
Photo 7/8
Totally twisted, in a good way
Soft twists plus textured ends make this a romantic, but not prissy, look. Plus, it's a great way to keep your hair off your face all day or night. Nikki Ray of Salon AKS for Phyto created this look for the Erickson Beamon show, and explains how to get it here:
Step 1: Apply a glossing cream and blow dry hair straight.
Step 2: Take about two-inch sections of hair on each side of your head and twist them back towards the nape of your neck, pinning as you go.
Step 3: Pull all of your hair (the ends of the twists and the remaining hair in the back) into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic.
Step 4: Wrap a section of hair from your pony around the elastic to hide it, and pin into place on the underside of your pony.
Step 5: Finish with plenty of hairspray on the top and twists. Add a texturizing product like Phyto Professional Matte Texturizing Paste, $24, to the ends of your pony to make it frizz out a bit.
Photo 8/8
Ultimate creative updo
This bun, done by Martin Cullen for Phyto at the Zero + Maria Cornejo show, is perfect for days when you want something really different. The best part is you can give it your own spin; there isn't a "wrong" way to do this. Here's how to get the look:
Step 1: Start with a volumizing spray all over dry hair to give it texture and grip (you want hair to look almost wet).
Step 2: Create a side part and make two small twists on the left side of your head. Secure them with small elastics, pin them to your head with bobby pins, and spray with light-hold hairspray.
Step 3: Pull all of your hair back and fold it flat against your head, back and forth, pinning as you go.
Step 4: Finish with lots of hairspray (try Phyto Professional Workable Holding Spray, $24).
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.
