Till two decades ago, hair was considered a woman's most elegant self-ornament but was satisfied with taking second place neatly tucked in the background. Cascades down the back; the inches elongating proportionately with age defined its sole style. Today though, those tresses have stolen the spotlight making hair styling bigger, bolder, and steamier with brand new makeover every season. Snipped off, layered, coloured, curled up and straightened back; the mane has witnessed every kind of avatar possible on the hair panel. This summer has ushered in a whole new glam carpet for the topmost part of our anatomy.
Trend tips
Neha Ahuja of Cabello reveals her summer surprise, “Okay, so the non-experimentals will keep them long; but, for the sporty ones, go short yet playful; make your stylist play with your hair but opt for something maintenance-free. Hair gets grungy easy in this heat; so a branded cleansing shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair-type is advised with frequent washes. Braids, knots, buns are all apt summer styles. Weave colour in the form of accessories. Men; just keep it simple.”
For that cropped look
The torrid sunshine is the best excuse to shrug off that trepidation and experiment with the cropped look. Welcome the scissors and feel the strands closer to your scalp; because short is back; long has instantly become so yesterday. All those layers, placements and disconnected fragments so lovingly placed must go; instead replace them with the crop (the feminine version of the crew cut), the very retro bob or the ever-famous Rihanna bang. Just ensure a quick recount of what suits your facial structure before opting for that particular style, like a round face must insist on a layer around the chin; while the fortunate ones with narrow visage can take advantage of the spiked look.
Wear it right-on
Now for the spoilsports who just cannot manage to snip those roots off; play with the weather for some natural ventilation. Braids make a comeback! Whether a high ponytail ending in a plait, two low braids, the French or a chic side one; all spell oomph, while the Afro-multiple braided look adds a hint of spunk to that Sunday brunch. Summer means an exit bow for both, the flip and the fringe; leaving the forehead free. The messy scrunched up look, a one-sided bun as well as loose base-of-the-neck knots are great summer tricks; basically scrunchies play a very important part.
The ‘colour' of envy
Winter brought along with it bronze, golds and rusts that have disappeared along with the nip. Summer means to soothe; so globals are out and dissected, sparse highlights are in. Let the natural backdrop keep its place only to sprinkle in some widely spaced streaks for effect. Pinks, purples, chestnuts and honey being the hues to opt for; play mix-n-match with the bunch rather than a solitary.
A word of caution: always try a patch before the finale. Extensions are fitting and easier to maintain plus you get a variety.
Accesso-speak
This is the only time that hats can make a justified presence; so flaunt them! Whether it is the oversized fedora, the stylised baseball cap or the cutsie little clip sized beret; protection against the UV rays isn't the only purpose these will serve. Headbands in funky patterns and bold colours come handy in keeping that hair sweat-free giving you an uber cool attitude. Tic-tac clips in rainbow colours can decorate the width of the skull neatly clasping any loose strands alongside.
Boys go casual
The male population has it easy this sweltering season; since the military cut is almost always your only choice and something that suits all face types. The ones with an inseparable attachment to their long strands could keep a small ponytail at the nape only. Goth is finally cool since it keeps the hair up; so those Frankenstein-like high pointed spikes? Just go for it!
Remember boys, the neat look goes a long way. Gel, mousse and other hair products take a backseat; let the hair breathe a little. Colour too must be given a rest; go au naturelle; nothing speaks confidence on a guy like the casual, natural glint.
