The best hair trends of 2011 are being reworked and tweaked for the 2012 spring season and the name of the number one trend is “iconic revival”. Most of the hairstyles that are coming off the runways and magazine pages are modernistic and evolutionary, while still remaining traditional and classic.
Bouncy blow dries are back
Cuts are luxurious and reminiscent of hair trends in the past. Long hair is back in and the bouncy blow dry has made a welcome come back, giving long tresses a groomed, elegant and relaxed finish. Inspired by the 70’s version of Charlie’s Angels and Farrah’s Flip, this blow out provides maximum bounce with soft waves which are perfect for framing the face. This type of style is best suited to long straight or wavy hair.
Quirky curls
Curls are also back with a vengeance but the look is girly with a quirky touch. This style features a parting and loads of product but the look is one of laid back softness. Homemade curls can be worn by those with straight or wavy long hair.
Stylish up-do’s and classic ponytails
The French Twist is a classic that is set to define hair in 2012. The twist is being lauded as the spring and summer hairstyle.
The looped under ponytail features strands being twisted around the hair clips and elastics to give that refined finish. Another DIY up-do to try out is the combination of a loose bun and a ponytail – this is the epitome of casual and effortless chic and it was featured by Carolina Herrera during her spring runway show.
Half up, half down hair-do’s
Channel Bridget Bardot with the sex kitten look. Half up and half down with a bouffant touch, this look is modern and understated and it can be worn for day or night paired with sixties inspired makeup. On the other end of the scale is rockabilly hair, which was first seen on men and which has been inspired by country Americana. It should be worn rough and with a rock and roll attitude because it is not subtle.
Retro faux bobs
Mid length hair is featuring the retro faux bob. This is a vintage look with a modern twist and it is a slick and very structured look that borrows from Twiggy in the sixties. Wet look chignons are also making a comeback. This style is best suited to straight hair, relaxed curly hair or wavy hair. The chignon with side waves is a variation with a sweeping side parting and soft waves on one side.
Double French Twist
Piled up and pinned is a blend of careless style achieved with lot of bobby pins and finesse in order to achieve the effortless look. The double French Twist has been updated from the 80’s and was recently showcased on the spring / summer runway at the Diane von Furstenberg show. This style has also been inspired by the swinging sixties but it is restrained and elegant.
The side parting is also huge this year with all hair lengths, as is the wet look. Hair can be slicked back or finger tousled to create a textured look.
Very short bangs have been inspired by Ronney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo but this is a look that is best suited and more dramatic on women with darker hair. Another surprising trend is the return of the head scarf!
With a strong sixties inspiration and the liberal use of hair styling products, the hair trends for 2012 are all about vintage elegance and retro-chic.
Image via cinderellaproject.com
