Wednesday, June 18, 2008
When hairdresser to the stars Andrew Barton was in town for the launch of L'Oréal Professional's Color Supreme, we asked him to sit down with us and spill the goods on this season's hair trends. So he did.
1. Slick chick
"Influenced by the 1980s, this hair is pulled severely back and away from the face," explains Barton. Polished to perfection with a shine product, the hair should not look hard and gelled like the '80s version, but super-shiny instead. Using a wide-toothed comb, scrape the hair away from your face and leave the grooves the comb makes in the hair. For a softer version, use your fingers to pull back the hair, it will give an irregular texture. "This look is not for those worried about their features," explains Barton. "But it does give the effect of a clean line showing off the jaw-line and cheekbones. It's got that steamy St Tropez feel!"
2. Glamorously dishevelled
"Seen at Chloe and Matthew Williamson, it's a diffusion of '40s glamour and 'I'm with the band' rock-chic," says Barton. "It's glossy and groomed but not regimented. Believe it or not, static strands are in!" To do: apply hairspray to the palms of the hands and then rub the surface of the hair to create a light, fluffy texture. Barton recommends this look for hair that's coloured and not overly layered.
3. The side show
From Balenciaga to Miu Miu and Marni, the hair look was all about the parting. "Last season's parting was all about being in the middle," explains Barton. "But low, side partings are oh-so flattering this season." Start by applying a setting spray to the hair, then either blow-dry with a paddle brush or, for a softer texture, allow the hair to air dry naturally, squeezing and tousling on occasion. When the hair is dry, comb it in a diagonal parting across the head all the way back to the crown.
4. Dusty and dangerous
According to Barton, Amy Winehouse wears this look well and Brigitte Bardot made it legendary. "Root lift and back combing creates the sexy vibe of hair looking just a little bit slept in," he explains. "It's bang-on trend. Seen at Marc Jacobs, it's going to be a look for all those that want to shine!" Load up wet hair with mousse first and dry the hair on full power and heat before reapplying to add more oomph. Brush the hair out a little before backcombing from the roots to the tips. "With the hair suitably lifted, arrange as you see fit, pulling sections away from the face for all-out glamour," says Barton. Finish with bobby pins to hold areas in place.
5. Easy up 'dos
As seen at Michael Kors, Valentino and Hermes, this style works either braided or twisted. Barton's tip: if your hair is super-clean it'll slip out of the 'do, so prep it first with layers of product. Barton likes to start with L'Oréal Professional Play Ball Pearl Whip, squeezed into dry hair before the hair is piled up on top of the head. "The crown is the focal point," he explains. "If you haven't got enough hair, cheat with a few hair wefts. Leave strands of hair hanging down, especially at the nape, for pretty girly appeal."
