Hair trend report: Four must-try styles

Dazzling updo

Accessorize
Dress up your locks with ornate headbands and clips covered in gems and pearls, taking any hairstyle to the next level — instantly!

A relaxed updo

The look: Whether it was a messy chignon, a low, baggy ponytail, or just pinned up, feminine styles were seen everywhere from Gianfranco Ferré to Nina Ricci. "It's the merging of roughed-up textures and a dry finish that makes these looks both strong and pretty," says Herbal Essences' celebrity stylist Charles Baker Strahan.

The inspiration: Jane Austen's Emma

How to get the look

Prep: Blow your hair dry with your fingers (no brushes required!) to create an intentionally imperfect texture with lots of body, says Baker Strahan.



Style: Work with your natural part, but separate hair by hand. "To create wispy volume, spritz some hairspray on your fingertips and massage into your scalp in a circular motion," says Baker Strahan. This technique works on short hair, too!



Finish: Gently pull hair back and secure with bobby pins or an elastic — be careful not to pull too tightly or you'll lose volume. For extra body, try backcombing your ponytail and tying it up into a messy bun.



Expert tip: If some hair is loose, don't fret; allow it to frame your face.



Textured tresses tool kit:

Strengthen while you wash with this fortifying shampoo.

Herbal Essences Honey, I'm Strong Shampoo, $4

Create a pretty, loose do (that will stay in place!) with these must-have pins.

Goody Bobby Pins, $6

Tie back your hair with these tiny elastic bands that are completely discreet.

Goody Latex Elastics, $4

Get a wispy, matte finish with this oil-absorbing hair refresher.

Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Dust It Mattifying Powder, $23

Sleeky and shiny ponytail

The look: From YSL to DVF and Dior, high-gloss hair made a splash on the runways this season. "It's a little bit retro," says Angele Charette, national education development manager for Pureology Canada, "and as sexy as ever."

The inspiration: Rooney Mara

How to get the look
Prep: Warm up a generous amount of shine serum in your hands and apply evenly through damp hair. Blow-dry hair straight.



Style: Using a comb for precision, create a strong part, either centred or deeply to one side. Smooth out any bumps with your palms or a comb and gather hair into a low ponytail. Secure with an elastic.



Finish: Hairspray is your best bet for adding shine and controlling frizz: Looking shellacked is the point!



Polished pony tool kit:

Tame fly-aways with smooth-finish cream.

Pureology Colourstylist Cuticle Polisher, $30

Bring on the shine and keep locks in place with a strong-hold hairspray.

Moroccan oil Luminous Hairspray, $24

Bed-head blowout

The look: This tousled, slept-in do was rocked on the runways at J. Mendel and Chloé but works just as well in real life. "The style is fun and carefree and a little bit naughty," says Alain Larivée, John Frieda's Canadian creative consultant.

The inspiration: Jane Birkin

How to get the look
Prep: Wash hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to give your locks extra texture, then go for a basic blow-dry with a big round brush, section by section.



Style: Here's where it gets messy: "Rough up your hair using a wide-toothed comb to lightly tease from mid-shaft to roots, and a regular brush to do the same from top to bottom," says Larivée. "Remember most of the volume is concentrated on the lower sections of your hair — not on the top of the head."


Finish: Lock in your style with a light spritz of moisture-protecting hairspray.



Messy finish tool kit:

Speed up your blow-dry with this smart, powerful tool.

Rowenta Infini Pro Auto Sensor Dryer, $179

Get volume from the moment you step out of the shower.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Conditioner, $11