Simplicity rules for hairstyles

Most brides are looking for a little extra glamour on their wedding day. But take care. If you go over-the-top with an awe-inspiring hair style, the hairdo may overshadow your natural beauty. Today, it’s all about movement and shape. There’s a backlash against two looks: (1) looking as if you just fell out of bed and (2) having hair so controlled it looks as if it’s pasted into place.

Clean cut & modern

Sassoon Salons actually sent out an editorial memo because they felt there was an unfortunate trend to too-elaborate bridal hair styles. The top stylists agree: the best look is clean-cut and modern. The focus should be on a great cut, colour and staying true to your hair’s natural texture. The result can be a personalized look that complements your natural look.

Your style PLUS

Vidal Sassoon’s creative director makes some suggestions:

Experiment with a vintage 20s look, which starts with a good cut. The 20s had classic shapes such as the bob, which never dates. The hairstyles of that era were, in fact, timeless.
Try a side-swept bang that works well with short, medium and long hair. It creates a polished style, even when hair is simply worn down and free.
Pin pieces of hair half-up for a softer, more natural-looking up-do. Avoid a severe updo that requires a heavy hairspray because this can leave hair flaky or stiff.
Remove loosely pinned up-dos and halfdos for a more relaxed look at the reception. This works well with wavy or curly hair.
Avoid making a drastic colour change. Instead, add subtle highlights or lowlights, or apply fresh colour to touch up the roots.

Do the TWIST

A number of famous hair stylists have been experimenting with styles that spring from the somewhat uptight, albeit classic, ballerina bun. Their goal, this season, is to find new ways to use twists and braids that aren’t over-styled or severe.

Any version of a twist helps keep the hair more controlled for a long wedding day. (Many other styles start the day well, but become limp as the day progresses.)

One version has a loose bun at the nape of the neck with a few tendrils allowed to hang loose. Another has two braids, each twisted into a bun and tucked behind each ear.