Fall is the BEST TIME FOR HAIR.
You can tell I’m serious about this, because of the capital letters.
Honestly, though – by the time the cool weather rolls around, I’ve had it up to here with all the humidity and heat and let-your-hair-do-as-it-will-because-that’s-what-it’s-going-to-do-anyway, and am ready to start breaking out the styling tools once again.
Below, a rundown of some of my favorite fall hair trends…and a few how-to tips.
How adorable is this look? And it’s way less of a pain to create than you’d think, because you can use anything from a for-real hairclip to an antique pin or even an oversized earring.
If you’d like to try it out, first create texture and staying power by spritzing on some hairspray (try Dove Style+Care Strength & Shine Flexible Hold Hairspray* – it has a natural finish, but tons of staying power), brushing the hairspray through to the ends, and then backcombing to create texture in the spot where you’re planning to affix the ornament. Leave some pieces out of your updo for an effortlessly pretty look.
I was chatting with a hairstylist the other day about bangs, and he said, “Reese Witherspoon is just the Gold Standard for bangs, isn’t she?” And the answer is: yes. She is. Those are some good bangs.
In the past, I’ve gone for more of a wispy, sort of half-bang look, but right now what I’m into is a fringe that starts far back from the forehead so that it looks longer and fuller. If you have trouble getting your bangs to stay put where you want them to be (I certainly do), I find that a mini flat-iron (I own this Babyliss one) is better than a regular-sized one for touch-ups.
Yep, braids are still a big trend. But right now, the look I love is less delicate and a little more deliberate, with a thicker braid and an unfinished feel.
And this is one look that’s tailor-made for next-day hair, because (slightly) dirty hair is easy-to-style hair. To add freshness and texture, try spraying in some Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo* (hold the bottle 6-8 inches from your head, spray the product onto the roots in short bursts, then wait a couple of minutes before combing through the hair and adding your braids and twists).
Here’s a shot from way back in 2008 that I’m going to use to illustrate a 2012 fall trend. I’m loving all the bobs we’re seeing on celebrities right now, and every time I look at this picture of Kendrick, Morgan and me I think, “Man. I should chop off all my hair.”
But you want to hear a secret? My hair is almost as long in that picture as it is right this very minute.
That’s right: it’s faux.
How you do it: Just side-part your hair, twist it at the nape of the neck, tuck the ends underneath, and pin the hair where you want the bob to end. Finish with a little hairspray, and pull out some shorter pieces around your face to make the look more casual and undone.
Seriously…how amazing is Lea Michele’s hair?
This photo almost makes me want to go chocolate-brown…until I remember that I’ve done that before, and it wasn’t a particularly good look for me. But I’m rocking a little completely non-deliberate ombre myself right now thanks to the fact that I haven’t had time to make it into the salon for highlights in ages, so there you go.
Remember, though: it’s important to care for color if you want to keep it looking that rich and spectacular, so be sure to use a color-protecting conditioner (Dove’s Color Repair Conditioner* smells delicious, to boot).
And speaking of ombre, look at this lovely lady’s color. I found her photo in Dove’s Great Style Effect Gallery, which gives you the chance to check out (and get inspired by) hairstyles that other women are wearing.
Check it out here.
*As Dove’s Hair Brand Ambassador, all products referenced in this post were provided by Dove.
