Night Dos - myhairdressersearch.com

By Naomi Jackson December 19 2008

Part screen goddess, part girl-next-door, these four evening styles mix serious sophistication with some gorgeous dishevelment. The result? Sexy, simple and guaranteed gorgeous

Swept Away

The Look High Society meets sexy showgirl. The tousled chignon is the sexiest of all up-dos, and is one of the easiest to create.

The Technique The secret to this look? “Give the hair texture before putting it up,” says session stylist Kenneth Stoddart. He suggests spritzing hair powder into the roots to thicken the hair, and then gently backcombing the crown. Next, “put your hair in a pony so you have a base to work from.” Then “twist it into a relaxed bun and secure with bobby pins.” To soften the look, blow-dry the chignon with a hairdryer on a slow setting to loosen some strands – this will make the whole thing look more “undone,” says Stoddart.

Slicked Back Chic

The Look No more hiding behind fringes – seriously shiny, grown up and glam – this off the face do is a mane-stay this season.

The Technique “Slicked-back hair look super-groomed and can be worn on the beach, at work or on a night out,” says stylist Anthony Nader. Start by blow-drying hair smooth with a round brush, using de-frizz products if necessary. Then pull back your hair to the desired pony height – or if it’s too short for a pony, just give it a definite side parting. Use a 10 cent size amount of wax to smooth over your hair. And the finishing touch? “A baby toothbrush or fine tooth comb to sort out any fly aways,” says Nader.

Straight’N’Sultry

The Look A sleek down-to-there glassy wall of hair looks polished and effortlessly modern, says hairstylist Phillip Gallo.

The Technique To ensure maximum shine, apply a serum to the mid lengths and ends when the hair is still wet and a build body at the roots with a thickening spray. Blow-dry straight with a round bristle brush, “but skip the irons unless you have major curls, as it will make your hair go too flat”, says Gallo. If you’re going out in the evening, add oomph by tipping your head upside-down and spraying in a little hairspray to reenergise root lift. Flip back over and add a little shine spray to smooth any frizzy strands down.

Wild Waves

The Look Bigger is better when it comes to party hair, says session stylist Kevin Murphy. “You want sexy, textured waves that look messed up and not at all ‘done’.”

The Technique Murphy uses a haphazard tonging technique to create these rock chick waves. “Don’t keep the curls too neat and uniformed,” he insists. “It’s all about being a little loose and carefree with the tongs.” Divide the hair into four sections – from ear to ear, and scalp to nape. Roughly tong each section with a large-barrelled curling tong and then break up the waves using your fingers. “The messier the better,” says Murphy. Finish with a light-hold hairspray spray and you’re ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

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