by Haven Bleu
Photo: Diane Kendal, @diane.kendal
If there’s anything I love, it’s a good reference. Something to point to when a client is explaining the hairstyle they’ll hope I’ll give them. They always range, of course––I’ve hinted at everything from “Jane Birkin on a hippie commune” to “a young Goldie Hawn.” The latest shows from New York Fashion Week have given us more of these visualizing moments, and now, I have more imagery fodder to delve out before giving a makeover to the guest sitting in my chair.
Lucky for us, the Spring/Summer 2018 runways were all about optimism––with most of the designers nodding toward the spirit of the ‘80s. I’m guessing St. Mark’s punk kids and Meg Ryan’s loveable Sally Albright were a few of the designers’ references. The clothes weren't costume-y, the beauty looks weren’t cartoony, and the hair was downright wearable. While there wasn’t a teased bang in sight, we did witness the revival of a few of the classics from yesteryear. Thankfully, this season’s hairstyles can––and should––be put to the test (Aqua Net need not be used). Here are a few trends worth trying:
Hit Snooze, Bedhead is Still In:
Is there anything that pairs as seamlessly with an oversized, tailored suiting––like the menswear shown at The Row––as messy, natural hair? The dichotomy of the two together is not only incredibly wearable––it’s sexy. This trend isn’t going anywhere, and in fact, it’s only got longer and more natural-looking this season. A good dry shampoo, like R+Co’s Death Valley or Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, is my favorite for achieving this unpretentious look. Another plus? You get to sleep in for a little longer.
Punk but Pretty:
Cotton candy-colored hair has been around for years now and, according to the shows, it’s here to stay for at least another season (but I’m betting on more). One model at Alexander Wang tweaked the trend, showcasing an icy, purple that you wouldn’t dare call unicorn hair. Mussing it all up keeps a strong shade like this one soft and pretty while still looking punk. As a more temporary option, Marc Valvo’s models’ had ropey braids randomly placed throughout their hair, but the look was undoubtedly ethereal.
Changing the Silhouette:
Despite all of the retrograde references, Fashion Week is about looking toward the future. Designers like Tom Ford have spruced up a few of our favorite hair go-tos, and the results are fresh. An asymmetrical bob has a wave to it, a pixie is longer than the traditional, and this year’s “chop” boasts a power perimeter all of way around. Zac Posen is even bringing back the shag in a more 2017 way. The upcoming season brings a lot of options to glance toward our hair pasts while still thinking ahead.
Here’s to Holiday Hair:
Speaking of thinking ahead, why not give one of spring’s updos a spin for date night, or better yet, at a soon-to-be-happening holiday party? There are plenty of special styles to go around. Amidst the most covetable printed dresses, Self-Portrait showed disheveled half-up, half-down pompadours. R+Co’s new flexible paste called Control would keep the top in place, while the rest of the hair remained undone as to keep it from looking too precious. Christian Siriano, on the flip side, kept his models’ hair streamlined and crisp; wide double braids connected to form one low ponytail. There were braided buns at Delpozo and more tight ones at 3.1 Phillip Lim––maybe braids, this season, are the gift that keeps on giving?
Now that you have a taste of next season’s hair trends, it’s time to go forth and tackle them yourself. Morph, tighten, mess up, and let loose––maybe don’t do the cutting or coloring...I can handle that part.