Winter Hair Trends 2012

Don't get stuck in a hair rut as the temperatures dive lower. This season, getting that straight-off-the-catwalk hair is easier than ever with a series of trend-driven hairstyles. All these ideas are effortlessly chic and simple enough to accomplish just with a handful of hair clips, hairspray and hair bands. This is your Fall/Winter 2012 runway-to-reality hairstyle inspiration.


Elegant Upstyles

 Neatly folded French rolls, classic ballet buns, undone chignons - the upstyle takes center stage this season. To attain this timeless look, pull your hair into a ponytail with an elastic hair band, comb over to ensure there are no bumps, and twirl hair round into a coil with hair pins. Spray to hold. Leave a few loose ends as did the Michael Kors models or defy gravity with hair wax as seen at Preen. Take notes from Cacharel and add cute colourful clips or an embellished headband as styled at Dolce & Gabbana. The best way to combat a bad hair day, this ladylike look can be done on both wet or dry locks.

Twists and Braids

Put a twist into your daily hair routine with a few pretty braids. Versatile and feminine, use plaited pieces to create your own Alice Band or add a few braids in-between straight locks for some movement and contrast, as seen at Rachel Zoe. Stylists at Suno used hair clips to pin loose pieces up into place. Kenzo went edgier with fully twisted pigtails and halo braids. Romance was in the hair at Elie Saab and Valentino with pinned-up princess plaits.

Ponytails

 The world's most female-friendly hairstyle is bigger than ever this winter. Ponytails are worn high, low, perfectly in precision, or loosely fastened for a laid-back look. Secure your ponytail at the nape of your neck, leaving a strand loose to tie over and conceal your hairband. Smoothen down any flyways with some hairspray and voila - the polished ponytail will provide you with ultimate sophistication in under 3 minutes with no effort involved at all. 

Bouffants

 Pump up the volume with the elevated & dramatic bouffant, set to add glamour and height to your style. This sixties inspired quiff makes a triumphant comeback as seen on the catwalks of Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam & Moschino. The newfangled faux bob made a statement at Rodarte & Oscar de la Renta. For this head-turning 2012 party look - a teasing comb, tons of hairspray & some effort is required. Add a ribbon or bow for that something extra.

Sleek and Straight 

As shown on the runways of Prada and Prabal Gurung, smooth sleek hair with a velvety sheen is still a top trend. A good shine serum and exceptionally brilliant hair iron is your ideal way to attain this not-a-hair-out-of-place hairstyle. Parting your hair in a middle part adds to the chicness of this look. Be bold and take it one step further with blunt bangs as seen on the Marni models and at Elie Saab Couture.

Loose Locks

The get-out-of-bed-head look is the least complicated style to achieve this Fall. The focus is on tousled texture, unkempt waves & luscious looking locks. If you're lucky enough to have naturally wavy hair, allow your hair to air-dry, adding some mousse or salt spray, scrunching slightly. If you have straight hair, braid your hair in several sections while its still wet, allow to dry, spray & unwind your curls. Hot rollers or a hair iron can be used alternatively to get this sexy style. Glamourize the trend with a severe side part as seen at Lanvin or volumize by drying your hair upside gown with a hair dryer to achieve the Just Cavalli look. 

Which of these Fall/Winter 2012 hair trends are you most likely to try out?