Fresh new hair ideas for the ‘ber’ months ahead

Surely we can already feel it: There’s a change in the air. Our favorite summer trends are slowly fading to make room for fresh, new ideas for the upcoming “ber” months. If we were to identify what kind of woman we’ll be seeing (and taking inspiration from), two very contrasting personalities will emerge: the femme fatale and the androgynous boy-girl.

Both oozing with sex appeal, comparing the persona of the sexy, curvaceous woman with the tough, indeterminate she-male is like looking at exact opposites. Whether you choose one over the other, the look requires not only attitude, but a delicate combination of trends to pack the punch. Clothes, shoes and makeup all seem to help build these characters, but hair does its part to complete the look.

No matter if you want to tap into an ultra-feminine version of yourself one day and a boyish personality the next—these hair trends will help you get into character. Get to know the hair trends of the upcoming season, and how to wear them.

Take on a center part

I know what you’re thinking: How can something so simple like changing your hair part make such a big impact? Well, it just does. Any hairstyle worn with a middle-part just looks so much cooler, whether it’s soft, big waves (Chloe), wet, messy curls (Roberto Cavalli), or a loose, easy chignon (Lanvin).

A rat-tail comb will make your life easier (to get the center-part nice and straight) and hair products, like a mist of hairspray or a dollop of gel, will help keep hair in place.

Work your boyish charm

There’s nothing like a faux-hawk to bring out your inner tomboy. The height on top and sleek sides is reminiscent of John Travolta’s character in “Grease,” but though its undeniably butch, there’s something very sexy about it. The two ways to wear it: the tough, wet-look hawk (Dolce & Gabbana) and the softer version, with pinned sides and long wisps of hair falling on the sides and back (Missoni).

When trying this trend, some industrial-strength gel might be required (a texturizing paste or wax will also help) and a fine-tooth comb will smoothen out the sides like a pro. You can get the desired height you want by gently teasing the crown after applying mousse and keeping it still with hairspray.

Pull hair into a pony

A ponytail may be the simplest thing you can do to your hair. Clean and uncomplicated, the hairstyle is fresh and young when tightly pulled back (Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton) or insouciantly done with a little height on top (Prada). Low, medium, high, loose, tight, clean, messy, no height, with height—there are many ways to wear a ponytail.

Gel, hairspray and smoothing serum will keep your look polished, while mousse, curling spray and styling wax will add texture.

Try a modern fringe

Short hair has always looked more interesting. It can soften one’s features or toughen up a look to evoke a cool-girl attitude. A fringe is a great way to update your look, and may not necessarily require you to chop off all your hair. A blunt cut, as we’ve seen on a model (Diane Von Furstenberg) can look young and fresh, while a layered fringe like on Stella Tenant (Chanel) looks chic and modern. Experiment with a new hairstyle as you will, but remember to always consider your face shape and maintenance required for the hair.

Got a beauty question? E-mail the author at ask.kellymisa@gmail.com