Mouton Salon

The Simplest Spring Hair Trend Mon., Feb. 8, 2010 3:00 PM PST by Sydne Summer

TREND: Side braids

WHO'S WEARING IT: Katie Cassidy, Rachel McAdams, Kate Bosworth

HOW TO WEAR IT: Side braids were all the rage at Fashion Week, from Alexander Wang in New York to DSquared in Milan and Miu Miu in Paris. For a dressier look, Gavert Atelier styling director Mika Fowler suggests creating texture on top like Rachel's—a side part gives more of a relaxed vibe.

Fowler recommends using hair wax for easy braiding, and then tying the loose braid together with a clear elastic. Next, slowly pull pieces of hair from the braid to create a messy, effortless look and make it stay with a strong hold finishing spray, like Sebastian's Re-shaper (available at Mouton's).

Source: www.mystyle.com

Boho Updos
As much as I enjoy having long hair, there are many days I want it off my neck and out of my face. Such moments call for buns or twists, but I loathe anything that looks too dainty or mature. Happily I found loads of inspiration on the spring runways, as the models at Armani, Issa, and Max Azria all showed fabulously unfussy pinned-up hair. I’m particularly infatuated with the hippie-chic style shown at Trovata: a casual knot at the nape of the neck, embellished with two tiny twists. I also plan on trying my own version of the bohemian-glam hairstyle Nicole Richie wore to The Art of Elysium’s Heaven Gala last month. Her pinned-up baby braids remind me a bit of the boho braid, albeit a much more fashion-forward version!

Part of the reason I adore this look so much is because it’s completely casual and open to interpretation, not to mention the fact that it’s seriously easy to do! That said, I think it helps to have a little texture in your hair when you’re creating a boho updo. Try a spritz of ghd’s Sea Spray For Matte Waves ($24) on damp hair to add body and encourage waves. (On a side note: the spray was used backstage at Proenza Schouler to create the Jerry Hall-homage hair seen at the spring show!) Another way to add a little texture is with my other new obsession—Big Sexy Hair’s Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($16.95). The formula is derived from some magical combination of clay and minerals—not talc, like most dry shampoos—so the spray is complete invisible. It’s seriously amazing!

Runway images, First View. Photos of Chloe Sevigny and Rihanna, Getty Images. Photo of Nicole Richie, Pacific Coast News. Photo of Claudia Schiffer, Bauer Griffin.

Mouton's Clients may also use: Bumble and Bumble Does it All, to create a non-slip texture; Kerastase Vernis Nutri Sculpt for shine, and Kerastase Double Force for a light hold.