Embrace a new style this festive season, with inspiration from the stars
WORDS: JESS BEECH. PHOTOS: GETTY
Tousled updo
To let them have their moment, dresses with interesting necklines and stand-out jewellery look best with your hair up. For a gently tousled updo like Nicole Kidman, it’s all about creating texture and movement. Instead of pinning the hair back tightly, take a softer approach. You could add a low bun, a loose ponytail or even pin your hair back with a chunky claw clip, letting some of your strands spill over the top. Don’t be too precise or precious about securing any of these in place, as you want it to look relaxed – making it a fail-safe hairstyle for when you’re in a hurry. Leaving a couple of pieces untied at the front will soften your features.
YOU’LL NEED...
✣ Andrew Fitzsimons APRÈS SEXE Texture Spray, £10, Boots
Teases texture out of the hair for a cool, undone finish.
✣ Schwarzkopf Keratin Hairspray, £3.80, Boots
Teams impressive hold with keratin to leave hair feeling stronger and looking exactly as it did when you left the house.
✣ Gem Claw Clip, £12, Accessorize
A glitzy clip like this one will add interest to a simple black dress.
High and mighty bun
If you find having hair around your face irritating, a slicked-back bun is a great option. Worried your hair is too thin? All you need to do is tie it in a high ponytail with a scrunchie and spread your hair across it until it’s covered. Then use a smaller hair elastic to secure in place before wrapping the ends of your hair around the base of the bun and clipping in place with grips. We can’t promise J.Lo’s cheekbones, but the tighter you go with your pony, the more lifted your features will appear.
YOU’LL NEED...
✣ Large scrunchie, £4.99, H&M
Softer on your hair than a narrow band, scrunchies are our go-to for avoiding breakage.
✣ Sam McKnight Self Control Gel, £22, sephora.co.uk
A grown-up take on hair gel, this works to seal the hair for a super smooth, high-shine finish.
✣ Larry King Haircare Flyaway With Me Kit, £20, cultbeauty.co.uk
If static baby hairs are your bugbear, this dual-ended comb and finishing cream will persuade them into place.
Sleek and straight
