ELLE Wears: The SS12 Hair Trends

If you’ve picked up a copy of the May issue of ELLE you’ll know we’ve been putting the spring beauty trends to the test. Trying a new hairstyle can be a daunting prospect, so we’ve given a few more spring looks a road test. Here’s how we got on...

See ELLE wearing the make-up trends here...

Seen at: Valentino 

Sarah says: Spring summer 12’s love affair with the ultra girly trend is the perfect excuse for frothy and feminine hair and although I love the look I was quite hesitant that it would be time consuming and fiddly.

Get the look: Start by parting your hair and separating into three sections using a pintail comb. Plait the section across the crown and pin into place with kirby grips,  then take the two side sections and plait them around to the nape of the neck, wrapping the braids around themselves and pinning to create a braided chignon. Finally mist with hairspray – sparingly though as you still want a slightly fluffy texture which adds to the girly effect. 

Verdict: I didn’t think that tapping into the trend would be quite so easy – especially when it came to taking the braid around the back of the head. My version didn’t strictly follow the likes of Valentino and Marni as I know what suits my face and a slight side parting is far more flattering for my shape than a halo braid. It’s a great way to disguise day-old hair and the perfect up-do for all those spring weddings and summer festivals.

Seen at: Cacharel

Patricia says: What could be more flattering than a cascade of tumbling waves falling about the shoulders? It’s a look I often turn to, but while I tend to keep my curls loose and boho, this particular style challenged me to tuck my locks behind my (sticky out) ears and neaten up my go-to rough parting. 

Get the look: prep hair with VO5 Heat Defence Volume Whipped Mousse, £3.69 (at boots.com), before tonging with the Babyliss Curling Wand, £19.95 (at John Lewis) from mid-lengths to ends. Pin the front sections of hair behind your ears with a couple of Kirby grips and finish with a generous mist of TIGI Catwalk Sleek Mystique Lock Lock hairspray, £10.95 (at Look Fantastic). 

The verdict: I loved the result; a prim, polished look that marries perfectly with this season’s ladylike mood, but getting it right did try my patience somewhat. Despite the tedious tonging, I’ve already earmarked it for one of the many weddings I’m attending this summer.

Seen at: Christian Dior