Hair Icon – Natalie Imbruglia

Every month we unveil our handbag hair icon, with top styling tips from the UK's finest hairdressers on how you can recreate her day and night looks yourself...

The start of a new season is the perfect excuse to treat your tresses to a dazzling new 'do, and no trend of now is as hot, coveted or more celebrity-mimicked than the bob. Back in a big way this season, more and more of our favourite starlets are shunning lengthy locks for a slick geometric chop, and none so stylish as the one sported by stunning songstress Natalie Imbruglia. Whether worn sleek and chic or bouncy with boucles, Nat's newest look is her hottest yet, and we want it for ourselves!

If you're ready to go for the chop, or are so fast on your fashion-feet you've already done so, then read on for top tips on you can steal this A-list Aussie's style, thanks to the styling expertise of Charlotte Murray, session scene queen and stylist to the stars…

  Natalie does sleek As Charlotte states, 'after all that laborious straightening and hair extensions, could it be time for a change? If you fancy going for a bob, find a great hairdresser and take along pictures of lengths and styles that you like. Be sure to have a super in-depth consultation, and once you are confident, go for it! Whilst you're there, why not discuss a colour change too? Chocolate browns of all tones, from light coffee to dark bitter, are the big look this season, looking both cool and effortless.'

Androgyny chic is huge for autumn/winter, gracing the super-chic catwalks of Donna Karan and Alice Temperley, so there's no better time to be a slick-back sister. As Charlotte says, 'wearing it flat may not be for everyone, but it can make a nice – and dramatic – change. Try it!'

If your hair is fine and straight, Charlotte suggests you 'use a fab volumising spray – like Massive from Clynol (£7.05) – liberally, and blow-dry using a large paddle brush.' We love the Large Paddle Brush D83 from Denman Brushes (www.denmanbrush.com). 'Be sure to brush hair back and forward whilst drying to create root lift and smooth shiny ends,' Charlotte adds. 'If your hair is coarser and prone to waves, use a shampoo and conditioner that will soften some of the energy in the hair, such as KMS California Flat Out Shampoo and Conditioner (from £9.95, www.hqhair.com). To help control while styling, use Moussette Styling Mousse from Clynol (£6.05, 01296 314100), and be generous! It will help in the blow-drying stage and give a great finish. Still using a paddle brush, concentrate on flattening the roots while smoothing the ends.'

Finish, as always with a mist of a good gloss spray for super shine, we love John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum Finishing Spray (£4.16, Boots) for highly reflective sheen and flyaway-control – perfect for keeping that style as sleek as possibe.


  Natalie makes waves Bah, does this girl ever have an off-day!? If you're looking for an easy-to-wear bob this season, this is the one to emulate. In this latest shot, Natalie has opted for lighter hazel tones, giving the style more depth and texture. 'To copy this colour, you could opt for a semi permanent gloss with a hint of gold/copper in it,' Charlotte suggests. 'It doesn't lift the hair any lighter, but gives it a fabulous sheen. See your hairdresser – don't attempt it yourself or you could end up with unwanted roots!'

'Once the right shape is cut in, anyone can create "movement" – the word hairdressers use for curl of varying degrees. Using the right shampoo and conditioner will help to encourage any natural movement your locks may have. I'd recommend giving Bumble & bumble Curl Conscious (£from £15, 020 7836 0818) a whirl.'

Talking movement, Charlotte claims there are many different techniques to create this look, depending on the finish you'd most like and whichever styling tool you're most at ease with, be it rollers, irons or even your own fingers! 'Setting the hair with heated rollers will result in a very "done" look, whilst different size tongs will give a tighter or softer finish. You could try using straightening irons, flicking the wrist at the end for a very soft, subtle result, or even plaiting damp hair with mousse in overnight and then shaking out in the morning for a tousled sexy look.'

If you want to try it with just your own fingers, Charlotte advises 'adding a mixture of Bumble and Bumble Leave In (Rinse Out) Conditioner (£14.50) and Clynol Moussette Styling Mousse to wet hair, then twisting sections around your fingers. Using a diffuser, dry the hair thoroughly without touching it too much. That way, the hair stays intact and doesn't break up or become fluffy. Once dry shake it out from the root, mist with a gloss spray, et voila! This works on all hair with any sort of natural movement and, as it looks so gorgeous, I really recommend trying it.'

Fancy an appointment with Charlotte, session stylist to the stars and 'hair whisperer'?! Call 07970 747638 or visit www.murrayandmace.co.uk