The festive season is a time when we aspire more than ever to achieve maximum glamour and for the long haired among us - inspired by the A-list at innumerable red-carpet events - this means the only way is up.
Wearing your hair up is less Princess Anne's 'onion set' and more Anne Hathaway's sexy chignon in 'The Devil Wears Prada'. Forced and unflattering is out, tactile and seductive is in. A trend with staying power, up-dos bestrode the autumn catwalks with fresh new takes on '50s and '60s classics. If a chic chignon, beautiful ballerina bun or looped-up ponytail is top of your Christmas party wish list you can forget about writing to Santa. Award-winning hairdresser and current nominee for the prestigious title of London Hairdresser of the Year 2006, Sally Brooks of Brooks & Brooks,(www.brooksandbrooks.co.uk) has all the tips you need to make an impact.
Chic chignons
Pull hair into a low ponytail and secure with a hairband. Slick the ponytail with a shine serum to make hair more manageable and for an all-over gloss shine. Twist the ponytail around and pull it up to make a large loop. The result is simple, stylish and sophisticated.
Up-loops: This style will bring out the glamourpuss in you. Pull hair into a ponytail, ensuring that the front of the hair is swept back and super-sleek. Pull a big loop of hair halfway back through the hairband and shape evenly for an elegant bun-like effect, with strands of hair hanging underneath.
Ponytail power
Easy, timeless and oh-so-simple to do, the great thing about ponytails is that they suit most people regardless of age, and they're fabulous for turning a bad hair day on its head ready for the party. Simply run some styling tonic through limp locks, brush through and secure at the nape of the neck with a diamanté hairband. You'll look instantly stylish and nobody will know it's a greasy hair cover-up! For an edgier look, add a fashionable quiff by taking a triangular section from just in front of the crown to the temples backcombing gently at the roots. Flip the hair forward then back securing at the crown area with grips, or a glamorous hair accessory.
Work to wow
Going to a party straight from work? Braiding and ponytails are the easiest techniques – from a herringbone plait to a side ponytail. Avoid it all looking too ad hoc by having a bit of a practice before the big event.
Wash out
Just-washed hair is more difficult to style than hair that has been left for a couple of days, because it's so clean and slippery, so wash it a couple of days before the big event.
Stash it
Small is beautiful when it comes to creating couture hair looks on the go. We love: Bumble & bumble Hair Powder in a choice of five shades, £15 (01768 891394) – absorbs excess oils and helps styles stay put. Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Mini Giant, £3.60 (www.schwarzkopf-professional.co.uk) - gutsy compact hairspray. Kent Antistatic Folding Hairbrush, £5.50 (www.kentbrushes.com) - palm-sized vent brush. Aveda Pure Abundance, £16, (www.aveda.com) - va-va volumising and matt finisher.
