May 17th, 2012 
While the runway may be about the fashion, the hairstyles from dozens of Spring and Fall 2012 shows have been the stand-out accessories. Many of the hair looks have required elaborate technique, while others were achievable with as little as gel and hair ornaments. Whether you’re fighting the humidity, embracing your natural texture, or just want a reason to play with your hair this season, here are 6 summer-perfect ‘dos you can try, all inspired by the top 2012 runway hair trends.
POLISHED PONYTAIL
Photo Credits: harpersbazaar.com & totalbeauty.com
Who would have guessed greasy looking roots could be fashionable? Spring 2012 runway shows from Donna Karan (left), Diesel Black Gold (middle), and others featured super-slicked-and-polished, damp-at-the-roots ponytails. While this glistening, gel-drenched up-do may look not transition too well in everyday life, there’s a practical way to get the glossy ponytail, like model Bar Refaeli‘s (right), for summer.
Shiny hair in a ponytail is an effortless, care-free style that’s just as simple to achieve. Lightly spritz your hair with water for moisture, then tame fly-aways and get a natural looking shine by distributing a small amount of Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream throughout your hair. Finally, put your hair in a ponytail – the higher the more fun.
HAIR CANDY-ENCRUSTED UP-DO
Photo Credit: harpersbazaar.com
Just because you may wear your tresses up on a hot day (or you’re rocking a short style), doesn’t mean you have to be any less eye-catching. At Yves Saint Laurent (left), gold-banded cage barrettes embellished teased chignons, celestial-inspired over-sized barrettes made a statement at Rodarte, and black feather-adorned hairpins were striking at Jason Wu (right).
With the help of statement hair accessories, you can dress up a simple bun, bob, or messy up-do with ease. Nina ‘Mercia’ Swarovski Crystal & Freshwater Pearl Hair Pins and the ‘Vine’ Barrette by Tasha are chic and fun hair candy options for summertime. (If you love the starry barrette from Rodarte, it will be released this fall!)
BIG BLOWOUT
Photo Credit: harpersbazaar.com
Bigger is better when it comes to runway hair. The voluminous, luscious, bouncy blowout made an appearance on Versace‘s (left), Chloé‘s (middle), and Anna Sui‘s (right) runway and it’s the perfect hairstyle for a mid-summer’s night out.
Look like you spent hours in the salon chair by applying a liberal amount of Kérastase Resistance Mousse Volumactive, setting your hair in pin curls a few hours before your outing (or overnight), then releasing the curls and tousling your stand-up style moments before you head out. Don’t forget to finish with Redken Forceful 23 Super Strength Finishing Spray for maximum hold. You don’t always have to use fancy tools to achieve big, sexy hair.
TWISTED LOCKS
Photo Credit: harpersbazaar.com
Braids, twists, and twisted hairstyles have become a runway favorite and the multitude of styles reflect everything from elegance to edge. The Pucci (left) Fall 2012 show highlighted braids, twists were the style of choice at Fendi (middle), and twisted sections of hair in an up-do were the height-of-elegance at Giorgio Armani (right).
There are tons of braid styles that are just the look for summer – milkmaid braids, fishtail braids, and side cornrows- but if you haven’t yet mastered the three-strand technique, two-strand twists secured with clear, mini elastic bands framing your face are just as season appropriate. You can even twist your hair as you form a bun or up-do style for added interest.
GORGEOUS FRIZZ
Photo Credit: thefashionspot.com
Whoever said frizz was a bad thing is sadly mistaken. Hairstylist Orlando Pita created the gorgeous, controlled ‘fro look for Oscar de la Renta‘s spring show. Along with beautiful accessories, this frizz-featuring look made for a fluffy, feminine, and romantic runway hairstyle.
For those of you with curly to kinky hair textures, achieving the style is a cinch. A little teasing at the roots and a spritz of Carol’s Daughter Tui Hair Sheen Spray are all you need to get the look and keep your natural hair moisturized under the sun’s rays. If you have straight hair but want the textured look, just form several tiny braids (make them bigger for a looser wave pattern) and set them by pressing each one between hot flat iron plates (don’t forget to use a heat protectant!). After they’ve cooled, unravel them and further separate them with your fingers or a brush to create your deserved level of volume. Finish by misting Healthy Sexy Hair Soya Want Full Hair Firm Hold Hairspray for hold.
BLUNT, BOLD BANGS
Photo Credit: elle.com
Summer is the season to change up your ‘do, and because bangs will never go out of style they’re a great way to play with your hair and still look like you live in the real-world. Antonio Berardi (left) and Elie Saab (middle) have shown us that severe, blunt fringes are back in for the season and fall.
Sharp-edged bangs may be the way to go for the edgy girl, but you can always go for a softer-lined, thick bang like Marni‘s (right) with the help of your hairstylist. And as you maintain your fringe into the fall, you’ll already be ahead of the 2012 Trendy Hairstyle Curve.
Which runway-inspired hairstyles will you be wearing this summer?
