Fall products bring hair back to basics.

The days of extravagant hairdos are gone. No more teasing and streaking in sight. Blame the deflated economy for fashion’s return to structure and understated beauty. This season’s subdued styles reflect the working girl’s sensibility for low maintenance, no-fuss chic. Think chunky waves, braids and twists, fringed bangs, undone chignons and lots of curls. Girls just want to have fun. Although seemingly effortless, these looks actually require a little bit of work. So start with the basics to achieve a natural look that is perfectly imperfect for fall.
“The haircut can really bring out the natural texture of hair,” says Susan Nahorney, Sassoon Salon Creative Director in SF. “For example, layers enhance movement. Once you have a good haircut that works for your texture, make sure your hair is the healthiest it can be. Naturally curly hair is on the drier side and is prone to becoming frizzy. Your shampoo and conditioner help keep the hair in its optimum shape.”

Using natural extracts such as lavender and mint, Paul Mitchell’s newest Tea Tree collection relaxes and calms the senses: lavender is known to relieve stress and anxiety. The Lavender Mint Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner feature rich moisturizing ingredients to hydrate and strengthen dry hair, improving its strength and resilience. For naturally curly hair, try shampoos and conditioners from Aveda’s citrus-scented Be Curly collection as well as Bumble and Bumble’s new Curl Conscious collection.

With more than half the world’s population living with curly hair, it’s no wonder salons are coming out with hair products geared towards waves and curls. Sebastian’s Flow collection features products specifically for the creation of weightless waves.

To create temporary waves, apply Sebastian’s Thickefy Foam to damp hair from roots to ends to condition while adding volume and thickness to hair. Use Sebastian’s Whipped Crème to add body and texture to hair before creating curls. Blow-dry hair with a large round brush or twist one-inch sections around a big-barrel curling iron, preferably 1 ½” to 2” wide.

To enhance natural waves, work Sebastian’s Potion No. 9 into wet, naturally curly hair and allow it to air-dry or use a diffuser. Active oil botanicals nourish curls to create soft, weightless twists. Reapply throughout the day for control or at night before going to bed to add extra texture for that morning-after look. Sebastian’s Taming Elixir, a mild frizz-tamer made with essential avocado oil, will give you that sought-after definition. Then finish off with a shine spray such as Wella SP Ends Express to add a high gloss finish.

Maintaining curls requires using products that can moisturize hair without weighing it down.
Kérastase Nutri-Sculpt can be used on select areas of the hair that need more definition by taking strands and of hair and twisting them around your finger. For an overall effect, apply the mousse to a comb and distribute it evenly from roots to end.

Nahorney insists clients shouldn’t rule out perming. The Sassoon Salon offers a creative style perm, which can provide spot texture without the full effect of a perm. “A lot of girls just want a little bit of freedom,” Nahorney said. So let your hair down and let your curls loose. Add a dash of red to your lips. And party like there’s no recession in sight. Wall Street may be under pressure, but that doesn’t mean your hair has to be. Mengly Taing