Got the invite, chosen the frock, but have you worked out the hairdo to match? Style Union expert, Susan Hall, has a few pointers on getting a hot look to party on down

Retro Dancing Queen

Fashion still flirts with the 70’s and 80’s trends, so have some fun with this retro look. The aim is to tease your natural curls to create as much volume as you can but the trick is to keep the feeling controlled and glamorous rather than too bedhead.

 

Here’s how: After washing and towel-drying but while hair is damp, work through a good styling mousse then apply a curl cream (Clynol style id’s swirl curl is great) and dry your hair with a diffuser, with your head tipped upside down for the last few minutes. Tease out the curl with your fingers and spray for hold. For a stronger style statement, centre-part your hair and grip each side close to the hairline with a glittery clip or ornament. Very Biba darling!

This year the style that ticks all the boxes is a ponytail and come party-time, it’s arguably the easiest way to grab a new look with very little effort.

Here’s how: Use a brush to sweep hair back off your face and into a ponytail and then secure with a covered band. Backcombing your hair at the roots before drawing the hair into a band will add height and volume for a less severe look on square faces or add balance to more round face shapes. Fix the base of your ponytail at a high point if you have long hair, but nearer the nape of the neck if you have shorter hair to avoid it looking tufty. For a killer groomed look, use a heat protector spray then run straightening irons through the loose ends of the tail

The A-list steal

Hair up has to be the favourite red-carpet look and a current hotty is a variation on a French pleat. The rule is that there are no rules - put it up however you want!

 

Here’s how: Draw hair off your face (using your hands if you want a fresher, looser feel, or using a brush for a more polished effect) and hold it into a ponytail near the nape of the neck. Without securing the ponytail, twist it up and lay the twist in a vertical line going up the centre back of your head. Holding the hair in place with one hand, use your free hand to push pins down the side edge of the tail to secure it firmly. Finally gently the loose ends back under the edge of hair you’ve created until they are all blended in. Spray for extra hold and confidence to last all party long Don’t stress about creating an ultra smooth finish. The ‘did this at home’ look is very now and loose tendrils curling into the neck and around the face can be flattering and romantic. 

Show-stoppers

Short hairstyles can kick up a party with a great texture and shape highlighted with show-off shine.

Here’s how: We suggest you start with freshly washed hair still damp and work in some of Clynol’s id style root boost mousse to give a bit of oomph! to the hair and dry off moving the hair around with your hands or a wide-toothed vent brush. When the hair is about 75% dry, use fizz wax spray on the mid-lengths and ends to break up the hair and add texture. Alternatively if you have a short crop, you can create great shapes with new construct molding clay. When the hair is dry and you’re happy with the look, finish with a smidge of sleek serum to calm any hint of frizz

Ask Susan! If you have a particular question on any aspect of haircare, cut or colour, just email in and we’ll help.

Question: I have short bob and find it really limiting to style when I want to jazz things up a bit. Any ideas?
Answer: Short hair needn’t stop you being creative. If you have a longer fringe section, why not try blow-drying as usual, twisting up the front section of hair and gripping it on the crown to create a quiff effect – very rocker babe. If you don’t have enough length in the hair, you can get a similar vibe by pushing your hair back off your face and slicking back the hair at the sides.  Alternatively, you can try moving your parting around. Be bold and, after smoothing hair as much as possible for a sleek finish, go for a very central with hair gripped each side with ornamental clips for a 1920’s chic moment.  Conversely, a very low parting with hair swept across you forehead can be seductive and is very now. Just have fun!

Send your questions to: susan@styleunion.co.uk