Tress release

CEBU, Philippines - Ironically, although we speak of 2012 as the end of the world (well, at least to the good old Mayan calendar), in the world of hair, it will be anything but the end considering that this year which is treated by most as the start of the real decade will be a year of revival and rebirth as we bring back the classic do’s, giving them a modernist twist, and releasing them into the world as reminiscent of decades past but with a breath of fresh air.

Consider this a new lease on life on some of the best-loved do’s of the 20th century and if their comeback isn’t enough to convince you that these do’s are the Charles Dickens books of the hair world, it’s either you were born to be bald or forever cursed to never ever style your hair.

We begin this tress travail with styles that glorify long, tumbling tresses. For most women, as simple as letting your hair flow freely down your shoulders is enough to make you look gorgeous from day to night. And while long hair offers an endless possibility of styling, some of us just can’t help but go back to the do’s we trust the most—or at least, resort to those that are close variations of our all-time favorites.

1. The Gorge Blow-out

Aptly named for its long, bouncy, and healthy feel, this ‘do will give you every reason to work the blowdryer and the big rollers to give your strands an extra oomph right from the roots to allow it to perfectly frame your face. Having been inspired by the hippie 70s, consider this one of the most seemingly effortless styles that is the product of, ironically, a lot of hardwork with the barrel comb, the rollers, and blow-dryer. Believe me, it’s all worth it as this will leave your hair with a relaxed yet elegant finish. This style is perfect for long straight or naturally long and wavy hair.

2. Homemade Curls

This is where nice meets naughty and where flirty is twice the fun. It’s nostalgic and modern all at the same time. Given that straight hair is already so yesterday, one doesn’t necessarily need to resort to perming just to break the boredom of pin-straight hair. This is the ‘do to do if you’re up being girly and quirky. A product of a neat side part and high product definition, it’s a soft, romantic, and eye-catching hairdo that’s perfect for Hearts Day or any day where being naughty is twice as nice.

3. Twisted French Twist

The fact that 2012 is a year of classic revivals should make it no surprise that the French Twist made it into the list. Its rather hasty and messy variation for 2012 makes it nothing short of smart and sexy. The French Twist can definitely double for day time boardroom battles and late night partying with the girls. Take it all the way from January to December if you must just make sure your face is blemish-free and impeccable as this is the style that will put the spotlight on a pretty face. Classic.

4. Half-up Brigitte Bardot

Think of the classic pin-up girl and the first image to come to mind is that of voluptuous Brigitte Bardot who stamped her name on one of the all-time favorite do’s of women who wish to amp their sex kitten ante without having to lift anything more than a nice ionic blowdryer. Do it half up or half out, as sleek or as sexy as you wish. For 2012, give it a rather modern and understated take that will send across the message that you are sexy—and you know it.

5. Women’s Rockabilly

Although this emerged first a men’s hair trend, it’s no doubt that this ‘do became a lot more fun when it was given a fearless feminine twist. Consider this hairdo a classic Americana reflecting some already emerging trends that bring us back to the good old times of American country music. It’s rough and ready all in one and there is just no doubt that this ‘do will give you a rock star feel the way no other hairdo can.

Mid-length hair is often very difficult to style which is why it is no doubt that women who are trying to grow out their bobs and are at mid-length status often find themselves either hastily tying up their tresses in healf-hearted do’s or simply combing the hair back with little thought. If you’re one of those girls, here are some styles you should experiment on, so you can have fun with your mid-length hair.

1. The Retro Faux Bob

Offhand, it will seem like this is one intimidating ‘do. Give it a little bit more thought and you’ll realize that it may be a bit difficult to pull off at first, but it will be a ‘do that’ll be worth the wait to master. This ‘do is as perfect as a Stepford wife, as icy as Betty Draper, as vintage as the yesteryears, and as modern as the decades to come. Its structure is pristine, just the way you want it. Borrowed from the 60s and updated for today, it would be a crime not to cap this style.

2. Piled Up and Pinned

Sometimes, we don’t want anything that’s too stylish. Neither do we go for something that’s too messy and undone. We search for the middle ground—something that’s a crossover between done and undone. That’s what this hairstyle is all about. It strikes the perfect balance between structure and the lack of structure, releasing a vibe that says “I know I’m the boss and I don’t really need to show it.” This style does not require complex tools. You will only need a bajillion hair pins to keep the strands in place. Hairspray will be a great friend, as well. Apart from that, all you really need is a little bit of finesse to pull off this look.

3. Chignon with Side Waves

The chignon is another classic that has been reinvented time and time again. This year will see another rebirth of the chignon. Personally, I take this as the rebirth of all chignon rebirths as this, take Aeon Flux aside, decrease the toughness and injecting her with a spike of being romantic. Here, the chignon is given a sweeping side part with soft waves at the side, creating a keen and classic effect when it is viewed from one angle. 

Finally, among the most challenging canvasses to work on is short hair. Here are two do’s that will breathe life into that bob.

1. Mod Bob

It’s short, voluminous and messy. It’s sexy and twisted and it marries a short hair cut with the best of the 1960s mod era to bring about a short hair style ‘do that is not meant for the faint of heart. The ‘do has been inspired in part by Twiggy and will require a woman of roughly the same amount of self-confidence to successfully pull off. You don’t have to rush. You have time to think about whether or not to rock this ‘do now or next month.

2. Afro Puff

Here’s a fun and wild classic that’s been reinvented and reborn time and time again from the pages of a magazine to, on line fashion photo shoots. To say that this style is not for every one is probably an understatement. Suffice to say, before rocking the Afro, just make sure you’re a sucker for the spotlight. (FREEMAN)