'Let Down Your Hair'

Hair - most women's crowning glory, often something that we hide behind and sometimes something that, if not washed or is a little flat, can ruin our day and confidence.  I'm very much a student of the 'messy, on the large side' hair school.  I don't like hair that is too shiny and groomed.  Give me tousled, back combed, bed hair any day.  

I'm a dye virgin, relying instead on Summer time sun to give it natural tint.  My styling tools are hairspray, a  comb, talc when it needs a lease of life (amazing on light-medium hair, it makes  it look cleaner, fuller and nice and matte), and sometimes for a real beach look, hot water and salt to give that same seawater texture.

When it comes to any kind of 'do' let it be relaxed, with the occasional wisp to ensure you don't look too uptight or prim. 

Here are some of the prettiest, fail safe styles.

The Classic Pony

High for a girly bounce, side for a flirty style, low for an effortless fashion look.  Back comb and tease 

the crown a little for a full, 60's style.  Ribbon can be a lovely way of adding an element of playfulness and should look really effortless if you tie it with not too much precision.  

Half Up Half Down

The most flattering style of all, this basically suits everyone.  Again, a little backcombed height at the top makes this do beautifully feminine.  Fix with kirby grips (the BEST ones are from Sally) or a hair band.  Sometimes a little knot of the ponytail looks quite cool too.

Plaits

Keep it loose, no one wants a boarding school plait. One simple braid is chic, a side sweeping one fixed with pins is gorgeous.  A french plait is easy to master with practice, and a fishtail can look sensational in the Summer but is a little more tricky.  Run a brush over it and loosen it if its looking too neat.

Bed Hair

The very best of hair.  This can be achieved with a lot of scrunching, or you can tong and tease.  If you tong it last thing at night and sleep on it, you will wake up with naturally 'tossed and turned' waves.  When hair is this sensationally sexy, tie a scarf, wear a hairband, play around with corsages...the sky's the limit.

Buns

Becoming more and more popular.  I guess every girl at heart, wishes she were a ballerina?!  A casual knot, or a full on maxi bun look sensational.  An old colleague used to have the best trick for a full bun.  Form a high pony, and wrap a (CLEAN!) pair of knickers....yes, knickers... round it like a scrunchie.  Then, coil the pony tail round the erm, underwear, hide it and pin.  Honestly, it works every time.  She even had a pair of socks in there once!  Don't knock 'till you've tried.

The Twist

Just gorgeous.  Simply twist and pin.