[ SPRING FASHION ]
F.L. MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
At CHOP Salon in Restaurant Row, Alan Vuong created a wavy style for Melissa, accentuating the soft fullness of the season.
Big is back
SAY it ain't so, but big hair is back, just when you've grown accustomed to sleek, straight hair.
But don't worry. This also ain't the '80s -- the last time big hair was in. "It's not about the wash-and-wear styles we saw in the '80s," said Kihan, a stylist at CHOP salon. The look is full and sexy, he said. "We are seeing loose, soft and lazy waves -- not tight, bouncy curls."
For the past few years, a lot of fashion has been inspired by the '80s, including modified mullets and mohawks worn on the runways. Kihan said his clientele have been asking for a lot more perms, but larger rollers are used to create a softer, more natural look.
Curls and waves were apparent during Hollywood's recent red-carpet events. "Julia Roberts had the perfect look at the Oscars," Kihan said.
Robert Flaherty, a stylist at Aquaria salon, agrees, saying, "Julia really made a statement with her blond hair."
Kihan suggests using a 2-inch-size curling iron, and separating hair into eight to 10 sections to achieve loose curls at home. After heating, lock them into place with a spritz of finishing spray.
As for color, blond and red shades are really popular now, Kihan said. "Fun colors bring out layers and soft textures of the hair and add movement. A hint of blue or red really livens up a short haircut."
People with short to midlength hairstyles are also seeking more geometrical styles. Subtle asymmetrical designs add depth and gives hair the appearance of movement, Kihan explained. "The cut is very important."
F.L. MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Also big is asymmetry, evident in hemlines and Vuong's cut for Helen.
For those who aren't quick to change, straight looks will continue to make a statement, combined with stronger bangs and more fraying and fringing around the face, and "we will definitely see stronger colors," Flaherty said.
"They are looking for something different ... to expand and move forward," added Barbara Novin, another stylist at Aquaria. "Men are coming in more often and getting highlights to add a splash of color."
Flaherty added, "Men are really starting to take care of themselves."
And, perhaps more important to people in Hawaii than elsewhere, a touch of shine. "The sun fades our color so much," said Flaherty, who finds people becoming increasingly health-conscious and in search of products perceived as natural, such as the Aveda products used at Aquaria.
MOST IMPORTANT, there's no need to be a slave to any one trend, Flaherty said. "It's not just about one look; it's what works appropriately for lifestyle. Individuality is in."
You can still have long side bangs like Jennifer Aniston's and still wear hair down to your waist, Novin said.
"Instead of trying to look young, it's better to look youthful," Kihan said. A style should not be too mature or too young for a person, he explained.
"It should be versatile. ... One day, a person can wear their hair straight ... the next day, it can be wavy," he said. "We change our clothes, so why not our hairstyles? Many different looks make things more fun."
And all of the hairstylists agreed on one thing: Hair looks good when it's healthy and maintained. So work on that before making the next style leap.
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