New Year, New Hair

The New Year brings in new promises: eating better, spending less, being more fashionable. Going for great hair is a natural progression towards looking -- and feeling -- more fabulous.

“For 2011, it’s about choices -- and clients want to have it all,” says Louis Phillip Kee, international hair consultant and owner of the Louis Phillip Kee Salons in Manila. “Hair flows and moves free, and should be straight and edgy with tremendous shine and smoothness.” Here are the hairdos to crown your mane in style for the year ahead.

Fashionable Fringes
“Bangs will be pushed as far as they will go -- they can make or break a look,” says Kee, who recommends fashioning severe angles, side-swept wisps and asymmetric, jagged edges, to get the most out of this trend. Bangs are also a great way to update your ’do when you’re on a budget.

Boho Chic
The runways have shown flowy frocks, bell sleeves and maxi dresses reminiscent of the ’70s -- it’s all but natural for tress trends to follow suit. “We have seen hair evolving from retro spirals to smooth, versatile, sexy and bouncy waves. Hair can be worn natural, wild and curly with a lot of texture for seductiveness and romance,” says Kee. (Think center parts, loose locks, thin hair elastics, ’fro-inspired volume and bright scarves.)

Pixie Preview
Actress Emma Watson of the Harry Potter movies may be 2011’s poster girl for the pixie haircut done right. The style, popularized by Twiggy in the ’60s, has also been sported by actresses like Carey Mulligan, Michelle Williams and Natalie Portman. According to Kee, the latest short cuts also feature plenty of texture and geometric outlines.

Un-serious Hair
Take a cue from Hollywood and wear a messy bun or a choppy, wavy bob. Pair this undone look with clean makeup: Try a sleek red, wine or berry lip shade.

Classic and Classy
U.S. Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, a renowned fashion dominatrix, has had the same Louise Brooks bob for decades. This simply illustrates the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Timeless styles are here for the taking -- and while it’s fun and exciting to see what the fashion mill has in store this season, we always have the option of sticking with the classics.

Color Coding
When it comes to up-to-the-minute shades for 2011, the bar tilts from ultra-edgy to super-feminine. Kee points to “street influences and urban colors that feature textured shades of gold, silver and subtle hints of rose -- all defiant and fearless -- along with browns, coppers, and bronzes that create beautiful, sculptured silhouettes.”