Your hair is always an important factor to consider when you want to attempt an edgy or contemporary look, and what better time to ‘test-drive’ a new look than in the summer? Dare to try some of this season’s trendy looks — such as an angular bob or the oh so fab pixie. Whatever you choose, be sure to wear it with the most important accessory– confidence. The Under the Dryer team shares a few of our favourite looks for the summer.

The Timeless Bob

The bob remains a great haircut and, may we add, it is a hot trend this summer, especially the angular cut. This look has been worn by many A-list fashionistas such as Rihanna, Keira Knightley and Jennifer Aniston. The look is not only elegant but is truly timeless.

Steps:

* Deep-condition the hair.

* Blow-dry the hair in sections using a brush for additional volume and control.

* Lisa uses a wide-tooth comb to add bangs to the hair — creating additional layers and angles for a sexier and softer look.

Tips:

An angled bob can be accompanied by a side part and bangs for a fabulous look. If you want to create a more retro look, be sure to set hair on rollers for 20 minutes. Release and then brush hair smoothly. Spritz with hairspray for hold while maintaining softness.

Must-Have Pixie!

One of the hottest trends for 2012 has got to be the pixie cut. My Week With Marilyn star Michelle Williams stunned on the red carpet this year with a über-femme pixie cut. Little did we know many celebs would follow suit, such as Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway and Natalie Portman. Whether you opt for soft curls or fierce flips, the pixie cut is definitely in!

Steps:

* Cleanse the hair with Mixed Chicks and Elucence shampoo and conditioner.

* Wrap the hair and sit under the dryer for 15 minutes.

* Spritz tresses with Redken Smooth Down for a sleek finish and Matrix Essentials Sleek Look for protection against heat and damage.

* Style the hair with a fine, barrel-heated curling iron.

* Mist with Redken headplay 12 Pliable Working System for a light, natural hold.

Tips:

The pixie cut is not only versatile but is a super chic haircut. It’s no wonder that the look is ideal for the woman on the go. You can style the look in an edgy way or slick it back for a cool summer look. Be sure to buy an edge control serum and a hair oil to keep your hair looking fantastic.

Go Bold!

Summer is a great time to experiment with colour. Who can forget when Khloe Kardashian traded her brunette tresses for fierce red hair or Lindsay Lohan’s new platinum blond hair? Or Katy Perry’s switch from brunette to pink, blue, purple then….well, let’s just say she has tried it all! So put on a bold-print swimsuit, cute flip flops and head to the beach to showcase your brand new highlights or hair colour.

For highlights

Steps:

* Apply Hazel Chestnut Revlon Young Colour Excel to the back of the hair in sections. Allow this to stay in the hair for 20-30 minutes.

* Separate the front of the hair from the back with foil.

* Apply 20 volume peroxide by Revlon to the front of the hair. Allow this to stay in the hair for about 10 minutes.

* Wash hair using Aveeno Active Naturals shampoo and conditioner for colour-treated hair.

* Create a leave-in treatment by combining Vitale olive oil leave-in conditioner and Farouk Systems BioSilk Silk Therapy.

* Apply mixture generously and sit under the dryer.

* Once the hair is dry, blow-dry hair to smooth and begin the straightening process.

* Apply Cantu shea butter to moisturise, nourish, and protect the newly coloured hair from potential damage.

* Curl the back of the hair with a ceramic flat iron to give a wavy effect, then style the front of the hair straight with ceramic flat iron.

* Generously mist Volumax shaping spray by Zotos in the hair for definition, direction and control.

* Complete the styling process by gently contouring the curls with fingers.

* Mist Redken Workforce 09 finishing spray onto hair for added shine and hold.

Tips:

If you want to experiment with colour without using chemicals in your hair, ask your stylist to add a few rows of coloured hair extensions. If you do apply colour, be sure to use products designed for colour-treated hair.

Extended Chic!

Keeping your hair long doesn’t mean you have to rock a dull look. In fact, longer hair gives you room to experiment with a fun, layered look, cascading curls or even a retro-chic look with lots of volume.

Straight Steps:

o Cleanse hair with Motions Lavish Conditioning Shampoo and Motions Moisture plus Conditioner.

o Flat-wrap the hair and sit under the dryer.

o Gently unravel the wrap using a comb.

o Use a paddle brush to make the hair appear smooth.

o Apply Double Sheen Gro Indian Hemp with Vitamin E to help scalp and hair.

o Use a ceramic flat iron to create volume and add curls to the end of the hair.

o Style with a wide-tooth comb.

o Finish the look by lightly misting the hair with Motions Salon Hair Care oil sheen and conditioning spray.

Barrel Curls Steps:

o The hair is rolled around a brush in sections of the same width as the brush.

o Rotate the brush while drying, beginning at the back of the head, and work your way to the crown.

o Use a large barrel-heated curling iron to create loose curls throughout the hair, making sure all the ends of the hair are completely enclosed in the barrel before rolling the iron up and holding in place for about 10 seconds.

Spiral Curls Steps:

* Cleanse the hair by using KeraCare lst Lather Shampoo, then Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo.

* Use Keracare Humecto Crème Conditioner to hydrate the hair.

* Apply Dudley’s Fantastic Body Texturizing Setting Lotion, and then set hair on rollers for loose spiral curls.

* Sit under the dryer.

* Use fingers to contour curls.

* Finish the look by lightly misting the hair with Keracare Oil Sheen with Humidity Block.

The Fab Updo

Let’s face it, there is no better way to beat the heat than to pull your hair away from your face and neck. However, this doesn’t mean you have to resort to the sloppy ponytail! Whether you go half-up, a fab bun or There are so many fab updos you can try this summer.

French Twist updo

Steps:

* Gather hair into a ponytail between crown and nape, but don’t anchor it.

*Twist the ponytail all around, twice.

*Tuck ends into the twist and secure with bobby pins. Smooth out the rest of the hair by carefully brushing over the twist and securing strays.

Chignon

Steps

* Collect hair into a ponytail at nape of neck and secure with a clear or hair-coloured elastic.

* Pull the ponytail through a chignon pillow (found at beauty supply stores).

* Wrap hair around the pillow.

* Secure with bobby pins

* For a sophisticated and clean look, slick hair back. For a more romantic look, try a sideswept front.