Any woman will tell you that her hair is one of the most important aspects of her appearance - and one that is essential to her self-esteem. But it’s not always easy to decide on a new hairstyle, which is why many women (and men!) gain inspiration from celebrities and popular entertainment. Keeping an eye on the latest hair trends can also help hair salons stay relevant in a crowded marketplace. It’s still unclear which cuts, colors and styles will make a splash in 2010, but it’s worthwhile to take a look backwards at what was hot in ‘09. Here are a few of last year’s most requested hairstyles:
Gwyneth shows off her stylish elongated bob.
The elongated bob. Always a classic, the bob itself dates back to the 1920s, when fashion-forward flappers popularized the look by chopping off their long hair into sleek, chin-length cuts. This version of the bob enjoyed a moment back in 2008, but 2009 saw a different spin on the trend - one that was slightly longer, making it easier to wear and maintain. Katie Holmes, who rocked a shorter bob with bangs a few years back, was one of the first celebs seen with this look, while Gwyneth Paltrow arguably perfected it with her collarbone-grazing, stick-straight blonde bob. As women looked for ways to cut back on their expenses in a recession-stricken economy, this take on a perennial style was one way to scale back on salon visits without sacrificing edgy style.
Long, flowing “vampire” hair. Of course, not everyone decided to go shorter last year;
Deborah Ann Woll of 'True Blood' fame.
instead, many women responded to the white-hot vampire trend by requesting long, wavy hair inspired by their favorite beauteous bloodsuckers. Commonly cited favorites include Bella, the heroine of the Twilight films (as portrayed by Kristen Stewart), and the ladies of the hit HBO series True Blood - particularly Deborah Ann Woll’s character, Jessica. Some women even resorted to extensions, either temporary or permanent, to achieve that flowing, lustrous look that speaks of eternal youth and supernatural beauty. With a new season of True Blood and the third installment of the Twilight film franchise on its way in 2010, this trend shows no signs of vanishing in the sunlight!
Christina Hendricks sparked "scarlet fever" with her red locks.
Going red. Another popular hair trend in ‘09 could be summed up in two words: Red fever! Formerly blonde bombshell Scarlett Johansson was seen out and about with deep red locks that truly lived up to her name, while Christina Hendricks of Mad Men inspired many ladies with her luscious strawberry waves. Ashlee Simpson, whose hair has been practically every color of the rainbow, wowed fans by embracing bright red, and natural redhead Amy Adams kept things understated and classy at the opposite end of the color spectrum.
So which way will the tide turn in 2010? It’s still too early to tell, but any of the above hairstyles can easily be achieved by professional hair salons. Simply bring a photo of your latest obsession in to your stylist, and he or she can make magic happen! And remember, you should never underestimate the power of gorgeous hair.
