All that is old is new again in this year's hair fashions, reports Amy Parsons-King, with help from stylist Kylie Hayes, at Moha hairdressing.
In 2012 hair is all about revival, taking looks from yesteryear and launching them into the 21st century. Whether you wish to recreate the glamorous tresses of the 1930s and '40s, the playful looks of the '50s, the ladylike styles of the '60s, the disco divas of the 1970s or the sleek aesthetic of the 1980s, there is a plenitude of stunning styles to try, and to make your own.
This style makes you appear to have just jumped out of the shower or from a dip in the ocean, without bothering to dry your hair off, and works well for any length.
Hair can be left out, tousled and free-falling or cleanly slicked back off the face.
Either way, ensure you saturate your hair with plenty of argan oil or a gel mixed with hair shine, to ensure you pull off this striking style perfectly.
• To the side
The side part. It may not seem a trend as such, because our hair tends to be parted one way or another, whether down the centre, to the left or to the right.
However, 2012 sees the side part being worn in specific ways for dramatic effect. Wear it with your fringe swept to the side for a look that's preppy and sweet, tightly slicked down for a masculine feel, or flapper-style with elegant finger waves to ensure your parting makes a statement.
The simple ponytail, that many women carelessly throw their hair into each day, is set to make a statement in 2012.
This easy-to-achieve style is truly versatile, whether worn low, on the nape of the neck, tousled and carefree or swept high on top of the head and poker straight.
• Blown-out
Super-bouncy, lusciously voluminous locks that take their cue from the glamorous disco divas of the 1970s is a style for those with long hair to try this year. The tools required to pull off this look are a blow-dryer, blow-dry enhancing cream (for the roots), a round brush and some large rollers.
Plaits and braids are on-trend yet again.
However, this year sees them being less conventional than we'd usually expect.
Weave, twist and twirl your plaits and braids to create texture and structure, or go for the classic fishtail or milkmaid plait for a romantic look.
• Fake it
Channelling the ladylike aesthetic of the 1950s and early 1960s, the retro faux bob defies many of the "carefree" hair trends popular in 2012 with its pristine styling. The retro faux bob works best with straight medium-length hair and will require a whole heap of time and patience, bobby pins and strong-hold hairspray.
Twist your hair in a half-up-half-down fashion, a messy chignon style, French twist or "slick" up-do ... So long as your hair has an elegantly twisted effect in 2012, you'll be well on-trend.
• Loopy
The looped-under ponytail is one of the most glamorous yet achievable hairstyles to try this year. With an elegant equestrian feel, this fresh take on the simple ponytail is a look that can be worn casually during the day or formally at night.
Style note: wrap a section of hair around your hair tie to hide it, making for pony perfection.
• The chignon
From the French phrase "chignon du cou", meaning "nape of the neck", the chignon in 2012 is effortlessly elegant. Knot and pin hair low, loosely secure with bobby pins and pull a few strands loose to frame the face.
