Hair's the Scoop

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As Fashion Week continues internationally, it appears that updos will be a major trend for Fall 2009. Chignons, beehives, braids... The classics are back, but with a modern twist.

One of my favorite new looks comes courtesy of Odile Gilbert (for Barex Italiana). His double-pinned ponytail for J.Mendel's show played against the dramatic lines and bold colors of the collection beautifully. Smooth and simple, it's also the perfect solution for a bad hair day.

Do you think this style will translate from the runway to real life come Fall?

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Imagine what it would be like to not worry about frizz, with your greatest concern being how to amplify it instead. I kid not. Judging by the looks we've seen walk the runway at NY Fashion Week (so far), that's exactly what's in store for us come Fall/Winter '09.

From Marc Jacobs to Betsey Johnson and Diesel, designers have been using voluminous, undefined waves and curls to balance the bold colors and shapes of the season. Up, down, teased or faux— It appears that anything goes.

Of course, runway trends don't always translate to real life, but the acceptance of a little frizz in the name of fashion might just do us all a bit of good.

Source: Scott Gries/Getty Images for IMG

Vivica A. Fox looks fierce in a teased half-updo as she walks the runway (for charity) at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

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I adore classic hairstyles with a modern flair, and the French twist is one that's made a serious comeback on both the runway and the red carpet. The latest version of this look is a little more tousled and touchable than it's former incarnations, but extremely elegant nonetheless.

To ensure we ace this trendy updo, I've enlisted the help of stylist Daniel Martinez of the Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in Los Angeles:

Step One: Prime Your Roots
Begin by applying John Frieda Luxurious Volume Bountiful Body Mousse at the roots of your damp hair. Divide your hair into four main sections and blow-dry two-inch subsections with a round brush beginning at the nape and working up to the top of the head.

Step Two: Tease Your Tresses
Now begin back-combing the two-inch horizontal sections of hair, working from the nape to the top of the head. As you hold each section of hair in your hand, use a fine-tooth comb and lightly tease the roots with four strokes per section. This technique should be applied to the entire head.

Step Three: Get Twisted
Using your hands, loosely begin to direct the sides, top, and back of your hair as though you were to create a ponytail. (Note: Leaving your long fringe/bangs out will encourage the tossed, hassle-free effect of this modern twist.) As you begin to position the base of this style to sit just below the crown of your head, secure one side of the twist using bobby pins by anchoring the pins onto the head in a criss-cross method.

Now that one side of the style is stable, take the remaining hair into your hands and lightly twist the hair in your hand to create a ropelike effect. This hair can now be directed and rolled over the secured side of the style.

Step Four: Pin It Perfect
Using hair pins, begin to mold and loosely anchor this style taut enough for you to feel comfortable all night.

Step Five: Make It Last
Lastly, pull out a few strands of hair from the temple areas and the lower back of your head to give a romantic effect to this modern-day twist. Finish the look by spraying John Frieda Luxurious Volume All-Out Hold Hairspray to the entire head to give you hours of glamour and style.

... And that's it!

Will you be trying this runway look in real life?

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The front rows are getting younger and younger these days, and Dior's exquisite Spring/Summer '09 RTW (Ready to Wear) show in Paris was no exception. Seated closest to the runway (from the left) were the newly brunette Lily Allen, Dita Von Teese, musician Katy Perry, Emma Watson (of Harry Potter fame) and Zoe Saldana.

While my fellow flower looked a little disheveled, Dita's perfectly polished, side-parted locks never seem to disappoint, Katy's cute hair accessory and fringe looked fabulous, Emma's basic updo was, well ... just that, and Zoe's tousled tresses had a brilliant sheen.

Of all these looks, I'd have to say that Katy's was the most fun and luminous, but each had its own unique style, which is rather impressive in itself. (I wonder if stylists chat about what they're going to do ... After all, two of the same dress can be as bad as two signature coifs!)

Which of these hairstyles do you think was most worthy of the front row?

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Confident, sun-kissed and perfectly tousled, Juliette Lewis rocked the runway at Milan Fashion Week.

Source: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG, Richard Drew/AP, Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images, Randy Brooke/WireImage

Fashion Week flew through NYC last week, leaving us with loads of beautiful spring styles to lust after. From niche brands such as Tuleh and Derek Lam to established houses like Vera Wang, we were offered modern (and easy-to-emulate) interpretations of the classics.

Usually, we'd have to wait a whole season before experimenting with these fun, new looks, but it seems that fall's sleek styles, playful updos, and dramatic side-parts will be taking us through to warmer weather. So if you've been hesitant to upgrade your styling tools in fear of an au natural trend, think again. This coming year is all about frizz-free, glossy locks (tied-up, pinned back, worn down, cut short, or sculpted into cascading waves), so be sure to stock-up on thermal protectors and invest in an ionic iron to protect your hair.

Pictured above (from top left): Matthew Williamson, Oscar de la Renta, Proenza Schouler, and Calvin Klein.

Source: Biasion Studio/WireImage, JP Yim/WireImage, Francois Guillot/AFP/Getty Images, Mark Mainz/Getty Images for IM

Fall '08 brings a wave of exciting new looks, with designers (and stylists) showcasing easy-to-emulate styles that can be worn right off the runway to the office or a night out on the town.

One of these key styles (that I think everyone should experiment with) is the messy updo, which works to balance the rich fabrics and jewel-toned makeup of the season beautifully. Slept-in, textured hair, visible pins, loose locks — almost anything is game.

Just be sure to wear this look with well-groomed brows and tailored silhouettes, so you always appear on-trend and not disheveled.

Source: DKNY, Getty Images; Stella McCartney, WireImage; Gucci, WireImage; Ralph Lauren, WireImage

With designers making a bold statement for spring, it's best to keep your hair understated and carefree.

Try a simple, side-parted ponytail or apply a little shine serum to your hair and allow it to dry naturally, for a fuss-free look that compliments the graphic prints and bright colors of the season.