It's finally fall, which means holiday party season is right around the corner! Jazz up your evening look with some of the sexiest styles of the season. From a retro Grace Jones flattop to mile-long waves, these 'dos are sure to dazzle.
Rock a bold look with pinned-up, loose curls. “This is a freestyle updo in which the curls go in different directions for an avant-garde look,” says New York city-based stylist Dante Blandshaw.
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The Big Time
To get the most out of your glorious natural puff, mist hair with a leave-in like Infusium 23 Leave-in Treatment and brush toward the crown. Secure with a band and fluff hair for a playful look.
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Go Out With a Bang
Go for a high drama ’do with this long mushroom bob. To get the look, first use a round brush to blow hair straight, then curl it under with a two-inch barrel iron.
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Hide and Sleek
Celeb stylist Tippi Shorter designed a faux asymmetrical cut by making a low side part (brow to nape), brushing and smoothing sides under the loose hair, and securing with bobby pins.
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Fierce ‘Fro
“Create the illusion of a sculpted shape when you dry the hair,” says Shorter. She applied leave-in conditioner, used a diffuser to dry sides and back, and pulled up the front to add height.
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Pomp it Up
For an elegant take on old school braids, pair them with a modern pompadour ponytail piled high at the crown.
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Jagged Edge
This razor cut is daring and fabulous! Blandshaw advises using a ceramic flat iron to straighten hair in small sections before styling with fingers dipped in pomade or wax.
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Cutting Edge
Fashioning a fresh take on a long bob, Shorter made a high part and brushed one side behind the ear, tucking it underneath the hair at the nape, and securing with pins.
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Starring Roll
To get this slightly imperfect updo, spritz a brush with hairspray and brush over to one side. Sweep it toward the front, tease lightly and create a loose pin-curl, securing with bobby pins.
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Keeping up with the Joneses
A defined afro a’la Grace Jones is fab for avant garde girls. Ask your stylist or barber for a modern take on a “high top fade.”
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A Woman’s Touch
This strong, yet feminine, braided ponytail is perfect for a fall fete. “The high pony really brings out your features,” says Blandshaw.
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Parting Waves
Play up lush loose curls with this Donna Summers-inspired ’do. “After using a flat iron to straighten hair, add texture by curling it in sections,” explains Edris, owner of the NYC-based salon.
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Retro Chic
Channel your inner Lena Horne with this classic upsweep. “Create soft curls with a curling iron, then pin them up, but not super neat,” says Blandshaw.
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Upward Bound
Shorter brushed the hair on the sides and tucked it into a roll, securing with pins. Using a large barrel iron, she curled the crown upwards and lifted the top towards the center.