Hair styling trends for autumn/winter 2011: updos

Get a head start on the new season with our hair styling tips from backstage at London Fashion Week.

The Autumn/Winter season offers the ideal opportunity to show off exquisite updos. Whether clients are dazzling in evening wear, or bundled under a coat and scarf, wearing hair up and off the face is instantly an attention-grabber. 

On the catwalks, the bun remains an on-trend choice. Inspired by the influence of ballet blockbuster Black Swan, elegant knots worn low on the nape were popular, but for the seriously haute the samurai topknot with splayed ends, as spotted at Marios Schwab and Maria Grachvogel, provided a new twist on the trend. 

For the reckless romantic, whimsical updos with a 40s feel topped off both rockabilly looks at Ruffian and L.A.M.B. and classically elegant event styles at the likes of Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier. 

Frothy texture, intricate pincurls and oversized rolls ensure these updos are as individual as each client. 

 

'The moon at twilight' was the romantic brief set for Naoki Komiya and the Bumble and bumble team - a slightly Gothic, yet clean and sophisticated look was the result. 

1. Spritz unwashed hair with Bumble and bumble Prep Spray before brushing smooth.

2. Blow-dry hair straight and divide into three sections: two sides and a back panel. Tie the back section into a low ponytail.

3. Add volume at the roots on the side panels with thickening hairspray then comb and smooth out, adding hairspray for a sleek finish.

4. Draw both side panels back to meet the ponytail and twist all three together into a tight bun.

Military precision was order of the day for the sleek chignons created by the Wella Professionals team, headed up by Gary Gill.

1. Prep hair by combing through Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier and applying Wella Professionals Perfect Setting.

2. Blow-dry the hair, directing back from the face with a bristle brush and smoothing through.

3. Comb in a low parting, curving gently around the back of the head.

4. Form an inch-wide corn row along this parting, starting at the rear then doubling back and securing at the nape of the neck.

5. Smooth back the rest of the hair into a tight, low ponytail, shaping with hairspray. Twist to the side and pin into an S-shaped chignon. Finish with shine spray.

Rena Xydis and the ghd team worked to create oversized French rolls and quiffs for a feminine look with a tough edge.

1. Add body by layering ghd Maximise Mousse through the hair. 

2. Clip away a 'V' section at the front of the head and create a centre parting through the rest of the hair.

3. Use hairspray to keep the sides slick, then smooth the bulk of the hair back into a French roll. Tuck the ends in and pin.

4. Using a tail comb and more hairspray, tease the front section. Roll the hair up and into a quiff, then secure. Pull strands out around the face to add an undone, homemade feel.