Spring summer 2011 styling trends: super smooth

Keratin smoothing treatments are the undoubted salon success story of the past 12 months so it's no surprise that smooth, sleek, frizz-free locks are in demand for the Summer months.

On top of the current craze for chemical treatments, fashion shows have favoured slick styles for the Spring/Summer season. Worn long, centre-parted and straight for the puritanical trend or styled in to chic neat updos, a fluid finish spells simple sophistication and feels elegant and expensive.

"Smooth hair exudes sophistication and health," says Leonardo Rizzo of Sanrizz salons. "It's simple and gorgeous."

And while this season's love affair with the 1970s has inspired textured styles, there's also room for poker straight hippy-luxe looks.

Leonardo says: "Smooth hair is best shown off with longer lengths and a strong structured fringe - just like at the Spring/Summer Roberto Cavalli show. It's hippy-chic, but adding a glossy, straight finish brings it right up to date."

A smooth finish relies on hair in great condition, so for those clients who haven't indulged in keratin treatments ensure that hair is kept hydrated with regular conditioning treatments.

James Tetlow, James Tetlow Hairdressing, Heaton Chapel explains how to get a polished look: "The easiest and most effective way to achieve this look is to add a small amount of serum to damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush. Go over each section with a comb and  straightening iron to catch any stray hairs."

Smooth doesn't have to mean boring: a super sleek look also provides the ideal canvas for showing off colour and shape as well as cuts with intricate detailing.

High end fashionistas like Olivia Palermo and Kate Bosworth have styles that look super-groomed and blow-dried to perfection, but maintain movement and volume throughout. Proving that the look doesn't just work for primped princesses, new season style icon Jessie J makes a sleek statement with her angular bob and chunky disconnected sections.