LOOK OUT FOR

GROW OUT THOSE LAYERS (top picture)

Women who have tired of their bobs will be glad to know that the awkward 'in-between' stage of growing out their hair is now a trend itself.

'It's a progression from the bob. Layers are a lot longer, shapes will be heavier,' says David Mercer, director of Toni&Guy Hairdressing Singapore. Evande Loh, international director of Shunji Matsuo Hair Salon, agrees and recommends either a hairstyle with layers or an asymmetric cut to complement hair that is growing out.

WARM UP TO BERRY COLOURS

Give your hair a break from the wan ash and grey tones that have dominated hair colour for the past few seasons.

Warm shades are back in business. Think berry shades like rich reds, purples and browns which warm up skin tones.

There is another benefit to getting a rich shade: 'In bad times, people want to look expensive,' says Mercer.

CUT IT LIKE A PIXIE (right)

Short is going to be hot, says Mercer. 'If you look at the top models - think Agyness Deyn - they've all got very short hair,' he says.

Instead of the layered, texturised pixie cuts, however, women will be opting for sleeker, smoother cuts with short heavy fringes.

PERM IT UP (right)

Don't worry. This is nothing like the tight ringed perms our mothers used to have in the 1980s.

Instead, flaunt an edgier version of big hair which Mercer describes as 'spiral perms'.

'In the last two or three years, ceramic perms with straight hair on top and wavy hair at the bottom have been popular,' he says.

This type of perm will freshen things up. It starts at the roots of the hair, giving you bigger curls than the soft, romantic waves inspired by Korean soap stars.

GET IT NOW

BOB IT (right)

When Hollywood actress Katie Holmes snipped off her long tresses last year, her modern bob - a messier, more natural-looking version of the original jazz-age bob - inspired many women to head for the salons.

Evande Loh, international director of Shunji Matsuo Hair Salon, says: 'This is low-maintenance short hair. Just blow dry your bob, texturise it with either a little wax or gel and you're ready to go.'

She names local celebrities such as Michelle Chong and Mindee Ong as examples of those who carry off the modern bob well.

Best of all, this cut is timeless. 'You can never go wrong with a bob. It never goes out of style. It's easy to wear and stylish,' says Casey Chua, style director of Casey Inc.

CATCH THE WAVE (right)

Practical Singaporean women love this fuss-free style - tousled waves.

'There is a movement and softness to natural waves that women like,' says Eugene Ong, managing director of Urban Hair by Ginrich.

Just look at starlets like twins Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen as well as Lindsay Lohan.

If you are lucky enough to have naturally wavy hair, simply define your curls with curling tongs and you are good to go.

Those with straight hair can ask for a soft perm at a salon.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Nov 21, 2008.