ACCORDING TO FASHION WEEK, IT'S TIME TO START EMBRACING YOUR HAIR'S NATURAL TEXTURE – HERE'S HOW

We’ve all been there. You know, those times when you wake up, get dressed and by the time you get around to styling your hair, you Just. Can’t. Be. Bothered. Whether it’s diffusing your hair into corkscrew curls, blow-drying it poker straight or even just getting round to washing it, as much as you might love the results of an elaborate hair styling process, it can take an awful lot of time and effort to get there.

That’s why the hair looks showcased during London Fashion Week for spring/summer 2024 are a welcome shift. Rather than perfectly crafted styles, the runways were awash with natural hair textures, from air-dried curls to bed-head kinks and not-quite-straight lengths at the likes of Simone Rocha, JW Anderson and Tove – styles that are easily achievable in less time, and using less heat than your normal routine. We’re sold.

You don’t have to wait until spring 2024 to channel the look, either. As we head into autumn, the weather will take a windy, rainy turn for the worse – the enemy of every polished hairdo. So there couldn’t be a better time to start working with, rather than against, your hair’s natural texture.

Need a little inspiration? Look no further than the London Fashion Week runways (or, of course, your own reflection) for ways to embrace your natural texture in style…

The Bed Head

You know those days when you want to stay in bed, skip the grooming, throw on a hoodie and leave the house? Well, as JW Anderson so stylishly demonstrated, you absolutely can. Allow yourself the luxury of a lie-in and lean into the morning tousle next time your alarm goes off. The designer’s SS24 show was the perfect ‘I-woke-up-like-this’ inspiration: whether the model’s hair was straight, curly or anything in between, hairstylist Anthony Turner took worked with their natural texture for an ‘undone’ look that offered plenty of movement – nothing was poker-straight or super-refined.

To get the look, allow your hair to air dry (if it’s prone to frizzing, use a styling cream such as Hershesons Almost Everything Cream), then touch up dry ends with a touch more cream rubbed between palms to smooth wayward ends. For curly hair textures, a foam mousse also works well to provide added definition – try Trepadora Bamboo Ginseng Curling Mousse for a weightless, crunch-free hold.

The Cascading Curls

Some curly hair styling routines involve multi-step processes, such as finger curling individual strands for uniform spirals. Of course, it delivers a beautiful uniform effect, but when left to its own devices, your natural curl pattern is equally as special. So take your cue from Tove SS24, where models sported their natural hair textures, particularly when it came to curls – which were glossy, hydrated and unique to each model.

To achieve the look, wash your hair with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner – try the Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser and Duo Conditioner – then follow with a styling cream and gel suitable for your curl pattern. The Bouclème Seal and Shield Curl Cream and Curl Defining Gel are great for those with finer hair or looser curls, while the Pattern Styling Cream and Strong Hold Gel offers more definition for coarser, tighter coils. Allow your hair to air dry (or gently diffuse on a low heat, if you’re short on time), then finish with a few drops of oil, such as Bread Beauty Supply Everyday Gloss for added shine.

The Weathered Updo

We’ve all been there: you take the time to tie your hair up into a chic chignon before heading out to battle through the wind and rain on your commute. By the time you get to work, your hair has taken the hit: it’s damp, windswept and considerably less put-together than you’d intended. But, as Erdem SS24 proved: it can be a vibe.

For the show, hairstylist Richard Phillipart used My.Organics hair care to create a beautifully undone series of updos – the perfect contrast to the elegance of Erdem’s designs. How to create this look for yourself? Well, aside from banking on the weather to do the styling for you, you can try the same products used in the Erdem show: first, add body to your hair using My.Organics Organic Thickening Spray, then style your hair as desired – a high ponytail is perhaps the easiest approach. Next, gently tease out strands along your hairline and use the brand’s new Water Moulding Wax to secure them in place. Finish with a blast of Organic Hydrating Hairspray to hold and you’ll be ready for any weather in style.

The Style Extender

Looking for a way to make your hair last a little longer between wash days, without using a ton of product? Knwls SS24 has the answer. The bandana is making a comeback, and it’s the perfect way to hide greasy roots in style.

There really isn’t a step by step guide for this one. Simply take your favourite scarf (preferably silk, as it’s kindest on your hair – this Bouclème x Preen Scarf is a great hair-friendly yet stylish option) and tie it over your hair. Lean into the boho sentiment and leave rest of your hair as it is – all you need to do is run your fingers/a comb/a brush (depending on your hair texture) through the lengths to separate any knots and nobody will guess that your roots are beyond saving with dry shampoo. Win, win.

The Cheat’s Tuck

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to leave your hair to dry naturally, it just doesn’t do what you want it to do. Often, the ends of your hair have settled nicely, but the little strands around your face have dried haphazardly, sticking out in all directions. The only solution? As showcased on the Simone Rocha SS24 catwalk: the tuck. Yes, tucking your hair behind your ears is officially a considered styling choice – and it makes a surprisingly big difference to yoru overall look.

We’re not going give you a tutorial on this simple act, but we will offer this tip: after you’ve tucked your hair behind your ears, secure them in place with a hair grip on either side to help prevent flyaways. Ruffle the back of your hair with your hands (a little texture spray, such as Hair by Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl, is a helpful for providing subtle volume), add a pair of statement earrings and voila, you’re ready to go.

2023-09-22T12:10:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd