Emerging from winter’s icy grip means finally breaking free from the burden of bearing a beanie and letting those locks hang loose. So how to take full advantage of this newfound freedom? By test-driving one of the season’s most sought-after hairstyles, of course! Spring 2018 is all about accessories and texture, making it easier than ever to navigate the complexity of transitional weather while looking your best. From wet-look hair and edgy braids to windswept tresses and retro hair scarves, the possibilities are endless. Scroll on for six of our favorite looks and the products you need to pull them off.
Bold Braids
Will punchy plaits ever lose their appeal? Not if the runway has anything to say about it. Intricate braids abounded during the SS18 shows, their sleek, structural, and showstopping aesthetic calling to mind the epic updos on Game of Thrones, like this Jil Sander stunner. Needless to say, we’re obsessed. (Photo via Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho)
Get the look: Keep flyaways at bay and your braid looking polished with a lightweight texturizing cream or wax. Smooth onto each section of hair (start off with damp or wet hair for maximum hold) before braiding to make sure to keep loose ends in place. Brit + Co Pick: Redken Braid Aid 03 Defining Lotion ($25)
wet Hair look
With weather being what it is in spring — totally unpredictable — a ‘do that will hold up even under the worst of conditions (say, an impromptu downpour) and requires almost zero effort is oh-so-essential. The wet look, which has become a spring/summer runway regular, does just that. This year’s edition is all about bringing the drama, and that means teaming the look with edgy makeup, unexpected texture, or architectural silhouettes. Need some inspo? Bella Hadid (above) nailed it during Jason Wu. (Photo via JP Yim/Getty)
Get the look: With a bit of gel, you can recreate the wet look in a snap. Start with dry hair, then rake the product through hair with fingers from root to tip for dramatic texture. Brit + Co Pick: Bumble and bumble. Sumo Gel ($29)
Retro Tresses
The ‘90s might still be having a moment, but as far as hair goes, mid-century style is it. Miu Miu (above), Derek Lam, Erdem, and Temperley London were just a few labels getting into the throwback spirit, sending colorful silk headscarves and retro updos down the catwalk. (Photo via Estrop/Getty)
Get the look: This is one of the easiest looks to master: Simply wrap a chic turban or colorful scarf around a messy low bun, sleek ponytail or an elegant updo for a runway-ready look. Brit + Co Pick: Cult Gaia Turband ($60)
Blinged out Barrettes
From faux florals at Marchesa and The Blonds to embellished headpieces at Dolce and Gabbana and bold barrettes at Versace and Simone Rocha (shown above), this season is all about the extras. Any excuse to indulge in a bit of bling is a good one.
Get the look: Combining the edge of an ear cuff with a touch of modern glamour, this pearl and crystal-studded hair slide is the perfect pick to make don’t-care hair feel DDG. For maximum impact, pair it with slick, sideswept locks. Brit + Co Pick: Lelet NY Celia Bobbi Gold-Tone Crystal and Faux Pearl Hair Slide ($160)
Windswept Waves
Forget about perfectly polished beach waves. This season’s essential style is laced with DGAF ‘tude. And the messier, the better. Exhibit A: the hurricane-chic hairstyles that came out of Jonathan Simkhai. (Photo via Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho)
Get the look: In sections, spritz dry or wet hair with texturizing spray, making sure to lift hair and flip head over to cover completely. Scrunch hair and let air dry or blast it with a diffuser for added volume and texture. Brit + Co Pick: IGK Beach Club Texture Spray ($29)
Messy Side Buns
Top knots are so 2017. At Emporio Armani, models sported dramatic side parts, natural texture and messy side buns for the ultimate blend of laid-back cool.
Get the look: With a comb, part damp or air dried hair to the side, then spritz with a texturizing spray. Section the top layer of hair from ear to ear and twist hair into a relaxed, messy knot. Secure with bobby pins slightly below and behind the ear. Brit + Co Pick: L. Erickson Medium Narrow Bobby Pin Clip & Go 12-Pack ($12)
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