How to wear your hair this summer

Looking for inspiration on how to wear your hair this summer? Look no further than how the celebrities are styling their hair. Big hair is back with the 60s style very much in vogue. Soft waves and movement are key to having on-trend hair this season. Hair, most importantly, has to be in supreme healthy shiny condition to effectively achieve the look; hair that is dull, lacklustre and non-reflective will not suit these glamorous styles. Hairdressing plays a vital part in this season"s looks; looking after your hair with the right products, shampoos, conditioners and weekly treatments is essential to keeping hair in immaculate condition. The big hair/soft waves style is so versatile it is suitable for all face shapes - oval, heart, square, and round - taking care to soften the hair around the face to further compliment. Leafing through the pages of glossy magazines you will see the celebrities of the moment, including Hollywood stars such as Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley and pop stars including Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle and Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud all rocking the big glossy hair look.

Both Kate and Keira have adopted the soft waves look, while Cheryl and co have opted for ultimate big glossy tresses with much movement while lacking the soft waves. All look absolutely fabulous and gorgeous, and the style looks very expensive to recreate. This "star" style is actually very easy to recreate, the secret is your hair must be in great condition before you attempt this style.

Hair that shines, bounces and looks healthy will have a natural gloss. Simply by adding volume from heated rollers or even using straighteners to create loose waves - the big hair look can be easily accomplished with minimum effort and maximum impact. For those ladies considering a new shorter look for summer, the trends epitomised in stars such as Sarah Harding are seeing the short cropped styles becoming overgrown and wilder with hair strewn across the face leading into the soft wave trend for longer hair. Additionally dramatic blunt cropped styles as seen on Agyness Deyn are in vogue this season. As with all hairstyles, consult your hair stylist on what styles and cuts will suit your faceshape before taking the plunge on a drastic new style.

To fringe or not to fringe is a question often put to hair stylists. The truth is the fringe avoids the fashionable or unfashionable debate as it depends more on how the fringe will flatter your faceshape and also how it compliments the style of your hair, condition and length. Sweeping fringes are favourites of everyone simply because they compliment all shapes while softening the face. For those tempted by a fringe; the sweeping fringe is a great introduction to fringes before you plunge into a full one. Do bear in mind, a fringe must work well alongside your eyes, eyebrows and jawline; work with your stylist to uncover what will work best for you. Your hair is such an intrinsic part of looking and feeling good; take good care of yours.

Julie Penfold - Hair & Beauty Journalist.