Richard says there’s a soft austerity for Spring Summer 09:

“The Cruise Cut is here. Hair this season is sporty, understated yet confidant, sleek, healthy and ultra-groomed. But this look is also organic and natural. These are statement cuts; preened and perfected, and glossy with health and vibrant and rich with shimmering colour. Feminine and versatile, yet light on product, this is a styled look – with natural movement and refined texture.”

Short hair will be the massive look for 2009, reflecting the challenging economy and the new, more austere climate of the year. There are 2 key looks:

The choppy, textured crop is the ultimate in gamine: As worn by: Victoria Beckham.

An updated 80’s Pixie look, worn layered short all over, hair is cropped short at the nape and around the ears and textured throughout. Product use is light, giving a soft, natural effect – Richard Ward Style Revive Smoothing Polish (£5.49) is perfect; apply by rubbing though palms to warm and patting evenly on to the hair to separate and define.

Long sweeping layers worn with asymmetric fringes over one eye and undercut at the nape and sides: As worn by: Rhianna.

This look is beautifully blended and expertly cut, with layers graduated shorter at the crown and longer around the face. The key is ultra conditioning and perfect grooming. Hair is super glossy, yet organic and natural looking. Style with a sleek of Richard Ward Shine and Define Serum to hold hair perfectly.

Jaw-length, Sleek Bobs:

Bobs are still hot – but shorter this year with lots of layers and soft movement. The outside shape is soft; very gently separated and tapered with hair long and layered towards the jaw-line. Fringeless, the look is swept to the side and tapered into the nape, creating a soft, flowing, feminine look. Styling is important; this look needs to be blow dried smooth with and a light mist of Richard Ward Stay Smooth & Protect Double Action Spritz using my Richard Ward Medium Radial Brush.

Mid-length/Long hair: As worn by: Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole   

Worn with long layers and soft movement and conditioned to be ultra- rich and glossy, lustrous long hair is worn with long side-swept fringes. Partial extensions are key – expertly applied around the nape hairline to add natural-looking length and texture. A look of versatility is a must – hair is natural or dressy, but volume and body are essential for smooth and sleek or wavy glamour. For evening, waves are still hot – but worn big and messy. Hair is volumous at the root to give a larger shape, with lengths and ends left shiny and glossy.

Night-time glamour: The Tuck Under is a key trend – hair is worn low in the nape and tucked up under itself and secured for evening chic. Sections from the front are twisted and randomly pinned at the back, leaving height on the crown. This works on pre-curled hair but also can be achieved on straight, textured hair, misted with Richard Ward High Shine & Hold Hairspray. Pulled out for a more unstructured look, the Tuck Under is the Red Carpet trend for 2009.

 Men: Hair is shorter and more textured (think Daniel Craig, Danny Cipriani) with traditional, barbered, Saville Row undertones. Hair is short at the neck, sides and over the ears, with soft, choppy layers and a textured finish, styled off the face. Conversely, the long option is shiny, collar-tickling and full of movement with sweeping, long layers for a messy grown-out feel.

For appointments call Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, London on 020 7730 1222

www.richardward.co.uk

Richard Ward hair products are available in Superdrug and Tesco stores nationwide.