Top tips from the catwalk

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Modern Gypsy look, as seen at Gaultier Spring/Summer 08

Gorgeously groomed hair as seen at Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 08

Controlled elegance as seen at Daks Spring/ Summer 08

High drama hair, as seen at Ferregamo Spring/Summer 08

WE CAN all scrape our hair back into a boring bun when temperatures heat up, but where’s the fun in that? The glamorous spring/summer catwalks weren’t just about designer clothes – models showed off an array of gorgeous hairstyles, from relaxed boho hippy locks to high-maintenance beehives. Ms Winehouse, you have a lot to answer for.

Sam McKnight, hairdresser and Pantene Pro-V ambassador, who styled tresses at Blumarine, Etro and Balmain shows, reveals the key styles for this summer.

With his easy tips and tricks, you don’t need a personal hairdresser on hand, a la Kate Moss, to achieve the hottest looks for locks.

MODERN GYPSY

Seen at Etro, Giles, Chloe, Marc, Balmain, Gaultier, Emporio Armani.

“This look is all about individuality,” Sam says.

“Hair is teased, twisted or crimped to form a very modern, purposeful statement.”

It works best with straight hair or hair with a natural wave.

GET THE LOOK: The night before styling, use an intensive conditioner.

Start by working Pantene Pro-V Secret Support Mousse through damp hair from the scalp to ends. This acts as the base for the texture.

For a soft texture look, after applying mousse leave it to dry naturally without brushing, or if you use a hairdrier, have it on half power to gently create a subtle, more natural looking texture.

For heavy texture, work a strong mousse through damp hair and dry without brushing.

When dry, starting from the top of the head, take a random size section of hair and twist, starting from the root.

Rub your fingers up and down the twisted section and spray with medium-hold hairspray. Repeat for the whole head. When finished twisting, separate the twisted hair using fingers – do not brush.

Seen at Blumarine, Lanvin, Gucci, D&G, Matthew Williamson, Ferregamo.

“Gorgeously groomed is one of this season’s key hair trends, and partnered the more feminine and sexy catwalk looks,” Sam explains.

“This look is long, full of body and shiny.”

GET THE LOOK: Shampoo and condition hair. Consider using an intensive conditioner as hair has to be in great condition for this look.

If hair is coarse or curly, apply a smoothing serum or straightening balm.

Dry gently using a pure bristle brush to smooth hair while drying.

Add a heat defence spray before straightening or setting the hair with curling tongs – especially if hair is naturally curly.

Tong the hair in sections and pin while completing the whole head.

Lightly brush through. Greater volume can be achieved by turning the head upside down and applying hairspray. A light serum can be worked through the hair to add shine and texture.

Seen at Balenciaga, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, YSL.

“Controlled elegance hair can be either chic or authoritative depending on the texture of the hair and direction of parting,” says Sam.

“Looks range from partings slightly to the side to almost halfway down the head for added drama.”

For a more feminine look, leave the required ponytail looser at the nape of the neck. Experiment with your parting to find the most flattering place.

GET THE LOOK: After washing and conditioning, apply a mousse or gel spray to damp hair.

Use a tail comb to define the parting while hair is wet; this will set the direction of the hair and define the parting.

Blow-dry hair away from the parting.

When hair is dry, use gel spray or Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Anti Static Hairspray, depending on the amount of hold required to further define the parting.

Putting hair in a ponytail while wet will give a cleaner, more polished finish. Once the ponytail is dry, use curling tongs or straighteners, depending on the desired finish.

Seen at Viktor and Rolf, Marc Jacobs, D Squared, and Cavalli.

“From messy back-combed beehives to just-got-out-of-bed chignons, accompanied by strong, winged eyes and soft, muted mouths, this look is about as sexy as you can get,” says Sam.

GET THE LOOK: Start by using Pantene Pro-V’s

Sheer Volume mousse or Root Booster Gel Spray on damp hair.

Dry the hair, creating as much volume as possible. Turning the head upside down and drying helps.

When the hair is dry, using a tail comb, take small sections of hair and, starting at the root, backcomb in short strokes towards the scalp.

Continue to backcomb up the length of the hair and repeat over entire head, fixing each backcombed section with a hairspray.

Using a bristle brush, gently brush the front of the hair until smooth and spray lightly with medium-hold hairspray. Shape the hair and pin loose strands on to the formed shape.