My thanks to guest writer Megan Woods for this insight into upcoming Hair Fashion Trends.

What begins on the catwalk migrates via the red carpet to the sidewalk. It has always been thus, and this year is no exception.
What then, is this year going to serve up for dedicated followers of fashion?

The first piece of advice for those of you who want to keep your tresses up-to-date is to get in touch with your feminine and romantic side. The post-war years continue to inspire designers. With the Fifties, complete with full-skirts and petticoats, currently taking over from the Sixties as the decade to look to.

For Spring/Summer it seems the world’s style elite have embarked on one big love fest. From the red carpets of the Oscars, Golden Globes and the BAFTAs to the catwalks of Paris and London, it has been awash in a sweet, pretty, and flirtatious aesthetic. At the recent showings by the top fashion houses, swathes of chiffon, lace and, satin have enveloped the catwalks not only in evening wear but also in delicate tops to match with tailored pants and day skirts. Chanel's ready-to-wear collection featured playful chiffon sundresses, and even the ultimate rock-chick Stella McCartney's latest collection has been described as a "dreamy and ethereal" affair. On the red carpet at the recent award ceremonies too, we have seen the celebrities turned out in ultra-feminine dresses. Commentators have labeled Sarah Jessica Parker's Golden Globe ensemble as "sweet", and Charlize Theron as looking "romantic". On the other side of the Atlantic, Scarlett Johansson and Laura Linney's BAFTA outfits have been described as the 'girliest gowns' seen outside of a bridal party.

Accompanying these soft and pretty clothes, hair has also taken a soft and pretty turn. It seems the reign of the hair straighteners may be finally coming to an end. Ever since Jennifer Aniston first flipped her famously straight locks across our TV screens, women everywhere have spent hours removing any wave, bounce or body from their hair. With Jennifer herself sporting soft waved hair at the Golden Globes it seems that women all over the world will lay down their straighteners.

In 2004 wave and curl are making a come back with Vogue even heralding the return of the perm. Yes, that is right bouncy and bountiful hair is making a come back. For those of you having frightening flash backs to the Eighties as you read this, be assured, big hair has yet to stage its renaissance.

One of this season’s hottest trends is set to be the un-do - an updo that’s purposely loose and seemingly about to tumble down. To achieve this look of stylish dishevelment simply pin up random sections of hair with bobby pins and then let the rest hang loose for a sexy tussled look. This was a look magnificently carried off by Nicole Kidman at this year’s Oscars.

Megan has lots to say. Click over the the second part of this article.