Now that Labor Day Weekend is over and the weather has been getting progressively cooler, it seems that Fall is upon us. So what can we expect for hair styles in Fall 09? We got the scoop from the 2009 Autumn/Winter Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week and celebrity hairstylist, Paul Labrecque, shows us how to take those crazy high-fashion runway model hairdos and turn them into something we can manage for everyday living.

Crimping
Crimping isn’t just a thing of the 80s. In fact, we saw crimped-out hairdos all over the runways of designers, like Karl Lagerfield and Stephane Rolland.

If your hair doesn’t have any natural texture, wave or body, LaBrecque says:

• Use a styling cream such as Paul Labrecque’s COLOR STYLE Fade Protection Foam to give hair the grip it needs before blow drying and using a crimping iron.
• To avoid a frizzy mess, lightly spritz dry hair with an anti-frizz spray and pull the front of the hair up into two high twists.

Parting
Ah, the age-old question of the middle part or the side part? The Paris runway shows tell us that both middle and swooping side parts are very much popular hairstyles for this Fall.

To achieve this sleek, chic chignon, follow LeBrecque’s advice:

• Apply a frizz-fighting, straightening cream to wet hair and blow dry in 1 inch sections with a round brush.
• Part the hair in the middle and smooth strands with the Paul Labrecque DAILY STYLE Alcohol Free Holding Gel and a boar bristle flat brush for amazing shine.

For a soft, swooping side part that gives way to a simple, low twist:

• Part hair on the side and use a 2inch barrel curling iron to set the heavier side of the parting in alternating curls.
• When brushed out it will yield big, soft waves that can be formed into a dropping scoop.
• Loosely pull everything back and mist with the Paul Labrecque STRAIGHT FINISH Humidity Control Hair Mist to tame fly-aways and hold the shape without hardness.

The “Poof”
Defying gravity has been a continuing trend over the past few seasons and remains a hot commodity this year. The “poof” could be seen on the runways of designers, like John-Paul Gautier and Cengiz Abazoglu, in boiffants and other exciting hairdos.

To gain some height, volume and drama:

• Spray the Paul Labrecque VOLUME FINISH All Day Holding Mist directly on the root before teasing (back combing) your hair in sections, working from front to back.
• Finish the look by flat ironing only the lower half of the hair shaft for that sleek, straight look.

-Amanda Fornecker

Perhaps it is most fitting that you hear stories about professionals who used to do something that resembles their current career when they were young and impressionable children. Maybe they used to play dress-up and wear their mother’s heels and pearls and now are fashion designers or wardrobe stylists. Or maybe they would style their doll’s hair or love to use makeup and now have a career in hair design or makeup application. There is probably some type of correlation between the person who they used to be and who they eventually become.

Jamie Kociela is no exception. She used to practice styling her own hair in the mirror when she was young and use magazines as a reference. She really loved it and went on to hair design school after high school and obtained her cosmetology license. As she continues to work her way to being a successful salon owner, Jamie has learned a lot. Check out her story in Cutting to the Chase at Hair Design Schools.

-Amanda Fornecker

For the holidays this year, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the most festive ‘do. Should you put it up? Leave it down? Give it a little volume? And how do you accomplish these things? Tim Rogers, an NYC hair stylist and spokesperson for Charles Worthington London, gives some how-to’s below on how to achieve the most glamorous runway holiday look. It’ll be so good, they’ll think you went to the salon. And if you are already a hair stylist, maybe you can use some of his tips on your clients!!

Scruffy, bouffant updos.
Rock and Roll meets Victorian punk. Vamp it up this holiday season… and combine the best of both tradition and trend.

Set clean hair on large electric or small Velcro rollers. Use Charles Worthington London BIG HAIR Texturizing Salt Spray on the root of each sectioned roller setting to create texture and substance at the roots. Back brush the roots throughout the head using and ultra-fine aerosol hair spray (try Charles Worthington London BIG HAIR Ultrafine Hairspray) on each brushing. The goal is to create a wispy, whimsical texture.

Divide the hair in half, splitting at the crown between hair behind the ear and hair in front. Create a French twist using the back section. Integrate the front section using pins to create a fun, high party shape.

Slicked high bow pony.
Ideal for going straight from the office to the holiday shindig, this sleek look is classic, polished sophistication with a “twist”.

Prep hair using Charles Worthington London BIG HAIR Texturizing Salt Spray on damp, damp hair. Make pony by following the line of your jaw using a hand mirror.

Twist the pony over to create a ‘bow’ effect. Good for longer, layered hair, or one-length hair.

Shiny braids.
A modern take on the archetypal braid, that can be worn down or twisted into a ‘figure-8′ over scaled chignon for an updated, slick style.

Start with damp hair. Add a texturizing balm mixed with a gel for shine and control, I like Charles Worthington London Moisture Seal Leave-in Conditioner or BIG HAIR Amazing Finishing Balm.

If your hair is shorter than your collar bone, consider a ponytail ’switch’ extension. Make a pony, add the extension that has been color matched in daylight, dampened with water and with balm/gel mix added. Pin the extension into the ponytail band holding your own hair in place using large bobby pins. Divide the combined hair into three sections and braid conventionally.

If you choose to wear the pony down and slick, considering adding a hairline gripping bandeau OR make figure-8 chignon by twisting the hair into shape and securing with long hair pins for an update on the popular chignon.

I’ve heard countless times from girls who can’t seem to get their hairstyle just right. It’s so upsetting especially since when you go to the salon, they do such a perfect job on your hair, right? I know, I know – these are professionals we’re talking about here so it makes sense that since they went to beauty school that they’d know what they are doing. But I get frustrated when I can’t recreate the very look I’m trying to achieve!!

Shelly Ballestero has some tips for you frustrated ladies out there. In January 2009, she has a new book coming out, entitled Beauty by God (Regal Book, 2009). Check out some tips and suggestions she has to share that I really believe will get you going on your way to a more satisfying hairstyle:

Shampoo and conditioner are important for your style, because they create the foundation.

Depending on the style you want, you need to use the proper pre-style products.

A good blow dryer can make all the difference.

Brushes are important.

Flat irons and curling irons take a little extra time but can really make a difference in your style.

Finishing products are important as well… This last step really helps determine what your hair will do for the rest of the day.

Perhaps you are thinking of beauty school for hair design or maybe you just want to perfect your hairstyle on your own. No matter what, you can surely perfect your drying and styling techniques to help you in school and in front of the mirror.

-Amanda Fornecker