I am very excited about Spring 2012 Men's hair, so much so that I am considering getting a hair transplant of some kind. My fine mousy hair doesn't allow for the looks that I present to you, but fear not, most men have the locks to pull them off!
In this article, I'm going to be breaking it down, and
giving you the essentials to get your barnet ready for Spring, so fear not guy, I have your back.
Curls
Curls have been creeping back into men's hair, and Spring 2012 is sending them shooting back. If you've got those natural thick curls, then lucky you. If you haven't, then it's best to avoid this look. Don't try to fake it. Natural curls look better when they are natural.
Curls come in many different shapes and sizes, so play with what you've got, don't go straight to the straighteners.
Curls can get frizzy easily, so why not try out a frizz-easing cream or spray when styling? Avoid hardening gels. Curls and wax work perfectly together, and remember, 2012 is all about shine, so avoid the matte waxes.
The key look for Spring is going to be, neat, but messy, all at once. Clean cut lines, short sides, high shine and gloss on top, but always un-organised. Most people can pull off the shaved sides look (I myself rocked it throughout 2011), and it's a very classic and easy look.
Quiff
Quiffs can be achieved when drying upwards with a hair dryer, straightening into place, then using a styling product with a strong hold (and maybe a little bit of hairspray to top it off).
Quifs look great wet-look and matte, so mix it up and be creative. I guess we have Jedward to thank for this new trend (although I must say, quiffs do look ridiculous after a certain length. Keep it tidy, keep the sides short and it should work for you).
Undercut
The undercut has been a popular cut for a few years now, and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down. The undercut is all about creating 2 separate styles, at the same time. The sides are cut shorter and the top is kept long. This style will suit a lot of people, but it's one of those cuts that requires styling.
Nothing looks worse than a lazy undercut, where the person doesn't style the top and it just flops wherever (especially on finer hair). It's all about styling your hair how you want with an undercut. Quiff, sweeping fringe, messy, spiky...it all works. Think of the undercut as the ultimate fashion statement. It can create a dramatic difference to your hair, whilst still remaining similar and longer.
It will suit straight and curly hair, so you don't have to worry about that. My hair is naturally pin straight and fine and I've had an undercut for a while now. I'm in the process of growing it out, only because I'm bored of it. I loved it for a long time, so don't let me put you off.
Slicked
If you're brave and aren't afraid to show off your face and are looking for something more formal, then this look is for you.
The slicked comb-over, with a side piece is a great look for 2012. It works if you have an undercut, and if you're hair is straight. This won't be a good look if you have a huge forehead or a receding hairline. It will just highlight those areas and nobody really wants that.
It's all about being neat. The lines and parting should be straight and every hair should be in it's place. If you want to commit to this look, then get it cut in such a why where the hair will fit into the comb-over (i.e. not too short on top, but shorter at the sides).
To style, just add a wet-look gel and comb through. The wet, shiny look in going to be a big look for 2012, but if you aren't feeling brave enough for that, a more matte look can be achieved by using hairspray and combing through instead of gel (just remember, with hairspray, not to spray it too close to the head, and not to use too much).
Brit-Indie Mess
If my hair had to fit into one of these categories, I'd say it was the Brit-Indie look (although I'm sure some people would say It's more of a blonde Justin Bieber).
This look is all about the fringe. Fringes on guys are always a good look, especially if you don't like what lies underneath.
The way to get this look is to sweep the hair forward (not all hair will natural 'sweep' so it may take a lot of styling or drying in that way), and style is with a shine wax or putty. As I said, shine is a big look for 2012, but matte works really well with this look.
Couple this with an under-cut, and you're ready to join an indie band and have girls and boys at your feet.
Wet Look Shine
I never thought I'd see the day, but wet-look hair is going to be a big look for 2012 for men and women. Matte hair is time-less look, but wet look isn't.
But, 2012 is all about revival, and wet-look has been resurrected, kicking and screaming from it's watery grave.
Gel is always a good tool for that wet look. You can get wet-look gels, and most gels are wet look anyway. If you want the wet look, but don't like the hardness of gel, there are glossy shine waxes and putty available.
I like to use a matte wax for the texture it gives to my hair, and then I top it off with a shine spray. The best of both worlds.
Just remember don't go over the top, especially if you have fine hair. It can just look greasy, and that's never a good look for anyone.
Following these tips, you should be ready to take on Spring 2012! Remember, hair is an expression of who you are, so don't feel the need to follow the crowd. I'm choosing 2012 to grow out my sides when the undercut it the hottest (I'm that rebellious). Just have fun, be creative, and remember, we're not runway models, so it doesn't have to be perfect all of the time. Couple these tips with your own personal style, and you should have a winning hair style for 2012.
Coming soon: Women's hair for Spring 2012.
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