It is said hair is vanity's proving ground — a tangle of mysterious prejudices! Hair trends in the 1950s were sculpted, sprayed, teased, and styled into perfectly-formed curls, waves, and bouffants. While this was a preference of the older ladies, the young preferred the relatively hip 'flip' — shoulder-length hair, backcombed slightly at the top and then curled out at the ends. The revolutionary of 1960s' hairdos' was Vidal Sassoon, who, in 1963, introduced the geometric, asymmetric, 5-point, and (most famous of all) - the Bob cut — that proved very popular with young women, and is still one of the most prevalent haircuts. 

"Bobs are easily manageable," asserts Swati Gupta, hairstyle and make-up specialist, Bodycraft. "Summer is all about hair styles that are light and easily manageable. Last year, bobs were very popular," she says, "a trend that is continuing in 2008 as well."

Long hair too, is not a problem, for it can fall in layers that feel light and are easy to style, along with being wavy. Though straight hair is going out of fashion, a high pony or a gentle braid (not too tight) would do well.
Beena Sondhi, Operations head, Bounce, feels there are no hair trends in India at all! "Be it summer or winter, women sport hairdos according to their mood... regardless of the fact that styling is important in summer — especially when the skin and hair become sticky and sweaty."

Bangalore beauticians, in particular, despair over why women here won't cut their hair short despite rising mercury levels. "It's just hair — it will grow back! Yet only 20 per cent women are willing to experiment with their hair," says Beena. Ask her what's the rage in hair trends this summer and you get an exasperated reaction. "They (women) want a new look but want to keep the length. There is no experimenting here," she frets.
Swati couldn't agree more, and echoes, "Eighty percent Indian women don't like to experiment with their hair." There are seasonal styles, feels Cheryl, trainer and beauty expert, Limelite and Green Trends. Though people still want to stick to the length, invariably there are cuts and styles that complement the season as well. "Depending on the face, cut and profession, we advise customers to go for bobs, that could be straight or with lots of movement." Steps are always in, she confirms. Good news is that thin hair could be made to look good with use of different angles. Fringes/bangs are popular for a wispy look on short/long hair.

Colours and hues

According to Jishan, senior hair stylist at Bounce, colours like browns, blondes, beige, gold and mahogany are popular. Cheryl specifically recommends blonde. It brings out the complexion, she clarifies, and it depends on how it is worked through the hair.

Not just style

Good quality products are like a protection shield that define your style, and make hair manageable, says Swati. Both cut and style are important, she affirms, adding, "You need to take care of a cut with the right styling products." If you want it short, advises Beena, keep a bob that is curly — mousse and crunch it up, so it forms ringlets. "People with broad foreheads could go for bangs or fringes." Asymmetric bobs are also popular, pipes in Jishan, with some advice, "In summer, blow-dry hair, and use lots of layers."

Men versus women

So are men averse to experimenting with hair, like women?
Swati: “Men in India need to start experimenting. If you're sporting a trendy haircut, you need sideburns or spikes. Men with receding hairlines in particular, need to start playing with flicks. Though lot of men like spiking, they should play around with colouring as well.”

Cheryl: “Men want longer cuts — they want to grow hair and then straighten it. Youngsters to middle age, everybody wants bangs! And even if the back is short, they want something like bangs or fringes.”
Beena: “Men, from the teens to late 50s are more experimental though they are restricted in the way they style their hair.”

Hair care

In summer, hydration is very important to make sure hair is not greasy, advises Swati. It is very important to keep the scalp clean because accumulation of dirt leads to dandruff and other hair problems. Since hair becomes dry, using a little serum helps, especially if you're the type to style hair.

Whether it is Bipasha's 'precision-cut' bobs or the 'Fo-hawk' (short for faux mohawk (for men)  — sported by footballer David Beckham or seven-year-old Darsheel Safary (of Taare Zameen Par), it just means, that the hair is the richest ornament of women (and men!) as remarked by Martin Luther.

Tips for hair care

* Use the correct conditioner.
* Use serums — especially for frizzy hair.
* Serums should be used only on hair that is towel dried. They should be oil-based which makes the hair soft and elasticity is maintained.
* Cream-based serum should be only used for hair that is uncontrollable.
*Shampoo twice or thrice a week (depending on hair type), use on scalp and just run through hair.
*Use a conditioner, mid-length to end.
*Spa treatment once a fortnight (again according to particular hair types).