Celebrating the retro era, film ‘Om Shanti Om’ interestingly has set the tone for 2008. A trend check by hair connoisseurs shows that it’s the 60s and 70s look, that is making a huge comeback. From modernised bobs, curls, bangs to hair accessories - this is the style for 2008 and the suggestion is to take tips on this mane maintenance from moms! However, Metrolife got a lowdown from experts in the glam business for City’s hair enthusiasts.

More often than not, films deeply influence street fashion and this time OSO has outdone its competitors. Hair expert Swati Gupta of Bodycraft agrees. “The 60s and 70s look is in great demand. There are theme parties based on this colourful era. Ribbons, bands, flowers and bouffants are gaining popularity. The craze for bobs, which started in mid-2007, continues.

“Bobs are very structured, sharply framing the face and the neck. Again modernised bobs - slightly longer with bangs and flicks  - are a hot trend this 2008,” explains the young stylist.

One such bob fan is model Kavya Peerbhoy. Suggesting this look to all, Kavya says, “The whole 60s look with short curly hair and Chanel red lips is back. Personally, I feel girls must go really short with hair this year.”

Metrolife also spoke to Kavya’s hair stylist, Prarthana Pradutt of Peaches salon. Explaining what not to do this 2008, Prarthana listed, “Blunt style is totally out. It makes you look fat. Wedge and mushroom styles are again a big no, even if you have been sporting them for 20 years now. The hair movement is outward now. Below-the-shoulder length with layers, bangs and gold highlights are again boring.”

So what’s trendy in hair fashion this year? Prarthana says, “Go natural. It’s all about high energy hair unlike the poker-straight conscious look. Play with the retro look with funky fringes. Asymmetric bobs are very interesting. It’s basically longer on one side than the other, on purpose.

“They are stylish, clean and timeless. Victoria Beckham sports this hot look and like it or not she is in sync with hair fashion.”

According to fashion guru Prasad Bidapa, volume is the key this year. “Be the length short or long, volume has to be high. Achieve it with skillful layering. Get a clever cut that does not stress your hair. It should be versatile enough to look trendy for both day and night,” he explains.

Colourfully yours

When we talk hair, one cannot give colouring and chemical treatments a miss. They are a rage in the beauty business. According to the experts, Barbie doll-blonde look is finally out. Popular colours this year are unnatural Egyptian black, sharp red, plum, violet and magenta. However, the idea is to be creative with colours and dismiss the conventional streaking and weaving patterns.

Explains Prarthana, “Creative colouring is trendy. We haphazardly pull out chunks of hair and throw in bright colours like red or colour just the tips with violet. Girls can also go global with unnaturally dark hair colours like that of Cleopatra.  I suggest the salt-and-pepper look for older women, accompanied with the a shine shampoo created specifically for this look.”

Stay chemical-free

With natural and curly being the mantra, rebonding is on its way out too. However, those craving for groomed tresses, there is a new technique of rebonding that has forayed into the glam bazaar. Swati calls it ‘Creative Bonding’. Says she, “The basic rebonding process involves straightening and ironing the whole. Creative bonding applies only to the crown. Thus, you have a groomed crown while the length has untouched natural curls. So, you don’t have regrowth problems and the length is left healthy.”

“Stay chemical free”, says Prasad, adding, “Look how stylish model Nayanika Chatterjee looks. It’s all about the right cut. When Dhoni got rid of his rebonded tresses, we all had a collective sigh of relief! Rebonding is out for men. Men must maintain a medium length. Not too short like Akshay Kumar. The sides and the back can be short with a longer crown. The facial hair must be groomed to match the hair style.”

A hot new hair style is a great way to add interest and liven up your look. Take tips and let bold exploration be the name of the game in 2008!