Say your client is the adventurous type who wants a new look for new year, but has absolutely no idea what she wants. What are you to do? Suggest this updated pixie seen on Ashlee Simpson. With its asymmetrical, swooped fringe in front and shorter lengths in the back, this cut works well for clients of all ages and is particularly stunning on oval and square face shapes, according to our good friend Phillip Wilson. It can also be styled in many ways, and gives the stylist the option to customize each cut for the client. “This cut is so hot right now because it’s so versatile” he adds. “The key to this look is to create a soft, flirty and feathered texture rather than solid lines. Cut into the perimeter to customize the shape and create details to highlight your client’s best features.” For a flawless finish, Phillip recommends using Pureology Nano Glaze Styling Cream to piece out or smooth the texture, depending on your desired result. Check out Pureology’s new packaging and initiatives!

For the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite holiday styles and how-tos to help you get ready for all your clients’ holiday requests. First up is how to recreate Lauren Conrad’s “Romantic Twist” updo by Sebastian Stylist Christina McCarver. “The labyrinth of curls creates intrigue and attraction as they’re softly swept away from the face,” she shares. To get the look, wash hair with Penetraitt Shampoo and Conditioner for healthy, resilient tresses. Next, spritz Sebastian Professional Potion 9 Lite to the lengths of damp hair for enhanced shine, anti-frizz protection and styling manageability. Now apply Volupt Spray to lengths of damp hair to add soft, supple volume throughout. Use a 1” curling iron to curl the lengths of the hair and spritz with Shaper Zero Gravity while curling to maintain fresh waves. Once the entire head is curled, secure the curls by pinning them in a woven fashion to create a style that looks loose and effortless. Once the style is achieved, lightly spray Shaper Zero Gravity for lightweight and soft—yet controlled—hold. 

Every season, we scour the fashion runways with the hope of spotting brilliant new ‘dos and inspiration. And we spotted quite a little gem at the Dolce & Gabbanna show during Milan Fashion Week, where Redken Creative Consultant Guido created a classic twist inspired by Italian actress Sophia Loren. “We pulled the hair loosely back into a French twist and it looks a bit as if the woman was dancing all night,” Guido explains. “It’s effortlessly gorgeous.” To create the look, apply Thickening Lotion 06 to damp hair and rough dry without a brush (to maintain natural texture) until hair is 90 percent dry. Next, apply Tousle Whip 04 Soft Texturizing Cream-Wax throughout the front of the hair to enhance natural movement and let it air dry the last 10 percent. Beginning at the nape of the neck and working upwards, backcomb the hair for added texture. Finger comb hair back away from the face and pull hair back into a French twist, securing with bobby pins. Make sure to keep the hair loose around the face (not pulled back too tight), so you can see the natural movement of the hair texture. Finish with Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Spray. Check out 5 fashion week hair how-tos from Guido!

Is your client bored with her same old/same old? Just add bangs! Right now the newest fringes are blunt and solid—like those sported by Olivia Wilde and Kate Moss. Review these tips from Goldwell International Guest Artist Dimitrios Tsioumas to create a flawless fringe. First, dry the hair to a smooth finish, directing it toward the face with a comb and no elevation. Create a triangle section from recession to recession. The point of the triangle should start at the top round of the head, 2-3 inches from the hairline. Beginning on the right side of the triangle, create diagonal forward partings. Next, using a comb, cut the section parallel to the floor with no elevation. Continue toward the opposite side of the section and work with diagonal sections, using the hair underneath as a guideline as you progress. Need more inspiration? Check out the KMS 360° Collection and get FREE styling tips and webisodes!