Dusty Simington said it once and Nexxus Creative Director/celebrity hair stylist Kevin Mancuso is saying it again:- “This season’s hottest trend is to work with what you’ve got. Don’t fight your natural texture… embrace it.”

With that in mind, Kevin created the following four modern looks that I want to share with you guys. I personally have long, straight hair and Sleek Look #1 is my favorite.

Curly Look #1
Mix two different textures for a contemporary and bold statement.

Step 1: Start by shampooing and conditioning your hair with moisturizing products that add a natural sheen and bounce.

Step 2: Towel dry hair, and spray locks with a leave-in conditioner to help lock out frizz and boost shine. Apply a mousse to the bottom half of hair to help accentuate natural curls.

Step 3: Create a side part, and comb hair behind ears. Lightly blow-dry the top and front sections of hair using your fingers to smooth out the texture from your crown to mid-ear level. Emphasize the sleekness of the top section of hair by fastening bobby pins in a half-moon pattern from ear to ear.

Step 4: Blow-dry the bottom of hair with a diffuser to add volume and texture. Use a large barrel curling iron to add a few structured curls. Allow hair to cool, and scrunch to build volume.

Step 5: Finish look by applying a volumizing hairspray.

Curly Look #2
Maximize your minutes and upgrade your curls with a simple twist of the wrist.

Step 1: Keep bobby pins in place to maintain the sleek texture at top. Sweep the lower portion of curly hair back into a ponytail.

Step 2: Twirl the hair in the pony, and wrap around the elastic so it’s completely covered. Then, pin randomly with bobby pins to secure. Let your personality come out in the structure of the knot. There is no “right” way, just “your” way.

Step 3: Finish with an additional application of hairspray for strong hold and long-lasting support all night.

Product Recs
* Nexxus Therappe Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo
* Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner
* Nexxus Humectress Luxe Ultimate Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioner
* Nexxus Gorgeous Curls Curl Enhancing Styling Foam
* Nexxus 360° Volume Bodifying Finishing Mist

Sleek Look #1
Adding volume to your crown can instantly transform the look.

Step 1: Shampoo and condition hair with products that will reduce frizz and tame flyaways.

Step 2: Apply a straightening product with silicone all over locks for frizz-free results. Then, mist a volume boosting product directly to the roots.

Step 3: Blow-dry hair with a large, round brush. Set top section of hair into a large roller to create volume at the crown. Use a small amount of a smoothing crème and a flat iron on the rest of hair to maximize smoothness and control flyaways. Then, secure side sections in back of head with bobby pins.

Step 4: Remove roller, and divide the top section of hair into two pieces. Allow back piece to fall over pinned sides, and back comb the front piece to add volume. Gently pull front piece back to form a structured poof, and secure with bobby pins. Use finger tips to smooth out style, and finish with a light-hold hairspray.

Sleek Look #2
“Ponytails are an elegant style trick, no matter the age. It is one easy step, yet looks very polished.”

This is a variation of Sleek Look #1. To achieve the look, gently pull the bottom section of hair to one side. Secure into a low, side ponytail with an elastic. Help tame flyaways by lightly misting hair with a medium hold hairspray.

Product Recs
* Nexxus Sleektress Sumptuous Smoothing Shampoo
* Nexxus Hydra Sleek Silken Smoothing Conditioner
* Nexxus Sleek Memory Straightening Smoothing Spray
* Nexxus Root Exxtend Volumizing Root Lifter
* Nexxus SleekStyle Calming Smoothing Creme
* Nexxus Comb Thru Natural Hold Design & Finishing Mist

Related Entries
Fall 2008 Hair Trends and Exclusive Interview with Dusty Simington

Credits: Nexxus Salon Hair Care.