Party season - The top hair, nails and make up looks

Hair

"Backcombing is a surefire way to jazz up your clients and get them ready for a night out. Use a soft bristle brush to gently brush backwards close to the roots and then spritz with a light hold hairspray and smooth with a tail comb. It takes minutes to do and creates the perfect party do." 
Darren Fowler, International Artistic Director, Clipso Group

"Braids will be huge this season! Whether milkmaid, halo, fishtail or French, enjoy experimenting with plaiting and twisting and style hair either purposefully messy or neat and tidy. Combine with a centre parting for even more of an on-trend look." 
Neil Smith, Artistic Director, Barrie Stephen

"Inform clients that a late November or early December booking will ensure colour remains at its best. It’s also essential that highlights be a full head - avoiding shadowing if hair is worn up. Be sure that blondes sparkle by mixing platinum with soft beiges. Brunettes and reds should be demure and sultry ranging from light hazelnut tones through to deep copper and intense espresso."
Tai Walker, Schwarzkopf Professional UK Colour Ambassador, Mahogany Hairdressing

Tyler Johnston, Schwarzkopf Professional Global Ambassador, shares the three steps to recreating one of his favourite braided party looks, seen below.

1. Prepping well is the key to this shimmering look. Always use a conditioner because the acidity helps close the hair cuticles and make them smoother.
2. Blowdry with a short bristle brush so the hair slips through easily, and then use a straightening balm, but never one which contains alcohol because it tends to swell the hair cuticle. The smoother the cuticle, the shinier the hair will be, because it will reflect more light.
3. For extra shine, apply lightweight OSiS+ Glamination Smooth Polish Elixir which will banish any frizz and ensure weightless shine.

5 stylists, 5 minutes

We asked five stylists, if they had just five minutes to create the perfect party ‘do what would they choose?

"A simple, yet effective soft top knot. Spritz the mid lengths of the hair with dry shampoo to create a textured high bun."
Callum Standen, The Egg Salon, Norwich

"Spray the mid lengths of the hair with dry shampoo and plait it into a chunky braid. Gently tease the braid apart for a full, textured, party look."
Brian Gallagher, Gallagher Horner, Glasgow

"For a quick office-to-night-out hair do, throw hair up into a messy bun. Let the front of the hair fall forward and twist around a curling iron."
Gary Forde, Forde Hair, Brighton

"I love poker straight, sleek tresses! Flick the straightening iron inwards when you reach the end of the hair. The subtle bend to the hair makes for a more natural look. "
Bradley Smith, Bradley Smith Hair & Beauty, Twickenham

"For strong, beautiful, bouncy waves, wet hair and then braid into a French plait. Dry the hair and unravel the French plait. For added body, get your client to flip her head upside down; then you can gently pull apart the curls with your fingers."
Emily Warne, Headromance, Havant

Nails

"Signature nail designs, whereby the ring fingers are painted a different shade to the other nails or feature a complex design, are all the rage right now. Apply the new Starstruck Space Dust to all of the nails, bar the ring fingers, and then Starstruck Moonwalk to the ring fingers for simple but effective party nails."
Rachel Gribble, Salon System Educator and expert nail technician.

Starstruck Space Dust
Starstruck Moonwalk

We all love glitter nail lacquer, it adds a glamorous element to any manicure and is bang on-trend for the party season. However, it can be difficult and frustrating to remove. Now nail lovers can fully embrace the glitter trend with no hassle. "Simply brush on one thin layer of Glitter Off to bare nails, wait until it dries clear and then apply as many coats of glitter lacquer as needed to get the desired look," explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP. "Glitter Off is designed to last for a few days, allowing for glitter shades to be changed frequently or worn just for a special occasion or night out. It’s so easy to use – and when it’s time to remove it, just peel it off!" 

"This party season’s nail art will see a lot of chic designs. Subtle glitter fades and simple yet elegant patterns will be a big hit for glam parties."
Bryony McMillan, Lena White / OPI Educator

Inspired by the No Doubt singer/songwriter and L.A.M.B. designer Gwen Stefani, OPI have created a limited edition range perfect for party season glamour. The Gwen Stefani Holiday for OPI collection features a selection of warm reds, deep jewel tones and unique glitters.

"Matching nails and lips is still a huge trend, choose rich reds or deep purples for a glamorous look with tons of impact."
Beauty Therapist & Makeup artist Lisa Marie Lesi

Make-up

What looks are most in demand?

Nude lips and smokey eyes with metallic colours and shimmery finishes, as opposed to the traditional matte brown or black smokey eye. I also tend to create many make-up looks concentrated around one statement choice, like a gorgeous red lip colour.

What make up trend should we get our head around before party season?

We’ll definitely be seeing more graphic eyeliner, it’s been all over the catwalks!
Carleen Gordon, carleengordon.com

What’s in your party season tool kit?

I love contouring powder to define the face and adding texture and shadow to the areas of the face that are hidden by natural light. Brow pencils are a must have! The brows provide character on the face, and once you have found a complementary shape, your make-up is already improved. A red lip is timeless, just make sure you are using the right colour for your clients’ skin tone, as there are orange, brown and blue undertones to red shades.

Any tips for the perfect look?

I always say that without good skin preparation, your clients’ make-up will never look as good as it could. Invest in a good range of moisturisers and primers and your clients will thank you when their make-up is still on in the early hours! Choose matte foundations to avoid anyone looking oily, and encourage clients to experiment with lip colour. Finally, get yourself some good brushes as they are invaluable for blending and bronzing.
Erin Fuller, erinfullermakeup.com

What is your singular must-have product?

No matter what the current party makeup trend is, I cannot go without glitter! Nothing has the impact and party feel like a brilliant shimmer or glitter.

What trends will be most dominant?

This party season we are going to see strong winged eyeliners that elongate the eyes. We’re talking rock chick style liner, not delicate classic flicks. Eyeliners are out in force in (literally) eye-popping colours, from strong royal blues and purples to bold neon shades. Skin is soft and glowing! Just because the eyes are heavy, doesn’t mean the skin has to be. Dewy skin with pops of highlight along the tops of the cheeks will really add to the angles of the eyes.
Ashley Gifford, primppowderpout.com

First published in the Capital Hair & Beauty magazine.