10 ways to up your hair game in 2017

Wanna change up your hair but not ready to chop it all off? Take inspiration from the runways and slick your long tresses into a low pony – and you thought you’d never tie your hair up in a ponytail again after graduating from junior college. Knot it at the nape with an elastic band and dress it up with, that’s right, a belt. Not the usual stole-from-your-dad leather belt, mind you. We’re talking fabric belts, secured with one end hanging lower than the other. Top tip: that ribbon you saved from Christmas will do the trick.

This wavy, windswept style turns that awkward ‘growing-out-the-bob’ phase into a chic shoulder-length ’do for all you wash-and-go types. Get your stylist to add a few layers and you can achieve these coveted beachy waves without having to cab down to Sentosa. It works with both thick and thin hair, although the latter could do with some hairspray to hold the waves and create textured tips. To further contour and complement your face shape, try balayage and ombre colours with this hairstyle.

AS SEEN ON: Alexa Chung 

Trends are fickle, so it’s no surprise that the iconic Brigitte Bardot fringe from the swinging ’60s is making its way back into fashion, this time with a textured look (achieved with a smear of pomade rubbed on the ends). This vision-obstructing fringe stops right above your eyes, but is parted in the middle so you can at least peer through. It’s a low-maintenance style that’s also incredibly versatile – if you’re not feeling the centre parting, just sweep the fringe to the side or pin it back.

AS SEEN ON: Chloë Grace Moretz and Brigitte Bardot

Any girl would agree that getting bangs is a decision not to be taken lightly. Yet these micro bangs, otherwise known as ‘baby bangs’, raise the stakes even higher. Micro bangs can either be cut blunt or choppy, but they’re almost always edgy. Just like you. While this style does look easy to DIY at home, it’s best to leave this to an experienced stylist. However, if your baby bangs turn out to be an epic mistake, it’s all good. Remember: it’ll grow back.

AS SEEN ON: Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Beyoncé (albeit short-lived) 

Bring out the bobby pins – you’re gonna need plenty for this one. There’s no need to head to the salon; this style works across all hair lengths and can be kept as sleek or messy-chic as you’d like. Just pull back a section of hair at both temples, smoothen it out with a brush, twist it at the back of your head, and secure with a bunch of bobby pins. Double points if your pins are all hidden from view.

AS SEEN ON: Caroline Herrera’s Spring/Summer 2017 in New York Fashion Week