Models showcase L’Oreal’s latest trends. Picture by Pabitra Das

Hairstyling trends last year have ranged from the short, business cut to the shaggy sexy look to long waves working with classic styles and layering. Then there have been graduation cuts with outer colouring and lots of radical and contrasting high and low lights.

2008 sees a dramatic change. At least going by what was demonstrated by an artistic team from Haringtons UK. They were brought in by L’Oreal for a seminar on hairdressing creativity at ITC Sonar on Tuesday afternoon.

The seminar hosted hairstylists from salons across the city. International trends were discussed and demonstrated on city models by stylists Nick Bland and Steve Probert.

Latest colouring techniques include warmer brunettes and natural full hair colouring with mahogany and chestnut overtones that highlight the textures of the cut.

“The idea is to complement a boring haircut with dramatic colouring and vice versa, as well as localising the colour to define the cut without overloading the hair,” said Nick Bland.

The two styles showcased are part of the international look for spring-summer 2008 and are called The Dancer and The Acrobat. The Dancer focuses on haircuts inspired by a softer, more romantic look of chiffons, pastels and ballerina dancers whereas The Acrobat with its sharp edges and geometric lines is far stronger framing the face with their sharp edges.

“We like to work with the natural texture of hair, retaining its curly or straight nature and then tweaking the classic haircuts with disconnected edges and layering,” said Steve Probert, on his third visit to the city.

“We want to introduce haircuts that give every individual a different look when they leave the salon. The technique of creating this distinctive look is what we want to share with our audience at every seminar,” concluded Nick with a smile.