Summer 2000

Come Again?

Everything old is new again, when it comes to one of the season's hottest looks - the shag. This cut - a throw-back to that ever-so-popular style of the late '60s and early '70s - is the latest rage, according to Vincent Mazzei, creative artistic director of Nubest & Co. in Manhasset, N.Y.

But what's fashion without a few minor changes? The season's shag, according to Mazzei, is a little longer than its predecessor, with softer edges and a chunkier look around the perimeter.

It's also a little more flexible, adapting to all lengths of hair, and it features a more proportionate cut than the shag of old.

Bangs are also an important part of the look, according to Mazzei, who says they should be soft and fringed and worn long and sexy so they can be pushed out of the eyes.

Some Like It Rough

Texture is hot, hot, hot this summer, according to Patrick McIvor, color director at Arrojo Cutler Salon in New York City, who says the look works best when the hair dries naturally.

The secret to going au natural - and looking all the better for it - lies in the cut, which should work with, instead of against, the hair's natural texture, according to McIvor.

But not everyone is born with built-in texture. For those saddled with straight hair, an expert stylist can add texture via a razor, texturizing scissors or even a regular pair of scissors (for those trained in the technique).

Let's Get Shorty

At Arrojo Cutler Salon, texture is being paired with hair that's short, but not too short, for a look that's flexible and fun, according to McIvor, who says the summer's hot length is long enough to push behind the ears for a truly short look or pull forward for an array of styling options.

As for color, McIvor says that highlights are great for showcasing the movement inherent in the shorter, texturized style. The season's highlights look natural - enhancing the cut, rather than making a statement all their own - and as such, they're an ideal match for the season's bright, splashy fabrics, which would clash with hair that's too bright or funky.

An additional advantage to natural-looking highlights is lower maintenance, as the sun will build on the "natural" colors with highlights of its own, says McIvor.

To pinpoint a natural-looking color for highlights, McIvor suggests choosing a color that existed in childhood or matching the flecks in the eye - for example, yellow flecks in brown eyes would indicate golden highlights.

Fun with Color

Low maintenance is also an advantage of a hot new color technique developed by Christopher and Sonya Dove, creative directors for The Wella Corp. of Montvale, N.J., and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa in New York City. The technique, called Concealed Color, requires the colorist to highlight all the hair, with the exception of a section that surrounds the hair part at the top of the head.

The effect, once the top section or veil is released, is a realistic, sun-streaked look when natural-looking colors are used, and a softer, less in your face look when fashion colors are used.

The look is low maintenance because the (unhighlighted) veil camouflages the line of demarcation that appears as the hair grows out.

As for colors, multi-color highlights are big, according to Dove, who uses a middle color to bridge the gap between the hair's base color and a much lighter highlight color, to create a warmer, more blended effect.

The season's hot colors? Coppers, golden blonds and caramels are big with brunettes; pearly, crystalline tones with blondes; creamy and golden blonds with redheads (Dove likes to see real reds interwoven to keep the color looking strong); and purplish-red and real red tones for those with black hair.

Jonna Crispens is a New York-based freelance writer and editor with a passion for unlocking the secrets to healthy living, anti-aging and personal style at all ages.

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