Nail these 6 classic hairstyles, from half-up to topknot

THE 2020s TAKE: To retain the sex kitten vibe of this flirty updo without going full-on Valley of the Dolls, do a lower, looser bouffant.

GET THE LOOK: Den Ng, director of Prep Luxe hair salon, who created the looks here, says: “Lightly backcomb hair a few inches from the crown. Sprinkle volumising powder at the roots for body, shape and secure the bouffant with pins, and brush the sides loose.”

Wool turtleneck and leather overalls, Hermes Ecrou de Cartier pink gold earrings, and Juste un Clou yellow gold bracelet with diamonds, Cartier

THE 2020s TAKE: The key to making this iconic Charlie’s Angels look modern: Swop the jumbo-roller curls and heavy layers for loose, airy waves.

GET THE LOOK: For natural volume, use a round bristle brush, not tongs. Apply a heat-protecting product to 70-per-cent-dry hair. Pull hair forward with the brush, rolling gently back towards the face. Leave for one to two minutes, then unroll. Go upwards for hair at the back. Brush waves loose and finish with an anti-humidity spray.

Silk dress, Givenchy Panthere de Cartier yellow gold necklace with black lacquer, tsavorite garnets, onyx, and diamonds, Cartier

THE 2020s TAKE: Ah, the era of big money, big shoulders and big hair. To update this high-powered look, take the height and volume down a few notches, and keep the coils relaxed.

GET THE LOOK: “Gently backcomb hair all over the head to create volume. Use a straightener to create S-curls – just twist hair around it in a couple of loops – then brush out into soft waves,” says Den. Smooth a little hair serum over the surface to tame frizz and add shine. Skip the hairspray.

Wool blazer, Givenchy Clash de Cartier pink gold bracelets in small and medium, and matching rings, Cartier

THE 2020s TAKE: This effortless, feminine look has never really gone out of style. To make it modern, give the loose-hanging strands a touch of curl so they don’t fall dead-straight.

GET THE LOOK: Take a small section from the middle of your forehead and make a big curl using a big roller or curling tongs. Gently twist the rest of your hair into a low bun. For an even wispier effect, tease out more strands from the side.

Wool coat, Sportmax Juste un Clou yellow gold earrings with diamonds, and matching necklace, Cartier

THE 2020s TAKE: We saw this popular ’do on numerous stars, from J.Lo to Victoria Beckham. To give it a more free-spirited feel, add texture and movement. “This version is more casual and effortless, less neat and controlled,” says Den.

GET THE LOOK: Tease hair at the crown in sections for volume. With a paddle or detangling brush, comb down the surface lightly. Pull hair at the temples into a half ponytail and secure with bobby pins, then set with a light spritz of hairspray.

Silk dress, Sportmax Clash de Cartier pink gold earrings in small, and matching necklace, Cartier

(Here are “5 Fuss-Free Hairstyles Inspired By Korean Actresses Like Kim Da-Mi & Song Hye-Kyo“)

THE 2020s TAKE: Previously associated with yogis and samurais, the man bun was all the rage – and women even caught on to its easy style. This braid bun updates the look instantly.

GET THE LOOK: Start with a very high ponytail and create a rope braid – criss-cross and twist two sections down the hair length. Secure with a hair tie and twist the braid into a topknot; pin in place. Gently loosen some hair at the crown and spritz on sea salt spray to texturise.

PHOTOGRAPHY Veronica Tay
CREATIVE DIRECTION Windy Aulia
STYLING Debby Kwong
HAIR Den Ng, using L’Oreal Professionnel
MAKEUP Sha Shamsi, using Chanel
MODELS Aimee Cheng-Bradshaw/ Basic & Chervil Tan/ Mannequin

A version of this article first appeared in the December 2020 issue of Her World.

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