Smooth Operator: Going Sleek for Fall 2014

The fashions shown at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014 were accompanied by soft, smooth texture in hair. Classic poise met modern nonchalance in the effortlessly refined styles on the runway.

“What is trending for textured hair is subtle texture with an organic, touchable feel,” says Matrix Artist Robert Santana. The key to this frizz-free, fall style is that it is polished but not overly perfected. Natural body and movement create a fearless, effortless look. Hair is slightly undone, leaving just enough space for interpretation.”

The hair does not define the look; it can be reinterpreted for every occasion: polished for a professional event, full of natural body and movement for errands, touchably soft and sexy for nights out. Designers including Bottega, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Burberry were among those who featured soft texture at fall shows.

Cesar Ramirez, celebrity artist for Mizani, translates the trend into a bolder statement and goes for a no-flyaways updo. “A sleek, strong ponytail can be a fierce look,” Ramirez says. “Although, as easy as it looks, a supersmooth ponytail can be one of the hardest looks to perfectly achieve.” Once again, even with a more polished finish, the appearance of effortlessness is essential.

This cool, calm and collected mood appears in the warm, cinnamon-brown shades that are shaping up to be a prominent fall trend. “The warm brunettes on the runway had to happen,” says Barbara Forgione, salon owner, colorist and inventor of Colour Bunz. “The carefree, beachy look of ombre has grown up into a young woman who looks like she does more than just play. Warm brown hair accents warm brown eyes, and together they reflect that warmth onto the skin tone. It’s professional, appealing and approachable!”

Carmela Zampieri, creative director for Lasio, agrees that fall’s changing colors are moving away from summery, ombre highlights. “Trend colors this year are a deep burgundy red, rich chocolate brown, and burnt copper,” Zampieri says. “This fall, for added depth, forget about ombre—balayage is the way to go.”