The countdown is on. The perfect outfit demands perfect hair. Here are some tips for a fashion-ready 2011.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN…

No matter the occasion, a good blow out is a must for full on New Year’s hair. Before you begin you style, apply stylers to clean, damp hair. Use Instantly Thick Hair Thickening Cream for fine hair or Style Straight Blow Straight Potion for wavy to curly hair. Blow your hair out using a round brush. Now, on to styling.

QUIET EVENING WITH FRIENDS…

With our busy lives an evening at home with friends becomes more popular each year. For this we love soft waves ala ‘Carrie Bradshaw’.

Once your hair is blown out add Moisture Gloss Daily Drops from roots to ends for high voltage shine.

Take large sections of hair and twist them around a large barrel curling iron, switching directions for each section. Keep the size of sections random so that your finished look will appear natural.

Once finished add a bit more Daily Drops to your finger tips and gently break up your wave so that it doesn’t look too contrived. A light spray with Pro Finish Ultimate Hold Hairspray and you are ready to greet your guests in style.

NIGHT ON THE TOWN…

Dancing the night away takes some preparation to deliver well. Think of Fergie’s fabulously famous high full ponytail. This can give you a runway look that stays in place for as long as you want to stay awake.

Once your hair is blown out you are now ready to set your tresses with Velcro rollers. We like to use large rollers to achieve a bit of wave with our volume. The larger the rollers the smoother the finished look. Take smooth sections of hair and pull them tight around the rollers. Spray each section with a bit of Pro Finish Ultimate Hold Hairspray. Leave the rollers in your hair for 20-30 minutes as you finish getting ready. Once your hair is set, remove the rollers and section out a portion of hair the size of a fringe at the front. Leave it be for now as you will need to work with this piece later

(Elastic with bobby pins)

With a firm brush pull the rest of your hair into a high ponytail. Take your time as this has to be smooth and tight to work well. Use a bit of hairspray as you brush it up to help keep it orderly. Once your hair is all smooth secure it with an elastic band. (PRO TIP – take the small elastic and add two bobby pins to each end for a do-it-yourself bungee hook. Take one of the bobby pins and anchor it to hair at the base of the ponytail. Pull the elastic tight and begin to wrap it around the pony. With the other hand hold the first pin in place. Once you have a good hold and the elastic is taught, take the other end with the pin and anchor it into hair. You now have a fool proof pony that will stay in place all night.)

Now, take the bit of hair you have left out at the front and gently add a bit of volume by back brushing (teasing) from the underneath; keep the top smooth. Move it back towards the pony keeping it a bit loose so that it gives you a bit of height. Wrap the rest of hair around the pony and pin in place. Now you are ready to dance all night long.