Red carpet hairstyles: oscars 2011

The Oscars always marks the end of the busy award season, and as the biggest date in the diary for Hollywood stars, also provides the perfect opportunity to get dolled up to the nines.

And with fashionable stars including Natalie Portman, Florence Welch, and newcomer Hailee Steinfeld all taking a trip up the red carpet, this year's ceremony was as stylish as ever.

We spoke to Tim Scott-Wright of Lisa Shepherd Salons to get his expert opinion on all the A-list looks.

Anne Hathaway hosted the show, and although she enjoyed a whopping seven outfit changes throughout the ceremony, she started the night on the red carpet in a breathtaking red Valentino gown, with lipstick to match. Tim says: "Anne's hair looks effortlessly beautiful. Less is more sometimes and this simple look works well for her."

Award-winner Natalie Portman looked sensational in a long purple Rodarte gown and matching killer heels - no mean feat for the heavily pregnant star. Tim says: "Natalie has been in the spotlight a lot in recent months and her Oscar hair remains a bang on trend choice. A simple over-the-shoulder style with a perfect finish works well for our winning actress."

It's great seeing stars embrace texture on the red carpet - the rock chick look can really translate well to swanky events, if worn properly.

Case in point - Florence Welch, who performed during the Oscars ceremony, looks quirky cool with her trademark bright red locks styled in to her usual textured waves. Worn with a cream ruffled Valentino gown, Florence looked sensational. Tim says: Britain's own fiery redhead looked no different for the Oscars bashbut as the old saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

He adds: "I love Scarlett's hair at the minute. The muted caramel merging into light is super sexy. The length and texture work brilliantly, and teamed with her outfit she looked the belle of the ball."

Straight hair had a moment at the Oscars too, with Penelope Cruz and Gwyneth Paltrow both wearing their hair in smooth, centre-parted styles.

This is Penelope's first public outing since the birth of her baby boy Leo just a few weeks ago, and she looks as sensational as ever. Her trademark deep brown locks are broken up with a few caramel slices, ensuring she looks suitably glamorous. Tim says: Long hair always looks great when in good condition and Penelope's certainly is."

However Gwyneth's style falls a little flat. Tim adds: "Gwyneth knows that less is more and her hair always looks at her best when it's simple. But love - get a haircut, those ends look straggly and tired!"

We also saw a few stars wearing their hair in a bun at the Oscars, with both Hilary Swank and Hailee Steinfeld opting to style their hair off their face - proving it really is a style that transcends the ages.

Tim says: "Hilary's Oscar hair is totally what's hot at the minute. The hair is completely off the face and loosely pinned back, which is what brings this iconic Hollywood look back in full force."

"Hailee's look is perfect for a girl of her age and the top knot is very current. Teamed with an Alice band it really works to create an ultra-girly sassy style."

There were two top blonde crops on the red carpet at the Academy Awards, courtesy of Michelle Williams and Cate Blanchett.

Michelle's crop has become her trademark style, and certainly has more edge than the longer looks we saw on her in the past. I love the new slightly warmer colour, and with just a tad more length it also has loads more styling options now. This effortless look works perfectly with her Chanel gown, smoky eyes, and nude lips.

Tim says: "This look is so cool at the minute. The short Twiggy crop works beautifully for Michelle, and I'm sure will be a favourite in salons all around the world."

"Cate's look is a safe option but it looks great on her. This style is easy for women of all ages to wear, a commercial look that can be carried off by most people."

Also rocking short styles, both Halle Berry and Helen Mirren showed off the versatility of short hair.

Tim says: "Halle was sporting her usual crop and while Halle could wear any style and look great, the texture and shape is a little dated. Her crop needs bringing up to speed."

"Britain's first lady Helen Mirren looked radiant as ever. Her new blonde look works well with her haircut and is totally elegant for a woman of her age. A true ambassador for the more mature woman out there."

Curls are always a hit at red carpet events, and there were no shortage of waves, spirals, and ringlets on offer at the Oscars.

Tim says: "Jennifer has great hair and a simple blowdry works well for her. However, it would have been nice to have seen the hair styled and finished to suit such a glam event."

"Celine's hair looked great, this look is very classic Hollywood style. Veronica Lake springs to mind."

Also rocking waves, both Amy Adams and Marisa Tomei channelled old school Hollywood with bouncy S-waves, slung across to one side. 

Tim says: "Unfortunately there's nothing special about Marisa's Oscars style. While I like the look, it may be best suited to a different awards bash. The finish could have been a little better - it looks a bit like she's been rained on. On the plus side the colour looks great."

"Amy looked stunning in her blue dress, her gorgeous copper gold locks were set off perfectly against this back drop.... just beautiful!"

Curls were also incorporated in to updos, with both Mila Kunis and Jennifer Hudson styling their looks in to retro-insprired looks. 

Tim says: "Mila's look is very current. Partings and waves are what's hot at the minute, but having said that this particular style hasn't been undertaken very well and could have looked a lot nicer for this event."

"On the other hand, Jennifer looked radiant. This style is perfect for making Afro hair look super stylish and elegant for the red carpet."

Ponytails continue to be a red carpet hit, with both Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon wearing their hair up for the Oscars.

Tim says: "Nicole's look although on trend, for me just didn't seem to ooze her usual style and glamour. The jury's definitely out on this one!"

"Reese's look would have been more suited at an evening at the Playboy mansion. Whilst glamorous, it's a little bit Jordan-esque shall we say?!"

And finally - two ways to do volume. Award-winner Melissa Leo looked cool and casual with this softly textured updo, with soft curled tendrils framing the face elegantly. However Tim says: "What can I say? It's such a shame that this didn't look more finished perfectly on such a big night for this lady?"

As for Sharon Stone, Tim says: "Sharon looks wicked! Still working this look at her age?! Bravo!"