Must-have looks for spring/summer hair

It's that time of year when your clients will be will be clamouring for the latest spring/summer trends to spruce up their look. And forget subtle transitions; there's a dramatic change in hairstyles and colours on the cards. Moving on from the sleek, polished bob and super-straight locks of winter trends, this season is set to see a return to laid-back long hair that’s full of movement, hippie-chick centre partings and über-blonde shades. Here's our guide to some of the most gorgeous, wearable trends you’ll need to master in the salon this season…

Blonde Bombshell Agyness Deyn was the most in-demand model at the spring/summer shows and her trademark global blonde hair has won iconic status in its own right. Advise your clients that blonde looks best when it’s well cared for. "Clients often make the mistake of only using styling products to boost their colour and shine, but the best results start with a quality care regime," says Tracey Devine of Angels, Aberdeen.

Looking Up Updos have always been popular when the weather warms up, but this season it’s all about ponytails. At Chanel, bows of hair concealed hairbands and elsewhere strands were wrapped around bands to soften the look. Placement was also key, with the nape of the neck being summer’s chicest way to wear hair up. "Braid, twist or adorn hair, but overall, be creative with updos," says session stylist Malcolm Edwards.

Understated Chic This season hair should be full of natural movement – a look epitomised by the models at Calvin Klein’s spring/summer 2008 shows, whose cascading locks shone with health. Session stylist Guido Palau recommends leave-in treatments to keep hair in catwalk-worthy condition. "Keep it simple," he says. "Apply treatment to fortify hair and protect against breakage."

Centre Partings Models from a wealth of designers, including Gucci, Chloé and Versace, worked this 70s-style long hair look, combining a precision centre parting with effortless shape through the lengths. It’s easy to achieve on most hair types, and a low-maintenance short cut to a high fashion style – especially when set off with a gentle wave. "Groomed, wavy hair is hot, hot, hot!" says Jennifer Cheyne of Cheynes Hairdressing, Edinburgh. "The key is to keep it soft and moveable."

Fringe Benefits Lash-skimming fringes were all over the spring/summer runways and can look sweet and innocent or seductively sexy, offering your clients a versatile way to update their style. Ken Picton of The Zoo salon, Cardiff, thinks fringes are the perfect match for centre partings, combining two key trends of the season. "Fringes were all the rage at the spring/summer shows – the heavier the better," he says. "The shape will be rounded with the cut blunt, and middle partings will ensure the style is elegant and sophisticated."