AS fashion trends go, hair styling has increasingly come to play a major part in setting style statements. And this is not restricted to that odd snipe here or a spike there. The latest is how you colour your hair, highlight a portion or perhaps indulge in some streaking so as to swing with the times.

After all, next to your face, it is always your head that creates the first impression. It reflects your individuality, attitude and most importantly, your zest for living. Your clothes and shoes do not say as much about you as your ‘crowning glory’.

"The present generation wants manageable yet elegant styles to match their personality," observes Javed Habib, a reputed hair stylist. "With the latest colouring techniques, we are able to create a myriad fusion of shines and shades that leave an active aura... There won’t be a dull moment for you!"

Apart from aesthetic reasons, the main purpose behind hair colouring is to create "an element of drama" to a certain look. People also colour their hair to accentuate its natural shine, project a youthful look or simply, to imitate a role model.

"Rich red and golden blonde are the colours people are carrying instead of henna as they add glamour to life," Habib points out. "Contrasting bright and light shades, in combination, gives a younger look and an added dimension of movement as light reflects off the hair."

Generally, youngsters in the age group of 18 to 25 years can carry any colour. And the older you get, the more you need to be selective. A rule of the thumb is that mahogany, burgundy and such shades of red are best suited for the fair skin, whereas golden brown and blonde hues go well with darkish complexions.

The most popular way to go about it is selectively picking thin strands of hair and creating an "effect" on them while leaving the rest of the hair in their natural colour. Streaks of gold, brown and red blend well with black and brown hair and with added touches of light shadow and shine, you can create magic and surprise with each flick and flow of the hair.

Professional highlighting is popular, though expensive. But you can always do it yourself at home with a few basics such as the streaking kit, toothbrush, foil, a non-metal bowl for the bleach, rat tail comb and clips. The procedure is simple and safe:

• Initially the hair line should be held back with clips around the face so as to avoid an obvious line next to the face when streaks begin to grow out.

• About 12 pieces of foil should be cut, each 6" long and 4" wide.

• Bleach paste is mixed in the bowl according to directions on the kit. Make sure it is not too heavy as the paste will thicken by itself when applied.

• Using the tip of the rat tail comb, a thin layer of hair on the top of the head is picked up horizontally.

• One edge of the foil is folded by 2". This is then pushed under the hair that is picked up and bleach paste applied with the toothbrush. Fold the foil over the hair ends twice so that edges meet at the scalp. The edges are also folded towards the centre.

• The next row should be done about ½" below the previous one. Hair not being clipped should be clipped to the foil. Repeat the foiling and bleaching process, keeping a ½" distance between them.

• After hair wrapping is completed, the streaks from the first should be checked for colour. Hair should look golden. If not, reapply bleach and keep on for five minutes.

• The streaks should be taken down in the order of application. They would reach the right colour after being individually rinsed with warm water for removal of bleach.

A variation from this is finger painting with the colour highlights actually rubbed through the hair with finger-tips laden with bleach. The motion is the same as brushing hair from the face with your fingers. It is ideal for people unwilling to subject themselves to the foil paper and rat tail comb! — MF