Hottest hairstyles for 2009

By Marane A. Plaza

A new hairstyle is always based on an old one. Some old hairstyles are merely updated with new features to create a brand new hairstyle, and what we call the latest? and hottest!

This year, not many new trends are expected as hairstylists are sticking to the tried and true.

Two of the hottest hairdressers in the country have agreed on one thing though, that this year?s ?it? in hair fashion is all about ?individuality?.

Ness Astilla is classic and timeless

The latest hairstyles have survived through the years in spite all of the fashion crazes and trends that have come and gone. For Ness Astilla, hairstylist to some showbiz personalities, it?s always been back to basics. Classic looks have many different variations, like the bob cut. The bob cut will probably never go out of style, simply because it?s so versatile and can be easily altered for a perfect change without a lot of fuss. Last year, we saw Victoria Beckham shed her bob and bravely go for the extra short chop, but this does not signify the end of the bob, it will remain fashionable throughout 2009.

?The classic bob will stay this year, but with twists. It can be symmetric or geometric,? said Mommy Ness. ?If a hairstyle is feeling a little tired, 2009 is the year to update it. You can style the back of your hair by flipping it up. Edgy types are in for women this year,?he said.

Color in 2009 hairstyles is adventurous, with more than one color being the way forward this year. ?Two to three tones of color is a good deal to make your hair trendier,? Astilla said. Hair color can either make or break your overall look, so you should be really careful in choosing the right hue.

?Traditional hairdressers before always consider the shape of the face, but now, texture, and quality are highly considered,? he added. ?Trends shown on hair magazines can be pulled off fabulously if you would consider the texture.? Updating any hairstyle can easily be achieved with the use of clever layers, adding texture and body to otherwise flat hairstyles.

Bangs are one of the top 2008 hair styles expected to rock 2009, for women AND men. ?Bangs for guys should always, always complement the shape of the face.

?Personally, I get Western influences in terms of styles. I?m always getting the shape of western looks, but I add Filipino flavors in terms of its grooming. Filipinos generally prefer clean-looking and sleek hairstyles in spite of the changes in trends,? Mommy Ness adds. Although classic looks and adventurous texture, body and color are ?in? this year, he says women today choose to go for practical hairstyles that are easy to manage and are versatile enough to adapt to their active lifestyles.

A well-traveled and award-winning beauty expert, Ness Astilla has been in the industry for 24 years. During the initial years of his career, he was part of a large and leading chain of salons in the country, wherein he acquired professional trainings and seminars here and abroad. Then he decided to go on his own by building his own 40 square-meter-salon, with practically five staff members. With sheer determination and high-end talents, he now owns three branches of his self-named salon. Mommy Ness is proud to say that he?s so comfortable doing the traditional barber?s cut to the latest edgy and funky looks at very affordable prices. With his all-senior-hairdressers in his stores, he?s confident that he can give his customers the funkiest hairstyles all the time.

Mommy Ness always believes that hairstyles are based more on individual taste and confidence. He also stresses that one should not compromise style with comfort. You may visit any of the three branches of Ness Astilla Salon: #394 Del Monte Avenue, Quezon City; 2/F Liberty Center, 312 Puregold, Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City and G/F Reyes Gym, #24 Libertad St., Mandaluyong. You may contact 535-3168, 532-7674 and 781-9934 for inquiries and reservations.

Albert Mutuc?s hair bible is individuality

?Individuality is the keyword in hairstyles today. Although trends will always be around, such are barely followed. Back in the days, ladies had always followed the hairstyles of celebrities, and they literally copied these styles. But today, Filipinos are no longer afraid to express their personalities through their hair, ? said beauty expert Albert Mutuc. ?If you want bohemian straight hair, then go straight. If you want to don those flirty curls, then go for it. It?s all about pulling off the style with your own oomph?s and angst.?

Albert Mutuc has been in the industry for quite some time now, and he has seen the trends come and go, then come and go again after awhile. Although Filipinos have always been conservative, he emphasized that Filipinos now are a little more experimental and individualistic when it comes to their crown of glory. He added that the length is not essential, as both short haircuts and long tresses are still both popular. Volume though is important whether you go for short or long hairstyle.

Albert?s career in hairdressing took flight after he finished high school. At the age of 17, he was already managing one of the salons of local wellness icon, Ricky Reyes. ?My colleagues then were 20 years old and above, and Ricky Reyes had already entrusted me one of his branches. After several months, I was already managing the main branch of Ricky Reyes Salon,? he recalled. Extensive seminars and trainings abroad had molded his already innate talent for hairstyling. He was also one of those Filipino hairdressers who showcased their skills through hair fashion shows in various Asian countries like China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

He was even offered a stint in one classy hotel in Paris, France. But the need to learn French had gotten in his way. That?s when he decided to share his knowledge in beauty and hair fashion in the Middle East. He worked in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for two years. He said that Filipino hairdressers were recognized well even outside of the country. When he went back in the country, he managed some Ricky Reyes branches until he decided to be on his own in the late ?90s.

In 1996, Albert Mutuc opened his very own salon in Cubao. Circumstances have made Albert transfer in different locations, but he has seen how his clientele followed him all over, trusted him with their hair over the years in spite of location changes. ?I have proven that customers can be loyal to you no matter what. If they have seen your talent, and your care for their hair and for them, they will always patronize you. I have made lasting relationships with my clients, and I think that?s my edge,? he said. Now, he operates two branches of Albert Mutuc Hair Salon.

Albert is an active member of PICA, or Philippine International Cosmetologists Association led by Fanny Serrano. He takes part in achieving the organization?s mission?to standardize their industry through innovative education, legislative advocacy, networking and building relationships among cosmetologists to redirect the destiny of the beauty industry in the Philippines. He said he?s proud that their group has finally started huge steps to professionalize their field.

For Mutuc, a flattering hairstyle is important to give a dazzling appearance to your personality. A good hairstyle can highlight your best asset and make you look your finest. ?Volume and texture should be considered well, and two things that can give volume and style to your hair are bangs and fringes. Depending upon the texture and volume of your hair, you can either opt for straight bangs or choppy bangs. Sleek and sophisticated looks are in,? he said.

But the secret to having fashionable hairstyle all the time according to Mutuc is ?confidence in your personal taste. Just as long as you believe and feel that a style looks great on you, your hair will always rock. As I?ve said, it?s all about individuality.?

Albert Mutuc Salon has two branches. One is at 241h P.Tuazon Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City, and the other is at 282 A. Bonifacio Ave., De la Pe?a. Marikina City. Contact numbers are (632) 437-0956 and (632) 487-7187.