Spring is just about to get sprung from the jail-like confines of a winter that kicked the crap out of most of us (and is still putting a smack-down on the east coast – brrr) so it’s time to ask that most appropriate of post-lock-up questions: whatever shall I do with my hair?

It's not merely vanity, folks. Sensibility after all, dictates the necessity of lusciously coiffed locks after a stint in winter’s big house, so it’s time to take a look at the latest and greatest in hair trends and accessories for the eagerly anticipated spring season. In order to do that we’ll have to do some time traveling back to the days or old, or at least back to last fall when fashion's fortunetellers unveiled a host of luxe hairstyles and make-up trends to accompany couture’s runway designs down the catwalks of the big three: Paris, Milan and New York Fashion Week. (We can slide London in there, but only as the rebellious step-child.)

And just what did the seers predict in the way of hair trends for spring 2011?



Braids are Back. We’re not talking those ultra-tight pigtail side whips that Mom strangled into submission for elementary school photo day. There are plenty of interesting and trend-worthy ways to plait the hair. Big messy braids, small single side braids, braided up-dos, fishtail braids (if you can get your fingers to do it), even cornrows made an edgy appearance at Jean-Paul Gaultier’s spring show.



Embellish your braid with the interwoven multi-colored fabric as seen at Rachel Roy’s show, or just let your plait ride the messy train – a braid is a nice, youthful departure from the traditional means of hair wrangling, namely the chignon or pony tail.



If you’re not willing to make the commitment to a braid, but still want an up-do, then fear not – the hair fates are on your side in the form of an ultra-sexy, messy up-do.



Whether you’re rocking a morning after tousled pull-back or the much more intricate and 60’s inspired birds nest bun seen at Chanel, Lanvin and on Ms. Gwen Stefani – the key to springs up-do is keep it sloppy.



Fashions recent reverse move towards sophisticated 70’s dressing that we here at ProjectBeauty.com reported on in December has made it’s move north to your head with a 70’s inspired bob – this time a little longer and softer, but ultimately flattering and elegant. Notably seen at Fendi and famously framing the face of model-of-the-moment Abbey Lee Kershaw and actress Scarlett Johansson at this year’s Oscars, this look can be worn messy or not, fringed or not.





While yours truly is rockin’ this right now (with fringe, tee hee), that celeb guru of fine hair trend fashion, Ms. Jennifer Aniston has also recently lopped her locks into a flattering long-bob, cementing the look as a verifiable and uber-hot trend.

We understand that lopping off your locks is a big commitment, so let’s take a look at the popular side-do that seamlessly spans the genres of rock-n-roll and classic glamor without the scissor-induced tantrum.





Seen on a multitude of runways, including Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (with a braid, thank you very much), Mui Mui, A.F. Vandervorst and Alena Akmadullina pushing your messy or perfectly curled locks to one side has come to personify the sexy asymmetry of today’s urban chic.



And, lest we forget, one Ms. Natalie Portman emulated this look while accepting her Best Actress Oscar just a scan two weeks ago. Ahem… I believe my point has been made.