At last week’s Toronto World Mastercard Fashion Week, the Fall/Winter 2014 season boasted chunky textures, sleek hair and fly nails. “We saw a lot of mixed textures, fun ponytails and chic braids on the runway for Fall 2014. The great thing about these looks is that they’re easily transferable to everyday life,” says Jorge Joao, lead hairstylist for Redken. “Any nail technician wanting to stay on top of their game should pay close attention to runway nail art and colour trends. This way, they can keep themselves educated on the latest techniques and share those skills and ideas with their clients,” adds Rita Remark, Essie Canada nail lead.

Speaking of hair and nail trend looks, roll the tape!

Bun-Beautiful

 
At Triarchy, buns got an interesting twist—literally. Like the low, intricate buns that models sported, we challenge you to turn the buns of before—ballerina, high-knot, even the sock (we know it’s in there!)—into something extraordinary because buns are here to stay. Accessories allowed, à la decorative pinning at Gsus Sindustries.

Gilded Negative Space

Like beautifully framed artwork, a memorable border can add a heavy dose of opulence. At Rudsak, where the brand celebrated 20 “Years of Cool,” nails matched the gold detailing in the clothing with a bare half-moon mani outlined with Essie Megawatt Metallic Good as Gold. You see that? Timeless metallics and the classic half-moon just got an update—with each other.

Braidy Bunch

Undone, sexy, cool was top of the mind at Mélissa Nepton, Matière Noire and Joe Fresh, where braids were disheveled with Redken Full Frame 07 Volumizing Mousse and Guts 10 Root Targeted Volumizing Hairspray Foam for ultimate fullness and gritty texture. The takeaway? Wrecked braids = volume + raw finishes.

Geometry Class

At Mikhael Kale, nails were accented with Essie Absolutely Shore for a sea foam green paired with the cutest of triangular slices. The difference between you trying this in the salon and the nail team at the runways? Cutting up painter’s tape into remarkably fewer triangles, per client versus dozens of models!

Glossy Ponys

Low and looped were the ponytails at Sid Neigum. The essential difference between this ponytail and the one on the weekend is the shiny and secure finish: Be generous with Redken Control Addict 28 Extra High Hold Hairspray and Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist for maximum shine.   

Operation Ombré

Inspired by on-trend fur ombré from Line Knitwear, manicures elevated the conventional ombré. Flipping the typical light-to-dark graduation down the enamel, the look a featured dark-to-light design by doting and sponging on Essie Sand Tropez to a base of deep-blue Bobbing for Baubles. Take note: ombré is far from dead—it’s resurrected into new form.

Hair photos courtesy Redken; nail photos by Stefania Yarhi for Essie