FRESH CROP

STYLE GUIDE

Hot List

FRESH CROP: Swing into spring with an easy style that?s perfect for your hair type

special to Stylelist by BAZE MPINJA

While the warming weather breaks us -- and our spring wardrobes -- out of winter hibernation, our hair also has to come out of hiding. But who has time to labor over locks? Because you don't, we asked an expert stylist to suggest wash-and-go styles for just about every length and texture. If you're hair's long, short, fine, thick, nappy, curly, dreadlocked or somewhere in between, this style guide is for you!

GET A NEW SPRING LOOK WITH STYLELIST

More Style & Beauty

Your Hair: Medium to Long & Fine

Spring's breezes give away fine, flyaway hair but there is a low-maintenance style that will work with your hair's lightweight swing. Click "next" to get our recommendation.

Make Waves

To add body to long, fine tresses, create a cascade of waves. "It gives the illusion of fuller hair," says hairstylist Juan Carlos Maciques of the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City. For a soft, wavy effect, don?t apply heat for too long. "Wrap hair around a curling iron and release it right away," says Juan Carlos.

Tame Flyaways

Juan Carlos recommends smoothing stray strands with the Mason Pearson Brush ($100). Why is this brush so expensive? Boar bristles and the brand's own special nylon are carefully selected and combined to gently stimulate the scalp. The "Sensitive" brush was designed specifically for fine and thinning hair.

Your Hair: Medium to Long & Thick

It doesn?t take much to get noticed if you have long, thick locks, but we know this texture can be hard to manage as the weather warms and the humidity soars. Click "next" for an easy style you can wear that works with your length and texture.

Take It Up a Notch

For a night out or a day in, sport an easy half-up/half-down style like the look often worn by Jennifer Lopez. ?[It?s] polished but doesn?t look too done,? says Juan Carlos. After blowdrying, simply brush the sides and front of the hair back, and secure with a barrette for a quick and chic style.

Add Weightless Shine

Juan Carlos suggests applying Barex Cristalli Liquidi ($28) to wet hair for a high-sheen finish that won't weigh your style down.

Your Hair: Afro

The transition from winter to spring can give your texture split personality as some sections curl tighter while others stand straight. Our style solution? Click "next" to find out.

Get It Twisted

Play up the texture of your afro with two-strand twists. Apply a rich, moisturizing cream to freshly washed hair and create twists, working in one to two inch sections. When finished, sit under a hooded dryer for 20-25 minutes to set the look and add more definition. Then, unravel, finger comb and go.

Hydrate Afros, Twists & Dreadlocks

Keep natural hairstyles in good condition with L?Oreal Technique Nature?s Therapy Mega Moisture Nurturing Crème ($12.45), recommends Juan Carlos.

Your Hair: Medium to Long & Curly

Frizz can be enemy number one for curly girls, especially as the seasons change. We've got a simple style that will work with your wave pattern. Click "next" to check it out.

Pull It Aside

Show off long, luxurious curls by sweeping them into a side ponytail. "It?s playful yet sophisticated at the same time," says Juan Carlos. Apply leave-in conditioner to damp ringlets and comb through. Absorb excess moisture with a diffuser, then finger comb hair to the side and secure with an elastic ponytail holder.

Your Hair: Short & Fine

It's hard to get thin hair to hold a style, but thankfully, one of spring's biggest trends is a friend to fine hair. Click "next" to see what it is.

Bob and Leave

Those with short, thin hair should steer clear of choppy layers. "It will look too fine on the ends, like you don?t have enough hair," says Juan Carlos, who works on Jamie Pressley. Instead opt for a classic bob with bangs, a low-maintenance look that?s meant to be worn sleek and straight. "Get a good cut and let the hair do its thing."

Your Hair: Short & Curly

Short curls can end up looking like a shapeless mess when the frizzies attack as they're wont to do in hay fever season. Click "next" for a suggestion we think will keep short waves, spirals and ringlets looking gorgeous.

Follow the Curve

If you have short, curly tresses sport a tousled, edgy style that flaunts your natural hair texture. The key to a great-looking cut is in the shape. ?You want layers, but not too many. [Otherwise] it becomes too round,? Juan Carlos says.

There's More on Stylelist

Get More Curl Power

For high-definition curls, Juan Carlos suggests using KMS California Curl Up Control Crème ($15 to $16)

Fight Frizz

Juan Carlos recommends Barex Re-define Cream ($28) to prevent frizz.

Your Hair: Short & Thick

Short hair that's thick can look wiggy as higher humidity causes hair to frizz and swell. Control your texture with a fun look that's pretty much shower and go. Click "next" to see a style that could look great on you.

Go Shaggy Chic

Experiment with face-framing layers and long bangs for a flirty look that works well with short, straight thick hair. ?[A layered cut] gives hair more movement so it doesn?t have a pyramid shape or look wiggy,? Juan Carlos says. To prevent frizz, apply a hydrating styling cream to damp hair before blowdrying or air-drying.

Your Hair: Dreadlocks

The changing season makes most of us antsy for total transformation, and thankfully there are a myriad of styles women with locks can wear to signal the move from winter to spring. Click "next" to see the one we think will be the easiest to maintain.

Crimp & Preen

Switch up your look by creating a curly or crimped effect on dreadlocks. After washing and conditioning, apply a lightweight pomade to the hairline to smooth out edges. Next, section hair and create several braids all over the head. Air-dry dreadlocks completely before unraveling the braids. Set off your waves with an elastic headband or let them hang loose. Either way, you?re sure to turn heads.