Fancy a little update for spring? Herewith, some beauty trends sure to put a skip in your step.

Perfect Plaits
Braids are so chic right now, and we’re not talking Pippi Longstocking plaits, but rather messy braided up-dos that no matter how long they take to create, look effortless.

Editor's pick: This gorgeous Italian bride more is bang on the mark. Don’t you just adore her Valentino gown, too?

Chic Shades
Is anyone else tired of talon art? Bring back natural, freshly buffed nails, I say. Creamy, feminine shades of grey, pink, vanilla and caramel are in for Spring.

Editor's pick:  Try Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Naked (pictured), $16 at www.lippmanncollection.net

Bright Eyes
Coloured mascara (not a typo) is making a comeback. Before you dismiss the idea, try it; the right colour lifts the face and makes the eyes pop.

Editor's pick: Try Yves Saint Laurent Waterproof Exaggerated Lashes Mascara in Vibrant Plum, Violet and Blue are the pick of the season. $36 at www.holtrenfrew.com —Athena Tsavliris

“Having a dull hairstyle is like putting an olive on top of a chocolate sundae,” said Miss Piggy. “It makes your whole appearance unappetizing.”

So when she can’t shell out on regular visits to the coiffure, Miss P. uses these little sponge rollers  for bouncy curls that look salon fresh.

Simply roll them into damp hair, vacuum, mumbo or bake a mud pie for an hour and then once the hair is dry unroll the rollers, finger comb, and tease with your favourite styling product.

E Voilà, hair that would make Kermie blush. —Athena Tsavliris

$11.99 for 15 rollers, Goody Summer Wave Rollers are available at Loblaws, Walmart and Pharmaplus.

"Some of the worst mistakes of my life have been haircuts.” – Jim Morrison


After getting my tresses tended to at Quinn West, I’m confident that I've finally learned my lesson.
 
Don’t expect avant-garde warbling or ladies and gents dressed in head-to-toe black. This quaint Parkdale salon is all about giving you an awesome head of hair, without making you feel like you have to raise your cool quotient.

I opted to go a little darker in hue and my fabulous colorist Sabrina was up to the task. Owner Erica Quinn wasn’t the slightest bit flustered by my curly mop and gave me a truly great cut – one that easily translates at home.

After years of stylist blunders, I’m fairly certain Quinn West has erased the memories of all those hair-mistakes of the past.
 
—Bianca Goldman

Cuts from $45 for men and $75 for women. Colour starts at $65.
 
Quinn West, 1479 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-588-7846, bookit@quinnwest.com.

Dying to try the pastel-hair trend, but only for, like, a day? Here's how.

I've dyed my bleach-blonde hair every shade of violet under the sun and loved it. Always it washes out in a month or two—that's not fast enough for some, though, who can only be wild for a weekend. So if you're very blonde and want temporarily insane hair, follow these six easy steps from my main hairdressin' man, Greg May.

1. Get a bottle of Paul Mitchell Inkworks in purple ($20) from Cosmetic World (623 Yonge St, 416-964-6188).
2. Open up any kind of pump-spray (not aerosol) fixative, like hairspray or gel. Pour some out and add in the InkWorks to desired colour level; try two-thirds hairspray, one-third dye.
3. Spray all over, or just do the ends, but know that the hair you spray will have a crispier texture. Only start spraying once your hair's in the desired style.
4. Go out.
5. Come home.
6. Wash out.
—SNP

Greg May Hair, 124 Cumberland St., Toronto, 416-920-8892, www.gregmayhair.com

An unexpected trend has sprouted from the Juno stage, and it’s the hottest hairstyle to sweep Toronto since “The Rachel.”

Inspired by Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger, we hear women have been stampeding into Civello requesting the same sleek, straightened, chin-length bob as Kroeger.

Looks like it’s cut, comb and rock ‘n’ roll.

April Fool’s Day from Vitamin Daily Toronto.