Runway Report
Stylist Niki Walker shares hair trends from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
by Missy Wilkinson @missy_wilkinsonSlideshow
Niki Walker’s career as a hair stylist has taken her across the globe — she trained at Vidal Sassoon Academy in London and was a national educator for Paul Mitchell — and last month, it took her to New York’s Mercedes-Benz fashion week, where she styled hair under the guidance of lead stylist Matthew Curtis for nine designer shows.
"It was high-energy, fast-paced madness," Walker says. "It was amazing, though. It was breathtaking to watch the shows and see the fabric and textures and beading — all of it was so inspiring in relation to hair."
Walker says hair trends for fall 2013 go from one extreme to another. "It's either a finished, polished, classy bun or down, tousled, messy with a purpose — that perfectly imperfect look."
Here, Walker shows how to get the bun that graced three of the nine designer runways for which she styled. "A bun is a timeless look that will never go out of style," she says.
For those who'd like professional intervention, Walker will teach a class at Niki Walker Salon (625 Baronne St., 504-522-5677; www.nikiwalkersalon.com) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, where she'll share hair and makeup looks inspired by those she saw at Fashion Week. The cost is $45 per person. Visit the website or contact the salon for more information.
HOW TO GET A RUNWAY READY BUN
Smooth hair with a flat iron, using minimal product.
Using a bristle brush, sweep hair into a high ponytail at the top of the head. Secure it tightly with an elastic band.
Smooth any flyaways with pomade.
Pull hair through the center of a hair donut (available at drug stores). Let the hair fall over the sides of the donut and secure it in place using bobby pins. Tuck the ends under the donut and pin it in place.
FOR MORE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS, VISIT WWW.CHIPKENNEDY.COM.
