Spring is here, and as every year, once we have refreshed our wardrobe, it gives us a longing for a big change of hair. One rule for the season: keep colour natural, but add a touch of sophistication to styling. The fringe, very much in fashion, is swept to the side to let our faces enjoy the gentle sun and admiring glances.

For colour, whether you are blonde, redhead or brunette, do not change a thing. Keep your natural colour. If you fancy a change, opt instead for balayage, which stays in harmony with your base colour: a subtle, discreet balayage gives the impression that your hair has been sun-kissed and naturally lightened by the sun and sea air. Depending on your natural colour, you can go two shades darker or four shades lighter, but no more. A balayage with two gold tones, for example, pairs pearly gold with platinum, or very light apricot blonde with platinum and golden highlights.

Back view of a woman with wavy brown hair, luminous balayage and blended roots
Back view of a woman with wavy brown hair, subtle golden balayage and blended roots
A gentle balayage, blended into the base colour

For anyone craving a real burst of sunshine, Californian blonde, with its defined roots and lighter ends, remains the star look. No need to go to California to feel as though you have just returned from holiday. And it is a mood booster, too.

Californian blonde hair seen from the back, defined roots and sun-lightened ends
Californian blonde: the just-back-from-holiday effect, no plane ticket required

For styling, the big trend is long hair, to mid-back or even very long, with mermaid hair that falls to the small of the back. Not long enough? Do not be afraid to cheat and play with extensions. Accessories are back too: scarves, headbands and Alice bands will let you pull your hair back and open up your face. The ballerina bun, perfectly round at the nape, is making a comeback — easy to do for any occasion, chic and ultra-feminine without spending hours in front of the mirror.

Woman with very long, fluid hair walking in golden light, scarf around her neck

Is your hair feeling a little flat? A synthetic hair halo can give a volume boost that looks surprisingly natural. And for anyone who prefers short hair, bobs take on a very feminine feel — though this style is not recommended for very round faces.

Side profile of a woman with a short bob wearing a hair halo that adds volume
A hair halo for fuller-looking volume

Following the musical 'Cabaret', where the lead actress wears a short cut, the Twiggy-style round bob is making a big comeback. More classic, the romantic bob will suit many of you: remember to sweep your fringe to the side, just to look a little less demure. For a slightly rebellious touch, the undone style of the wild-child bob will appeal to anyone who wants a hint of sophistication without spending hours styling. Finally, a little tip: a centre parting can help slim and lengthen round faces.

Portrait of a woman with a textured long bob reaching the collarbones, soft natural light

Budget

In a salon, balayage or ombré costs around £60 to £180, depending on length, hair density and how many sections are worked; a root touch-up or full colour is more likely £45 to £100. A gloss or colour treatment, which revives shine between appointments, usually costs £25 to £50 and is available in salons as well as some beauty retailers. For a cut, expect around £40 to £90 for a bob, more in big cities. Clip-in extensions range from £80 to £250, while a cold-fusion application with natural hair extensions costs more like £300 to £700 in a specialist salon. A hair halo costs around £20 to £60, and a scarf, headband or Alice band £5 to £40. Prices vary a lot by city, salon reputation and technique used: do not be afraid to ask for a quote before your appointment.