Change your Christmas look with a funky upstyle!

You don't need a new dress for the Christmas party this year - you can instantly change your look with an upstyle as Deirdre Verney found out on a recent visit to MoHH: Romantic, messy and Grecian, no I'm not describing me but some of the hottest hair trends for the party season, now just around the corner. Things may be somewhat scaled back this year but ladies out there still want to have one night of glamour and fun, so forget about the little black dress or the oversized clutch bag as the accessory of the year and change your look in one foul swoop with a fantastic upstyle. Having never had my mop put up to the sky (ever) I was the perfect guinea pig to try out the fantastic expertise of the award-winning MoHH Salon in Arcadia last week. In the capable hands of Stephanie Sivewright, a native of Dundee in Scotland but living in Athlone for almost five months now, I was put completely at ease as she talked me through the process of creating a fun, young, modern party look. Updos are a really sophisticated look, that if achieved correctly, can instantly add volume to your hair, and with such an array of different styles to choose from, it's a look that works for everyone, whether they have long, short, straight of curly hair, Stephanie explained. Think about it - you could be rocking up to your party or night out with a perfect chignon, braids, curls or waves or to add flair and style to any hairstyle you can add accessories. Hair pieces such as headbands, flowers or pieces with crystals or glitter, along with clips or the myriad of cool hair pieces currently en-vogue are perfect for the Christmas season. So what are the trends this year for upstyles? Well, fresh from Paris where she took part in many courses, upstyle shows and photographic events, even scooping a second prize in one competition representing Ireland, Stephanie is certainly the girl in the know. “The Grecian styles have been popular for the last year because they are very versatile, you can wear them to a posh ball or for a night out with friends,†Stephanie enthused. “That would cover things like soft curls, plaits, all of which are good for all hair styles, curly or straight.†“A lot of people also like the messy styles, they are not as structured as others like and then they can be half up half down say, like offside messy buns. Romantic curls are also popular and extensions are still huge,†the hair stylist with over six years experience explained, adding that clients should bring in any hair accessories they would like to use in their style for a more polished look. “If clients have pictures of upstyles they like or if they have extensions bring them along. The upstyle really adds thickness and volume,†she said, pointing out a range of hair accessories are also available in the salon itself and staff are available to advise on their use for a big occasion. Of course, the renowned private bridal room is also available for the big day and trials of different upstyles can be arranged prior to that as well for brides-to-be. After washing my hair, Stephanie got to work straightening and smoothing my hair (a bit of a job at the best of times) with a large comb and then out came curlers and the pins. Confessing she finds doing upstyles quite therapeutic, she then got to work with clips and pins to create the look while I just relaxed, chatted and caught up on the latest celebrity gossip in the spacious salon, a real treat for interior design fans with crisp black, white and red throughout with comfortable couches and a lovely atmosphere. Stephanie advised that if anyone is coming in for an upstyle that they should come in with their hair washed from the night before if possible as slept on hair actually is sturdier and holds the style for longer. If it is washed just beforehand, it can be that be softer and more flyaway, she told me, all news to me I must say and good advice for the future. “When the style is in place, a mini can of hair spray is very handy for the night which you can pick up here and get a taxi,†that would be my advice, she laughed as wind or rain are not your friend with a sophisticated upstyle. After every award ceremony Stephanie admitted she loves to sit down to watch E! News to see the celebrity styles that are the height of fashion at the Oscars and Golden Globes and these in turn, are usually what the public request later in the year and she ends up creating. After lots of diligent work with the placement of beautiful curls and weaving her magic with all the hair clips, pins and beautiful pearl clips, it was time for the big reveal. Flaggergasted with the creativity on show, I was certainly wowed by the final result, hardly knowing the face looking out at me in the mirror. A bit quiffy and funky, it was really different and changed my look completely in one move - gone were the wild curls for the day to be replaced by altogether more current, chic up to the minute style. I may dispense with buying a new dress for the Christmas drinks and head to the hairdressers instead. It's also certainly something worth repeating for the next ball, wedding, fancy do I'm asked to, hint hint!! For your Christmas party appointment call MoHH Salon Arcadia Centre Athlone 090 6476166