Hair report 2012: Four looks to try, things to buy

Our editors highlight trends, treatments and tools to help you achieve easy-breezy, chic seasonal strands, no matter what your hair type.

"As opposed to styles of the past where the hair was slicked back, we're seeing more of a wet root - with wild, natural-textured free-flowing locks down the back," said Sasha Alekseyeva, a stylist at Williamsburg's Woodley & Bunny Salon (196 N. 10th St., 718-218.6588).

To get this look, Alekseyeva says to start by shampooing and conditioning. Then, gently blot the hair with a towel without rubbing too much, since that tends to create frizz. "Don't over dry, as it has to start out pretty wet," she said.

Next, add a product like Sachajuan Straight Out Gel, right, starting at the ends and working up into the mid-length of the hair. Using a wide-tooth comb, brush the hair straight back, starting at hairline, then apply a few pumps of styling gel with your hands and slick back as far as you want, letting the back dry naturally. (Julie Gordon)

This season, the blending from dark to light should look "absolutely flawless - not the extreme look of the past," said Beeson.

"Natural highlighting in addition to the ombre effect create this perfectly," Beeson said. "Shiny gold and amber-gold highlights with a natural-looking gradation to a brighter color on the ends is an eye-catching effect that lends itself to shiny, healthy-looking, beautiful hair." (Julie Gordon)

One caveat: Unlike modern clamp-free waving sticks, which impart super-smooth styles, the beachwaver does have a clamp, so unless you have naturally super-silken hair, your ends easily might look a bit jagged if you don't pay close attention. Overalthough, this iron is absolutely worth a try - especially for long-haired gals who want loose, even, beach-ready waves. $189, QVC.com (Perrie Samotin)