Beauty: Twist on tradition

This crimped variation of the French twist was used on the models at the Nicola Finetti show Australian Fashion Week this year. Photo / Lucas Dawson

The French roll or twist is one of those elegant hairstyles that gets trotted out for big occasions such as weddings and balls. It takes a little practice to master and is definitely better with a bit of backcombing, but it looks equally impressive and rather more modern when a textural approach is taken.

We like this new take on the French twist used for Nicola Finetti's Australian Fashion Week show. It uses crimping rather than backcombing to give hair texture. Crimping was also seen at a number of the European fashion shows.

The sleek sides and vertical twist of the Finetti look give structure while the crimping gives height and volume, but has a softness in line with styling's current play on contrasts.

"It's a 60s feel, not a 60s finish," says Lance Blanchette, international guest artist for the Joico hair team. "We wanted to create two different textures within the hair: crimped locks up top and smooth hair on the sides."

Blanchette used Joico products to fashion the quiff-like take on a fundamental technique - try these or similar products, starting with a thermal styler. He suggests Silk Result Thermal Smoother to protect and enhance the sectioned off top while crimping, Joico Medium Hairspray to set the French hive in place, and Brilliantine Spray Gloss for weightless shine.

If you're not handy with the crimping irons and can't be bothered with backcombing to add volume before doing your French twist, then follow these steps for a smoother, flatter finish. You can soften the effect by leaving your fringe free or pulling a few strands loose around the hairline.

1. Slick dry hair back, with a little styling product added to control flyaways. Hair can be side-parted or pulled tight and straight.

2. Pull down over your crown into a low, unsecured ponytail, hold at the base and use your other hand to twist the tail tightly round and round up its length.

3. Pin the twist into place straight up the back of your head, securing it with bobby pins angling in and up.

4. Turn the ends down and pin back and under into the top of the twist.

5. Finish with spray shine.

If that's all too hard just substitute the bobby pins of the traditional French roll with a clawclip for an easy up-do for everyday.