Trend to Try: Join the Japanese-Inspired Hair Tribe

Extending our thoughts on “Tribes” this month to cover beauty, Team SPICE have had an eye on the trends to follow for super-chicness – and what better ‘tribe’ to be in with, than the elegant top knot gang, who are taking their inspiration from Japan?

Yes, Japanese-inspired buns and Sumo knots were seen on the heads of models everywhere from Calvin Klien, to Carolina Herrera and Altuzzara’s runways, leaving a look that we’ve been lusting over since they made their debut for Spring/Summer’15;

At Carolina Herrera’s Spring/Summer showcase, which held during New York Fashion Week, the models wore very angular and unique sumo knots that stood atop their head like stiff mini-sculptures…

…The hair was styled by Orlando Pita who fashioned them to complement Herrera’s flower-inspired collection…

Calvin Klien’s buns were not as full and classy, Hairstylist Guido Palau had a softer take, pairing Calvin Klein's signature minimal styles with messy-chic updos.The models who wore the hair at Francisco Costa’s Spring 2015 collection for Calvin Klein looked super sophisticated and edgy. — …For Altuzarra, the buns came neat and unusual, shaped like a heart, with hairstylist Odile Gilbert creating a chic low styles held together by a near-invisible hairnet…

Calvin Klein Collection - Runway - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2015 — …And for Calvin Klein, the buns came very sleek and minimal, like the designer’s collection…

…But at the back of models’ heads were messily-finished buns, where hair was pulled free for a ‘fresher’ feel.

And models aren’t the only ones who’ve joined the Japanese-bun crew, with a few of our favourite stars also being seen trialling the look, too;

Rita Ora wearing the Sumo knot at the 2014 American Music Awards. Although restyled into more of a bun sumo knot on Rita was a perfect fit for her dress — Rita Ora was seen wearing a Sumo knot at the 2014 American Music Awards – a perfect accompaniment to her bold dress…

…And Rihanna was seen with a wet-look, oriental top knot for her April'15 cover or Harper's Bazaar China — …And Rihanna was seen with a wet-look, oriental top knot for her April’15 cover for Harper’s Bazaar China

Get the Look

Inspired enough to join the Japanese bun-tribe this Summer? We at SPICE suggest you try the look from Carolina Herrera’s show – the intensely sleek style designed by hairstylist, Orlando Pita.

Just follow our simple step-by-step, below;

1. First, apply a substantial amount of hairspray to a large brush and throughout your hair, brushing through. Note: If your hair has texture or curl, it’s best to first blow dry it straight for a sleeker finish, using our favourite: John Freida’s Frizz-Ease “Moisture Barrier” Hairspray (£4, here).

2. Next, using the brush or a fine comb, sculpt the hair into a sleek ponytail precisely two-inches below the crown area and secure with a thin band.

3. Spray more hairspray onto the entire length of the ponytail, to eliminate any frizz. Then, while the hair is damp, take a tail comb and a flat iron to gently fold the ponytail in half, forming an off-centre looped bun shape, securing with another band.

We at SPICE love these snag-free bands, just £1.99 here.