The 'Autumn Winter' season is here at Chennai brought to you by Schwarzkopf Professional and they have unveiled their impressive 'Eclectic Collection 2009' recently at the city. It was launched by Nausheen Fatima and Tsomo Tsering, Technical Advisors of Schwarzkopf and they also demonstrated the new trendy hairstyles which are in vogue today.

It is basically a cut and color workshop for senior level hairdressers says Nausheen Fatima. There are two looks and seasons annually, one is the Spring Summer and the other one is the Autumn Winter look which is from October to mid February. So what is the latest look and color this season? "Long layers and straight hair are for this season's best. Colors like shades of red, violets, hues of copper gold, auburn and the wavy style is the latest craze that is picking up. Generally, Chennaities are a little skeptical about the color blonde and they normally do not opt for that particular shade. But we have mixed copper and blonde and the look is just superb."

Three models walked the ramp after a makeover from the Schwarzkopf professionals and they had front layers and fringes. Chunks of copper and violets were highlighted in their hair and it looked great.

The Eclectic Collection has four distinctive moods namely Country Life where it is all natural, warm and tactile. It is the wavy and breezy kind. Next mood is the Eccentric Vintage where everything is so feminine and braids and pony tails are in for this. Gothic Romance comes next where the mood set is mysterious, strong and dark. Following this is Sculptured Form where new patterns and shapes are shaped up to match the mood.

So what do Chennaities prefer the most? "Straightened hair will never go out of fashion and Indians generally have frizzy and curly hair. In order to look chic, many girls go for it." So are Chennaities keeping up the pace in terms of fashion and styling? "Definitely yes, they have started experimenting and exploring. In 2-3 years I personally felt a huge metamorphosis. Once, shades of reds and burgundy used to be popular, but now violets and auburns are liked a lot by many."

She says that Chennaities go in for hair styling, but do not know how to maintain and style it in the long run. That is the most pivotal part and Chennaities lack in it says Nausheen. She also advises to clean the hair regularly and to use good and reliable products as hair is very sensitive to chemicals and dust.

Anitha R