Hair and make-up: Hanan Sabra talks to Egypt's foremost authorities Start the summer with a new and vivid look, I say. Take on the joy and cheerfulness of the season. But to do so, you must start with your hair. According to Mohamed El-Soghayar -- being among the country's best known stylists -- 70 per cent of a woman's look depends on her hair: "changing your hairstyle is the first step on the way to feeling a real change in your appearance and your style." In 2007, El-Sghayar elaborates, the fashion is brown -- all the different grades of brown, including reddish brown and, notably, brown with shades of olive. No longer are the bright highlights of yesteryear: the international fashion scene is now linking hair colour to the colours of fabrics -- especially snake and peacock prints. Cropped, especially a là carré, and brown: it suits the heat as well; in case you just can't do without that shoulder-length feel, the answer is extensions. El-Soghayar also recommends the famous ussa -- the bang, which he says is all the rage. The stylist ends with the usual advice: choose wisely, according to your age and personality, and also the type of work you do; not everything will work for everyone, in the end. The bride's new style is that of "a queen, a princess", says El-Soghayar -- newness this summer is rather more subtle in her case. El-Soghayar says she should maintain a classic elegance while still looking girlish; this is partly why he will not part with the crown -- an essential part of "the memory for her, for her daughters and granddaughters". Crowns and bonnets, he insists, are more fashionable in 2007 than they have ever been before. "You see," he says, "we are going back to the 1950s and 1960s." El-Soghayar's tips for healthy hair during the summer months are many and varied; among them: - Do not dye your hair until after you have been to the seashore -- the sun removes colour; and once there, use hair sun-block (available as spry or cream); best avoid the sun altogether from noon to 4pm. - What goes for the sun, goes doubly for chlorinated water; be careful at the swimming pool. - Wash your hair right after a swim, whether in the sea or the pool; moisturise with conditioner. - Cut ends after you arrive from the seashore; do it once every two months anyway. - Dyes are best applied by a professional: doing it yourself at home will inevitably cause damage in the long run. For his part Alaa El-Tonsi, the well-known make-up artist, says the secret to powerful make-up is the light touch. Simplicity, he recommends. Keeping that in mind is important when applying the bright colours of the summer: "eye-shadows like orange, turquoise and green, especially at night". Add to that dark or bright lipstick and blusher; if you have a tan, supplement it with bronze. In the morning, El-Tonsi prefers light colours like pink, beige and salmon for shadows and lipstick. His tip for making nighttime make-up last: apply concealer underneath the foundation and on lips in addition to the lip contour. Other tips include: - Avoid using foundation during the day, especially where you are exposed to the sun; stick with lipstick and kohl or mascara. - Soap is out: start your day with cleanser, always. - Following a good wash, apply protective cream. - Always remove make-up thoroughly before you go to sleep. - Apply sun-block to your face at all times. A final word from stylist Yasmine Fahmi, who in line with all of the above, recommends bright colours: yellow, orange, green, bright shades of blue and fuchsia, in addition to the white. All suit brown hair; all are in: "and remember that dresses are the latest fashion, especially dresses with bright flower designs. It's true we're going back, but with a twist."
