Hair Raising

Big hair complements glamorous clothes and dramatic make-up for after-dark, writes Phyl Clarke (Styling: Catherine Condell

Big hair complements glamorous clothes and dramatic make-up for after-dark, writes Phyl Clarke(Styling: Catherine Condell. Photographs: Barry McCall)

The return of red-carpet glamour to the catwalks has given a new dimension to hair and make-up. Big hair is back, à la Dynasty and Dallas, and just like a blow dry, for perfect results, it's over to the professionals. Paul Hession, who styled the hair on these pages, had the high-end clothes so fashionable at the moment in mind when creating these looks. Shoulder-length hair is ideal for working the look, but the sophistication of modern hairpiece designs means you can cheat Mother Nature if she didn't bless you with a luxurious mane. Heated rollers are making a big comeback. Paul used them to create fullness and wave. He applies L'Oréal Tec ni Art Pli (€15.40) to towel-dried hair prior to heat styling. The same company's Shine Soda Sparkler (€15.40) added gloss and shine to the finished style, and to keep it all in place, that old favourite, Elnett Hair Spray (€2.99) - "the best hairspray in the world" according to Paul.

The right make-up will complement the hair perfectly, and for these photographs Paula Callan O'Keeffe of Brown Sugar was inspired by the 1970s and 1980s, with a touch of the 1940s. The main difference with this look was that eyes and lips were given the same prominence and definition. Skin was kept to a natural tone, with warm smoky cranberry and burgundy shades enhancing the eyes. Leave aside the bronzer in favour of a pinky illuminating highlighter, which will give a subtle lift without a heavy colour. Red lips are where it's at with this look, and although they are high maintenance, the glamour factor is guaranteed.

Like high heels, big hair gives you an air of confidence when you walk into a room. Combine it with a dramatic outfit and your look is complete. Catherine Condell went to Diffusion, Kate Gleeson's boutique in Clontarf, where she found this black satin coat by D&G and LA Confidential silk satin number by Dina Bar-el. Christmas party knock-outs.