Sarah French talks to Wilson Derbyshire, owner of salon group Shine, about autumn-winter trends in hair and beauty

THE wind’s picking up as autumn gets underway which, if you’ve got long hair, can spell disaster. There’s nothing glamorous about stepping into the office or a shop after you’ve battled with the elements and can barely see past the hair tangled across your face.

The good news is that hair experts have come up with plenty of looks to beat the breeze and keep you stylish this autumn.

Wilson Derbyshire, whose growing Shine Hair & Beauty group has three salons in Northallerton, Stokesley and most recently, Preston Farm, near Stockton, run by Jacqui Elliott, says: “This season is all about looks that aren’t trying too hard. Hair is loose and natural and not too-overworked with product.

“It's a look that works really beautifully with the cosy knits that start to hit the shops at this time of year, a relaxed style that can actually stand a bit of breeze. You can get way with some fly-away, so it's low maintenance."

One of the key looks is – eek – the modern mullet, where hair is sleek over the crown falling into curls around the neck and framing the face with a centre parting. "It's an easy to manage everyday style, or you can dress it up by creating real power curls for the evening," says Wilson.

If the modern mullet harks back to the 80s, then the super size, billowing curls and waves also seen on the catwalks for this season are a nod to the 70s. Consequently, the gadget of the season is set to be crimpers. "Not for crimping as we once knew it," explains Wilson, reassuringly. "Used properly at the roots, it's a great way to create body and structure. Alexa Chung does this look well, with a full, chunky fringe and medium waves."

Fringes are on trend this autumn, either full and tousled, or long and swept to the side a la Taylor Swift.

When it comes to colour, it's the time to leave the beach blonde look of summer behind and move towards autumn shades as the light fades. "Autumn-winter marks the end of spot colour and dip-dyes as we head towards smokier hues," says Jacqui. "After a good, long summer when hair has lightened in the sun, it's time to put back some gloss and lustre to reflect the richer colours of autumn. As we layer on more clothes, ladies should think about doing the same with their hair to add depth and richness.

"Shiny, darker hues work well with the ponytails and smooth crowns of this season, creating a polished but ‘real girl’ look."

In the world of beauty, easy-to-wear, neutral colours come into their own this season. Siobhan Caffery, owner of Shine Beauty, says: "As the temperatures drop and the central heating goes on it's all about maintaining skin hydration. This might mean making some changes to skincare routines and adding products designed to combat dehydration and dryness."

Siobhan's recommendations include Thalgo's Freshness Exfoliator and Absolute Hydra-Marine Concentrate. A Thalgo Extreme Comfort Facial at Shine Northallerton or Preston Farm will help prepare skin for the colder weather ahead and lay the foundation for winter.

When it comes to colour, Jessica's New York themed nail polishes this season reflect the tones of autumn - rich reds, verdant green, a bright blue and warm chestnut.

Meanwhile, recurrent key looks on the catwalk were strong top eyeliner flicks and pops of un-blended colour on the lids.

This season at a glance

Fringe benefits

Sixties-style, full, straight fringes are back; those with longer hair can go for the sweeping side fringe.

Ponytails

They've been around for ages of course but the ponytail is the sure fire way to not only keep long hair under control but also to be right on trend. Tied low and not too scraped back, the key is to make sure your hair is ultra glossy to create a smooth, shiny silhouette.

Ballet bun

The way to go on a windy day, buns have survived the change in season since they guarantee a neat and tidy look, though some gently teasing takes away some of the formality.

Smooth and curly

The trend is for super sleek at the crown then billowing out into a mass of 70s-style curls. On a windy day, get ahead with a hat - it's the perfect style for it.

Wet look

Finally, the late-for-the-school-run, just stepped out the shower look is fashionable - not dripping, you understand, but some dampness is de rigeur...