You don’t have to sacrifice style to have short hair. Take a cue from Miranda’s chic Sex and the City look

With a winning combination of beauty and brains, Miranda, played by Cynthia Nixon on Channel 4’s Sex and the City, proves that professional style does not have to be plain or boring. With her fiery red hair and ultra-modern wardrobe, Miranda commands respect without going near a power suit. Oscar Bond, celebrity stylist and owner of the Oscar Bond Salon in New York, has some tips on how to get this smart, short and sexy look for yourself.

STEP 1
After shampooing and towel drying your hair, begin to blow-dry it by brushing the hair forward toward the left side of your head and then the right side; alternate this process until the entire head is dry and somewhat straight.

STEP 2
Work a small amount of styling cream through the hair to help prepare it for the next step, which involves a straightening iron. The cream will help protect the hair from the heat and add shine. Starting with the back lower section of the head, apply the straightening iron to the roots and slide it straight down to the ends, making sure to keep both the hair and the iron very close to your head to avoid curling the hair. The idea is to keep things very flat. Once the back is finished, repeat this process on the sides and the front of the head, always starting your sections at the hairline and working up toward the crown.

STEP 3
Once all the hair has been straightened, there will still be quite a bit of hair in your face. Don’t panic – this is a good thing. Apply a little more styling cream, and after creating a side parting, begin to brush the hair to one side, keeping it very sleek and straight. Tuck the longer pieces behind your ear. Brush the hair on the opposite side of the head, so that it too is close to your head and tucked behind your ear.

Recommended products

Mason Pearson Nylon and Natural Bristle Brush (various sizes and styles range from £16.25 to £33)
These brushes are known as some of the best in the business. The combination of nylon and natural bristle make this one perfect for attaining a straightened look, as it helps style hair close to the head and does not create a lot of volume. Available at major department stores and better chemists. For more information, log onto www.masonpearson.com or ring 020 7491 2613 for a stockist near you.

Aveda Pure-Fume Universal Styling Cream (£14 for 250ml)
This heavenly-smelling styling cream is rich with plant humectants, which help seal moisture in the hair when working with curling aids and irons. This cream helps gives sleek styles long-lasting hold.
Available at Aveda Salons and spas. Ring 020 7410 1600 for your nearest stockist.