Written by Emily Jacobson

There are still plenty of choices with respect to length for spring/summer hair in 2009. Long, layered and flowing continues to hold its own. Even celebs who have gone for the bob – or shorter – will often appear in photos wearing hair extensions. Long flowing hair has been the security blanket of hair looks since the 1960’s and shows no indication of becoming passe.

Short cuts continue to be popular, especially those with a shorter, layered back and longer sides and bangs. Also holding strong is sleek, straight hair. Mermaid waves, the softly waved and just-past-the-shoulder hairstyles of the 1940’s, are poised for a comeback, while curly hair remains out of the running (don’t ditch your flat iron yet).

The new hair color for spring is peroxide blond. Browns of all shades are still very in and, here and there, a few brighter reds show up.

One of the hottest hair looks this spring is the bedhead bob. An outgrowth of the 2008 bob movement, the bedhead bob features a few more layers or asymmetrical sides to allow for the creation of a bob with a sexy and tousled look.

If you want to jazz up your bob for the summer, a chin-length bedhead bob in peroxide blond, currently worn by Kate Moss, is very Marilyn Monroe-in-the-sixties. Be sure to tease and spray artfully to maximize the messy effect. Bangs are back, thick and heavy and, when paired with a sleek bob, very 1960’s Vidal Sassoon.

Another hot look for summer is mermaid waves and, if you want to grow out your bob or grow your shoulder length cut into long and flowing, mermaid waves can help you look good doing it. Mermaid waves work best with hair a few inches past the shoulder and parted on the side, but will also work with a growing-out bob in shorter lengths.

Unless your hair is very curly, you can easily create mermaid waves by adding mousse to your hair after washing, allowing it to dry naturally, and then tweaking the waves slightly with a large curling iron.

Big hair and teasing are very in right now, offering a simple way to vary your long and flowing look. Combine a teased crown with some curls here and there and your long and flowing look takes on a bit more drama.

For a fresh up-do with longer hair, milkmaid braids wrapped around the head can be very fetching, especially when paired with a soft outfit. And if you can’t be bothered with braiding, the ponytail is still popular, as is the classic French twist.