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Messed-up pony plaits were all the rage at London Fashion Week AW14. Plaits are the perfect recipe for a carefree, ready-to-wear look. We witnessed everything from "elegantly feral" woven plaits at Kinder Aggugini to woven rope braids at Jean-Pierre Bragazna.

Image source: http://instagram.com/caradelevingne

Spring is fast approaching and here at CB Towers we've already started planning our nail designs for all the exciting spring and summer activities ahead. From weddings to holidays, there's an abundance of fresh and trendy nail styles to suit all occasions this season: pretty pastels, funky nail art and crazy colour combos are just a few fresh nail trends to feature on this season's catwalks. To re-create these styles, stock up on nail polish, tools, nail art and all other essential salon equipment here.

New season equals fresh new hairstyles and the classic up-do in particular has undertaken a rebellious makeover for spring. Messy up-dos, boho braids and edgy ponytails all bounced their way down the SS14 catwalks and are key hair looks for this season. These classic hairstyles, with a brand new fun and flirty twist, are cool ideas to style hair for summer festivities such as holidays and weddings. Explore the brand new hair trends for this season here.

As the year comes to a close we look back at the hairstyles that defined 2013. Here's our take on the statement hairstyles that defined a year.

What's your favourite look from 2013?

The festive period is a time to dress up and get sparkly and, when it comes to styling, you know that both your and your clients' nails will form a big focal point at this time of year. In fact the party season is the perfect time for a bit of creative nail art to add glitter, jewels and sparkle for nails that really make a statement. Here's our essential guide on how to decorate nails for any dressy occasion.

Clippers and trimmers are designed to work hard in any busy salon or barber shop, we expect them to perform day after day and they will, providing they are maintained well enough. Here at CoolBlades, the vast majority of the faults we find when we service the damaged hair clippers sent to us for repair are due to poor maintenance, with lack of oil and poor cleaning being the biggest culprits. In this post we offer some tips on how to keep your clippers in good condition that will keep them cutting well for longer

One of the main topics of chat amongst students, recently qualified hair stylists and even mobile hair stylists is how to make the transition into owning their own hair salon. If that sounds like you, then read on below for our short guide on how to set up shop and make a success of it.

Picture: Dublin Hair Salon courtesy of Planet Stencil Library: February 2009

2013 started a revolution with hairstyles becoming increasingly androgynous and trends adaptive for men and woman. Just think of the Rockabilly, an undercut that was rocked by both men, women and celebs such a Rihanna. The goods news is that 2014 will continue to lead the way for the borrowed boyfriend look so get ready to share hair-gel, scissors and even hair colour.

Sharpen up your professional hairdressing scissors as The Bob takes centre stage this A/W. Expect more customers to be requesting their hair to be lopped off into this season's key hair style and start swotting up on the new popular bob styles.

Offering a nail service is essential for hairdressing and beauty salons. When clients visit for a new season hairstyle or to have their makeup done for a special event, why not suggest a matching nail trend to complement their new look? Beauty alongside fashion changes each season and there are some gorgeous and adventurous nail trends to sport this Autumn Winter.