Hair Styles for Valentine's Day

Here are top date night styles hair tips from Nicholas Penna, Jr., owner and lead stylist at Salon Capri in Newton and Dedham.

Sock Bun (Also Known as the Ballerina Bun)

This styling trick plays up the volume of thin and fine hair types for ample up-dos.

· Start by blow-drying hair with a natural bristle brush.

· Once hair is dry, apply a dime-sized drop of smoothing serum to the shafts and ends of hair. Nick recommends Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh for added shine and softness.

· Using a fine-tooth comb to smooth out bumps, slick hair back into a high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic.

· Cut off the end of a clean, unwanted sock (where your toes would be), and roll it up into a donut shape.

· Place the sock around the base of the ponytail so that it is tight against your head.

· Tilt your head slightly forward and spread your ponytail evenly around the sock so that half of your hair is toward the top of the sock, pointing toward your forehead, and half is at the bottom, pointing toward your back.

· Use a second hair elastic to wrap and secure hair around the outside of the sock, creating a ballerina-bun at the crown of your head.

· Twist remaining hair in one direction and use bobby pins to tuck and clip the ends underneath your bun.

· Finish with a light application of hairspray. Nick swears by Shu Uemura’s Sheer Lacquer.

Sleek, ‘Wet-Inspired’ Hair

This look relies on styling products to create a slicked-back, wet appearance.

· Start by combing through wet hair with a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles.

· Add a walnut-size dollop of styling balm to the top half of wet, tangle-free hair.

· Brush your hair towards the back of your head with a fine-tooth comb and secure it tightly with an elastic.

· Twist hair gently (Nick recommends one full turn for medium to long hair), and wrap it into around the base of the ponytail to create a round bun.

· Use bobby pins to secure the end of your ponytail and tame fly-aways.

· Run a fine-tooth comb through the top of your hair up to the bun to smooth over any bumps.

· Finish with a generous amount of an extra-hold hairspray. Nick loves Shu Uemura’s Sheer Laquer.

Bouncy, Volumized Hair

A modern take on “pageant hair”; full, voluminous hair is an easy way to add sex appeal to your style.

· Start with a classic blow-dry using a round, natural bristle brush and a palm-full of volumizing mousse. Nick recommends Shu Uemura’s Fiber Lift.

· Once hair is dry, add volume to the top of the head by teasing the hair using a hairspray and a round brush.

· After the desired volume is achieved, curl hair away from the face from end to root with a large barrel curling iron. Nick uses a two-inch barrel to achieve big, bouncy curls.

· Using a dime-sized drop of smoothing serum, rub your hands together and gently run your fingers through the curls to separate them. Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh is Nick’s favorite. · Finish the look with light hair spray and you’re red carpet ready!

Smooth and Sleek Hair with a Center Part

While voluminous hair is hot this season, so is sleek and straight. Center parts are making a comeback!

· Start by parting wet hair directly in the center of your head using the edge of a fine-toothed comb.

· Dry hair with the nozzle attachment of your blow-dryer, and a natural bristle brush, pulling hair and the dryer downward to smooth out hair.

· Apply a pea-sized drop of smoothing serum from the shafts to the ends of your hair. Nick recommends Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh.

· Run a straightening iron through your ends to straighten out any waves and voila, you have a classic look for day or night!