Give me a 'Davina' Despite the blush factor, the way to get the hairdo you want is to take in a pic of your fave celeb. The stylist is more likely to hug you than laugh.

Byline: EMMA BANNISTER

Rather than update your party wardrobe, why not revamp your look and get a great celebrity-inspired haircut for the party season instead?

I have a vivid memory as a teenager, of clutching a ripped picture of Joanna Lumley sporting her alter-ego Purdey cut. I showed it to the hairdresser, who duly had an attempt at the glorified bowl of a cut. Needless to say, I didn't look like Joanna Lumley at the end, but I was only 12, so no harm done.

Nowadays, celebrity haircuts are the equivalent of fashion shows. We look at them in the glossy mags and then decide to try them on at our own hairdressers. But is it acceptable to take a picture into the salon to get your point across?

We asked top hairdressers what the etiquette of showing celeb pictures in salons is, then got them to give us a rundown of the year's must-have hairdos.

Celebrity stylist Lee Stafford says, "Clients should never be embarrassed to bring pictures in. They always think the model is better looking, or that the hairstylist thinks they want to be that person. But you can knock 10-15 minutes off a consultation because the stylist will know what kind of look you're after."

Adam Reed, session stylist with Charles Worthington's salons, says, "Some clients have real difficulty communicating what they want, so it's a good idea to take a picture along as it gives the stylist an idea of what the client is hoping to achieve. There are occasions when the client has unrealistic expectations or chooses a cut that won't suit them, but a good stylist will find out what it is they like about the style so it can be adapted into something flattering. When clients come into the salon clutching a picture, I encourage them to adapt the style slightly to give them a more individual take on the look."

Whose hair is hot? Award-winning hairdresser Mark Hill, says, "The most asked for style right now is Madonna's. Her look epitomises what women aspire to be - confident, stylish and very sexy."

Adam Reed adds , "I've been asked for Dannii Minogue's style a few times recently. I love it as it's edgy and makes a dramatic statement. The most enduring celebrity style request is for Jennifer Aniston - she always looks great."

Picture-perfect hair Flicking through gossip mags, the majority of A- and B-list celebs have hair that is anything but done. Most have grown-out locks that are styled for events, but they don't have specific cuts. However, there are a few key women whose hair everyone seems to want.Dido

The queen of drone has captured our style aspirations and hers is one of the most requested cuts around.

What is it about this style?

Adam Reed: "Dido has a classic oval-shaped face, so she can take any look."

Which face shapes best suit Dido's style?

Lee Stafford: "Dido's look is also great for square-shaped faces. And it works perfectly if you have straight hair."

Adam: "It would also suit those with long faces as chin-length styles broaden the face. Those with round faces could go for a variation, with feathery layers coming on to the face to give a slimming effect."

Can The Dido be adapted into alternative styles?

Adam: "Dido could add interest and texture by using a product such as Charles Worthington Dream Hair Perfect Reflection Protect and Shine Texturising Wax to create a more dishevelled look."

Lee: "To add a little looser movement and give a bit of just-got-out-of-bed appeal, curl hair around some big fat tongs. Rub some product between your palms, then massage into hair."DanniiUnlike her sister, it's not her bottom we're in awe of, but her great hairdo. Tear this picture out and join the queue for the "Dannii" cut.

What is it about this style?

Adam Reed: "It looks great on Dannii. The extra volume on top and longer strands at the back, which flick outwards, flatter her heart-shaped face."

Which face shapes best suit Dannii's style?

Adam: "The style would also suit square faces - the edges are softened by styles that break up the symmetry as with this off-centre parting."

Can The Dannii be adapted into alternative styles?

Adam: "Dannii could vary her look by keeping the side parting, but taking her fringe off her forehead and using a product such as Charles Worthington In Fashion Get Sleek Radical Shape and Shimmer Pomade to achieve a sophisticated look similar to those seen on the models at Luella's New York Fashion Week show."

Davina

With a work schedule like hers, Davina got rid of high-maintenance longer locks and opted for an easy chic choppy bob that everyone wants to copy.

What is it about this style?

Adam Reed: "Davina's hair looks great at the moment. It's in fantastic condition - super-shiny and glossy - and the style suits her face shape well."

Which face shapes best suit Davina's style?

Adam: "Although Davina has quite a round face, she has classic bone structure that really sets off the look. It would also suit those with oval or long faces and, like Dido's cut, it could be given a more feathery quality to complement rounder faces."

Can The Davina be adapted into alternative styles?

Lee Stafford: "Davina's hair has a solid outline, with choppy layers. You can change the look by exaggerating the sides, give it a 70s look by flicking out the sides, but remember to keep the top of your hair flat."

Adam: "Davina could vary her look by moulding sections of hair at the sides to create a defined, choppy look. This can be done using a product like Charles Worthington In Fashion Get Messy Radical Chunky Texturising Paste."