It’s as clear as the sky above us: spring’s here. And with it, the art pop wave that’s been flooding the runways during the lasts months has taken to the streets, drenching everything in its whimsical, colorful and eclectic, intoxicating clouds.

This goes for hair too. Stylists across the globe are lining up to pledge their allegiance to the United States of Pastel Locks, Intricate Ponytails and Effortless Cool. If you think it’s too wild for you, read on. You’ll find that messing with art isn’t always as messy as it seems.

Colorful Hair is Here to Stay

We’ve seen it in the last few years and it’s here to stay: pretty, colorful hair which can easily give you a fairy-tale princess look or the exact opposite – a Gothic witch vibe.

If you’re into pastel pinks, blues and greens, 2014 is your year.

Candy colors are working their magic on and off the runways and knocking on celebrity doors. This month alone Nicole Richie and model Ireland Baldwin made the switch to lilac hair. And, if Helen Mirren herself got with the pastel pink trend last year, who are we to dismiss the whole madness?

How to tone it down

If your 9 to 5 that’s keeping you alive doesn’t complement crazy hair, you don’t have to skip the trend completely.

Rose-Gold hair got its big break when Sienna Miller turned her locks rosy and sweet, a few months ago. Now, we’re seeing it more and more and we love the barely dare quality it has. It’s a good compromise between a polished, business-like look and a bit of playfulness.

Stylist’s tip: George Gonzales, director/stylist for George the Salon is all for complex color effects. “Hair color that includes multidimensional looks. Hair color will fade from dark to light and will be brighter around the face.”

The Ombre Goes Sombre

The ombre effect is a revisit to those early 2000 bleached moments no more. Instead, it becomes more subtle, more blended and, well, more grown-up.

Stylist’s tip: Tony Odisho, Founder and President of Tony Odisho Extensions is a strong advocate of a stylish ombre effect which creates a sophisticated, extremely natural look. “This spring it’s all about techniques like color melting and very subtle ombre. And, guess what? You can create this effect with extensions, too.”

The Ponytail Gets an Upgrade (or more)

Last year, the ponytail was what we all know it to be — a simple solution for a complicated problem. With 2014, the pony turns into a lean, mean racing horse that’s ready to get you.

Rodarte, Issey Miyake and Missoni all thought outside the ponytail box during Spring Fashion Week 2014, so it’s up to us to get inspired and see what works for us.

Try the asymmetric look, with a loose side-pony, accessorize with big, statement jewellery or try a puffy pony, if your hair is long enough.

Stylist’s tip: Braid your way to the top. Hair expert Bethany Brill tells you how to get that bohemian look without the extra pair of hands.

Take a Break from Your Hair (a tiny break, that is)

Having perfect hair has its perks. But its chilled out counterpart is more seductive today than it ever was. With “model hair” — that effortless cool runway divas achieve by doing… nothing — climbing its way to glory, stylists are looking to Mother Nature for inspiration. And, as it always does, it’s looking good.

Stylist’s tip: Rahni Michael Flowers, stylist and owner of Van Cleef Hair Studio, loves the natural look for 2014. Flowers favors Neo-Afro style, which is all about wearing your naturally curly hair as it is. And, over at Chicago Lincoln Park Drybar, stylist and manager Andrew Coria advertises “top knots and loose, sexy “unfinished” looking hair.”

The Bottom Line

2014 is all about the wacky mix between art and life, fantasy and reality. Whether you’re looking to infuse your daily routine with a bit of rainbow magic or you’re more of a down to earth gal who wants to go in search of her roots (pun intended), there’s something for your hair that will hit home this year. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous or, if you’ve had enough of that during these last crazy years, take a well-deserved break and let your hair down (literally).