Avant Garde at Mara Hoffman

If you follow the style scene religiously, you know that Fashion Week isn't just about fashion. It's also about makeup, hair and setting the trends for upcoming seasons. Black hair made a good showing at the 2012 Spring show. While the long, sleek ponytail was all over the runway (as usual), so was some diversity. Not every black model sported straight extensions, and there was quite a bit of creativity when it came to styling our hair.

Take a look at these pictures of black hairstyles from Fashion Week and see if you can't spot a trend or two to try.

This Mara Hoffman model had a very different look, as you can see. Too much for the office, but it's a nighttime option for the woman who's into an avant garde scene.

Tracy Reese - Mussy Retro

Retro is always welcome, but you don't want an exact replication of a 1940s hairdo. Enter Tracy Reese, with its mussed up hairstyle -- far from having every single strand perfectly in place, it fits the fashion.

Closeup of Tracy Reese Model

A closer look at the style, in case you think of copying it.

Back View of Tracy Reese Model

Wondering how the back is styled? This should answer any questions. It's not elaborate, highly detailed or perfected, so if you're short on time and still want something beyond your everyday 'do, this is how it's done.

The Roll at Tracy Reese

Not a style you see all the time! While the "roll up" is still around, it's usually reserved for those days when your hair isn't exactly cooperating. The back may not be the best look, but you can add some sophistication to this 'do by carefully crafting the front, perhaps with a low side part or trendy accessories.

Adding a Hat

This is a little too "Miss Celie's Blues" for me. If you add accessories, skip the too retro hat and choose something from the current decade.

Bald and Beautiful at Norman Ambrose

It doesn't get easier than this. If you have the cheekbones to pull this off, by all means go for it. This model's perfect bone structure doesn't hurt when it comes to going this short.

More Short Styles

Braided Updo at Saint Wobil - Darius Wobil

A mountain of braids make this updo breezy and modern. Check out the shaved sides, which fit right into the current craze.

High and Mighty Zang Toi Hair

This is not hair you can achieve in a hurry, but it does make for a memorable look. Sophisticated and sleek, an updo like this works for many formal events.

Simple Chic at Sophie Theallet

This carefree 'do fits the fashion perfectly. You can easily achieve the same look by braiding or twisting natural hair overnight and then releasing in the morning. Part down the center and pin front sides into place, while leaving the back loose and lush.

More Curly Looks to Try

Messy at Michael Kors

Got short locks and don't have a lot of time to style them? Then sweep them back as shown and pin lengths into place.

Super Short for Spring

Anyone can do a sleek ponytail, but how about teased and messy for a different take? Michael Kors sent his models down the runway with imperfect hair, which fit the clothes perfectly. Instead of painstakingly pinning every piece of hair into place, just grab, add pins randomly and go.

Longer Lengths at Elie Tahari

It's all about different looks. If short hair suits you, take a cue from this model and go super short. Leave your natural texture as is and you have the ultimate, low-maintenance, modern 'do.

The Look at Elene Cassis

This is a great combination hairstyle that looks one way from the front and another from the back. If your hair is very long, fool them all by wearing it like this -- shorter layers in the front camouflage a lengthy ponytail, which is only visible from behind. A simple center part is flattering for oval-faced ladies.

More Short Looks at B Michael America

A slightly messy updo defines the runway look at Elene Cassis. This style works for medium-length to long tresses, and is an alternative way to pinning up longer hair without smoothing it completely off your face.

Gorgeous Headwear at Ralph Lauren

It's refreshing to see truly varied looks at runway shows, especially when natural black hair makes an appearance. Not just for models, this low-cut 'do works for any lifestyle.

So maybe you don't have this bejeweled headwear, but you can still make an entrance with other accessories. A colorful scarf that complements your outfit is just one way to stand out from the crowd. If you like bold accessories, then go completely bold and dramatic, like this. Keep hair simple, though, because you don't want any competition with headwear this beautiful.