Looking for your best new look???

Style trends are slightly changing to include hair that’s less long and straight, the return of layers, fringe frenzy, terrific texture and myriad approaches to custom color and matching highlights. With so many options open to you, how can you decide what's the best look for you? Can you really have several style variations or are you stuck with that "I mean-business ‘do all through a romantic evening? To get a great look that gives you maximum styling mileage, you have to know all your options—and the most important considerations in making a choice.

The Cut

Cuts today are generally slightly above the shoulder, very layered and often, razor shaped. A precise cut is essential to everyone; it's what makes your hair hold its style. If the cut is performed properly, lengths are directed right into the lines of the design. Almost any cut benefits from some texturizing: Cutting shorter, irregular lengths among the longer ones. Take texturizing a step farther and you’ve got layers, which are important anytime you want volume. Beyond this, your choice of cuts is much a matter of taste, lifestyle and facial features.

If you have a busy lifestyle, you'll want a cut that requires minimum care. Usually, this means a shorter look, which right now is shoulder-brushing or below the ear-lobe. Your profession also dictates your choices. What hairstyles do your colleagues have—particularly those with jobs you want? If they all have very short cuts but you want to be more trendy, add length but make certain you still have styling control and neatness, which is the reason they wear short cuts.

Also, take a good look in your mirror. If you have an oval face, your options are wide open. Round faces look less "pudgy" with a cut that draws the eye away from the sides; for instance, one with volume on the top. Long, narrow faces look best with a style that draws attention to the sides, which is just want layers can do. Bangs from long and wispy to barely there are hot this season; the best way to choose among them is to ask your stylist which type works best with the cut you want—and your hair type. Thicker hair can’t take on a super-wispy look. Lastly, consider the versatility of a cut.

When you talk to your stylist about your ideas, get hers (or his) on how many ways you'll be able to change your new cut. While looks that are primarily one length are generally more limited than bi-level, layered or highly texturized cuts, if you have the time for updos, braids and sets, your options are extended. After all, texture is another trend at the forefront; why not use it to make the most of your cut? Whatever you decide on, be certain you can have a business, sport and formal look. If not, you'll get bored and frustrated as time goes by.

Perms and Relaxers

Treatments that change your hair's texture are wonderful ways to extend your style options and tap the trend toward extra texture. If you aren't happy with what nature gave you, by all means consider changing it. Super-curly hair is highly controllable with a relaxing treatment; for super-straight, shiny, healthy hair, salons like Michalejohn in Beverly Hills are using the new Yukio straightening system from Japan. You can also get hair partially relaxed and keep some of the movement. Limp locks spring to life with a perm, either for body or wave. Don't get trapped into thinking "curly or not;" there are dozens of in-betweens. If you can set your hair to get lift and volume, blow it dry for a straighter style and finger style it with molding crème to get true texture, then you’ve got the best of all possible worlds.

Color

Hair color always gets lighter and brighter for Spring and darker and richer for Fall. If your brunette locks are dull, add a burst of blonde highlights. Redheads heat up with copper and natural blondes are adding lowlights for contrast and a more natural look—or gleaming gold for shimmer. It’s all up to you.

The best way to choose a great color is to determine if you have warm or cool undertones to your skin. Hold pink, then peach fabric up to your face and the answer becomes evident. Next, decide how much of a change you want to make. 

Permanent, semi-permanent and even temporary colors can be custom mixed for any effect. Whether you change your base shade or not, a sprinkling of highlights adds shine and dimension. Color placement, coded to the ''lights advance, darks recede" theory helps create illusions—like narrowing or widening a face. 

When considering color options, decide how much upkeep you can live with. A permanent color change that's far removed from your natural shade requires a touch-up every four to six weeks. A semi-permanent color won't last as long, but it will fade in a manner that looks more natural. The temporaries are for fun or for "trying on" a color. Ones that add shine are great for sleek cuts. Highlighting or lowlighting best complement the movement of wavy, textured or curly styles.

If you don’t mind the upkeep, you can even ask a salon for a true custom color, which uses two or three shades that are placed to perfectly enhance your cut. It’s the hottest look of the moment for those who want to announce to the world that they’ve got the cash to spend on the best.

Styling

Did your hair look great the last time you left the salon and then never look that way again? Well don't blame your hairstylist. If you looked great once, you can again. Whatever trend you tap, book the time to learn how to style your hair. Ask your stylist to teach you how to recreate one favorite look and at least two others. Also, try out different styling tools under the guidance of your stylist. Mousses, gels, sprays and more are fun to play with when you know how to use them for your hair texture, your cut. 

One of the great, easy looks today is strongly off-the-face. If you have longer hair, experiment with ways to sweep it up or back into a simple bun. For shorter locks, slick them back and push in a single wave in front. In general, styling is casual yet controlled, which makes it easy on you.

Making Change Fun

You can look and feel like a totally different person with a new hairstyle—even if you don’t change it too much. First, choose a new cut, then add elements of texture, either cut-in or chemically added. Color, from subtle to striking, completes your look. Then, try out new styles and new styling tools to see how many great new scene-stealers you can get. 

Longer hair can be slicked or twisted as it’s dried, or braided. Shorter locks can either be worn smooth or enhanced with styling tools, depending on how much cut-in texture you’ve got. Whatever you decide on, make certain you can have fun with it. After all, what’s a trend if it doesn’t feel cool?